Planning
My wedding
Track your progress and access all of your wedding planning tools in one place.
To Do List
A step - by - step checklist of things to be done before your big day.
Guest List
See which guests are coming and which aren't at a glance.
Budget Calculator
Keep track of all spending associated with your big day.
Seating Planner
Organise your guest seating arrangements for all your events.
Gift Registry
Share your registry so guests can start contributing funds to your wishing well!
Competition
Enquire with and book your suppliers to go into the draw.
Unveiled Event
Connect with real couples, trusted vendors, and planning experts at your ultimate wedding planning day out!
Wedding Venues
Popular
Regions
All Wedding VenuesSydneyMelbourneBrisbanePerthGold CoastCanberraHobartAdelaideDarwinWedding Venue ReviewsDestination WeddingsBook a Hotel
Popular Styles
Beach
Garden
Luxury
Rustic / Country
Warehouse / Industrial
Waterview
Winery
Destination Wedding
Find Trusted Suppliers
Choose from 5,000+ wedding venues, services and providers across Australia.
in
Find Suppliers
Suppliers
Popular Categories
Wedding VenuesDressesPhotographyCelebrantsCarsHair and Makeup
Find SUPPLIERS By Location
SydneyMelbourneBrisbanePerthGold CoastHunter Valley
Explore All Categories
Ceremony
CelebrantsDecorationsFlowers
Reception
BomboniereCakesCaterersDecorationsWedding Hire
Fashion
AccessoriesBeauty ServicesBridesmaidDress DesignersFlower GirlsFormal WearHair and MakeupJewelleryWedding DressesLingerieShoes
Services
Hens Nights and Bucks PartiesInvitationsMusic, Bands & DJsPhoto Booth HirePhotographyPlannersSpecialty ServicesStylistsTransport and CarsVideography
Accommodation
Book a HotelAccommodationDestination WeddingsHoneymoons
Engagement
Engagement Venues
Reviews
Wedding ReviewsSubmit your reviews
Experience Unveiled by Easy Weddings; your ultimate wedding planning day out where elegance meets expert guidance. Meet top-tier vendors, get endless inspiration, and gain confidence planning your dream day.
Secure your spot ⟶
Packages
Destination Weddings
Articles
Wedding Guide
All articlesWedding InspirationWedding Venue Ideas
Real Weddings
Real WeddingsSubmit your Wedding
Expert Advice
Wedding Venue AdvicePhotography AdviceCelebrant AdviceAsk a Question
Wedding Resources
Wedding SongsExpos & EventsCeremony LocationsWedding Polls
Wedding Pages
Wishing Well
Join the Community
FacebookTikTokInstagramPinterestYoutube
Wedding Cash Giveaway

Enter here for a chance to win a $2,500 boost to your wedding budget

Advertise
  1. Easy Weddings
  2. Articles
  3. Destination Weddings
  4. How to plan the perfect elopement

How to plan the perfect elopement

By:
Content Team

Content Team

This article has been written by team of content creators at Easy Weddings.
/
Updated on: June 25, 2024

We love an elopement here at Easy Weddings. While we are all for epic celebrations, there’s something enchanting about two wild hearts running off to get hitched.

Elopements are having a surge in popularity, with more couples choosing to go small for their big day. With lower price tags and less pressure, it’s easy to see the appeal. However, that’s not to say that there is no planning involved. In fact, for the perfect elopement, you’ll want to make sure you have the little details locked in for a small but mighty celebration.

Eloping gives you the freedom to choose a location that truly speaks to you, whether it’s a mountaintop, a beach, or the courthouse down the street. And let’s not forget about the money you’ll save. You can use that cash to start your new life together or take the honeymoon of your dreams. Eloping might just be the ultimate act of rebellion — and love.

Crystal and Brian's Cecil's Peak Elopement captured by Fallon Photography
A dreamy New Zealand elopement. See the real wedding here, captured effortlessly by Fallon Photography.
Get Help Planning Your Elopement

Choose a location

Many couples choose to elope in a destination that is meaningful to them, like the location of a fondly remembered holiday or a library they both adore. With only two flights to purchase (a couple more if you’re bringing vendors with you), a destination wedding can suddenly be made affordable.

In picking your elopement location, think about your personal style and preferences. Do you love the idea of exchanging vows in a bohemian-style setting, surrounded by wildflowers and nature? Or would you instead tie the knot in a more sophisticated location, like a vineyard or a historic mansion? Make a list of what you envision for your big day and use it to guide your search.

Next, consider the practicalities. If you’re planning a destination elopement, think about travel logistics, including transportation, accommodation, and any necessary permits. You’ll also want to factor in the time of year and weather conditions, especially if you’re planning an outdoor ceremony. No one wants to say their vows in the middle of a thunderstorm!

Another essential factor to consider is the level of privacy you desire. Some couples may prefer to elope in a remote location, while others might want to be closer to civilisation. Consider how comfortable you are with the idea of strangers witnessing your wedding day, and choose a location that aligns with your wishes.

Moon Honey Photography elopement
Moon Honey Photography
Book Accommodation

Pick your dream team

Your wedding vendors are vital in creating a beautiful, seamless wedding. In an elopement, you have more flexibility to pick and choose the suppliers you use and focus your budget on quality rather than quantity.

Some vendors specialise in elopement weddings. You’ll be spoilt for choice with photographers, celebrants, and creative suppliers like stylists who focus their service offerings on intimate celebrations. These experts are well-versed in what goes into creating an unforgettable celebration for two — or a few.

