Australian wedding planner reveals the true cost of getting married in 2025
She was the brains behind securing Guy Sebastian as a wedding signer and now she is lifting the veil on what the average Australian couple spends saying ‘I do’.
Lifestyle
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There is a single moment where wedding planner and stylist Montana Birt knows spending time away from her loved ones every single weekend is always worth it.
It’s the moment when she’s finished timing the bridesmaids out to walk down the aisle and she’s alone with the bride and her father.
“It’s those special moments before they he walks her down the aisle,” the 29 year old said.
“I fluff her dress and fluff her veil and make sure she’s all beautiful.
“I get a bit teary every single time and it’s incredible.
“It’s the best feeling, being able to watch love every weekend like that, not just love between the couples but love between the families, it’s beautiful.”
The University of South Australia marketing graduate has styled over a 100 weddings and a year ago started her own planning and styling company By Montana Birt Weddings and Styling.
She was even responsible for flying in Guy Sebastian to surprise Adelaide billionaire Sam Shahin's daughter Sara Shahin and her partner Jonas Humaidi for their January 2025 wedding.
Over Ms Birt’s six years in the industry, there have been hundreds of trends, a global pandemic and many sleepless nights.
She said since Covid couples had become more budget-conscious and wanted their dollar to go further.
“We get creative,” she said.
“Still give them the most amazing day but … we do make a few different compromises, overall the guests don’t realise.”
VOTE NOW: SA’S TOP WEDDING OF THE SEASON
She also said, prior to the pandemic, weddings were all about colour and that’s something she isn’t noticing as much.
“People are getting a bit more conservative with their spending, they’re getting more conservative with their styling … it’s all very classic, they want something that’s not going to date,” she said.
Another trend to keep an eye out for — draping.
“That’s what I’m seeing the most … a lot and a lot of draping.”
Ms Birt said pre-Covid average Australian wedding invited around 150 guests but with the lingering affects of restrictions, that number has gone down to 125.
While Saturday has traditionally been the most popular wedding day, the planner said Adelaide had experienced a shift to Fridays to align with eastern state’s preferences.
“I think people like it because you don’t have to rush back to work,” she said.
The months couples prefer have stayed the same with March and November always being reliable thanks to mild weather according to Ms Birt, who always suggests to couples to have a Plan B, just in case.
In terms of cost, Ms Birt said prices range but for an average wedding of 125 guests in March, South Australians would pay between $60,000 to $80,000 with some compromises.
She said for a wedding with full styling, full florals and beautiful draping, couples would be looking at the $90,000 to $120,000 range.
She recommends private property venues where couples can choose what their heart desires for their special day.
The Advertiser has priced out some of South Australia’s most iconic wedding venues, here are the starting price for the 125 guest wedding in March.
Kingsbrook Estate
Cost: $50,000+
Location: Currency Creek
What the cost includes:
$50,000 includes catering, venue hire, complimentary wedding planning services from Montana Birt and beverages.
$60,000 includes the above as well as the cost of either a marquee or a sperry tent.
It is also a dry-hire venue which means all services are brought into the venue and can be custom to the couples desires.
Why should couples considers Kingsbrook Estate?
Couples should consider Kingsbrook Estate for its European rustic charm and stunning Orangerie space which is a rare find in SA.
What is Kingsbrook Estate’s atmosphere?
Couples and their guests are transported to Italy when they attend a wedding.
Templewood House
Cost: $15,000+
Location: Inglewood
What the cost includes:
The price includes exclusive use of lawns, gardens and gazebo for the ceremony, photography, ceremony decor including arbour, up to 32 wooden chairs and signing table with more decor available for an additional cost.
Plus the use of an airconditioned or log fire drawing room and front veranda which can be fully enclosed, floored pavilion with fairy lit ceiling and dancefloor and occasional and pavilion furniture.
Festoon lighting strewn across the lawn, fairy lights hung from the house, bar, glasses, ice and chilling vessels as well as a service team to serve BYO drinks are included.
The price does not include catering but does include access to a large commercial kitchen and cool room to allow couple to bring their own caterer or food truck.
The venue can also provide packages for food and beverage, elopements, micro-wedding packages, onsite accommodation and horses.
Why should couples consider Templewood House?
Templewood House provides exclusive use for couples who are eloping or having weddings up to 150 guests.
There is a secret photo spot with 360 degree panoramic views across the Adelaide Hills named High Paddock Hill and because it is a working horse farm, couples can have photos taken as the horses roam among the guests.
“You can choose your own caterer which allows you to personalise your taste, wedding style and budget with complimentary access to our commercial kitchen,” a spokesperson said.
Plus there is accommodation for hire allowing the couple to get ready on site and stay the night of their wedding.
What is Templewood House’s atmosphere?
