Image by Slick Shoots Photography

For many couples a garden ceremony is an absolute must have. Stunning gardens settings are perfect for a wedding ceremony with space, being close to nature and little need for decoration being among the reasons why. This week on Behind the Door I’m excited to meet Joan and Chris from Iris Park Garden Weddings. Located on the Mornington Peninsula, Iris Park is a beautiful 10 acre property just brimming with garden ceremony options.

Joan and her husband Chris live on the property and decided to open up the expansive gardens to weddings a little over a year ago. “We are both passionate gardeners and maintain the gardens ourselves” says Joan “after I retired I was keen to set up the business as I just knew it was the perfect place for weddings”.

Image by Pepperberry Photography

Image by Slick Shoots Photography

Joan tells me the most popular location is the ancient stump garden which features an impressive , century-old, indigenous stringy bark tree that protects the gnarled remains of another huge native tree from a bygone era. Encircled by roses and beautiful flowers it’s a very majestic ceremony spot. I love that there are lots of different options for the bridal party to enter, whether from a secluded green tree corridor or through a sprawling arch of roses and vines.

Image by Slick Shoots Photography

Image by Pepperberry Photography

Of course one of the most popular reasons to get married at Iris Park is the amazing photo opportunities that expansive gardens can create. There’s an impressive 300m tree lined driveway, rare and exotic flower gardens and a flowing creek flanked by indigenous plants and trees. There’s even large open parkland spaces with a variety of park benches for guests to explore and relax on.

Image by Sarah Coyle Photography

For receptions, Joan is only too happy to recommend a great selection of local venues, some of which she even has a special package with. “I find that many couples want a garden ceremony close to their reception location” says Joan “They get the best of both worlds with an outdoor ceremony and an indoor reception to take their guests on a varied journey.”

Image by Slick Shoots Photography

Joan and Chris have put together a fantastic collection of furniture, props and equipment so there is everything you need for a beautiful wedding ceremony. With white folding chairs, different signing tables and four unique styles of arches to choose from you can style your ceremony up however you like. I also loved that Iris Park is also prepared should the weather turn rainy with marquees available so you can still have your garden ceremony in any weather!

Ms Polka Dot says: What a stunning garden. With beautiful lawn areas, large trees and garden beds spilling over with blooms, I can imagine no nicer place for a wedding ceremony than amongst the blossoms and nature.

About Amelia Waddell of Make Your Day Wedding Styling: I’m a wedding stylist and proud store owner who loves to chat weddings with everyone and anyone! I love to talk shop with other business owners (particularly over some chocolate cake!) and am the first to try to have a sticky beak behind the scenes of any event. My free time is spent ‘investigating’ new cafes, stores and events.