In recent years, the cottage core aesthetic has blossomed into a cultural phenomenon. Fashion, home decor, and, most enchantingly, weddings have each had a cottage core twist applied. This nostalgic trend harks back to an idyllic and simplified lifestyle, deeply rooted in the essence of nature, vintage charm, and a minimalist ethos.
At its heart, cottage core embodies a yearning for nature and a celebration of traditional crafts, serene landscapes, and the tranquillity of rural life. It’s no wonder then, that cottage-core weddings have captivated the hearts of many, offering a romantic escape.
Vintage elements, from lace gowns reminiscent of bygone eras to heirloom silverware that tells a story of heritage and history, add layers of depth and charm. Meanwhile, a minimalist approach ensures that the focus remains on the authenticity of the love being celebrated, avoiding the excesses of modern consumer culture.
In this article, we’ll journey through our favourite cottage core wedding venues paired with our top cottage core wedding dress designs. Each location offers a unique backdrop for vows exchanged under the canopy of ancient trees, laughter shared over long, family-style tables, and dances that linger into the twilight hours, all wrapped in the spellbinding allure of the cottage core dream.
Rose Social
Nestled among 300-year-old trees and fragrant flower beds, Rose Social epitomises cottage core aesthetics with its magical settings for garden ceremonies and receptions. Here, romance is redefined amidst rose bushes, ancient trees, and winding paths, offering a serene backdrop for your wedding day.
As you explore the property for photo opportunities, guests can admire the beauty of the grounds, enjoying refreshments and lawn games. A private bridal suite ensures a comfortable space for preparation, making Rose Social a harmonious blend of natural elegance and practicality.
Cottage core wedding dress inspiration for a Rose Social wedding:
Off the shoulder and featuring subtle floral motifs, this romantic gown is perfect for a cottage core, outdoor wedding celebration.
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary offers a unique backdrop for cottage core weddings, combining the rustic charm of a wildlife reserve with the natural beauty of its expansive 27-hectare landscape. Couples can choose from several enchanting ceremony locations, including the serene Fig Tree Pond, the mystical Lost Valley aviary, and the adaptable Wild Skies Arena, each ensuring an unforgettable outdoor exchange of vows regardless of the weather.
For the reception, the sanctuary presents two distinct venues that harmonise with the cottage core aesthetic: The Village Deck and Green for a magical open-air celebration beneath the stars, and The Homestead for a more intimate, rustic gathering. Both settings promise a special connection to the surrounding nature and tranquility.
Cottage core wedding dress inspiration for a Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary wedding:
Are you open to something a little different when it comes to your cottage core wedding dress. We adore the green embroidery on this flowing design. Plus it pairs perfectly with the rainforest setting of Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary.
Sandstone Point Hotel
Sandstone Point Hotel, just a short drive from Brisbane, provides a laid-back yet beautiful setting for a waterfront wedding with a cottage core twist. It’s an all-in-one venue that includes everything you might need: from a choice of reception and ceremony locations to accommodation and spots for stunning photos. The atmosphere here combines coastal charm with a simple, rustic feel, making it a great pick for those looking for a place where everything’s taken care of in one spot.
Working closely with each couple, the hotel’s team offers tailored wedding packages to fit various needs and budgets. You can either personalise your wedding details or go for the all-inclusive package to make planning even easier. This package covers everything, including working with key suppliers, and ensuring a laid-back experience from beginning to end. It’s a practical choice for couples aiming for a relaxed, cottage core wedding near the coast.
Cottage core wedding dress inspiration for a Sandstone Point Hotel wedding:
Minimalism is a key element of the cottage core aesthetic. Channel it with this sleek, timeless design that will take you from ceremony to reception with style.
Woodlands of Marburg
Woodlands of Marburg is the quintessence of cottage core charm, offering an enchanting backdrop for weddings with its heritage mansion, ancient fig tree, and secluded grotto. The 19th-century chapel and rustic cellar bar enrich the romantic, old-world atmosphere, ideal for a fairy-tale cottage core celebration.
Exclusive access to the mansion allows for a customized wedding experience, from a ceremony under the oak tree or in the grotto to an elegant reception in the Conservatory. With a variety of accommodation options and a complimentary bridal suite, Woodlands of Marburg ensures your cottage core wedding is both magical and memorable, encapsulating the essence of pastoral elegance.
Cottage core wedding dress inspiration for a Woodlands of Marburg wedding:
Be inspired by the colours of nature with a floral gown. Whether you opt for subtle blossoms or bold blooms, a patterned dress combined with a Woodlands of Marburg wedding makes for a cottage core dream.
Warrawong Estate
Amidst the stunning panorama of rolling countryside and the picturesque bends of the Werribee River, Warrawong Estate offers a peaceful retreat that perfectly complements the cottage core theme. With its expansive views and tranquil setting, Warrawong provides a naturally beautiful backdrop for both ceremonies and receptions, embodying the simplicity and beauty of rural life.
The estate’s historic Woolshed, with its lofty wooden beams and warm, rustic atmosphere, is perfectly suited for a cottage core reception, inviting guests to celebrate under the charm of its characterful country heritage. Outside, the estate boasts a breathtaking outdoor ceremony space overlooking the hills and river, alongside a beautiful open-air terrace by the historic 1930s silos — ideal for enjoying cocktails and canapés in a scene straight out of a cottage core fantasy. Warrawong Estate melds rustic elegance with the serene beauty of the countryside, offering an idyllic setting for a dreamy country-themed wedding.
Cottage core wedding dress inspiration for a Warrawong Estate wedding:
Boho and backless, this patterned gown perfectly suits the cottage core aesthetic. Add a wildflower bouquet and subtle makeup to complete the look.
Pethers Rainforest Retreat
Pethers Rainforest Retreat is a serene, cottage-core-inspired wedding venue, hidden within a subtropical rainforest on Mount Tamborine. An hour from Brisbane, this boutique retreat blends natural beauty with quiet elegance, providing a secluded backdrop ideal for exchanging vows. Its charm is evident in the lush private gardens, an avocado grove, and the architecturally striking lodge that opens up to the rainforest, setting a peaceful yet sophisticated scene for your special day.
With exclusive use of the retreat, your wedding can unfold naturally among the stunning features of Pethers, including ten private treehouses that offer luxurious accommodation. Each treehouse is a retreat in itself, equipped with a double spa, fireplace, and a balcony overlooking the forest, promising a tranquil end to a day filled with celebration. Pethers encapsulates a subtle blend of natural surroundings and refined comfort, ensuring a memorable, intimate wedding experience.
Cottage core wedding dress inspiration for a Pethers Rainforest Retreat wedding:
Simple silk and a softly sensual barely-there design make this gown perfect for a cottage core wedding. The cool and flowing cut of this gown will keep you cool in the humid rainforest environment of Pethers Rainforest Retreat.