Things you might be wondering
If your question isn't here, just ask us — or put it in the notes on your RSVP.
The essentials
When should I RSVP by?
Please reply by RSVP date TBC using the RSVP page. It only takes a minute, and it's how we get the numbers right for the bus, the caterer and the hotel.
What's the dress code?
Men: jacket on, tie off. Suit pants or chinos, relaxed fit.
Women: Wording coming soon — Ellen is finalising this. Expect the formal end of colourful.
The ceremony is outdoors on the cliff above the falls, and the reception follows on the property. Late March out here can be warm in the afternoon and properly cool once the sun goes down at about 7 pm — bring a layer for later, and go easy on very thin heels for the grass.
Are children welcome?
Yes — the whole weekend is child-friendly, including the reception. Two practical notes: the bus between the Club Hotel and Ben's Falls has no child seats, so families with little ones may prefer to drive the 10 km themselves; and cots at the hotel are TBC — ask when you call to confirm your room, and let us know on your RSVP if you need one.
Can I bring a plus-one?
Your invitation will say who it covers. If you'd like to bring someone who isn't named, just ask us first — it's a small wedding (about 35 of our favourite people) and we're working within the venue's numbers. [PLACEHOLDER — Jono/Ellen to confirm plus-one policy]
What about gifts?
Honestly, having you make the trip to Emmaville is the gift. If you'd like to give something, we'll add details here closer to the date. [PLACEHOLDER — Jono/Ellen to confirm: registry, wishing well, or "no gifts please"]
On the day
How do I get to the ceremony?
A bus leaves the Club Hotel at 3:15 pm and takes everyone out to Ben's Falls (about 15 minutes). There are two buses back at the end of the night — an early one and a late one — with times to be confirmed. If you're staying somewhere other than the Club Hotel, or want your own car for kids' seats, you can drive: it's about 10 km down the Glen Innes Road and along Morgans Road. See the schedule.
Is there parking at Ben's Falls?
Yes, there's plenty of room to park on the property. If you drive, please go steady on Morgans Road and keep an eye out for wildlife on the way home after dark. Nobody should be driving if they've been enjoying the bar — that's what the buses are for.
Can I take photos during the ceremony?
[PLACEHOLDER — Jono/Ellen to confirm] Our suggestion: we'd love the ceremony itself to be unplugged — phones away for those twenty minutes so our photographer can do their job and everyone's looking up rather than at a screen. After that, snap away, and please share them with us.
Is the ceremony outdoors? What if it rains?
Yes, the ceremony is outdoors on the cliff above the falls. March averages a handful of rainy days, so there's a chance. If the weather turns, we'll move under cover on the property — we'll let you know on the day. [PLACEHOLDER — wet-weather plan to confirm with venue]
Is there phone reception at Ben's Falls?
Yes — there's reception at the venue, though it's a river valley so it can be patchy and Telstra fares best. Don't count on much signal on the road between Glen Innes and Emmaville. Download offline maps before you set out.
Who do I call if something goes wrong on the day?
Please don't call us — we'll be a bit busy. Call [PLACEHOLDER — day-of contact name & mobile TBC], who'll be on hand all weekend and knows the plan.
The weekend
What should I pack?
- Clothes for a warm afternoon and a cold night — layers
- Swimmers and a towel for Sunday at the river
- Sturdy shoes or boots for the property, and clothes you don't mind getting dusty or wet
- Hat, sunscreen, insect repellent
- Any medication — the nearest pharmacy is in Glen Innes, an hour away
- Some cash — most places take card, but not all, and there's no ATM in town
- Phone charger and a power bank
- Parents: your own child seats (the bus has none), and a portacot if you might need one
What's happening on Friday and Sunday?
Friday is arrival day — check in at the Club Hotel and join us for a relaxed dinner at the pub. Sunday starts with a BBQ breakfast at Ben's Falls (with vegan, dairy-free and gluten-free options), then fishing, walks and a swim in the river, and in the afternoon we're heading out to Ellen's aunt and uncle's farm at Deepwater. Come to all of it, some of it, or head off when it suits — no pressure.
Can I swim in the river?
The Severn has deep pools and rock outcrops on the property and we're planning a swim on the Sunday. As with any river, take care, watch the kids, and we'll point out the good spots. Confirming with venue
Where's the nearest supermarket?
Glen Innes (Woolworths and Coles) coming from the south, or Stanthorpe/Tenterfield from the north. Emmaville has a general store for basics but no supermarket, ATM or pharmacy. Full details on the Travel page.
I have dietary requirements — how do I let you know?
There's a field for exactly this on the RSVP form. Please list any allergies as well as preferences, and we'll pass everything on to the caterers.