GRACE + NICK - Breathtaking Ballroom

Grace and Nick's wedding was held in one Melbourne's most charming of venues, The George Ballroom.    Nestled in the heart of St Kilda, the heritage-listed ballroom exudes a timeless charm, capable of transporting guests to a centuries-old European palace the moment they step inside.

With its polished timber floors, ornate ceilings, distressed walls, and well-considered lighting, The George Ballroom is a masterpiece of restoration - a credit to the hard work of Damm Fine Food Co, who also manage the venue. Every detail of the space speaks to its rich history, while also providing a breathtaking backdrop for modern celebrations.

On Grace and Nick’s wedding day, the ballroom's inherent beauty was elevated to new heights, thanks to the creative talents of Wild Flos and Poni Studio. Known for their ability to transform spaces into works of art, the teams curated a ceremony setting that was nothing short of exquisite. Hydrangeas and roses in shades of blue and cream, carefully arranged alongside an abundance of candles, helped to create a serene and romantic atmosphere, while rows of perfectly placed ghost chairs gave a sense of formality.

Capturing every moment of this extraordinary celebration was the talented team from Lost In Love Photography. Their ability to immortalise the elegance and beauty of weddings is nothing short of exceptional.

Grace looked so very elegant in her Sassi Holford gown as she entered the ballroom alongside her proud parents.  While Hey Jack performed Adele’s Make You Feel My Love, her parents lifted her veil, embraced her and then smiled as she took Nick’s arm and walked the remaining steps of the processional.

After carefully arranging Grace’s cathedral-length veil, I took my place alongside her attendants and shared a few light-hearted relationship stories. I also highlighted a few of the personal qualities she and Nick bring to their partnership.

Vows and rings were exchanged and then, to an almighty cheer, the newlyweds sealed their status with a kiss.

Guests saved their congratulations and ventured across the road to LOLA St Kilda for drinks and canapes while the room was reimagined with the same meticulous attention to detail.

Grace and Nick, your wedding was a perfect blend of timeless elegance and modern sophistication, a day where every element came together to create a truly beautiful experience.

Thanks for inviting me into your lives to prepare and present your ceremony… and for the many laughs shared along the way. What a wonderful ride.

LOVE NOTE

“…Sally is such a beautiful, humorous, genuine and captivating celebrant. Sally ensured the entire process from start to finish was seamless, and her communication is second to none.

She has the ability to engage the audience whilst simultaneously putting her couples at ease. The delivery in her ceremonies is unmatched. Sally is beyond what we could have hoped for in a celebrant.”
— Grace + Nick

Celebrant: Sally Hughes // Photographer: Lost In Love Photography // Venue: The George Ballroom // Venue Management & Design: Damm Fine Food Co // Floral Design: Wild Flos // Planner & Stylist: Poni Studio // Videographer: Luca Zarik Films // Music: Hey Jack // Grace’s dress: Blue Bell Bridal & Sassi Holford // Nick’s suit: MJ Bale // Make up: Maddi Nichols // Hair: Hair by Caroline // Jewellery: Anton Jewellery

JULIA + KIT - Midweek Micro

By Sally Hughes, Melbourne Marriage Celebrant

When Julia and Kit shared their vision for their wedding with me, it was clear: they wanted a relaxed and joyous gathering where family could come together, enjoy good wine, delicious food, and lots of laughter. Their wish was for a celebration that truly embodied the spirit of Melbourne, and I couldn't have been more excited.

On a sunny Wednesday afternoon in Autumn, Julia and Kit and about twenty of their nearest and dearest gathered at the Melbourne Supper Club to enjoy wine, canapes and lively conversation. About half an hour later, as the final song in their pre-ceremony set played, I invited guests to replenish their glasses and gather near while Julia and Kit took their places before the iconic arched window.

Julia and Kit chose a micro ceremony, preferring not to delve deeply into the story of their relationship. However, they did allow me to share a few significant and amusing moments, which helped create a ceremony that was both personal and interactive, mirroring their easy-going and sociable natures.

What truly stood out during the ceremony was the range of emotions that swept through the intimate gathering. There was an overwhelming sense of happiness, but also deeply moving moments that highlighted the love and connection within this small group.

