Aimee and Dan are one of many Canberra couples who recently embraced an intimate, non-traditional wedding. Photo: Across the Forest.
If you’re excited to get married but the idea of a traditional wedding simply doesn’t fit, you’re in luck!
Canberra’s wedding scene is evolving, with many couples choosing to forgo the 100-guest ballroom spectacle and hefty pricetag that comes with it. Instead, local lovebirds are opting for smaller, more relaxed and deeply personal celebrations that put their story first.
Bespoke weddings aren’t exactly new, but their popularity is increasing.
Venues and vendors across the region have noted a shift towards flexible packages and creative, authentic experiences that reflect couples as individuals with unique love stories.
Claire Raco has been part of Canberra’s wedding and events industry since 2022. As conference and events executive at Midnight Hotel, she’s been the driving force behind dozens of personalised weddings.
“Canberra’s wedding industry is tight-knit and very passionate. We’re a community that loves love, so helping couples turn their dream wedding vision into reality is a real honour,” Claire says.
“I think there’s been a strong shift towards smaller, bespoke weddings for a few reasons. Value is one of them.
“The average Australian wedding costs around $35,000, according to Easy Weddings. Given the high cost of living, it makes sense that couples would rather put those funds towards their honeymoon, first home, or another dream.”
Claire and her team do weddings a bit differently. Instead of cookie-cutter bundles, their event packages are starting points to build on. This approach gives each couple total control over their vision and budget.
“Styling, catering, photography, floor plans, entertainment and audiovisuals, guest accommodation … we can personalise it all,” Claire says.
“If you have an idea, we’re keen to hear it. There are plenty of extras to choose from to make the event uniquely yours.
“These range from fancy champagne towers, oyster bars, bottled cocktail favours and late night snack stations through to recovery brunch and lawn games the next day.”
You can even say “I do” while floating high above Canberra with eight of your nearest and dearest, courtesy of Balloon Aloft’s Midnight Hotel hot air balloon.
Photo: Midnight Hotel.
Photo: Rose Photography.
Photo: Rose Photography.
Photo: Midnight Hotel.
Photo: Chloe & James.
Photo: Midnight Hotel.
There are three main function spaces at Midnight Hotel: the light-filled Atrium, Midnight Bar, and Braddon Merchant.
“Our central atrium is the perfect spot for intimate ceremonies and newlywed photos. It features a gorgeous waterfall feature and chic timber decking hugged by landscaped gardens,” Claire says.
“Midnight Bar’s distinct contemporary style and moody lighting create the ultimate setting for social, energetic receptions.
“Finally, Braddon Merchant provides a warm, tranquil atmosphere ideal for more formal receptions.”
While these spaces are most popular with cocktail and canape weddings, Midnight Hotel also welcomes intimate sit-down occasions. Multi-course experiences here showcase the best of modern Australian cuisine, expertly catered in-house by executive chef Amit Kashyap.
A premium suite awaits each happy couple after their event, complete with a complimentary mini bar, breakfast for two and late checkout at 12 pm the next day. They’re also invited to return on their first wedding anniversary and relive those wonderful memories with a romantic staycation.
Of course, Claire still works with many couples who want to incorporate traditional or religious components into their wedding, and that’s fine too. Her team is also up for tiny weddings, elopements, engagement parties, vow renewals and even surprise weddings.
“Our service is all about bringing your dream day to life, whatever that might look like,” she says.
“We had the pleasure of hosting a surprise wedding for a Canberra couple last year. Hannah and Nathaniel told their guests it was an engagement party, but on the night, they announced they were actually getting married!
“Half an hour later, they were in our beautiful atrium tying the knot with their nearest and dearest. It was such a fun and joyful event.”
Weddings like these are redefining modern love stories across the capital – and the team at Midnight Hotel is all for it.
Find out more at Midnight Hotel: Weddings.
