Wedding Blog

Eloping in Australia is easy and fun!  There’s very few mandatory tasks that are required to make the wedding legal and plenty of stunning locations and options to choose from to celebrate in your own special way.

From micro weddings to secret weddings and elopements, Australia has all the options you could ever need to plan precisely the kind of small wedding you want.  And without the worry of having to pay for a hundred extra heads, you’re free to create the wedding you deserve.  

Here’s how to make an elopement in Australia everything you hope it will be... 

Ultimate Guide to Eloping in Australia

What is an elopement?
How to elope
Elopement Packages
Cost of eloping
Elopement Checklist
Elopement FAQ

What Is An Elopement?

An elopement is a small & legally binding wedding ceremony with 2 - 30 guests that involves the same formalities of a traditional wedding ceremony. Eloping often refers to getting married in secret with the goal of having fewer people present, saving money and ensuring the focus of the wedding is on what's important to the couple.

Elopements have evolved over the last 20 years in line with social & economic trends. Whereas 20 years ago a couple who eloped were likely doing so in secret without the approval of parents. These days elopements are highly likely to involve the couple's parents as one of a handful of wedding guests to receive an invitation.

How To Elope

The one & only thing you need to elope in Australia is an authorised marriage celebrant who will officiate your wedding and organise and submit your legal paperwork. Everything beyond the celebrant is optional, and where you can put your personal touches to this very special day - or weekend - or week. 

There are no rules when it comes to eloping. You can do whatever the heck you like, however the heck you like - with the words "I do" thrown in at precisely whenever the heck you like. There are however three legalities that need to be ticked off to make your marriage official. 

To be legally wed by elopement in Australia you must:

1. Complete a Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM) at least one month before your wedding date
2. Provide ID as requested by your celebrant
3. Attend your wedding ceremony, repeat the required wording & sign the marriage register

Elopement Packages

One of the easiest and cheapest ways to elope in Australia is to book an elopement package with a venue that specialises in small and intimate weddings. The best elopement wedding venues in Australia offer two distinct packages:

• All Inclusive Elopement - includes your venue, a choice of 2 or 3 celebrants, a photographer and a legal marriage ceremony with all official paperwork submitted for you
• Semi Inclusive Elopement - includes your venue and you get to choose & book your own celebrant & photographer

Here's a list of Australia's most beautiful places to elope with a price guide for elopement packages available at each venue:

1. Goosewing Cottage Country Elopements

• Location: Hunter Valley, NSW
• Capacity: 2 - 20
• Accommodation: Sleeps 2 - 12

The little timber chapel at Goosewing Cottage is a purpose-built elopement venue that caters for intimate weddings with 2 - 20 guests (plus children). The picturesque farm stay offers affordable elopement packages from $3,295 including a celebrant of your choice, an award winning photographer and four hours venue hire for your wedding ceremony & photos.

Goosewing Cottage has optional accommodation in two onsite cottages that sleep 8 and 4 guests respectively. The larger of the cottages has a swimming pool and spacious kitchen suitable for a chef to cater for private dining.

 Contact Goosewing Cottage

2. Daydream Island Beach & Chapel Elopements

• Location: Daydream Island, Whitsundays, QLD
• Capacity: 2 - 300
• Accommodation: Sleeps everyone

Daydream Island Resort in the beautiful Whitsundays is a world class destination to elope on the iconic Great Barrier Reef. Semi inclusive elopement packages start at $4,500 and allow you to choose and book your own celebrant and photographer. Elopement ceremonies are held in a stunning glass chapel that overlooks the Coral Sea, on a seaside infinity deck or any of the island's secluded beaches.

 View Daydream Island

3. Blue Mountains Elopements

• Location: Leura, NSW 2780
• Capacity: 2 - 15 guests
• Accommodation: Nearby

The Blue Mountains is one of Australia's most scenic places to elope with incredible views over dramatic sandstone cliffs and escarpments. This secret ceremony spot in Leura is among our favourite elopement places in the mountains as it's completely hidden from public and has a rear view of the iconic Three Sisters rock formation.

