Eloping in Australia is about so much more than a quick ceremony in a registry office. For modern couples, it’s a chance to create a day that feels deeply personal, meaningful, and connected — filled with beautiful landscapes, intentional moments, and zero stress.
Whether you’re travelling from interstate or overseas, Australia offers an incredible variety of landscapes — beaches, forests, mountains, deserts, and rainforests — all perfect for crafting a day that feels like you.
As elopement photographers who help couples plan their dream elopement experiences across all of Australia, we’ve created this guide to walk you through every step of planning your Australian elopement — from choosing your location to celebrating with champagne and stargazing.
Why Couples are Choosing to Elope in Australia
Eloping is no longer about “running away to get married” — it’s about choosing a more intentional way to celebrate your love.
Many of the couples we work with choose to elope because:
- They don’t want to be the centre of attention
- They value experiences over tradition
- They want something that reflects them, not just what’s expected
- They’d rather invest in travel, photos, food, and memories — not table settings for 100 guests
If that sounds like you, you’re in the right place.
Step 1: Choose Where to Elope in Australia
Australia is incredibly diverse. Whether you’re after ocean views, rolling vineyards, ancient rainforests or rugged mountain ranges — there’s something magical for every couple.
Here are some of the best locations to consider:
Victoria
From the dramatic coastlines of the Great Ocean Road to the misty mountains of the Grampians or the lush forests of the Dandenong Ranges, Victoria offers accessible beauty and charming stays year-round. Perfect for golden-hour lovers and forest wanderers.
New South Wales
Home to the Blue Mountains, Byron Bay, the Snowy Mountains, and stunning South Coast beaches, NSW is a dream for couples who want variety — think mountains at sunrise, beach at sunset.
Queensland
For tropical rainforest vibes and warm weather, Queensland offers incredible spots like the Whitsundays, Port Douglas, and the Atherton Tablelands. You’ll find palm-fringed beaches, waterfalls, and lush Airbnbs nestled in the trees.
Tasmania
Raw, rugged, and romantic — Tasmania is perfect for nature lovers and slow travellers. Freycinet National Park, Cradle Mountain, and Bruny Island offer an untouched beauty that’s hard to beat.
South Australia
South Australia is full of hidden gems — think dramatic coastal cliffs on the Fleurieu Peninsula, rolling hills of the Adelaide Hills wine region, or the wild isolation of Kangaroo Island. Perfect for couples seeking something off the beaten path but still luxurious and intimate.
Western Australia
WA is wildly underrated. You’ll find jaw-dropping landscapes like Karijini National Park, the remote beaches of Esperance, and the dreamy wine and forest region of Margaret River. It’s ideal for adventurous couples who want wide open spaces and fewer crowds.
Northern Territory
For something truly unique and sacred, the Northern Territory offers powerful landscapes steeped in ancient culture — from the iconic red domes of Uluru and Kata Tjuta to the waterfalls of Litchfield and the tropical vibes of Kakadu. It’s for the couple craving connection to country, nature, and deep stillness.
Not sure where to begin? As your photographers, we help with location scouting and personalised suggestions based on your vibe, season, and accessibility needs.
Step 2: Pick Your Season Wisely
Australia’s weather can vary dramatically depending on the region. Most of our couples choose to elope in Autumn, Winter or Spring — avoiding the extreme summer heat and busy school holiday crowds.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Autumn (March–May) – Crisp mornings, golden leaves, perfect light
- Winter (June–August) – Moody mountains, misty forests, cozy fires
- Spring (September–November) – Blooming wildflowers, soft light, fresh air
- Summer (December–February) – Great for Tasmania or alpine areas, but hot in most states
Bonus tip: Weekdays are best for privacy and peaceful locations. Plus, many vendors have more availability midweek.
Other things to consider: If you are eloping in the tropics, these regions in Australia have a wet season (November to April) and a dry season (May – September). This happens in the top end of the country, in places like Far North Queensland, Northern Territory or the Broome & Kimberly regions on Western Australia.
Step 3: Book Your Dream Elopement Team
Even if it’s “just the two of you,” having the right team will make your day effortless and full of magic.
Here’s who you may want to include:
- Photographer – (Hey, we’re Vanessa & Linden! 👋) Someone not only captures your day and turns it into art, but also who also helps plan, scout, and guide you through the day
- Celebrant – For your legal ceremony and personal vows
- Hair & Makeup Artist – Mobile artists can come to your Airbnb
- Florist – For a bouquet, boutonnière, or ceremony styling
- Private Chef or Caterer – For an intimate post-ceremony feast
- Stylist – If you want a styled picnic or tablescape
- Videographer – Optional, but beautiful if you want motion memories
- Planner/Coordinator – Optional for more involved intimate weddings with guests
Many of our couples book us as their photographer and guide — we offer custom planning support, location ideas, permit advice, and timeline creation.
Step 4: Plan the Experience
This is where your day becomes more than just a ceremony — it becomes a story you’ll never forget.
Here are some ideas for what to include:
- Morning slow rituals – Making coffee together, writing vows, soaking in a hot tub
- Adventure element – A drive to multiple lookouts, nature walks, picnic in a national park, helicopter ride
- Ceremony – Private vows or a simple legal ceremony surrounded by nature
- Celebration – Pop champagne, enjoy a picnic, share a chef-prepared meal
- Evening – Stargazing, fireside snuggles, dancing under fairy lights
Want help building your timeline? we include a custom day plan for all our couples based on season, lighting, and locations.
You can also check out our blog “what to do on your elopement day (besides the ceremony)” for more inspiration!
Step 5: Make it Legal (or Don’t!)
In Australia, it’s easy to legally elope — you just need to:
- Lodge a Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM) with your celebrant at least one month before your ceremony
- Have a registered celebrant perform the ceremony
- Have two witnesses (as a photography duo, we can also sign for you – making eloping just the two of you so easy!)
Or… you can sign the paperwork at home and have your dream elopement wherever, however, and whenever you like — totally symbolic and stress-free. For more information on how to legally elope in Australia, and the different types of elopement ceremonies, check out our blog post here.
Bonus: Permits & Access
Some national parks and public land require a permit for ceremonies or professional photography. We help couples research and apply for these when needed — so you can focus on what matters.
Eloping in Australia: Your Way, Your Pace, Your Adventure
Whether you’re eloping just the two of you on a cliff at sunrise, or sharing a luxury dinner with your closest 10 guests under the stars — your elopement should feel like you.
You get to choose slow mornings, accessible adventures, intimate vows, and golden hour moments. And I’d love to help you create it.
Ready to Plan Your Australian Elopement?
We are Vanessa and Linden — an elopement photography duo based on the Mornington Peninsula, and travelling all across Australia helping couples plan and capture the most meaningful day of their lives.
From scouting epic locations to crafting intentional timelines — we are here for it all.
👉 Click here to get in touch and start planning your dream elopement.