After heartfelt and humorous vows were exchanged, Julia and Kit’s scene-stealing son kept the laughs rolling with some off-the-cuff commentary and his unique style of ring presentation.

Julia and Kit were keen to include a further three children in their ceremony. When we discussed their ages and comfort levels I suggested that they be the ones to declare them married. I was confident that it would add a sweet and memorable touch to the proceedings.

Though I was ready to step in if needed, I knew after my pre-ceremony pep-talk that they’d nail it. They did.

After one of the funniest certificate signing sessions I’ve ever known (awesome banter Leanne and Leigh!), I closed the ceremony with a toast to the newlyweds.

As their guests refilled their champagne glasses (their celebrant included), Julia and Kit took to the streets of Melbourne for a photo session with the talented Julieanne Perara. They later rejoined their adult guests for a long lunch, their favourite pastime, bringing a perfect end to a perfect day.

Reflecting on Julia and Kit's wedding, I'm reminded of why I love being a celebrant. Their day was a beautiful blend of love, laughter, and genuine connection—a true celebration of family and togetherness in the heart of Melbourne.

Congratulations Julia and Kit. What a joyous and heartfelt celebration that was. Thank you for placing your trust in me to prepare and present your ceremony. I thoroughly enjoyed my time with you and your lovely family. xx

LOVE NOTE

“Sally is an exceptional Celebrant. She is engaging, funny, warm and thoroughly organised. She made sure that all the admin happened seamlessly in the background which took a lot of pressure off us and was greatly appreciated. ⁠⁠

Where her real value lies, though, is in the personal touch she offers and the ways she helped us plan and run our ceremony. She has a wealth of information available that helped us with our vows, and the order of ceremony - as well as great recommendations for photographers, florists and other service providers which we used. ⁠⁠She also helped with practical, logistical things such as furniture placement, where to stand and how to best put on our rings to ensure the best photos, patiently coaching the kids involved in our ceremony on their roles and lines… it really felt like she went way above and beyond expectations to ensure the day went exactly as we wanted it to. ⁠⁠

She then delivered the most heartwarming, humorous and fun ceremony we could have hoped for. She was warm without being cheesy, funny without stealing the show, flexible and adaptable and a lot of fun. She even went so far as to dress so as to match our autumnal theme.

⁠⁠We feel very lucky to have found Sally and don’t think there’s anyone who could have done a better job of making our day so perfect. ⁠⁠Thank you Sally, we are forever grateful.”
— Julia & Kit

Celebrant: Sally Hughes // Photographer: Julieanne Perara Photography // Venue: Melbourne Supper Club, Managed by Spring Street Events // Julia’s Outfit: Scanlan Theodore // Julia’s bag: Kit’s Suit: Calibre // Flowers: The Road Stall

MEGAN + TODD - Promises Under the Pier

By Sally Hughes, Melbourne Marriage Celebrant

Like so many couples over the past eleven months, Megan and Todd were forced to reimagine their wedding day. More than once. Government-imposed restrictions on guest numbers, an eleven-week-long ban on weddings in greater Melbourne and a Queensland border closure that prevented Megan from travelling to Melbourne, gave this very patient couple no other choice than to reschedule their ceremony.

As disappointing as that must have been, Megan and Todd hardy let on. Every time we spoke, we’d end up laughing at how hopeless their situation was (and then we’d usually chat about wine). I adored their optimism and their ability accept the cards they’d been dealt. They maintained that as long as they were married, on the beach, with their gorgeous sons present, they’d be fine. They decided to prioritise marriage over the party and I couldn’t have admired them more for it.

And so, we met underneath the Seaford Pier on a warm Summer’s morning in January and I presented their full “bells and whistles” ceremony to six people (because even though their guest list had been drastically reduced, their stories were too good not to share!). We all laughed (a lot!), we cheered and we all absolutely loved being “in the moment” in our secluded spot under the pier that morning.

Congratulations gorgeous Megan and Todd and thank you for inviting my elopement ceremony partner-in-crime, photographer Julieanne Perara, and I to spend such a special morning with you. Your wedding plans did change, but looking back on your ceremony, I can’t imagine it playing out any other way.

