When it comes to planning your wedding, one of the biggest decisions you’ll face is where o host your special day. Should you choose a traditional wedding venue, or go for a more personal and flexible option like a private property?

Each option comes with its own set of pros and cons, and your decision will depend on your priorities, budget, and vision for the day. Here’s a clear breakdown to help you weigh up both options—and a few things you may not have thought about!

Private Property Weddings

Dreaming of a wedding that’s completely yours, from the setting to the style to every last detail? A private property wedding can be a stunning and deeply personal way to celebrate. But it does come with more responsibility and planning.

Private Property Wedding Pros

Sentimental Value

• Whether it’s your family’s backyard, a friend’s farm, or a rental estate, hosting your wedding in a meaningful space adds a beautiful emotional touch.

Creative Freedom

• You’re not confined by packages, timelines, or styling restrictions. Want to bring in a tipi? Go for it. Thinking lawn games, fairy lights, and sunset cocktails? It’s all up to you.

Complete Privacy

• You won’t be sharing your day with another wedding or hotel guests - this is your space, your vibe, your celebration.

Blank Canvas Styling

• From rustic to luxe to boho, you can style the space however you like. Think: clear marquees under the stars, luxe lounges on the lawn, or a floral archway in the paddock.

Catering Freedom

This is where things get fun:

• Food trucks, roaming oyster shuckers, grazing tables, DIY drinks stations - you name it.
• Great for couples who want relaxed, interactive, or creative food options.
• Choose your own caterer, or mix it up with different styles across the day.

Private Property Wedding Cons:

Amazing but a little bit more work and planning than you might expect.

A private property wedding is like building a venue from scratch. Power, lighting, bathrooms, bins, catering setup, signage, sound, wet weather - every detail needs to be considered.

We’ve highlighted some od the details in our blog: The Ultimate Guide to Planning Your Private Property Wedding

Structure Decisions Are Key

The structure you choose (or don’t) will completely shape the feel of your day and your budget.

• Tipis offer a relaxed, intimate vibe
• Sperry tents feel timeless and elegant
• Clear marquees add wow factor with views of the sky above

Each comes with its own price point, setup requirements, and weather considerations.

Not sure which is right? View our Guide to Wedding Structures

Hidden Costs Add Up

• While you might save on venue hire, you’ll need to hire tables, chairs, toilets, generators, lighting, glassware, staff, and more. These expenses can quickly rival, or exceed, what you’d spend at a venue.

Council Regulations & Permits

• Depending on location, you may need event permits or need to comply with noise and guest number restrictions. It’s best to check early.

Catering Logistics

While you get freedom, you’ll also need to handle:

• Access to power and water
• Serving staff and bar team
• Waste management and cleanup
• Hire of plates, cutlery, napkins, and glassware

Venue Weddings

Wedding venues exist for a reason, they make things easier! From polished ballrooms to beachfront resorts, a traditional venue can take a lot of stress out of planning.

Venue Wedding Pros

All-Inclusive Ease

• Venues often include bathrooms, staff, power, tables, chairs, and coordination.

Catering is Sorted

• Most venues offer in-house catering with set menus and professional service: It’s organised, polished, and often part of your package.
• Great for couples who want a seamless experience and fewer decisions to make.

Experienced Teams

• Venue staff are pros, they’ve done this hundreds of times.

Infrastructure is Ready

• You won’t need to think about toilets, kitchens, or generators.

Wet Weather Backup

• Indoor or covered spaces are usually built in, so no scrambling last minute.

Venue Wedding Cons

Styling & Vendor Restrictions

• Some venues have rules on layout, décor, or which suppliers you can use.

Less Privacy

• Venues may host multiple weddings or have hotel guests around.

Time & Noise Limits

• Curfews and bump-in/out times can restrict your styling or party plans.

Catering Lock-In

• While in-house catering can be easier, it may cost more or limit your ability to create a completely unique food experience.

Private Property or Venue?

Let’s Make It Work for You

We love both types of weddings, whether it’s a personalised private property celebration or a beautifully styled venue event. Each offers something special, and the “right” choice really comes down to your priorities, energy, and vision.

Here’s what to think about:

• Do you want full creative freedom, or the ease of an all-inclusive setting?
• Does the idea of building a wedding from the ground up excite you, or feel overwhelming?
• Would you prefer to hand over the logistics and simply enjoy the day?

Whatever your path, our team is here to help bring your wedding to life. We specialise in thoughtful styling and behind-the-scenes support that takes the stress out of the process, so you can focus on what matters most.

If you are ready to start planning, get in touch.