“We provide the magnificent venue and surrounds, the atmosphere is up to you,” the spokesperson said.
“Whether you require a cosy intimate setting, casual roaming reception, formal sit down wedding, Templewood House can provide for you.”
Al Ru Farm
Cost: $20,625+
Location: Sampson Flat
What the cost includes:
This all-inclusive price cost $165 per person and covers everything couples need to host their wedding day.
The package includes all the essentials including wait and beverage staff with styling and beverage choices left up to the couple to personalise.
It currently includes a BYO beverage option allowing for customised drink selection but a beverage package will soon be available offering a convenient option for those looking for an all-in-one solution.
Why should couples consider Al Ru Farm as their wedding venue?
The venue offers an elegant and effortlessly beautiful affordable wedding experience for couples set among lush gardens full of vibrant flowers.
There are outdoor ceremony spaces and flexible indoor and outdoor reception areas to choose from plus on-site accommodation.
What is Al Ru Farm’s atmosphere?
“Al Ru Farm’s atmosphere is romantic, immersive, and full of charm,” a spokesperson said.
“The gardens create a dreamy, storybook setting, changing beautifully with the seasons — from vibrant spring blooms to warm autumn hues.
“There’s a balance of refined elegance and relaxed countryside warmth, making it a place where guests can truly enjoy every moment, surrounded by nature.”
Longview Vineyard
Cost: $26,250+
Location: Macclesfield
What the cost includes:
A Longview Vineyard wedding starts from $210 per person for a seated three course menu and canapes and including a seven hour drink package.
Why should couples consider Longview Vineyard?
The award-winning wedding venue says its dedicated team will ensure couple’s day will be unforgettable.
It has claimed Australian Bridal Industry Awards for Best Ceremony, Best Wedding Reception Venue and Best Wedding Co-ordinator of the Year.
“With award-winning expertise and a passion for creating magical moments, your wedding is in expert hands,” a spokesperson said.
There is also onsite accommodation day for getting ready and staying the night, plus a day spa offering infra-red sauna and spa treatments with vineyard views.
All couples who marry at Longview are granted VIP status for five years which includes spa, accommodation and wine discounts.
What is Longview Vineyard’s atmosphere?
Set among rolling hills and gum trees the venue is located just outside the historic township of Macclesfield in the Adelaide Hills — only 45 minutes from the Adelaide CBD.
Couples can marry with vineyards in the background, as well as lush foliage and gardens in a quintessential Australian landscape.
Marybank
Cost: $28,000
Location: Rostrevor
What the cost includes:
Venue hire is $7000 for a full-day wedding on a weekend in March.
That includes exclusive use of the property with flexible set-up time on Friday and pack up on Sunday, as well as accommodation for the couple’s wedding night, plus access to furniture, crockery, cutlery and glassware.
Wedding catering is handled by Callum Hann’s Sprout with a seated banquet for 100 guests costing around $119 per person for a seated banquet.
Drinks are $25 per person for the first hour, then $15 per hour after that.
For a 5-hour drinks package, couple’s are looking at around $85 per person.
There’s also the option to hire the accommodation the night before the wedding, which many couples use for getting ready and pre-wedding photos.
Why should couples consider Marybank?
It feels as though you’ve escaped to the country, yet your only 15 minutes from the Adelaide CBD.
It’s a private, family-run estate with heritage gardens, a vineyard, and the kind of setting that feels intimate and special.
Only available to a select number of couples each year, it is not a commercial venue, the employees take time with each couple to ensure they have a seamless experience.
What is Marybank’s atmosphere?
“Marybank is warm, welcoming, and a little bit magical,” a spokesperson said.
“It’s elegant without being over-polished — rambling garden paths, heritage stone walls, a vineyard deck with sweeping views of Adelaide, and spaces that just feel good to be in.
“There’s this calm, comforting vibe that couples pick up on straight away.”
The Manor Basket Range
Cost: $28,000
Location: Basket Range
What the cost includes:
For a Saturday, March 2026 wedding for 125 people the average for a wedding with ceremony, pre dinner canapes, two course alternate drop menu and six hour silver beverage package would be $28,000, other days of the week would be slightly lower.
There is also the option to add accommodation, catering for breakfast and lunch on the day while getting ready and a recovery breakfast the next day.
Why should couples consider The Manor Basket Range?
Just a 30 minute drive out of Adelaide, the unique and enchanted venue offers a versatile space that can cater for small intimate weddings through to 220 person celebrations.
There are gardens and grounds for ceremony and photography opportunities, dressing rooms for preparations on the day, a variety of function rooms, outdoor canapes spaces and 12 accommodation rooms.
The venue provides full onsite catering and staffing to look after the set-up and event execution on the day.
