To elope or not to elope?

To elope or not to elope?

You could say elopement is the most popular wedding choice right now and if you’re reading this blog you are probably seriously thinking about eloping.

Maybe you’re engaged and trying to decide how you will plan your wedding or maybe you’ve already decided to go ahead with an elopement.

Over the years, elopement has become something many proudly choose. Whilst once upon a time elopement seemed scandalous and shocking, elopement has become an exciting and viable option many couples are opting for (even before COVID-19 changed how we plan weddings).

With restrictions currently in place, elopements are even more suitable than ever and a choice that will make for a truly memorable experience.

So why are elopements special?

• It’s all about you two – A wedding day is deeply personal and elopement allows you to keep the focus on each other, on your commitment and the significance of the moment. You will feel very present when it’s just the two of you. 
• Choose any location– The beauty of elopements is the ceremony can be held just about anywhere. You can choose a sentimental setting or a unique location that a full gathering of guests wouldn’t allow for or have the capacity for.
• The day is yours to enjoy– Sure you have to get to the ceremony on time but there isn’t the intensity of a strict timetable that a larger wedding brings.
• There is no pressure to live up to any expectations– The absence of guests means you can’t disappoint.
• They create new family traditions– There’s something about bucking traditions and choosing to make the day exactly what you want.

Curious to know the most common reasons couples elope these days?

1. Wanting a private ceremony just between two people.
2. The idea of being married in front of lots of people feels overwhelming.
3. The budget/ time frame doesn’t allow for a big wedding.
4. Spending money on a wedding isn’t appealing. Couples who elope usually prefer to spend money on travel experiences a house or other personal goals.
5. A destination wedding (post coronavirus of course).
6. Falling in love with the idea of keeping things really simple.
7. Wanting to marry at a location that is private and holds sentimental value as a couple.
8. Choosing to have just a handful of people at a ceremony- Some may consider this a wedding but for many, it falls under the umbrella of elopement when there is less than 20 guests.
9. Avoiding awkward family tensions. Although you would hope families can put past disagreements to the side for a wedding, some couples choose to not risk the potential conflict.
10. Wanting to be married right now and organising a reception or celebration with friends and family later down the track.

Once you decide you want to elope you will need to decide where you will elope.

Here are some thought starters for where you might want to hold your ceremony:

• The beach– A perfect location for sun, sea, and wave loving couples.
• Your home– Nowhere is more intimate than marrying in the place you live together.
• A favourite restaurant– This location has the extra bonus of feasting on your favourite food straight after the ceremony.
• Your favourite park/ secluded area– Choosing a sentimental setting where you’ve enjoyed picnics, relaxing and/ or exploring as a couple will create wonderful memories and add even more significance to your day.
• At a hotel– Many hotels cater to weddings (big or small), offering beautiful settings for ceremonies, photos, and food packages.

It’s always exciting to see just how you will choose to make the day your own and it is a beautiful privilege to step in and capture every detail so you can share your precious moments with loved ones.

As some state borders have now reopened, I am available to travel to some states from my Melbourne home base. Contact me to receive more details regarding locations I am permitted to travel to. I am very excited to resume shooting weddings Australia wide once state borders lift again.

Given the way 2020 weddings look right now (in our COVID-19 world), I have collated ways to prepare for elopement in Victoria and included some inspiration for Melbourne elopement locations.

Elopements Melbourne – Hot Spots and Popular locations to elope in Melbourne

• Dandenong Ranges National Park Wedding – The beautiful and picturesque ranges offer a bevy of mountains and forest, creating an enchanting world for you to say ‘I do’.
• Beauchamp Falls- Waterfall Wedding – A stunning location suited to couples who are interested in a unique backdrop for their vows. This setting is a magical nature lovers’ playground.
• Mount Hotham- Snow Wedding – Picturesque views and brilliant white snow couldn’t make a better backdrop for your ceremony. You will love this choice if you enjoy snow season. (Opens 24th June 2020).
• Mount Buller-Snow Wedding – Another snow location that is equally breathtaking, Mount Buller is majestic and your wedding photos will be strikingly beautiful. (Opens 22nd June).
• Half Moon Bay, Black Rock– Coastal Wedding – A gorgeous setting perfect for a sunset ceremony.
• Cactus Country, Strathmerton – Garden Wedding With A Difference – With the Largest collection of cacti in Australia, this stunning desert landscape is for the couple who want something different. Say I do surrounded by succulents.

Now that I’ve got you thinking about eloping you may be wondering what you need to do to prepare for an elopement?

To get married in Victoria, all you need to do is lodge an intent to marry form at least one month (30 days) before the wedding and have a celebrant or minster along with two witnesses attend your ceremony. 

Elopements Victoria – What you need to know about marrying whilst COVID-19 restrictions are in place.

The most recent COVID-19 update as of the 1st June 2020 in Victoria states you are now allowed 20 guests plus the celebrant and the couple at the wedding. For all the most up to date details you can read more on the Victorian Government COVID-19 restrictions page

Whilst many weddings have been postponed until such time large gatherings are allowed again, I am currently taking bookings as an elopement photographer throughout Victoria.

Are you planning ahead? Looking at a 2021 wedding? Whilst we still don’t know exactly how 2021 Weddings will unfold, I would love for you to say hello if you are looking to book your wedding photographer.

If you have any questions around elopements or would like any help finding the perfect elopement location you are welcome to contact me anytime and I’d be happy to chat about your ideas and your special day.