Looking for the simplicity of an elopement without sacrificing the party?
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
An entrepreneurial group in Tenterfield is gearing up to attract destination weddings to town with a one-stop shop of every conceivable product and service required for a stress-free ocasion.
“We take all the fuss out of it," Say ‘I Do’ in Tenterfield’s Amanda Rudge of Our Place Wine and Espresso Bar said.
“At the end of their private ceremony they’ll still be friends with the in-laws and everyone else, because we’ll do all the running around.”
They’ve chosen the Peter Allen Festival to launch the initiative, with the Say ‘I Do’ in Tenterfield team celebrating the country’s support of same-sex marriages with a pop-up wedding venue for those opting to take the plunge during the festival weekend of September 7-9.
“The couples will have the festival and before and after activities, and be able to enjoy the whole weekend,” Ms Rudge said.
Aspiring couples need to commit (to the wedding, at least) by August 1 to allow time for the legalities to be completed. Ms Rudge said the invitation is open to all couples but she would love to see locals take up the opportunity.
“I’d be dancing up and down if a local couple decided to do it,” she said.
She’s among the service providers keen to promote Tenterfield in general and as a wedding and event venue. They will be offering themed weddings such as Spring, Autumn vineyard, Bald Rock and any other slant that will attract the wedding market.
“Tenterfield has so much history: beautiful old buildings, picturesque landscapes and is central for wedding guests to meet,” Sharon Julius said. Mrs Julius is partners with sister Desley Roos in Inspired By You wedding style and hire.
Mrs Roos said the cost of a wedding in the country is considerably less than city prices, and much more stress-free.
“Couples can’t believe the value you get for your money, and how relaxed and easy it is to deal with our local businesses and services, with nothing too hard to put together.”
There are slots for four weddings during the Saturday afternoon of the festival, September 8. They will take the format of a private intimate half-hour ceremony at the ‘old church’ in the former Uniting Church, followed by time for photographs and a catered cocktail-style reception for 20-30 family and friends in the beautifully-styled reception.
All the wedding commitments will be completed by 6pm, allowing the newly-weds and guests to them celebrate with festival-goers.
The core Say ‘I Do’ in Tenterfield team also includes Kim Thompson of The Bungalow and Ivy Leaf Chapel and Tenterfield Topiary Hire, along with Tenterfield Weddings’ Wendy Roots.
They are aiming to include as many other local services and products as possible in their packages, and are keen to hear from anyone who would like to become involved. Ms Thompson said Tenterfield has the most amazing suppliers and Say ‘I Do’ In Tenterfield is aiming to upsell wedding packages for a truly all-inclusive affair.
Organisers are looking for anyone with a service or product directly or indirectly related to a successful wedding, be it wines, nails, hair, beauty services, massages, photos, video, venues, accommodation packages, before and after events or even items to include in gift registries.
“We want to showcase this amazing town as a wedding and event destination,” Ms Thompson said.
Couples looking to tie the knot can contact Ms Rudge on 0422 295 776.