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Celebrant: Sally Hughes // Photographer: Julieanne Perara Photography // Megan’s Dress: Datto Bridal Designs // Todd’s clothes: Trent Nathan (Myer) // Megan’s Make Up: Erin Norman // Megan’s Hair: Olivia Norman // Flowers: Poppin’ Poppies // Jewellery: Michael Hill // Children’s Clothing: City Beach

Love Note…

“Do not look any further if you are wanting the best marriage celebrant in Melbourne! From start to finish, Sally had everything covered and made the whole experience and day absolutely amazing. And to say she is thorough is an understatement. Most catch ups were just a barrel of laughs, so was concerned that maybe we might miss something but quite the opposite. She talked us through everything and even a last minute change was not a problem. And she was only too happy to go and buy a new frock to match our colour theme. We can’t thank Sally enough for making the start of our day absolutely perfect!!”
— Megan

Considering eloping? Take a look at my latest offer: ELOPE WITH US

CLEMENTINE + JACK - Storybook Love

By Sally Hughes, Melbourne Marriage Celebrant

“Come my love, I'll tell you a tale

Of a boy and girl and their love story

And how he loved her oh, so much

And all the charms she did possess…”  ‘Storybook Love’  (Mark Knophler)

Clementine and Jack were married in Melbourne’s grandiose Mural Hall in a ceremony that celebrated their modern day love story.  Clementine, with her porcelain complexion and balletic poise, wore a beautiful blush tulle Moira Hughes Couture gown with a dramatic cathedral length veil. She immediately reminded me of a ballerina from Giselle or A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Jack complemented her handsomely in his classic black tuxedo.

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The evocative song Storybook Love, from ‘The Princess Bride’, accompanied the procession of six children the day Clementine and Jack wed. The song gently faded and Peter Gabriel’s stirring orchestral arrangement of the Bowie / Eno classic Heroes gently filled the space.

Four elegant attendants then entered the hall and greeted a smiling Jack. After they had taken their positions alongside him and his Groomsmen, all guests turned to the back of the art deco ballroom in anticipation of Clementine’s entrance.

As violins and violas reached their crescendo, Clementine appeared at the top of the long aisle. She walked with confidence and joy, laughing with her much-loved father while rarely shifting her gaze from Jack. She took to the first flight of stairs and joined her Groom on the landing without a traditional “hand over”.

Flanked by sweeping staircases and surrounded by candles and blooms in hues of red, burgundy, pink and violet, the stunning couple stood hand in hand as parents were honoured and important friendships were acknowledged. They grinned and laughed as I shared stories of their courtship and other pivotal relationship events.

As a learned english literature devotee, and as the daughter of celebrated Australian film and television screenwriters, it came as no surprise that Clementine chose to include words penned by Shakespeare, Margaret Atwood and E.M. Forster on the day she’d marry her Jack.  The pair listened intently as guests delivered readings with gusto and then turned their full attention to each other as they exchanged vows and rings with sincerity.

As we signed the marriage certificates, guests were transported to a dancehall in Dover in 1976, when a recording of Clementine’s Nanny Elsie’s band played. Sadly, Clementine and Elsie never met, so having Nanny Elsie play at her grand-daughter’s wedding was a meaningful inclusion.

After a happy snap with yours truly, the accomplished and sweet-natured couple received an almighty cheer, a shower of colourful confetti and a serenade by Florence + the Machine.

The newlyweds and their wedding party then took to the streets with highly sought-after photographer Tess Follett, before returning to Mural Hall to kick start their reception with Horns of Leroy - the coolest brass band in Melbourne.

Clementine and Jack’s celebration was a perfect union of romance, sentimentality, elegance, joy and humour. The combination of traditional and contemporary elements ensured that their ceremony reflected their values, passions, personalities and of course, their very special love story.

Love Note…

“Sally, we can never thank you enough for our beautiful ceremony, which was everything we dreamt of and so much more, and for all your expert help and advice. 

