Tie the knot in style at SA’s biggest regional event centre
It’s wedding season, and newly engaged couples everywhere are searching for something new, something flexible, something unique (even quirky at times) … and of course, something Insta-worthy.
Enter the Bridges Event Centre, South Australia’s newest (and biggest) regional event venue that moves from ultra-modern state of the art venue rooms, to rolling open lawns and beautiful backdrops.
While there are plenty of Pinterest-worthy destinations out there that promise the world, a trackside celebration can make your big day super-unique and leave you with some of the most memorable moments to reminisce on for decades to come.
The Bridges Event Centre, located at the new Gifford Hill Racecourse, is SA’s newest wedding destination. With fine food and wine alongside breathtaking scenery, it will add some serious ‘wow’ factor to any event. Now the largest event centre in regional South Australia, and only 80km from the Adelaide CBD, it’s fast becoming the perfect destination for big groups looking to escape the city and celebrate a destination wedding without the expensive flights or full-day road trips.
Invite your guests to make a long weekend of celebrating, and wake up to river (or lake) views. Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of a waterfront holiday house as you and your bridal party prepare for the day (explore your options with River Shack Rentals) or recover from the night.
There’s also plenty for your guests to do and explore in the days before and after your wedding.
Why not invite your groomsmen or bride-tribe to hand-feed a giraffe or walk with the lions at Monarto Safari Park? Or get everyone’s hearts racing with a competitive karting session and hot lap at The Bend Motorsport Park. If you want to do things at a more relaxed pace, slow down completely by kicking back on a leisurely riverboat cruise (try the crews from Four Knot Cruises, Coorong Cruises, Spirit of the Coorong, Captain Proud, PS Marion, PW Mayflower, PS Oscar W).
With so much to experience, you might even like to stay an extra day or two and enjoy some sightseeing and relaxing for yourself as an early honeymoon treat! But back to the BIG day – want to know how a racecourse wedding at Bridges can transform your event? Here are our top five reasons to tie the knot at this track…
Above: Take advantage of the striking greenery on the track, perfect for capturing that “newly wed” moment.
1. Stunning surrounds
It’s one of the most important days of your life, so you want your wedding to be memorable for all the right reasons – and what better way to do that than with a stunning venue? The brand new Bridges Event Centre is filled with edgy contemporary buildings surrounded by lush, rolling lawns – providing a setting to suit every wedding theme.
We also love that it’s all in the same location, so you, your bridal party and guests don’t have to rush from venue to venue between your ceremony and reception – giving you all more time to relax and enjoy your special day.
Above: Talk about exclusive access… the trackside stables provide a fantastic and rare photo opportunity for the whole party.
2. Unique photo opportunities
Stunning backdrops? Check.
Multiple looks in the one location? Check.
Huge potential for photos that will look amazing on your walls for years to come? Check!
Your photographer’s imagination will be the only limitation with a wedding photoshoot at the Bridges Event Centre and surrounding Gifford Hill racecourse.
Want an urban look? The modern buildings and beautiful entrance create a striking canvas. Prefer light and airy? The floor to ceiling windows inside the Bridges Event Centre mean any indoor daytime snaps will be flooded with natural light.
You can even create your own photo finish with your bridal party at the finish line!
The lush, green racetrack and its surrounds are perfect for a garden theme, with the beautiful rural-style grasslands and bush adding to the appeal.
Want more? The Murray River, Lakes and Coorong region has so many photo opportunities to complement your racecourse wedding. Just a short drive away are rural roads with quaint farm backdrops, as well as the picturesque Murray River and manicured lawns of Murray Bridge’s Sturt Reserve – and the iconic Bunyip or historic bridge as a backdrop; or why not go for the relaxed riverfront at nearby Wellington.
A short drive towards Lake Alexandrina will provide you a few more vantage points for a lakeside backdrop (try the towns of Milang or Finniss), or if you want to capture an even bigger variety, have a chat with our friends from the Langhorne Creek Wine Region for some shots amongst the local vineyards and historic cellar doors!
Our tip: Consider linking in with the region’s own chauffeured Entertainer limo bus which can take you and 10 of your bridal party on a photo cruise. Check out the Juggle House chariot here.
Above: The Bridges Event Centre provides the perfect, picturesque venue to raise your glass to the happy couple, in style!
3. Total venue flexibility
Do you want your celebration indoors, outdoors – or maybe a mix of both?
The added beauty of a racecourse wedding at the Bridges Event Centre at Gifford Hill is its total flexibility.
Create your dream garden-style wedding ceremony on the lush lawns, then head inside for fine dining in a luxurious setting and dance the night away thanks to their state-of-the-art sound system.
Going for a big celebration? The Bridges Event Centre is SA’s largest regional event centre, so you won’t have to face the agony of cutting your guest list to fit the venue. It can easily cater for receptions of up to 650 guests.
Want something smaller? The Bridges has three stunning event rooms, so you can create the perfect intimate space for your celebration. The rooms also suit all styles of functions, so you can choose between a cocktail reception or a sit-down meal.
Above: From wide open spaces, to cute, cosy places (including stunning backdrops featured in the above picture) – the Bridges Event Centre has it all.
4. Experts to help you each step of the way
Unsure where to start with you wedding plans? We know that pulling everything together for your big day can feel like a daunting task, but you’ll be in safe hands with the experts at Bridges.
Special events are their forte, so they’ll be able to help if you need advice on setting up and decorating the venue to suit your individual theme. From table decorations to the position of the dancefloor and everything in between, the expert events team will be on hand to guide you through each decision to help you bring your dream wedding to life.
Above: Talk about mouth watering… Sit back and indulge in the delicious food options available, combined with exceptional service.
5. Fine dining whether standing or seated
Did you know you can indulge in restaurant-quality fine dining at a racecourse?
The Bridges Event Centre’s talented kitchen team pride themselves on creating delicious menus for large celebrations that wow their diners.
The Murray River, Lakes and Coorong region is known for its top-quality produce and wine, so brides and grooms can toast their nuptials with a glass of premium local wine and enjoy an a la carte menu showcasing the region’s freshest and finest specialities.
Want to really add your signature to your event? The Bridges’ kitchen team will even work with you to create a customised, locally-sourced menu of your favourite produce.
Explore all the details of the Bridges Event Centre and their package options here.