There’s something about a country wedding weekend that just feels different. Maybe it’s the slower pace, the change of scenery, or the chance to spend real time with the people you love. We’ve chatted to the team at Tindarra Resort a lot over the years, and it’s clear they know all the little ways to make a regional NSW wedding weekend truly memorable. They’ve seen everything, from sunset parties by the river to those classic “keep the party going” brunches in town. So who better to share what makes a weekend away work so well? Here’s their best advice, straight from experience.

Photography: Country Mile Photography 

1. It’s About More Than a Pretty Backdrop

Regional NSW offers breathtaking landscapes, from vineyards and stunning forest land to beautiful Murray River backdrops. Relax and immerse yourself in a stress-free weekend with intimate quality time with your loved ones. One venue, one location, creates a very engaging weekend away. Experience what the best of the local area has to offer by visiting iconic hospitality venues and exploring amazing backdrops that the city cannot provide. Here, it is less about glitz and more about genuine connection, the beauty of nature, and the magic of unhurried celebration.

Photography: Country Mile Photography 

2. Think About the Logistics, Not Just the Look

When it comes to choosing a regional NSW location, there is more to it than just how it looks. Accessibility matters. Travel time and having nearby accommodation can make or break the experience. At Tindarra, having everything on-site is an absolute game changer. The weather is worth considering, too. Regional NSW has cold winters, but you can rely on summer for more predictable weather, so you are less likely to get a random downpour on your wedding day.

Another thing couples sometimes overlook is local vendor availability. In a small country town, the best suppliers book out quickly. Once you choose your venue, make sure to lock in all your suppliers as soon as you can.

3. Make the Most of the Whole Weekend

Having guests together for a whole weekend opens up so many possibilities. Host a welcome dinner by the pool, get the barbecue going, and set up a couple of eskies. Don’t just make it one wedding day – make it a full weekend experience. Back it up with a recovery breakfast, brunch, or lunch. Step out into the local town and see what it has to offer. I’m sure you picked the area for a reason. Maybe your favourite pub is the place to keep the party going. Having everyone together in one spot really does make everything easier.

Photography: Ella Ottaviano from Aiyana & Henry’s Modern Country Wedding in Southern Highlands 

Engagement parties, rehearsal dinners, or welcome parties are all popular options. You can visit local wineries, take a paddle steamer cruise, and, of course, there are some lovely hospitality spots around the iconic Echuca Port.

Photography: Place Of Love from Jay & Daisy’s Dreamy Joy-Filled Wedding at Solitaire Homestead

4. Communicate Early and Make Guest Accommodation Easy

When it comes to guest accommodation, we handle everything directly with your guests, so the stress is off you. Couples are given priority before all the guests to ensure you get what you need, and you have the option to allocate guests to the villas. We have set accommodation rates so everyone pays the same for the villas they are in.

The biggest mistake I see couples make is not having early and clear communication. Your website and save the dates are so important. Get them out early so people can organise themselves. If you are asking people to travel more than two hours from home, it is important they have as much information as possible so they can commit in the early stages and not leave you hanging.

Photography: Merge Photography from Travis & Joey’s Rustic Country Wedding at Hay Shed Hill 

5. Give Yourself Time, Arrive Early and Trust Your Team

Arriving at the venue the day before makes a huge difference. You can finish any lingering tasks and make sure all troubleshooting is done before the big day. You get to do a rehearsal, which helps settle nerves and clarifies what everyone needs to do, from standing locations to walking pace. It is also a great opportunity to meet or reacquaint yourself with your suppliers. You have often worked with these people for months or even years, so it is nice to spend some time discussing all things wedding.

Photography: Country Mile Photography 

On the wedding day itself, my advice is to relax and take the time to sit down and take it all in. If you like to have things organised, have a timeline for the morning’s events and even ask someone you trust to keep things on track. Above all, trust the team around you. You selected these suppliers for a reason, and they will make your day the best it can be.

Photography: Angela Givney Photography from Wei Te & Daina’s Country Chic Wedding at Goonoo Goonoo Station 

If I could give one golden piece of advice to couples planning a wedding weekend in regional NSW, it would be to support local. Use local suppliers like florists or hair and makeup, or even go out for dinner the night before or the day after. Really take in what it is like to be in regional NSW and enjoy everything this beautiful part of the world has to offer.

About the author: Tindarra Resort offers a fairytale wedding venue with a relaxed atmosphere and tranquil ambiance. Whether you prefer cocktail parties at the Riverside Bar alongside the Murray River or refined sit-down receptions in the elegant silk-lined marquee, the 300m of spectacular river frontage ensures an unforgettable Echuca Moama wedding experience. Located just over 2.5 hours from Melbourne, you can escape and celebrate uniquely. Wedding manager, Pip, handles every detail – from décor and setup to refreshments, catering, and music, so you can fully relax and enjoy your day under the river redgums and night under the stars. Many couples also choose Tindarra for a weekend away with family and friends, allowing them to see their ceremony and reception setup the day before and add personal touches. Enjoy a pre-wedding dinner or pamper night, and conclude the weekend with a garden buffet breakfast by the river, reminiscing about the special day.