We valued your experience and input in the whole process - you always had the perfect answer to any questions we had. Initially I was really set on having a ceremony that was very serious, because I thought of giving vows as a serious thing, and I'd been to few weddings where I'd found the whole thing a bit too 'jokey', but I am so glad you were able to show us how our ceremony could also be fun and happy and warm, and funny, whilst also being serious and meaningful at the appropriate times. We wouldn't have been able to achieve this without you, and I'm so glad we did! 

… we remember all your thoughtful touches that meant so much and the warmth that you brought to our day. We can remember throughout the reception, and the next day at the pub, so many people coming up to us to say how wonderful you were! 

We really agonised over just about every wedding decision we had to make, big or small, except for hiring you! As soon as I saw your website, I knew that you were the only celebrant we wanted! You really went and above and beyond with fitting in our wedding rehearsal, planning ceremony seating charts, and I was so amazed when you greeted all our family by name! 

Thank you again, Sally.  … You made our wedding something that was so meaningful to us and we’re so grateful.”

Clementine + Jack

Celebrant: Sally Hughes // Photographer: Tess Follett // Videographer: True Story Wedding Films // Venue: Mural Hall // Catering & Event Management: The Big Group // Floral Stylist: Victoria Whitelaw // Clementine’s Dress: Moira Hughes // Clementine’s Shoes: Kate Sylvester // Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Shona Joy // Groomsmens’ Suits: Peter Jackson // Flowergirls’ Dresses: Arabella and Rose // Hair: Valentina Arjona // Make Up: Jasmyn West Beauty // Rings: Larsen Jewellery & Keshett // Jewellery: Alex Monroe // DJ: Dan Hall // Band: Horns of Leroy // Cars: Triple R // Cake: Zephyr & Bloom Cakes

Outdoor Wedding Venues - Private Estates

By Sally Hughes, Melbourne Marriage Celebrant

 

Marrying outdoors in Melbourne?  There are so many breathtakingly beautiful gardens, vineyards and fields to choose from. 

What are some of the advantage of marrying at a private venue, as opposed to a public space? 

You'll most often be able to have your reception onsite (guests love not having to drive to two venues) and you'll most likely able to head indoors with minimal fuss should the weather become inclement. 

It's also likely that you won’t need to outsource important elements, such as staff, furniture, restrooms, cooking facilities and power. Car parking is likely to be easier and there’ll be no need to apply for an event permit.

Earlier this year I shared my favourite Outdoor Wedding Locations - Public Spaces. Here are my favourite privately-owned outdoor spaces in Melbourne (and surrounds):

The Yarra Valley

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RACV Country Club Healesville

The Dandenong Ranges

City & Inner Suburbs

Warrawong Estate, Eynsbury

Bayside / Hobsons Bay

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Lake House Daylesford

And what's the advantage of marrying at a private venue, as opposed to a public space? 

You'll most often be able to have your reception onsite (guests love not having to drive to two venues) and you'll most likely able to head indoors with minimal fuss should the weather become inclement. 

It's also likely that you won’t need to outsource other elements. There will be venue staff on hand to assist, seating, restrooms, power sources, and considerably better (and free) car parking options for guests.

If you don’t require this, or if you’re happy to outsource items, perhaps a public garden or beach is for you: Outdoor Wedding Locations - Public Spaces

With the exception of those credited to photographers, the images used in this post have been obtained from official venue web pages.  

Sally Hughes - Melbourne Celebrant

Outdoor Wedding Locations - Public Spaces

Melbourne (and surrounds) is blessed with so many beautiful parks, gardens, forests, beaches and reserves.  From time to time I'm asked by couples for recommendations. That's easy! Here are some of my favourite public places.

City & Inner Suburbs

Image by Ben Swinnerton

Image by Ben Swinnerton

Birrarung Marr, Melbourne CBD

Nymphaea Lake West - Royal Botanic Gardens, South Yarra

Nymphaea Lake West - Royal Botanic Gardens, South Yarra

Nymphaea Lake East - Royal Botanic Gardens, South Yarra

Picnic Point - Royal Botanic Gardens, South Yarra

Princes Lawn - Royal Botanic Gardens, South Yarra

Dog Flat - Royal Botanic Gardens, South Yarra

Taxodium Lawn - Royal Botanic Gardens, South Yarra

Tennyson Lawn - Royal Botanic Gardens, South Yarra

Tecoma Pavilion - Royal Botanic Gardens, South Yarra

Rose Pavilion - Royal Botanic Gardens, South Yarra

For information regarding permits for the Royal Botanic Gardens, contact Curtis Stone Events

