Winter Weddings: My ULTIMATE Guide To Getting Married On The Mornington Peninsula

While winter might not be the first season you’d think to get married in, it’s a fantastic choice if your destination is Mornington Peninsula. Wood-fired pizzas, freshly roasted coffee, bubbling hot springs and stunning crisp landscapes are just some of the delights awaiting those looking to get married in this fairytale destination.

If you’re looking to have an intimate, cosy wedding that’s a little different from the norm, Winter weddings on the Mornington Peninsula are a fantastic choice. The crowds have thinned out, the weather is just begging for a warm venue aesthetic, and the fresh, hearty food on offer works perfectly for a sit-down meal. Without further ado, let’s take a look at how to plan a Winter wedding on the Mornington Peninsula.

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Mornington Peninsula In Winter

Getting married on the Mornington Peninsula is beautiful all year round, but some seasons require a little extra preparation beforehand to make sure your wedding day runs as smoothly as possible. Whilst snow is not an issue here, there are some other factors to consider such as shorter days and lower temperatures which will change how the day has to run.

The Weather

First up, let’s talk about the weather. Sadly, the days are going to start getting noticeably shorter. Don’t worry though, we’ve got you covered with some great venues a little later in the article! In Winter the average temperatures on the Mornington Peninsula range from 6.5 - 15°C. Of course, these temperatures aren’t going to make you want to spend the entire evening of your wedding outside but with the venues we’re about to look at, you won’t want to! In terms of rain, Winter on the Mornington Peninsula is actually quite dry with an average of only 1.5 inches, but it’s still never a bad idea to come prepared with umbrellas if any part of the day is outside.

Hot tip: While the weather might get a bit chilly over winter, why not make the most of it? Peninsula Hot Springs are natural baths perfect for a colder day. This is a great choice for you and your partner to visit either before or after you’re married to get some much-needed alone time. Effortlessly blend in with nature as you soak in the geothermal baths, grab a massage afterwards, and then sleep in their luxurious glamping accommodation. Nothing better than cuddling up on a chilly day!

First Look or Early Ceremony?

As we’re about to find out, the sun sets extremely early during the Winter months on the Mornington Peninsula, and that has a noticeable impact on the way part of the day will run. In the season of Winter, we’ll typically have two options as far as couple’s portraits are concerned. The first option is to have a really early ceremony which will give us plenty of time to take photos of both of you afterwards. Of course, this means getting up earlier, having all your guests arrive early and perhaps a more jam-packed morning. If you’re both early birds anyway, that’s great news!

The other more interesting option is we can go for a first look before the ceremony. I totally understand that this won’t be an option for all of you but as far as photography goes, it can be an incredibly emotional and intimate experience. Instead of seeing your fiancé for the first time as they walk down the aisle, you’ll meet up beforehand, just the two of you. We’ll decide on the location in advance, so the only thing you’ll have to focus on in the morning is each other.

By doing things in either of these ways I’ve just mentioned, we’ll make sure we take full advantage of the light that Winter gives us, and you’ll have a beautiful set of photos to remember from your day.

Golden Hour

Golden hour is the moment just before the sun sets, and just after it rises. Why do we care about this? Because it’s the perfect light for winter wedding photography on the Mornington Peninsula if you’re looking for a set of romantic, atmospheric and timeless photographs. However, the best bit about photography in winter is the sun is never as high in the sky – this means that beautiful light can last all day making your first look photos absolutely gorgeous!

If you decide to have couples’ photos after your ceremony, you’ll need to make sure your reception and sit-down meal don’t interfere with timings. Or, have your ceremony far enough in advance so you still have time. There’s no right or wrong answer, but we really do want to make the most of this time. If you aren’t too sure, get in contact with me and I’ll help you plan it!

Clothing

As we’ll discuss a little later on in the article, clothing is exceptionally important when getting married in the Winter. For those wearing a suit, the task isn’t too hard. They’re often made from wool, and with a shirt, waistcoat and jacket, there shouldn’t be too much of a problem. If there is, you only have to wear a thin layer underneath the shirt anyway.

With bridal gowns, the situation is a little bit more tricky. The selection of brands we’ll talk about later on in the article will be happy to assist you in choosing something that will keep those chills away. Whether that comes in the form of a denim jacket, a leather jacket, or something altogether bolder is completely up to you, how comfortable you’re feeling and the aesthetic you’ve decided upon. Here are some Instagram accounts for wedding inspiration to help you choose!

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Best Winter Wedding Venues on the Mornington Peninsula

The right choice of venue is critical during winter. For instance, wedding venues with a fireplace on the Mornington Peninsula are going to be ideal for when the evening gets cold. It’s highly likely that your day (reception at the very least) is going to be inside rather than out. As such, we’ve chosen the following indoor wedding venues on the Mornington Peninsula because they have exceptional settings that ooze the charm and warmth so highly desired on a chilly winter evening.