All inclusive elopement packages at this beautiful Jamison Valley location are available through Kyle & Emily at Blue Mountains Weddings. Elopements start at $3,850 and include a styled ceremony, choice of celebrants, all legal paperwork submitted for you, a marriage certificate, photographer and celebratory picnic hamper. 

 View Blue Mountains Weddings

4. St Joseph's Guesthouse Airbnb Elopements

• Address: Hawkesbury - Sydney, NSW
• Capacity: 10 - 100
• Accommodation: Sleeps 10

St Joseph's Guesthouse is one of Australia's most unique places to elope and is situated an hour from Sydney by road and car ferry. The historic Airbnb was built from the ruins of an old Catholic Church and sits quietly on a hill overlooking beautiful Australian bush.

Venue hire for DIY elopements is $3,500 including 2 nights accommodation. All inclusive elopement packages are also available from $4,800 including a choice of celebrants, photographer, florals, wedding cake, grazing platter & champagne.

 View St Joseph's Guesthouse

5. Sydney Harbour Elopements

• Location: Sydney Harbour, NSW
• Capacity: 2 - 10+ guests
• Elopement Package: $795

Zoe Sabados is a professional elopement celebrant who specialises in marrying couples in a beautifully intimate wedding ceremony with just a handful of guests. Set against Sydney Harbour you can either marry at Blues Point Reserve or Bradfield Park and all your legal documentation is completed and lodged for you. There's no simpler way to get married.

 Contact Zoe Sabados

6. White Chapel Kalbar

• Location: 87 George Street, Kalbar, QLD 4309
• Capacity: 2 - 80
• Accommodation: Sleeps 8
• Elopement Packages: $6,650+

White Chapel Kalbar is one of Queensland's best chapels for intimate elopement weddings as it has a modern, light-filled interior with polished timber floors, a neon backlit altar and elegant bentwood seating. The chapel adjoins a covered courtyard with an outdoor fireplace and beautiful gardens perfect for wedding photos.

All inclusive elopement packages at White Chapel start at $6,650 and include 2 hours venue hire, a celebrant, lodgement of all paperwork, a photographer, flowers, cake, wine & platter and a 2 night stay at Herrmann House with breakfast. Herrmann House is the owner's Airbnb located 10 doors down the road.

 View White Chapel Kalbar

7. Chapel Hill Retreat Private Elopements

• Location: 36 Berambing Crest, Berambing, NSW 2758
• Capacity: 150
• Accommodation: Sleeps 34

Chapel Hill Retreat is a 35 acre private property set on the edge of the Blue Mountains and overlooks the region's world heritage valleys and scenic, bush covered hills. Beautiful elopement venues include a quiet avenue of Oak trees, a scenic bush cathedral, stunning gardens and an historic hill top chapel after which the property is named.

All inclusive elopement packages are very affordably priced from $4,200 including your choice of elopement venue, a marriage celebrant including lodgement of legal paperwork, wedding night accommodation and an antiplasto platter with sparkling wine & cheese. The retreat has 7 onsite cottages should additional guests wish to stay.

 View Chapel Hill Retreat

8. Fig Tree Park Country Elopements

• Location: 58 Sherringham Lane, Central Tilba, NSW 2546
• Capacity: 2 - 200
• Accommodation: Sleeps 2

Surrounded by grazing horses, the beautiful Mount Gulaga and uninterrupted views over the Pacific Ocean, this French-style estate is one of Australia's most scenic places to elope. The gardens of Fig Tree Park are also one of the most romantic places for private outdoor dining with thousands of fairy lights illuminating the lawns and a huge fig tree at night.

Semi inclusive elopement packages start at $3,800 and come with exclusive venue hire, a 2 night stay for the couple, styling of the ceremony site and a seated private dinner.

 View Fig Tree Park

9. Mountain View Pop Up Elopements

• Location: 11 Mount Dromedary Trail, Tilba Tilba, NSW 2546
• Capacity: 2 - 25
• Accommodation: Sleeps 2 - 14

Every year in Spring the Daisy Fields at Mountain View Farm burst into colour and provide a picturesque one-of-a-kind setting for highly romantic elopements. A newly envisaged altar and aisle is designed into the fields each year with space for up to 25 guests including a celebrant, photographer and wedding singer.

