I adore an elopement
One of the things I adore most about elopements is that it might just be one of the most romantic ways to enjoy your wedding day experience, and forgive me, but I am a romantic at heart.
When you're not tied to a strict timeline, a large guest list or a traditional reception, your wedding day becomes your day to remember forever. And from a photography perspective, that's where the magic happens.
The most meaningful photographs rarely come from standing in one place and smiling at the camera. They come from movement, adventure, anticipation and genuine moments shared together throughout the day.
The best elopements create opportunities for all of those things.
The other awesome thing about eloping, is you can use the budget that would normally be taken up by a big wedding reception on creating an unforgettable experience. Rather than managing a large guest list, caterers, wedding invitations, favours etc etc, you could do something outrageous, like fly to New Zealand and take a helicopter ride to a mountain peak and have an intimate photo shoot with snow covered mountains and azure lakes as your backdrop, followed by a week of skiing and cozying up in a log cabin. Pick me as your photographer. (If you read this, email me and tell me - I will photograph your elopement in New Zealand for free, - just pay my tickets and accommodation).
ideas for eloping in perth
The Perth City & Rottnest Island Experience
Start your day with a legal ceremony at the historic Old Tower House, where you can book exclusive use of the venue , (make sure you book a full hour so your day and ceremony don't feel rushed). Enjoy an intimate ceremony with your closest family and friends to witness your vows.
Afterwards, board a helicopter and fly across the coastline to Rottnest Island. Spend the afternoon exploring secluded beaches, dramatic limestone landscapes and some of Western Australia's most iconic scenery before returning to Perth for a celebratory dinner. Or spend the night and take the ferry back to Perth the next day.
Make sure you book a photographer to cover at least 4 - 5 hours. Have them come to your home or hotel to spend an hour as you get dressed for your big day. This is one of the most exciting parts of the day as nerves, excitement and tension build. Then an hour for your ceremony and 2 hours for flying to Rottnest and spending some time taking a bike trip to your favourite secluded spot for more photos.
For couples wanting something adventurous while still keeping the day relaxed and intimate, it's hard to imagine a more unforgettable way to begin married life.
The Pinnacles Adventure Elopement
Imagine exchanging vows set amongst the ancient limestone pinnacles, then heading off to the dunes in Lancelin for an evening sunset shoot.
The vast sand dunes around Cervantes and the ancient limestone formations of the Pinnacles create photographs unlike anything else in Australia.
A few things to know:
Ceremony Permits & Legalities
- National Park Permit: To host your ceremony within the Pinnacles Desert (Nambung National Park), you must obtain a permit from the Parks and Wildlife Service (DBCA). Fees and conditions apply.
- General Park Entry: General admission fees apply for your guests entering the park.
- Legal Requirements: You must lodge a Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM) with an authorized celebrant at least one calendar month before your date.
The Luxury Perth Elopement
For couples who love architecture, fine dining and art; a city-based elopement can feel effortlessly elegant and Vogue like - especially if you plan it carefully with your photographer so you can create truly aesthetic chic images.
Begin your morning slowly at COMO The Treasury, enjoying breakfast together before getting ready in one of the hotel's luxurious suites.
Hold an intimate ceremony within the hotel or nearby in the city before hiring an old Rolls Royve to drive you to all the cool locations in Perth's historic streets, laneways and architectural landmarks for photographs.
As the afternoon unfolds, gather with family and friends for champagne and cocktails before finishing the evening with an exceptional dinner back at the hotel.
My favourite is the Sip + Sealed Experience: An intimate, stress-free, and highly aesthetic elopement experience created by Perth-based marriage celebrant Tahnee, aka The Tiler's Wife. Designed for couples wanting to skip large, traditional weddings, the package blends legal ceremonies with luxurious cocktails, photography, and staycations.
Dreaming Bigger?
Your Elopement Doesn't Have To Be In Perth
A Cliffside Ceremony in Greece
Wake up overlooking the Aegean Sea, the salty air and soft breeze drifting into your whitewashed villa as you sip on champagne cocktails before exchanging vows on a cliffside terrace.
Whether it's the dramatic caldera views of Santorini or a quiet corner of the Greek islands away from the crowds, Greece offers ancient architecture and natural beauty.
Spend the afternoon wandering narrow cobbled laneways, stopping for wine and overlooking the sea and finishing the day with a candlelit dinner beneath the stars.
An Italian Escape ( My ultimate dream)
Italy feels as though it was made for elopements.
Picture a ceremony among the rolling vineyards of Tuscany, a private villa overlooking Lake Como, or exchanging vows in a centuries-old village perched above the coastline of Amalfi Coast, followed by a day of food and wine. Literally heaven!!
The beauty of Italy isn't simply the scenery. It's the pace of life. Long lunches, exceptional food, historic architecture and the feeling that the entire day can unfold slowly without needing to follow a schedule.