So, you’ve locked in your dream Hunter Valley venue and booked a killer DJ to keep the dancefloor moving. But what happens during canapé hour? Or when your guests need a break from dancing?
The best weddings are the ones that keep guests surprised and delighted from the moment they arrive. As a Newcastle & Hunter Valley Wedding Photographer who attends dozens of weddings a year across the region, I’ve seen it all, from the wildly fun to the downright magical.
If you want your big day to stand out and be more than memorable, here are 10 unique wedding entertainment ideas that go way beyond the standard playlist.
1. A Retro Open-Air Photo Booth
Okay, we might be a little biased, but there is a reason the photo booth is a wedding staple—it works. But in 2025, couples are ditching the cramped, curtained boxes for something more stylish.
At Another Shot Photo Booth, they specialise in a retro, open-air setup that looks like a piece of furniture rather than a piece of tech. It fits perfectly with the rustic, vintage vibe of most Hunter Valley wineries. Plus, because it’s open-air, you can fit 20+ people in a single shot (perfect for those loved-up rowdy group photos later in the night!).
Why it works: It doubles as entertainment and a party favour (the guests get to keep the prints!).
2. A Vintage Mobile Caravan Bar
Most venues supply the alcohol, but a mobile caravan bar supplies the atmosphere.
Vendors like The Wagon Bar or Trolley’d (who serve drinks from upcycled airline trolleys!) add a massive “wow” factor to outdoor weddings. They are perfect for that gap between the ceremony and reception where guests are mingling on the lawn.
- Pro Tip: Ask them to create a “Signature Cocktail” named after you and your partner.
3. Live Wedding Painting
Want entertainment that is also a permanent heirloom? A live wedding painter sets up an easel at your reception and paints the scene in real-time.
Artists like Ink & Snow or Teresa Small capture the mood in a way a camera can’t. Guests love wandering over to watch the painting evolve throughout the night, and by the end of the reception, you have a finished piece of art to take home.
4. Authentic Gelato Cart
Summer wedding in the Hunter? Nothing saves the day like a gelato cart rolling out just as the heat peaks.LuLu’s Gelato Company or Cow and the Moon offer vintage carts that look beautiful and taste incredible. It’s a fantastic alternative (or addition) to a traditional dessert table.
5. Audio Guest Book
Writing in a book is so 2010. Audio guest books are the hottest trend right now.Local vendors like Hotline Ring provide a vintage rotary phone where guests pick up the receiver, hear a greeting from you, and leave a voicemail. The messages start sweet and sentimental, and—as the wine flows—get progressively funnier. You get a digital file of all the messages to keep forever.
6. Lawn Games (Giant Jenga & Cornhole)
If you’re having a garden wedding at a venue like Spicers or Redleaf, you need lawn games. It sounds simple, but Giant Jenga, Pick Up Sticks, and Cornhole are the best icebreakers for guests who might not know each other. You can hire high-quality timber games from The Party Hire Company that match your styling perfectly.
7. Roving Magician
Forget the cheesy rabbits out of hats. Modern “close-up” magicians like Brendan Mon Tanner mingle with the crowd during canapés, performing sleight-of-hand tricks right under your guests’ noses. It’s a great way to keep the energy high and get people laughing before the reception starts.
8. A Silent Disco
Many Hunter Valley venues have noise restrictions after 10:00 PM or 11:00 PM. Does that mean the party has to stop? Absolutely not.Companies like Headphone Disco allow you to keep dancing without waking the neighbours. Everyone wears wireless headphones with different channels (e.g., one channel playing 90s hits, another playing techno). Watching your guests sing at the top of their lungs in a silent room is entertainment in itself!
9. Fireworks Display
If you really want to go out with a bang (literally), a private fireworks display is the ultimate finale.Check out Bring The Noise Fireworks, they are local to the region and know exactly which venues allow pyrotechnics. It’s the perfect backdrop for your “exit photo.”
10. LIVE ACOUSTIC MUSIC
There is something about live vocals that a Spotify playlist just can’t replicate. Live acoustic music is the perfect bridge between the emotional ceremony and the party reception, setting a relaxed, “Sunday Session” vibe while guests sip champagne on the lawn. Look for local legends like Howard Shearman. He is a staple of the Hunter Valley wedding scene for a reason. His gritty, soulful voice creates an instant atmosphere of effortless cool without overpowering the conversation.
Ready to lock in your entertainment?
The best weddings are a mix of great people, good music, and fun experiences. If you’re looking to get the party started with a photo booth that looks as good as your venue,
Contact Another Shot Photo Booth today to check our availability for your wedding date!