Have you and your partner been wanting to tie the knot, but the cost, time, and hassle of planning your big day leave you unsure where to start?

This October 31, one local accommodation provider is offering couples the chance to take the leap and celebrate their union with an intimate ceremony in a beautiful country setting.

“Say ‘I Do’ at Lakeview” is the brainchild of Pam and Trevor King, who operate the four-villa Lakeview Luxury Retreat. Located just 10 minutes from the centre of Orange, Lakeview overlooks the eastern shore of Lake Canobolas, with stunning views of Gaanha-Bula Mount Canobolas and the Pinnacles.

The picturesque property has been in Pam’s family for nearly a century, but 15 years ago, Pam and Trevor decided to share their beautiful corner of the world and invested in four luxury villas.

“Lakeview is our first business and my first love in business, so this is definitely a pivot of sorts, ” Pam said, explaining the origin of their new wedding venture.

When Lakeview opened, she said they were among only a handful of luxury accommodation options in the region, but in the past five years the number of offerings has increased dramatically.

“There are 420 properties in Orange on Airbnb now; there were probably about 200 before COVID -and that's not counting Booking.com and Stayz and other online booking agents,” she said.

“We've noticed our bookings have gone down since all the other accommodation has come online, and so my business coach suggested that we go into micro weddings.”

A micro wedding is generally defined as one with less than 50 guests, although at Lakeview, Pam said they will be limited to about half that number.

For “Say ‘I Do’ at Lakeview” Pam has partnered with local celebrant Donna Sharp to offer a fun way to get their new wedding business up and running.

She said all they need is up to four couples ready to tie the knot, and they will handle the rest.

“The idea is that they can come have a beautiful ceremony, have some bubbles, cut their cake, have photos taken, and enjoy their time at Lakeview,” she said.

“As part of the deal, there'll be the celebrant, photographer, bouquets and styling, as well as bubbles and cake for $3,350.”

Since advertising “Say ‘I Do’ at Lakeview”, Pam has been fielding a number of enquiries for their micro-wedding.

But for anyone interested in getting hitched on October 31, Pam said they must get in quick, as there are only four ceremony times available and bookings need to be made by the end of August or early September at the latest. You can find more details at www.lakeviewretreat.com.au