There may be suppliers that an elopement negates your need for. Not enough guests to justify a wedding cake? Opt for a small cake or funnel that budget into something you prefer to prioritise, like a killer wedding day look or your photography.

As with larger weddings, look for vendors with portfolios that speak to your aesthetic, and don’t be afraid to ask for references from past clients. Elopements are often more affordable than traditional weddings, but that doesn’t mean you can skip the budgeting. Set a realistic budget and prioritise the vendors that are most important to you. And don’t forget to ask about any hidden fees or extra charges.

When it comes to logistics, consider the location of your elopement. If you’re getting hitched in a remote location, ensure your vendors are willing to travel and have experience working in similar settings. If you’re planning a destination elopement, look for vendors who are local to the area or have experience working there.

At Last Photography
At Last Photography

Curate your guest list

It’s no secret that an elopement has a tight guest list. If you know that you want your wedding to be a romantic experience for just the two of you, then it’s relatively simple. No one feels left out… because everyone is!

Some couples opt to have their children and other family members at their elopement. Others might bring two close friends as witnesses. It all depends on your preference.

It’s understandable to be concerned that some friends and family will be disappointed they don’t get to be a part of your celebration. With fragile egos and hurt feelings at stake, it’s easy to see why some people choose to let their loved ones know after the fact!

Be confident in your decision to elope. You’ve chosen to celebrate in this way for a reason, and you shouldn’t feel ashamed or apologetic about it. It’s your wedding day, and you get to do it your way.

When it comes to telling people, start with those closest to you. Tell your parents, siblings, and closest friends in person or over the phone. This shows them that you value their opinions and want to share the news with them personally. Don’t forget to emphasise how excited you are about your decision!

If people ask why you’re eloping, be honest but tactful. You can explain that you wanted something more intimate or that you wanted to save money. If someone tries to guilt-trip you into changing your mind, stand your ground and remind them that it’s your day.

Salt Atelier
A modern, intimate celebration at O Bar & Dining Sydney. Captured beautifully by Salt Atelier.

After-elopement party?

An intimate elopement followed by a wedding reception with all your loved ones — it’s the best of both worlds! More couples are choosing to have a wedding reception or after-elopement party when they return from their ceremony trip. This can be as extravagant or as low-key as you like!

When it comes to the party itself, think outside the box. You don’t have to go for a traditional wedding reception vibe if that’s not your style. Consider a cocktail party or a beachside celebration. Don’t forget to incorporate some fun elopement-themed details, like a photo booth with props or a cake that says “We Eloped!”

You can even choose to announce your elopement at the celebration for a fun surprise. A party is a perfect way to include all the precious traditions that you would otherwise miss out on with a traditional elopement. For example, why not have your first dance, cake cutting, and, of course, speeches from your loved ones?

Want to share a little something of your elopement with your guests on the day? Your photographer can work with you to have a slideshow of gorgeous ceremony pictures to display on the day in a slideshow or displayed around your venue.

Veri Photography
Veri Photography

Some of our favourite elopement locations

  • Fiji. Picture this: you and your partner exchanging vows on a secluded beach, with crystal-clear waters and swaying palm trees as your backdrop. After the ceremony, you can spend your days lounging on the beach, snorkelling with tropical fish, and sipping fruity cocktails. And at night, you can enjoy romantic dinners under the stars, with the sound of the ocean as your soundtrack. Fiji has so many gorgeous elopement spots to offer. Our favourite? Fiji Marriott Resort, set on beautiful Vonu Beach.
  • The Yarra Valley. Imagine exchanging vows amongst rows of grapevines, with the sound of a nearby creek and the scent of blooming flowers in the air. After the ceremony, you can explore the many wineries and cellar doors in the area, sipping on local wines and enjoying gourmet cheese platters. And at night, you can cosy up in a charming bed and breakfast, complete with a crackling fireplace and a bottle of bubbly. Riverstone Estate is a perfect choice with options for elopements and micro weddings.
  • Inner city locations. The word ‘elopement’ might conjure imagery of wide open spaces, but your inner-city wedding for two can be just as romantic. Whether you opt for a registry office marriage or you opt to wed in a historic location like the State Library of Victoria, you have endless options. Don’t forget to explore the city afterwards for some chic wedding photography!

Need help planning your romantic elopement or micro wedding? Chat with one of our expert wedding planners, and they’ll curate a supplier package just for you. 

Speak to a Wedding Expert

Suppliers you'll love


View Local Suppliers

Tags / Categories

Categories: Destination Weddings, Elopements, Wedding Advice, Wedding Planning

Tags: backyard elopement, elopement, plan your elopement

Related articles

destination wedding problemsDestination wedding problems: The guidebook of what can go wrong (and how to avoid it)
By Liv Croagh · July 10, 2025
Koro Sun Resort Fiji 3 1200x800 1Fiji wedding packages under 100 guests
By kelly · July 8, 2025
affordable thailandAffordable Thailand wedding packages
By Content Team · July 8, 2025
Planning Tools
  • To Do List
  • Guest List
  • Seating Planner
  • Budget Calculator
Suppliers
  • Wedding Venues
  • Dresses
  • Photography
  • Celebrants
  • Cars
  • Hair and Makeup
  • Wedding Packages
Packages
  • Wedding Packages
  • Destination Weddings
Help
  • Advice & Ideas
  • Ask a Question
  • Contact Us
Download the Easy Weddings app
iOS app store link
Android play store link
Are you a wedding vendor?Join Australia's largest and most trusted wedding destination today and connect with more couples to book more weddings.
List your business
Easyweddings logo
© 2025 Easy Weddings Pty Ltd.·Sitemap·Privacy·Legal