When you enquire about having me as your celebrant, you’ll find the usual questions on my contact form.
Your date. Your venue. Whether you’re looking for a celebrant or someone to stick around and MC the reception too.
And then there’s this one:
Do you have a Plan B?
It might seem a little premature when you’re picturing blue skies, beautiful scenery and your favourite people gathered around you.
But there’s a reason I ask.
You can choose your flowers, your music, your outfit and the person standing beside you. The weather? Unfortunately, Mother Nature doesn’t take bookings.
And hoping she behaves isn’t quite the same as having a plan.
A Beautiful Day Deserves a Proper Backup
It’s easy to fall in love with an outdoor ceremony location. A garden, a beach, a family property or a lawn overlooking something spectacular.
I get it. I’ve officiated hundreds of beautiful outdoor weddings.
But when you’re choosing that spot, take a moment to ask:
Where would we get married if we couldn’t get married here?
Then go one step further. Would everyone fit comfortably? Would they be protected from the weather? How would the ceremony be set up? And who would make it happen?
Having an alternative space is a great start. Knowing how you’ll use it is what makes it a workable Plan B.
Coolibah Downs Private Estate: Two Weddings, Two Very Different Forecasts
One venue where I’ve seen the value of having beautiful ceremony options is Coolibah Downs Private Estate.
Situated in Mount Nathan, it has that lovely hinterland feel: gardens, greenery and a sense of being tucked away amongst nature, while still being conveniently connected to the Gold Coast.
I’ve had the pleasure of officiating weddings there in very different conditions.
At one, we were out on the lawn on an absolutely glorious day. A stunning setting, beautiful weather and the kind of outdoor ceremony couples picture when they first start planning.
See this beautiful lawn wedding on Coolibah Downs’ Instagram.
At another, the rain absolutely bucketed down.
That couple had already chosen the chapel as their ceremony location. It was their first choice, and understandably so. It’s a beautiful space in its own right.
Their wedding was a reminder of how valuable a sheltered ceremony space can be when the weather has other ideas.
The team helped get the bride from the beautiful homestead down to the chapel with very little fuss, and we were able to deliver a lovely ceremony for the couple and their guests.
The rain was there. So were the vows, the emotion and everything we’d gathered to celebrate.
And the team handled it beautifully.
See this chapel wedding on Coolibah Downs’ Instagram.
The People Matter Just as Much as the Place
I’m always happy to return to Coolibah Downs Private Estate, and the team is a big part of that.
A beautiful venue gets your attention. The people looking after you have an enormous influence on how the day feels.
When conditions change, having experienced people who know the property, understand the logistics and work well with your suppliers makes a real difference.
Coolibah also has plenty to appreciate beyond its ceremony spaces: the beautiful homestead, marquee reception setting, accommodation options and practical details such as parking.
I’ve also found that something as simple as phone reception at a hinterland venue is extremely useful when coordinating things on the day. It’s something I’ve appreciated when working there.
Those practical details might not be the first things you notice in wedding photos, but they’re worth considering.
The location is another bonus. Your guests can explore accommodation in the hinterland or closer to the coast, giving them options for making a stay of it.
For me, it’s a lovely combination of setting, convenience and people who care about the experience.
Your Plan B Can Be Somewhere You Love
When you’re touring venues, ask to see the alternative ceremony space… or spaces.
Actually spend some time in each one. Picture your guests there. Imagine walking in, hearing your music and saying your vows.
If an outdoor ceremony is your first choice, it’s completely understandable to feel disappointed if the weather changes that plan. You don’t have to pretend otherwise.
But choosing a venue with another space you’d be happy to use can take a lot of worry out of the lead-up.
At Coolibah, the chapel may be exactly what you wanted from the beginning. For another couple, it may be an alternative to their preferred outdoor location. Talk with the team about how that would work for your wedding.
Either way, it deserves consideration when you’re exploring the estate.
Planning a DIY Wedding? Give This Some Extra Thought.
A wedding on a family property can be incredibly special.
But if you’re organising it yourselves, please give your weather plan the same attention you give the ceremony you’re hoping to have.
You might have a marquee or tipi booked for the reception. Could that also accommodate your ceremony if needed?
And if so, how would that work?
Would furniture need to move? Where would guests sit? Where would your celebrant, live musician or DJ set up their sound equipment?
How would the bride get to the ceremony while keeping herself, her outfit, hair and makeup protected from the weather?
Would the change affect catering or other suppliers setting up?
Most importantly, who would do the work?
Your family and friends might be wonderfully willing to help, but they’ll need a clear plan, enough time and someone to coordinate them.
I’ve seen weather changes put DIY weddings under pressure because the people helping were trying to work out the solution as they went. Everyone meant well. They simply hadn’t been given the preparation needed to make it happen smoothly.
Agree on the space, the setup and who handles each job beforehand.
Then settle two particularly important questions: who makes the call, and when does it need to be made?
The people rearranging your ceremony space need enough time to do it properly. Moving furniture, setting up equipment and getting everyone into position takes time, especially when the weather is already making things tricky.
Give them a realistic window to work with. Holding out for sunshine until the last possible moment can leave everyone scrambling.
And try to arrange it so you and your partner can keep getting ready, rather than finding yourselves moving chairs on your wedding morning.
Make the Plan. Then Enjoy Your Day.
Ask your venue what happens if the weather turns. Talk it through with your suppliers. Understand when a decision needs to be made and who will communicate it.
Rain is the obvious consideration, but strong wind and excessive heat deserve a thought too.
A little preparation gives the people around you a much better chance of looking after you when conditions change.
And if you’re exploring Gold Coast wedding venues, I’d happily encourage you to take a look at Coolibah Downs Private Estate and chat with their team about the ceremony options.
I’ve experienced it in glorious sunshine and very enthusiastic rain. There’s a lot to love about the place—and the people behind it.
Hopefully, your Plan B stays tucked away and you get exactly the day you pictured.
But if Mother Nature does decide to get involved, you’ll be glad you asked the question.
Happy planning.
Ryan.
