Wedding day in the forest

Celebrants are joining forces to hold the Capes’ first Same-Sex Wedding Festival and hope such events will add to the region’s standing as a wedding destination.

Following the legislation of same-sex marriage on December 9, celebrant Anita Revel observed widespread support from the community and decided to organise an event to celebrate the “huge turning point in Australia’s history”.

The pop-up festival will be held in a private forest in Cowaramup and host wedding ceremonies every hour on Valentine’s Day, specifically for same-sex couples looking for a simple, yet highly-festive occasion.

Ms Revel said eight celebrants had so far signed on to the event, along with numerous suppliers and small-business owners.

“I created a pop-up wedding day dedicated to same sex couples, and boom, celebrants, photographers, caterers and musicians were all keen to show their support too,” she said.

“It escalated from a regular pop up wedding day to an extra-special day of celebration.”

Interested couples can book a two-hour, daytime ceremony with up to 20 guests and have their choice of celebrant, ceremony location and photographer, which — along with the venue hire, site styling, microphone and glassware — are included in the for $1450 thanks to generous discounts offered by suppliers.

Ms Revel said the event was a one-off “same-sex marriage day”, which she hoped would raise the national and international profile of the region as a beautiful and inclusive wedding destination.

“I say let same-sex couples have their day in the sun, and let us celebrate the heck out of this huge step forward in human rights,” Ms Revel said.

Preferred time slots can be booked at yesidoweddings.com or by calling 0417 937 436. Paperwork must be lodged by January 14.