Fawkner Park, South Yarra

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John F Kennedy Memorial - Treasury Gardens, East Melbourne

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Temple of the Winds Rotunda, Fitzroy Gardens, East Melbourne

Pioneer Women's Memorial Garden, Kings Domain, Melbourne

Lady Janet Clarke Rotunda - Queen Victoria Gardens, Melbourne

Flagstaff Gardens, Melbourne

Image by Daniel Brannan Photography

Image by Daniel Brannan Photography

Carlton Gardens, Carlton

For information regarding permits for Fawkner Park, Treasury Gardens, Fitzroy Gardens, Pioneer Women's Memorial, Queen Victoria Gardens, Flagstaff Gardens and Carlton Gardens, contact the City Of Melbourne

Grollo Equiset Gardens - National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne

St Vincents Garden, Albert Park

City of Port Phillip

North

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Edinburgh Gardens Rotunda, Fitzroy

For information relating to permits for Edinburgh Gardens, contact the City of Yarra


East

Malvern Gardens, Malvern

For information regarding permits for Malvern Gardens contact the City of Stonnington

Alexandra Gardens, Kew

Canterbury Gardens Rotunda, Canterbury

Maranoa Gardens, Balwyn

For information relating to permits for Alexandra Gardens, Canterbury Gardens and Maranoa Gardens, contact the City of Boroondara

Blackburn Lake Sanctuary, Blackburn

For information relating permits for Blackburn Lake Sanctuary, contact the City of Whitehorse

Westerfolds Park, Templestowe

For information relating to permits at Westerfolds Park, contact Parks Victoria

National Rhododendron Gardens, Olinda

For information relating to permits for the National Rhododendron Gardens, contact Parks Victoria

The Secret Garden - Sky High Mount Dandenong

Tim Neville Arboretum, Ferntree Gully

For further information relating to permits for the Tim Neville Arboretum, contact Knox City Council

South

Royal Botanic Gardens, Cranbourne

For information relating to permits for the Royal Botanic Gardens, Cranbourne, contact Cranbourne Gardens.

George Pentland Botanic Gardens, Frankston

For further information regarding permits for George Petland Botanic Gardens, contact  

Frankston City Council

West

Williamstown Botanic Gardens, Williamstown

For information relating to permits for Williamstown Botanic Gardens, contact  

Hobsons Bay City Council

Werribee Park, Werribee South

State Rose Garden - Werribee Park, Werribee South

For information relating to permits for Werribee Park, contact Parks Victoria

Footscray Park, Footscray

For information relating to permits for Footscray Park, contact the City of Maribyrnong

Bayside

St Kilda Pier, St Kilda

For information relating to permits for St Kilda Pier, contact Parks Victoria

Catani Gardens Rotunda, St Kilda

St Kilda Botanical Gardens, St Kilda

For information relating to permits for Catani Gardens Rotunda and St Kilda Botanic Gardens, 

contact the City of Port Phillip

Brighton Bathing Boxes - Brighton Beach

Kamesburgh Gardens, Brighton

Band Rotunda, Sandringham

For information relating to permits for the Brighton bathing boxes foreshore, Kamesburgh Gardens, Brighton Town Hall gardens, and the Sandringham band rotunda, contact Bayside City Council

Yarra Valley & Dandenong Ranges

Image by Julieanne Perara

Redwood Forest, East Warburton

For information relating to permits for the Redwood Forest, contact Parks Victoria

- - -


If you plan to hold your ceremony in a public place, be sure to check with local council or Parks Victoria to confirm whether a permit is required and the conditions of the permit.  Conditions may relate to site and insurance fees, bond payment, hire duration, maximum group size, alcohol consumption and whether structures such as marquees and market umbrellas can be erected. 

Looking for a little more outdoor inspiration?

Take a look at my blog Outdoor Wedding Locations - Private Estates


Sally Hughes
Authorised Marriage Celebrant