All inclusive elopement packages are $8,500 in the 6 week daisy season and cheaper the rest of the year. Optional accommodation is available on the property including in a love shack, glamping tents and cabins.

 View Mountain View Farm

10. Elope in Dungog

• Location: 321 Wallaringa Road, Wallaringa, NSW 2420
• Capacity: 12
• Accommodation: Sleeps 8
• Wedding Packages: DIY/BYO

Eloping at Wallaringa Farm in Dungog Shire near the Hunter Valley is an incredibly intimate wedding experience where you are surrounded by nothing but grazing horses in stunning green countryside. You'll elope on the grounds of a modern 3 bedroom cottage with two nights accommodation included in the price, and can bring up to 12 guests to celebrate your nuptials. elopement packages start at $5,500 and come with a celebrant, photographer & florals.

 View Wallaringa Elopements

Explore More Elopement Packages

AUS Elopement Packages
NSW Elopement Packages
QLD Elopement Packages

Cost of Eloping

The average cost to elope in Australia ranges from $2,000 - $20,000. Cheap elopements include a simple, legals-only style wedding ceremony performed by an authorised marriage celebrant, wedding dresses or suits for two people and an elopement photographer. Elopements increase in price from there, depending on the additional services added.

Elopement Costs

Here's a breakdown of individual elopement costs. The price of an elopement depends on what you choose to include in your special day. The only necessary spend to get legally married when you elope, is the celebrant.

• Venue Hire: $0 - $12,000
• Venue + Accommodation: $1,500 - $10,000
• Elopement Celebrant: $450 - $3,000
• Elopement Photographer: $900 - $10,000
• Wedding Dresses & Suits: $500 - $20,000
• Rings: $400 - $20,000
• Flowers: $400 - $6,000
• Ceremony Setup: $1,000 - $5,000
• Private Dinner: $100 - $600/pp
• Wedding Video: $900 - $6,000
• Champagne & Nibbles: $200 - $800
• Hair & Makeup: $200 - $800
• Planner/Stylist: $600 - $4,000

On top of these costs you’ll need to budget for outfits for both of you, the rings, the reception venue or restaurant for celebrating after your ceremony, travel costs and accommodation if seperate to your venue. 

Elopement Checklist

Here's a few ideas & a basic elopement checklist to help you get started planning the best damn day of your life so far...

1. Decide what’s important!

Why are you eloping? It may be to skip the fuss of a huge wedding ceremony and perhaps you’re keen to keep costs down. But there’s also a vision you want to achieve that involves a more intimate audience.  

Plan an elopement that fits with who you both are. Image: Cavanagh Photography

Talk to your partner about what you both value and what getting married means to you.  Think about what you’re going to say with your wedding and what it says about you. Then find a meaningful location and people who share your values to help you bring your wedding vision to life.

2. Create an elopement budget

Weddings are pricey, even small ones. Most couples who elope in Australia choose one or two items of importance to ‘splurge’ on (such as venue, celebrant or photography), and look to save on the budget in other areas. Your wedding is a very special moment in your life. So think about what you want the most from your special day and be generous to yourself in those areas. 

3. Choose an elopement location

Among the best places to elope in Australia include world-heritage locations, secret hideaways, romantic escapes and iconic venues. When choosing where to elope, think about what is most important to you. For example, you may like to consider a location;

• that has meaning such as where you first met, had your first date or got engaged
• that is near family & friends
• where you can elope & honeymoon in one location
• that enables your favourite pastimes such as bushwalking or swimming in the ocean

A destination elopement is not the only kind of elopement. Other places to elope include local parks and beaches, chapels & churches, cultural venues such as libraries or art galleries, or you can have an at home elopement where a celebrant comes to you.

 Find Places To Elope

Australia has plenty of small wedding venues for an intimate elopement like this French-style elopement venue: Fig Tree Park

4. Hire an officiant

An authorised celebrant is legally required to make the wedding official, so your celebrant, by default, is always the most important (other) person at your wedding regardless of what type of ceremony you’re having. You can’t get married without them. But if you choose to elope, the role your celebrant will play in marrying you and the way they perform the ceremony is quite unique. 

