Gold Coast · Byron Bay · Tweed Coast
Some couples don't need a hundred people watching to know they're doing the right thing. Just each other, a spot they love, and someone who gets it. That's an elopement, and it's one of my favourite things to be part of.
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I've celebrated elopements on clifftops, in rainforest clearings, on empty beaches at sunrise, and in someone's backyard with the dog as the only witness. They all had one thing in common: they felt more genuine than most big weddings I've ever attended. Stripping it back brings out the real thing.
An elopement isn't a lesser version of a wedding. It's a different choice, usually a deliberate one. Maybe you hate being the centre of attention. Maybe family dynamics make a big event complicated. Maybe you don't want to spend two years planning when you could just be married already. Whatever your reason, it's a good one.
When there's nobody else to perform for, the vows you write actually mean what you say they mean.
Legally, an elopement is just a wedding with fewer guests. You still need a registered marriage celebrant (hi, that's me), a Notice of Intended Marriage lodged at least one month before your ceremony, and two adult witnesses on the day, which can absolutely be strangers you find on the spot if you like. I handle all the paperwork side of things so you're not left wondering what forms to fill in.
I celebrate elopements across the Gold Coast, Byron Bay, and the Tweed Coast, essentially anywhere between Brisbane and Ballina that you can point to on a map. If you're picturing a sunrise at Burleigh Heads, a quiet moment in the Springbrook rainforest, or just toes in the sand at a beach that means something to you, get in touch and let's make it happen.
01
Send me a message with your date and what you're thinking. I'll confirm I'm available and we'll have a quick chat (usually just 20 minutes) to make sure we're a good fit and talk through your options.
02
At least one month before your ceremony, you'll complete your Notice of Intended Marriage with me. It's a simple form. I'll walk you through every part of it. This is the one non-negotiable legal requirement for any Australian marriage.
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On the day, you need: each other, two witnesses, and a spot you love. I'll bring the ceremony: your words, the legal declarations, and something that actually feels like you. Plan for about 20–30 minutes all up.
★★★★★
"From our first chat, Ellie made the whole thing feel like the most natural decision we'd ever made. We were married by a waterfall in Springbrook, just the two of us, and it was perfect."
Yes, an elopement is simply a small, private wedding. As long as you have a registered marriage celebrant (me), a valid Notice of Intended Marriage lodged at least one calendar month before your ceremony, and two adult witnesses present on the day, it's completely legal. You'll receive the same marriage certificate as any other couple.
As many or as few as you like. Technically you only need two witnesses and me. Some couples elope with just those three people; others bring a handful of their closest friends. There's no official limit, but if the guest list starts getting past 20 or 30, you're probably planning a micro wedding rather than an elopement, which is also something I love doing.
Yes, Australian law requires a Notice of Intended Marriage to be lodged at least one calendar month before your wedding day. Once you decide to get the ball rolling, I'll send you the form and walk you through it. The main thing is not leaving it to the last minute. If your date is less than a month away, you'd need to apply for a shortening of time, which is possible but requires approval.
Most of the time, yes. Many public spaces (beaches, parks, bushland) are free to use for a small ceremony with no permit needed. Some locations require a permit if you're bringing a photographer or a larger group. My guide to beach wedding permits in Queensland covers most situations, or just ask me when you get in touch and I'll tell you what I know about your chosen spot.
My elopement packages start from $550 for a Legals Only ceremony. Full details and all four tiers are on the packages and pricing page. There are a couple of options depending on how much ceremony preparation you'd like. No hidden extras; what you see is what you pay. If you're not sure which option suits, just ask and I'll help you figure it out.
Get in touch to check my availability, and let's talk about where and how you want to do this.
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