Port Phillip Estate

Boasting unparalleled views over Bass Strait, Westernport Bay, and their very own spectacular vineyards, Port Phillip Estate is perfect for those with even the biggest of plans on their wedding day. The building itself, other than being an architectural marvel, sits perfectly atop the hill and blends in beautifully with its surroundings. Serving only the most exceptional locally sourced food and drink, Port Phillip Estate is the perfect choice for your wedding venue if you plan on hosting a refined and elegant event. While it also benefits from an outside terrace, there is more than enough room to host your entire event inside the building. Perfect for those colder evenings!

Jackalope Hotel

Named one of the most luxurious boutique hotels in all of Australia, the Jackalope Hotel can easily accommodate your fairytale winter wedding dreams. With jaw-dropping views over Willow Creek Vineyard, a mesmerising infinity pool and 46 luxury rooms (with deep soak Japanese tubs), Jackalope Hotel is able to cater for even the most demanding of occasions. While your ceremony can take place outdoors on their large outdoor terrace – with unbelievable views! – your reception will take place indoors in a room that has a capacity for around 66 seated guests, filled with only the finest of food. If your wedding party stretches bigger than this, they recommend an entire hotel buyout for exclusive use. Pricey no doubt, but having your big day at one of Australia’s most luxurious hotels will certainly be a day to remember.

The Epicurean Red Hill

With a myriad of packages and personally styled ceremonies, The Epicurean Red Hill takes bespoke weddings to the next level. They have the space to accommodate up to 220 guests, but also the personal touch to make every wedding an intimate and unique occasion. Couples usually have their ceremony in “The Loft” (think exposed beams, corrugated iron and high ceilings) and depending on personal taste and the size of their wedding party, they have the choice between three other locations for the reception. The smallest is a beautifully elegant dining room (25-40 seated guests), The Barrel Room seats between 45 and 75, and The Shed is the biggest seating between 100 and 225.

Trofeo Estate

Set on the grounds of over 50 acres of vineyard, Trofeo estate is the private retreat you’ve always dreamed of for your special day. The rustic and natural aesthetic of the reception room is all you need for a relaxed and authentic wedding. As always with venues on The Mornington Peninsula, great food and exceptional wine are at the forefront of their offering. So if you’re looking at the best winery weddings on the Mornington Peninsula, this one might be for you! While that’s important in all four seasons, the warmth and sense of community it brings in Winter is second to none. A full-on sit-down meal with your guests as the light is starting to fade is the perfect way to finish off the day in the Winter.

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Our Favourite Winter Wedding Vendors on The Mornington Peninsula

Winter weddings are all about cosy settings and hearty food but as we spoke about earlier, the clothing you wear will often also differ from the other seasons. We aren’t saying you need to walk down the aisle in ski gear, but it’s important to pick the right clothing brand to keep the chill away when that temperature starts to drop. You can of course bring something from home, but where’s the fun in that? Here are a few Winter wedding clothing vendors that manage to keep style at the forefront of their design and also keep the cold at bay.

Kyah Studios

Established in 2011, KYHA is a brand that pushes bridal wear to the limits. Dresses can be minimal, bespoke or chosen from a selection of elegant, ready-to-wear dresses. For those of you who like to make a statement, Kyha Studios has something exceptional that will suit your taste. They also stock a range of on-theme, fashionable jackets in case you get cold later on in the night.

Tania Olsen Designs

Inspired by the nature and sun of Brisbane, Tania Olsen Designs creates “timeless, yet modern” bridal fashion that could find its home in just about any style of wedding. They have over 160 boutiques across Australia and the rest of the world, making them a great choice if you are coming from further away or just love the convenience of being able to pop into the boutique at your own leisure.

KWH Bridal

Since 2000, Karen Willis Holmes has been designing bridal fashion which exudes timelessness, modernity and charm all at the same time. The shop has several different collections which means you can be your true and authentic self on your wedding day – no “one style fits all” approach here. KWH Bridal aims to deliver a bespoke and personal touch when helping you pick out your bridal wears, so you can rest easy in the knowledge your final look will be truly unique to you. They have boutiques in Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Sydney, making them an ideal choice if you’re coming to the Mornington Peninsula from across the country. Their catalogue also includes a range of unique faux fur bridal jackets to keep you nice and toasty, whatever the temperature decides to do.

Grace Loves Lace

“We design gowns that have soul, originality and authenticity”. This is the mission statement of Grace Loves Lace. With 24 stores in 4 countries and almost a million followers on Instagram, that statement resonates with a lot of women. While you can order with convenience online, all of their dresses are handmade in Australia which means attention to detail and a deep love of what they do. All of these dresses are made with super high-quality materials, sustainably and ethically sourced, and made to work with your body, not against it.

I hope you found our guide to Winter weddings on the Mornington Peninsula helpful, and that we’ve convinced you how incredible your big day can be over here! I don’t just take photos of my couples, I endeavour to get to know them on a deeper level so I can provide the absolute best experience possible. Every wedding and every couple is offered a bespoke service to fit exactly with their dreams and desires.

That service includes Winter wedding videography on the Mornington Peninsula, as well as doing everything in my power to help you plan the biggest day in your lives. Shoot me a message, and let’s get started. I’ll be the best third wheel you could ask for!

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