The Altar Electric sees increase of wedding bookings for shotgun package

With hard line restrictions on wedding numbers coming into play, this Collingwood venue is seeing a surge in popularity when it comes to Vegas style “shotgun” ceremonies.

Kristi and Dave were married on March 28 in front of a photographer and witness. Picture: Oli Sansom

As weddings across the country are cancelled amid COVID-19, one Collingwood venue is bucking the trend.

Tiny wedding packages at the The Altar Electric, dubbed the ‘hippest little wedding chapel this side of Vegas’, are booming, with Dee Brinsmead saying they have been inundated with people eager to tie the knot within the new coronavirus restrictions.

Inspired by neon vegas lights, the rocking Collingwood venue is at the forefront of “shotgun weddings” for couples who don’t want to wait for the pandemic to be over to get hitched.

With Stage 3 restrictions now enforced, the State Government has restricted weddings to no more than five people – those getting married, the celebrant and two witnesses.

Complete with disco balls, polaroid pictures and velvet lounges, the venue specialises in these more intimate sized weddings.

Kristi and Dave were married on March 28 at The Altar Electric in front of a photographer and witness. Picture: Oli Sansom

Ms Brinsmead said the chapel was the furthest thing from the Births, Deaths and Marriages registry office wedding that the ‘shotgun’ style affair was associated with.

“We run short ceremonies with personal touches and take pride that it’s the prelude to the party,” she said.

“What you get is a fantastic venue and one of the three best celebrants in Melbourne.

“You don’t have to spend your house mortgage on an amazing wedding.

“It’s the fun vibe of Vegas, but we’re in the gritty Melbourne backstreet.”

MORE

MACEDON RANGES RATED IN TOP VIC YOUNG GUNS OF WINE

SUNBURY: AVA TAKES ON THE WORLD’S GREATEST SHAVE

WOODEND GROUP SHARES GARDENING LOVE THROUGH SEED PACKS

The Alter Electric has offered a full refund and indefinite postponement to couples with larger weddings booked in, but Ms Brinsmead said many had chosen to keep their weddings dates – without the guest list.

Newlyweds Emma and Troy were married on March 20. Picture: Oli Sansom

The venue’s “shotgun package” is still available and costs between $650 and $750.

Photographers, flowers and polaroid photos can be arranged along with ‘guaranteed good vibes’.

To find out more, or to book your wedding in the time of coronavirus, visit thealtarelectric.com.au

@GraceMcKinnonL