Australia is a brilliant country for an intimate wedding. Elopements are a fantastic alternative to a huge wedding, and we reckon they’re a little more personal anyway. There are beautiful beaches, vineyards, vibrant cities and more, giving you so many possibilities for your special day. Whether you’re travelling from overseas or planning a local celebration, we’ve got the guide with everything you need to plan your elopement in Australia.
Jump to:
The good news is that planning an elopement in Australia is so much simpler than organising a traditional wedding. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t some things to add to your to-do list. Before you can elope, you’ll need to think about the following:
Before you can even think about how you get married in Australia, you need to get the right paperwork in order. Some of the things you’re gonna need /demonstrate are:
According to Australian law, you’ll need an authorised marriage celebrant to conduct the ceremony. You’ll also need two witnesses over the age of 18.
A lot of couples choose to work closely with their celebrant to create a personalised ceremony that reflects their relationship and personalities. If you’re travelling without friends or family, your celebrant could also help arrange witnesses locally.
Some couples choose to host a relaxed post-elopement celebration with family and friends after returning home, so this could be an option if you want to keep the legal stuff simple but still enjoy a party with your nearest and dearest afterwards.
Eloping doesn’t mean sacrificing the special touches that make a wedding memorable.
A lot of couples still choose to have elements like professional photography and videography, flowers, wedding attire, rings and other meaningful traditions. Others choose unique experiences like private dining, spa treatments and outdoor adventures to make the day extra special.
These extra touches can make eloping more expensive, so if the pennies are tight, set a budget and prioritise the most important things to you. The cost of weddings in Australia may have gone up in price over the last few years, but we reckon there are some ways you can make things more affordable if you go down the DIY route or shop around!
We all know that weddings can be stressful. An elopement is meant to be more chill, but some things can still be tough. If you want to keep things a little more laid-back, the following tips might help:
‘Location, location, location’. that’s what makes a good elopement. And don’t worry, you’ve got loads of Australian wedding destinations to choose from. Luckily for you, we’ve got a list of some of the best to help you narrow things down.
We reckon the Sunshine Coast is one of the most popular destinations for weddings in Australia for couples looking for a relaxed beach setting.
Unlike some of Australia’s busier tourist destinations, the Sunshine Coast is laid-back, but it has some incredible coastlines to give you the ultimate romantic wedding vibes. There’s also good food, drink and a lot going on to help you celebrate afterwards. It’s also pretty warm throughout the year, so you can have a dreamy outdoor ceremony if that’s what you want.
And if you need some accommodation, take a look at Oaks Sunshine Coast Seaforth Resort. With apartment-style accommodation just moments from the beach, it’s the perfect place to stay for your beachside wedding. And when it’s done, enjoy the multiple swimming pools and landscaped tropical gardens or wander to some of the nearby attractions.
Another option is Oaks Sunshine Coast Oasis Resort, which gives you a unique resort-style experience with impressive leisure facilities, including lagoon pools and manicured landscaping on the resort grounds. While Seaforth offers a more peaceful setting close to the beach, Oasis is ideal for couples who want a bit more going on at the resort.
Wine and weddings go hand in hand, so if you want stunning vineyards and excellent dining, choose a vineyard elopement for one of the top Australian wedding destinations. The Hunter Valley is just a few hours from Sydney, with unreal scenery and experiences. Perfect for couples looking for something chic and memorable.
You’ll find Oaks Cypress Lakes Resort among the vineyards with gorgeous views across the valley. The resort has spacious villas, a championship golf course, swimming pools, dining options and easy access to many of the region’s leading wineries.
If you want a small gathering after the ceremony, the resort’s beautiful surroundings are perfect for an intimate celebration with close family and friends.
If you want a private setting full of natural beauty, then Broome can offer you just that. Broome is in Western Australia and is best known for its dramatic sunsets and peaceful beaches (and just imagine the elopement shoot. Amazing, right?). Up for some fun? There’s camel rides along the shoreline, stunning scenery and best of all, it’ll feel like it’s all for you.
A stay at Oaks Broome Hotel is ideal because it not only has modern, stylish accommodation, but it’s also really close to the town centre. There are two great pools and plenty of places to relax after your wedding or some long days exploring the area.
If you want to stay closer to the famous Cable Beach, Oaks Cable Beach Resort is the one for you. It has some amazing villas and apartments surrounded by tropical gardens and lagoon-style pools. So while Oaks Broome Hotel has all of the local culture and dining, Oaks Cable Beach Resort is ideal for couples who want that resort-style stay.
Not every elopement needs to take place somewhere remote and beachy. Brisbane is perfect for couples who love city life and want to enjoy exceptional dining, nightlife and of course, iconic riverfront scenery.
The modern skyline and outdoor lifestyle mean Brisbane offers a stylish setting for intimate weddings year-round. It’s the perfect place for an elopement in Australia!
Oaks Brisbane Aurora Suites is close to the Brisbane River and a lot of the city’s most popular attractions. These roomy apartments and unbelievable city views are ideal for couples wanting a longer stay.
Another great choice Oaks Brisbane Casino Towers Suites, which offer a central CBD location, modern suites and walking distance to Brisbane’s many bars and restaurants.
These are both fantastic options for a city elopement, and you can enjoy other Oaks properties throughout Brisbane to suit different styles and budgets.
From dreamy tropical beach ceremonies to vineyard celebrations, you’re spoiled when it comes to weddings in Australia.
Get your paperwork and witnesses sorted and start planning your perfect, intimate celebration. When it’s just the two of you, you can focus on what really matters to create your perfect day. The beauty of eloping is that there are no rules beyond the ones you make up, so you can get hitched in a way that you’ll remember forever.
An elopement usually just involves the couple, their celebrant and their witnesses (maybe a few mates?). A small wedding ceremony usually includes a larger guest list, even if it’s limited to close family and friends. Elopements tend to focus on intimacy, flexibility and experience rather than traditional wedding expectations.
Your wedding outfits and rings are a given, but you’ll also need to make sure you bring all the required legal stuff, including passports and any paperwork needed for your marriage application. It’s also worth packing weather-appropriate clothing, comfortable footwear and any personal items that will help make the day feel special.
The best time for elopement in Australia depends on your chosen destination. We reckon tropical regions like Broome & Cairns are more comfortable during the dry season, while destinations like Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast can be enjoyed throughout most of the year. Check different weather patterns before you settle on a place.
The costs of weddings in Australia vary significantly depending on location, accommodation, travel, and any other experiences you choose to include. A lot of couples find that eloping is more affordable than hosting a traditional wedding, but they can still do the important bits like photography, accommodation and memorable experiences.
