Feature image: Daniella & D’Arn’s Wedding | The Lane Vineyard
Do you believe in fate? Does it warm your heart a little when you see two people laughing together with a glow in their eyes and a spring in their step? We think there might be some evidence love has been lingering in the air a little more than usual these past few years.
Popular SA marriage celebrant and wedding emcee John Middleton has brought some enchanting statistics to our attention that say weddings might very well be on the uptick in South Australia.
“The most recent available data on registered marriages in South Australia extends up to the end of 2023. In that year, South Australia experienced a 7.1% increase in registered marriages compared to 2022, totalling 7,782 marriages,” John said.
While he waits for the release of last year’s data, he says “It’s reasonable to anticipate continued growth in registered marriages in South Australia,” despite “most other Australian states seeing declines during the same period.”
The growing momentum is certainly being felt in the Adelaide Hills. Jessie Aitken, from The Lane Vineyard, says demand has never been higher.
“We’ve just wrapped up our busiest wedding season yet and are already preparing for an even bigger spring and summer. Couples are booking earlier and looking for memorable, truly personal celebrations.”
That sense of personalisation is also reflected in a shift toward smaller celebrations. Both John and Jessie agree that elopements and smaller celebrations are on the rise.
In fact, responding to growing demand, The Lane launched an elopement package three years ago, which has grown distinctly in popularity each subsequent year.
“We’re also seeing more intimate dining room weddings, with couples opting for a curated, luxurious experience shared with their closest family and friends. Many tell us they want the day to feel more like a beautiful long lunch than a traditional big wedding,” Jessie said.
Although the exact reason for the uptick isn’t certain, this wedding increase may be due to more couples choosing intimate elopements. Plus, it looks like the secret is out about just how beautiful South Australia’s regions really are.
While weddings outside of SA may have declined, couples from interstate and even overseas are looking to Adelaide as a destination, with the Hills in their sights for its tranquil surrounds and unrivalled views, a beautiful secluded corner of the world.
The region is now firmly secured on the map as a wedding destination, with Jessie referencing ex-pats returning home to tie the knot and interstate couples drawn to the region.
Jessie says for many couples their Adelaide Hills venue holds personal significance. It’s a place where engagements have happened, anniversaries have been celebrated, and memories have been made over the years.
“One couple even got engaged in our vineyards and returned to marry in almost the same spot,” Jessie said.
“We love seeing couples come back year after year to celebrate anniversaries, often with little ones in tow. It’s so special to watch their stories continue.”
Looking ahead, Jessie says couples are choosing ageless celebrations and more conscious planning.
“Timeless, pared-back styling is making a strong comeback. Think lush greenery, clean whites, and elegant black accents. Couples are choosing quality over quantity, with smaller guest lists sometimes even multi-day celebrations.”
From popping the question to walking down the aisle, Adelaide is shaping up as a favourable destination for a lot of couples’ special celebrations, whether it’s an extravagant wedding, or an intimate elopement. If you’re like us, you’ll be keeping an eye out for the next round of stats to see if South Australia’s wedding momentum has held strong.
For more information on The Lane Vineyard, click here.
For more information on John Middleton, click here.