By definition, an elopement is an intimate celebration with very few guests. Instead of addressing a large audience, your celebrant will be addressing everyone at your ceremony on a more individual level. Celebrants who specialise in elopements know how to create an atmosphere and a momentous event of your wedding with just a handful of people present.

Hire a specialist elopement celebrant in the location you intend to elope. Elopement celebrants will perform your official wedding ceremony and organise & submit all your legal paperwork for you as part of their fee.

 Find An Elopement Celebrant

5. Book an elopement photographer

Your elopement will be one of the biggest moments of your life, so you’ll want to make sure all the wonderful feelings & moments that you experience on the day are captured beautifully. 

Australian elopement captured by Anna Murray

Australia has an incredible talent pool of amazing elopement photographers, including some who have been named amongst the world’s best by leading international publications. Elopement photographers are visual storytellers who largely photograph candidly and have a wonderful knack of capturing intimate and emotive moments without imposing their own presence. 

Elopement photographers offer packages from 2 hours to full day coverage with the average spend being $1,600 - $3,000. 

 View Elopement Photographers

Another option to consider is the addition of a wedding videographer to capture your special day.  They can create a short highlights reel that you can publish and share online.  You can even have the ceremony live streamed for family and friends to watch as it all happens. 

Video packages range from simply filming your wedding ceremony to the addition of pre & post wedding footage and drone imagery - which is definitely something to consider if you’re having a destination wedding in one of Australia’s landmark locations.

6. Find the perfect elopement dress

Australia is home to an industrious industry of internationally renowned fashion designers including those who create wedding suits and couture gowns. And in addition to the industry’s big names, there’s many local city-based design houses where dream gowns, pant suits, two pieces and more can be tailored by the designer, off the rack. 

Grace Loves Lace knows a thing or two about choosing the perfect elopement dress, particularly if you are intending to travel with your gown. "Comfort is the key as you embark on your elopement day. Opt for a lightweight gown that not only enhances your beauty but also allows you to move with ease. We recommend choosing a dress without boning, corsetry, or zips, making it a breeze to pack away in your suitcase."

Grace Loves Lace celebrates individuality with bohemian, timeless & modern designs. Ask about Zsa Zsa - the unique wedding gown designed for adventurous Brides. It's the world's first swim-friendly wedding dress!

Any of the wedding dress designers listed on Wedlockers will provide you with a custom fitting on your arrival in their city. Make sure you enquire early to get the required appointments prior to your wedding. Australian designed gowns generally start at $1,500 off the rack and custom tailored couture ranges from $5,000.

7. Choose your invitees

Yes, you might have chosen an elopement so that you don’t have to worry about who gets invited quite as much, but you still need two official witnesses. If you haven’t already decided who to bring with you, consider what’s most important to you when choosing who needs to be at the wedding. 

There are no real hard and fast rules for who to invite or how many to invite. Generally, a guest list of under 8 is considered an elopement, under 20 is a micro wedding and 40 or under is a small wedding.

Any of your wedding vendors, with the exception of your celebrant, can act as a witness to your wedding. 

8. Tell those who need to know

You’ll probably want to tell your family and closest friends about your wedding.  Think about when, where and how you will share this information.  Will you tell them before, during or after the big day?  

Scenic Rim elopement venue White Chapel Kalbar

Whoever you tell, tell them directly!  Hearing the news directly from you will help them feel included in your big moment.  They may be curious as to why you are choosing or chose to elope.  Have an explanation you’re comfortable with at the ready and be prepared that some people may require time to digest the news.  If this happens stay positive and be understanding.  

9. Check on legalities

The legal requirements to get married in Australia generally include: not already being married, not be marrying a person who is immediately related to you, be at least 18 years old, understand what marriage means and freely agree to be married, use the specific words required during your wedding ceremony as directed by your celebrant, submit a notice of intended marriage via your celebrant between 1 to 18 months before your wedding and be married by an authorised marriage celebrant.

You’ll need to provide proof of identification and place of birth, as well as a divorce if there have been previous marriages. Documents your celebrant may ask you for in order to submit your paperwork to legalise your marriage include an original birth certificate or extract and an original passport.

