Getting married by elopement used to be for couples who needed a quick wedding, perhaps for questionable reasons, or for those adventurous fun types wanting to turn their Las Vegas holiday into a wacky Elvis Presley elopement! But as generations have changed, along with family structures, values and time, so has the acceptance of a wedding elopement ceremony as a genuine, intimate or sensible way to be married. In the recent era of Covid-19 when couples’ dreamy wedding or travel plans were unexpectedly put on hold or cancelled, many successfully turned their wedding plans into quick, affordable and fun elopement ceremonies.
In Australia, there is no difference legally when it comes to the style of wedding ceremony you choose for your marriage. The same legal requirements and processes must be adhered to by you and your celebrant and this includes lodging a Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM) at least a month before the intended date of marriage. The real difference is simply that an elopement usually only involves as a minimum, the marrying couple, two witnesses and the registered celebrant, and it’s often a short and simple ceremony.
So what are some of the obvious reasons and benefits to choosing an elopement wedding ceremony?
Obviously, keeping your wedding low-key can mean lower stress and lower costs. With less planning to worry about, perhaps less people to consult, and of course fewer guests, means you can escape a lot of stress and worry and just focus on each other. Eloping doesn’t mean your wedding has to be boring or dull. Instead of spending more than your budget on all the traditional celebrations and material items, you could spend less, making your ceremony even more special and intimate such as eloping to your special destination or incorporating a unique experience such as travelling by helicopter. With so many options available these days in terms of styling, transport, catering etc, you can make an elopement an extraordinary special wedding.
Also growing in popularity is combining another special milestone celebration with a ‘surprise’ elopement wedding. Whilst the marrying couple can’t be surprised (they have to complete the legal paperwork prior with the celebrant) they can certainly surprise their party guests when the 40th/50th/60th birthday party turns into an elopement wedding ceremony!
Couples are also more willing these days to style or theme their wedding to something special or meaningful to the couple rather than a traditional style wedding that might be more suited to religious ceremonies or traditional families. Eloping may allow you to feel more yourself without feeling like the centre of attention.
Top 5 Reasons to Elope
- A traditional wedding is just not you & you’d prefer a more intimate & personal wedding.
- The financial cost is too much & you’d rather spend the money on something else like a home.
- Rather avoid complicated family situations & politics.
- Escape the stress of planning a big wedding.
- You want to get married now.
Top 5 Elopement Ideas
- K’gari (Fraser Island). Tie the knot on the white sands and pristine blue waters of Sunset Beach Kingfisher Bay Resort or Lake McKenzie. Then go for a swim, have a picnic and drink champagne.
- Elope while enjoying your favourite hobby. Golf, scuba diving, fishing, motor bike riding, sailing, camping … whatever you love doing, do it at your wedding.
- Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort. Say “I Do” overlooking the Great Barrier Reef and after your beachside ceremony start your unforgettable coral cay honeymoon.
- The Iconic Elopement. Be married beside your favourite scenic icon (i.e. Sydney Opera House) followed by the best restaurant dinner celebration you’ll ever have before experiencing the most indulgent hotel you can imagine. Add spa treatments, cocktails and a private harbour cruise and be spoilt by luxury.
- BBQ Surprise. Invite your nearest and dearest for a BBQ and make the surprise entertainment your elopement!