What is The Manor Basket Range’s atmosphere?
A rustic yet refined castle styled building with heritage stonework and whimsical gardens that create a stunning backdrop for any wedding.
The setting is peaceful and secluded, offering a beautiful Hills escape while the manor itself exudes a European vibe, with a touch of French provincial.
Paracombe Premium Perry
Cost: $13,250
Location: Paracombe
What the cost includes:
With a standard capacity of 100 guests this price is for a four hour mid food and drinks package costing a $125 per person plus exclusive hire fee of $750.
However the guest numbers can be extended by applying for a limited licence.
For extended time the venue charges an additional $11 per person per hour which allows flexibility while providing options to stay within budgets.
It also offers food only packages, bar tab or can customise to find a solution that fits within the couples budget.
Why should couple’s consider Paracombe Premium Perry?
The ultra-rustic fourth-generation family owned venue is based in the northern Adelaide Hills on a pear farm.
It is a full-service venue with many ceremony locations – from a full bloom pear orchard to a vineyard and lake view – allowing couples to have everything they need in one location.
Plus Paracombe Premium Perry prides itself on not having a ‘wedding tax’.
“You would pay the same for a 30th birthday as you would a wedding with us, including free use of our ceremony locations,” a spokesperson said.
“We believe what we can save our guests can go towards their future such as a house deposit … while providing an event in which their own guest list will rave about for ages.”
Plus the pizzas are award-winning, named the Best Adelaide Hills Pizzas in 2024.
What is Paracombe Premium Perry’s atmosphere?
The atmosphere is warm, relaxed and full of rustic charm in the shed door and the ceremony locations offer endless views of natural beauty.
BigEasyRadio
Cost: $21,875
Location: Aldinga Beach
What the cost includes:
BigEasyRadio specialise in cocktail garden weddings, however a seated 125 guest wedding with a two course meal and accompanying five hour drinks package is $175 per person.
Couples have the entire property exclusively for the day from 10am till midnight and are invited to host the ceremony in the garden and enjoy a sunset cocktail drinks hour before entering the formal proceedings of the day, followed by dancing under the disco ball till late.
Why should couples consider BigEasyRadio?
It is a relaxed beach side venue located in one of the state’s best coastal holiday destinations.
Boasting both outdoor and undercover options set on 20 acres of established rambling gardens and rustic, colourful farm buildings with a catering kitchen, the venue caterers for up to 200 guests.
What is BigEasyRadio’s atmosphere?
Relaxed coastal beach lifestyle would best describe the atmosphere at BigEasyRadio.
Mt Beare Station
Cost: $18,000
Location: Mount Compass
What the cost includes:
The price is for a 125-person seated wedding including venue hire and all package inclusions.
That package covers essential elements like ceremony set-up, furniture, lighting, sound system, and exclusive use of the property for the day.
Couples can also bring their own catering and beverages to reduce costs.
Every couple also gets a tree planted on-site as a sustainable start to their marriage.
Why should couples consider Mt Beare Station?
The upper Fleurieu Peninsula venue offers a secluded setting on 500 acres, 50 minutes out of the city, overlooking a private valley and creating an intimate and natural atmosphere.
It combines rustic charm with a touch of elegance, making it perfect for couples who want to break away from traditional wedding settings.
The venue offers a dedicated gin bar, chill-out areas, lawn games, an ice-cream cart and a late-night toaster station.
There’s also a post-reception after-party option which allows couples to keep the celebrations going well into the night.
What is Mt Beare’s atmosphere?
It is relaxed, rustic, and deeply connected to nature and offers endless photo opportunities, from lakeside ceremony sites to the vine-covered alfresco terrace and the large woolshed for receptions.
The vibe is flexible — couples can choose between formal or festival-style ceremonies and receptions.
“We aim to make every wedding feel like a bespoke experience, tailored to the couple’s vision,” a spokesperson said.
The Pavilion — Carrick Hill
Cost: $21,925
Location: Springfield
The cost includes:
The cost includes the ceremony which can be held at a range of locations across the estate with two hours booked grounds hire, a signing table, 24 white chairs and a water station.
The reception catering ranges from canapes ($95 per person), to a set ($110 per person), shared ($125 per person), alternate ($120 per person) or guest choice ($145 per person) options for the couple.
All three beverage packages run for five hours and include a range of different options. Prices range from $70 to $100 per person.
Why should couples consider The Pavilion?
The elegant venue is only 15 minutes from the Adelaide CBD brought to you by the team behind Chianti, Bar Torino and Rozelle’s ensuring good food and great service.
With over 40 years in hospitality experience, no detail is spared and the grounds are the perfect background for the perfect wedding photos.
What is The Pavilion’s atmosphere?
Grand and serene with sprawling gardens.
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