10. Don’t forget the rings 

When it comes to the rings, narrow your options down to the metals and gems you want to use, then consider what style fits best.  Do you want simple bands, brushed metal, single stones or something more embellished? As a rule, don’t worry too much about whether your rings match or not. You can each have your own unique design that fits with your lifestyles in mind. 

Having your wedding rings designed locally is a wonderful experience to enjoy together in the lead up to your wedding. Small Australian jewellers will walk you through the process, discussing who you are and what matters to you, to create designs that speak to your personality and relationship. If you’d like recommendations for small, local jewellers who offer this service in your area send us an email.

11. Think about what comes after

What will you do after the wedding ceremony? What kind of wedding reception do you want? A candlelit table for two catered in a private location, dinner at a restaurant in the city or an outdoor table under the stars at your private country venue?

Elopement set up by Elope in Sydney who offer all inclusive elopement packages with celebrant & photographer

Hiring an elopement planner to take care of all your wedding logistics is a good idea if you’re not getting married in your home town. They’ll organise your wedding ceremony, book your chosen suppliers and get you the best table at our most popular venues. You can find Australian elopement planners right here.

12. Announce your elopement

Even if you’ve given a lot of people close to you the heads-up, you should still think about how you’re going to make your introduction as a married couple. Your wedding photos and video can be used to help you share the news on social media.

You can also create stationery or other custom-made wedding favours to send to your nearest and dearest so that, even though they weren’t there, they have something to celebrate the big day with. Feel free to make a big fuss about it. It was a big moment in your lives together!

Elopement FAQ

1. Is eloping a legal marriage?
2. Do you need witnesses to elope?
3. What documents do you need to elope?
4. Where can I elope to get married?
5. How many guests can you have at an elopement?
6. How much does an Australian Elopement cost?
7. Should you elope?

1. Is eloping a legal marriage?

Yes, if you elope you are legally married. When you choose an authorised marriage celebrant to officiate your elopement, they will organise & submit your official paperwork and conduct your legally-recognised wedding ceremony making you an officially married couple.

2. Do you need witnesses to elope?

Yes, you need two. All Australian weddings need at least five people present: the two people getting married, two witnesses and a celebrant. Your witnesses can include your photographer, videographer or anyone else you invite. 

3. What documents do you need to elope?

Your celebrant will help you complete the required NOIM (Notice of Intended Marriage) form. You'll need to provide photo ID such as a passport, plus other documentation including but not limited to birth certificates and divorce certificates. Your celebrant will advise what documentation is required based on your individual circumstances such as your age and whether you have previously been married. 

4. Where can I elope to get married?

Anywhere you like. Here's some beautiful places to elope in Australia.

5. How many guests can you have at an elopement?

There's no set rules on how many guests you can have at an elopement. On average, couples who elope in Australia have between 2 - 30 guests.

6. How much does an Australian Elopement cost?

The average cost of an elopement in Australia is between $8,000 - $20,000. The cheapest elopements include a registry office style wedding from $450, with all costs above this fee being discretionary.

7. Should You Elope?

The big question when considering an elopement is should you elope? Here are 10 reasons why you might choose to elope instead of having a more traditional style of wedding. 

8 Reasons To Elope

1. You want the day to be about you two (rather than spend it socialising with guests)
2. You want the day to be intimate (and not focused on lots of other people)
3. You want to avoid drama
4. You want to save money
5. You want to avoid stressing over details
6. You want to avoid traditional cliches
7. You hate large crowds
8. You hate being the centre of attention

It’s easy to elope in Australia! There’s a multitude of beautiful elopement locations, fabulous wedding celebrants, very few restrictions and lots of venues that cater to small elopements and weddings. Decide on your favourite Aussie destination and enquire with an experienced elopement celebrant to kickstart your wedding plans in Australia.

Cover image: Cavanagh Photography

Looking for backyard wedding ideas to elevate your big day? Whether you're getting married in your own backyard or hosting an outdoor wedding at someone else's house, backyard weddings offer the perfect opportunity to create a relaxed, meaningful & outrageously fun celebration around what's most important to you. 

