Adelaide Hills venue closure leaves brides in lurch as rent dispute escalates

Popular Adelaide Hills wedding venue Ondeen has shut its doors unexpectedly, leaving dozens of couples scrambling to find alternative locations for their ceremonies. The closure has sparked a public dispute between the venue's owners and the landlord over unpaid rent, with both sides offering conflicting accounts.

Ondeen, which opened in Verdun two years ago, announced its closure on social media last week. The business said it would work with affected couples to find a solution, but many brides report they were notified only by email and have struggled to get a response since.

What happened to Ondeen and why did it close?

The venue's co-founder, Deborah Kingsbury, said the business had been forced to close despite making a rent payment last week. In a statement, she said: 'On Tuesday we made the requested payments, covering the period right through to the end of August. After that payment was made, we were advised the termination would remain in place.'

Kingsbury added that the lease was due for renewal at the end of November and that Ondeen had invested hundreds of thousands of dollars in the property. She said the business had traded through a tough winter and faced rising costs, but had achieved its strongest ever forward bookings.

However, the landlord's legal representative said Ondeen had been served with four notices of default. 'The tenant remains in default under the lease and the landlord has taken steps to protect its position,' the representative said. They declined to comment further while communications were ongoing.

How are couples affected by the closure?

Adelaide bride Mia Anfiteatro told 891 ABC Adelaide she is now $15,000 to $20,000 out of pocket after having to change her wedding venue. 'We've got two young girls who were really excited to get photos with the highland cows,' she said. The couple had purchased 700 golf balls for guests to use on the driving range and had chosen Ondeen for its culinary expertise.

Anfiteatro said the Adelaide community had rallied around her, helping secure a new venue on her original date after she posted on a local wedding chitchat page. 'We had some outstanding responses,' she said.

Riverland bride Nicola Thiele managed to secure another venue in nearby Hahndorf for her wedding next month, but described the change as stressful. 'I'm a busy mum – I've got three children under six, and then I'm trying to get married,' she said. 'Leaving it this late to try to find somewhere that's got all of that – I think I was in the deep end.'

Thiele said the closure had flow-on effects, including being unable to get her money back from other vendors. Both brides expressed disappointment that they were notified via email and had difficulty contacting the business.

What is the status of the highland cows and staff?

Ondeen staff said they had not been allowed on the property at all, including to feed the highland cows that were a popular attraction for guests. The landlord's representative said the animals were being looked after.

FAQ: What should couples do if their venue closes?

What legal options do couples have if a venue closes?

Couples should review their contract for cancellation clauses and contact their wedding insurance provider. Legal advice may be needed if deposits are not refunded.

How can couples find a last-minute wedding venue?

Reach out to local wedding groups on social media, contact nearby venues directly, and consider off-peak dates or weekdays for availability.

The situation remains fluid, with both parties indicating they are pursuing legal options. For now, affected couples are left to navigate the fallout of a venue closure that has upended their plans.