What IS a Pop Up Wedding?

Think Vegas - but make it beautiful

If you've ever joked about 'just running away to Vegas and getting it done' you're probably already halfway to understanding what a Pop Up Wedding is.

A Pop Up Wedding is the anti stress, beautifully curated version of that idea - minus the neon lights and Elvis impersonator.

Same concept - VERY different aesthetic

The Vegas comparison (and why it actually helps)

Lets start here,

A Pop Up Wedding is a bit like a Vegas wedding in the sense that:

• The date is already set

• The venue is already booked

• The key suppliers are already organized

• You don't need to plan everything yourself

  
  

You show up, get married, celebrate - Done!

That's where the similarity ends

What a Pop Up Wedding here at the Starling Homestead is not:

Its not rushed

Its not tacky

Its not impersonal

And its definitely not happening under fluorescent lights

Our Pop Up Weddings are:

• Thoughtfully styled

• Set in a beautiful countryside setting

• Calm, romantic and intentional

• Designed to feel elegant, not 'quick' - only three weddings are held per date, to ensure your Pop Up Wedding doesn't give 'conveyor belt' vibes

• Price transparently and economically - you know exactly what your Pop Up Wedding is going to cost

Think open skies, bird song & a beautiful North Canterbury countryside backdrop

So....what is a Pop Up Wedding really?

One of the biggest misconceptions about Pop Up Weddings is that they are somehow less than a traditional wedding.

In reality, you're getting a fully styled, beautifully considered wedding day, just without the months of decision making.

Here's what that looks like in real terms.

You get a unique ceremony location, fully set up and styled

This isn't a bare paddock or a 'stand here and we'll wing it' situation .

You get:

• A carefully chosen ceremony spot here at the Starling Homestead (feel free to look at our gallery for examples)

• Full ceremony set up, including an arch & signing barrel or table

• Thoughtful florals & décor that suit the season and setting

Everything is set before you arrive - so you can simply walk in, take a breath (and a pic) and get married

You get a stunning celebration aka reception

Rather than a formal, rigid reception, our Pop Up Weddings lean into a relaxed celebration style - perfect for intimate guest lists.

• A beautifully styled celebration area (check out photos in our gallery for inspo)

• A 'long lunch' style table & seating, for you to gather with your guests & share a short celebration & enjoy your wedding cake...did we mention there's cake? Lets talk about cake!

• A 3 tier 6 inch wedding cake, fully customisable with a range of flavours, fillings and icing options to pick from - just BYO wedding topper!

You get experienced professionals who know the flow

Another key benefit of a Starling Homestead Pop Up Wedding? You're guided and surrounded by local people who know what they are doing.

The team includes:

• A celebrant who will take you through a short ceremony with the option to add your own personalised vows. Not only that, they will guide you through the legal process prior to your wedding day

• A photographer who is familiar with the Starling Homestead property, understands the light, the angles and the best locations on the homestead for those all important photos

• A professional baker, with an abundance of options for cake flavour, filling & icing for you to consider

• A professional Hair & Makeup artist, who will work with you prior to arriving at the Starling Homestead, to ensure you look and feel your absolute best on your wedding day *(this is a new addition to our existing Pop Up Wedding Packages)

• A flower farmer, who will create a stunning seasonal bouquet for each couple, which is yours to take home with you!

• Me - I'm there on the day as your wedding host, gently coordinating behind the scenes so you can relax, be present, and simply enjoy getting married.

  
  

  A well oiled team of wedding vendors who knows exactly how the day should unfold, no awkward pauses, no confusion, no wondering what happens next.

And what you don't get....

• Decision fatigue

• Spreadsheets

• Endless emails

• Budget blowouts

• The feeling that you're managing an event, instead of living it

  
  

You get to be present - which honestly is the whole point