The best backyard weddings are celebrations that perfectly reflect the couple getting married. From the theme & styling of ceremony and reception areas, to catering and entertainment choices, when DIY weddings perfectly nail the couple's unique vibe the atmosphere created in the intimacy of a private backyard is a highly memorable, one-off magical moment in time. 

There are so many ways to DIY an amazing backyard wedding. Whether you host a simple outdoor wedding beside the swimming pool, say hilarious "I do's" in the garden, set up a photo booth on the verandah or turn your entire backyard into a beach volleyball tournament, there's no limitations on creativity when it comes to styling the ultimate garden party.

The following backyard wedding ideas include tips for successfully hosting a momentous outdoor party in a private property setting. You'll find the latest recommendations for backyard wedding decor, fun & practical decoration ideas, plus a range of suggestions for how to keep guests entertained during your garden reception.

Here are 40 unique backyard wedding ideas that elevate simple outdoor weddings into unforgettable celebrations. Discover creative touches that add fun, romance and uniqueness to your special day as well as practical ways to save money and ensure that your backyard wedding is both magical and budget-friendly. 

40 Awesome Backyard Wedding Ideas

1. Find the perfect backyard wedding venue

The best backyard weddings are hosted in uniquely atmospheric outdoor spaces. Find a backyard wedding venue that oozes the kind of character and intimate vibes you're aiming for. Examples include the repurposed St Joseph's Guesthouse near Sydney with its dramatic church facade or the pretty Tuscan courtyard at Redleaf Estate in the Hunter Valley.

One of the best things about booking a backyard wedding venue is that they typically come with a built-in wet weather option. That means you don't have to hire an external structure such as a marquee which is a saving of around $8 - $10k for a 100 person wedding.

 Find Backyard Wedding Venues

2. Nail your Backyard Wedding Theme

Backyard wedding ceremonies and receptions offer an unparalleled opportunity to get creative with your wedding theme. Think outside the box and style an at-home party that's totally unique to you. 

If you both love travelling, what about an aeronautical themed wedding brought to life by the likes of Sydney-based Trolley'd. Have a love of the beach? We once went to a backyard party that had sand trucked in from the local landscape supply place. It's your house and your day. Make it unapologetically you.

 View Trolley'd

3. Create a Backyard Selfie Booth

Design a personalised backyard photo booth with a creative theme that reflects both of your personalities. From vintage Hollywood glamour to rustic country charm, a photo booth adds a playful and entertaining element to a backyard wedding reception.

Set up a backdrop, purchase a custom neon sign and hire a vintage lounge like this custom booth conceptualised by The Event Artists for a private backyard wedding in NSW. Need help with ideas & the execution of a funky backyard booth? Hire an all-in-one wedding stylist with hire items.

 Find A Stylist & Hire Company

4. Book a Party Band

Elevate the atmosphere with live music tailored to your taste. Sydney Live Music Band brings a vibrant and personalised touch, creating a personalised soundtrack. Live music adds a unique and intimate garden ambience.  Whether it's a local band playing your favourite tunes or a solo musician setting a romantic tone, live music adds a personal touch and creates a captivating atmosphere.

 Find Backyard Bands 

5. Hire a Mobile Bar

Bring the party to your backyard with a mobile bar on wheels. Mobile bars range from vintage caravans, horse floats, drink carts, cocktail vans and transportable pop up bars in rustic or modern styles. Mobile bars add a trendy and stylish element to backyard weddings and provide a convenient and visually appealing way to keep the drinks flowing. 

 Find A Mobile Bar 

6. Set up Food Stations

Enhance the dining with interactive food stations. Whether it's a build-your-own taco bar or a gourmet popcorn station, food stations can be done on a budget and encourage mingling, allowing guests to appeal to their individual tastes.

 Find Food Stations 

7. Set up an Audio Guest Book 

Audio guestbooks are a modern alternative to the paper guest book where instead of leaving heartfelt messages written in ink, guests can record audio messages on a repurposed telephone. It's a dynamic and personalized way to capture memories that perfectly suits the fun vibes of a backyard wedding.

 Find Audio Guest Book Vendors 

8. Hire an Ice Cream or Gelato Cart

Beat the heat and treat your guests with a crowd-favourite ice cream or gelato cart. These super cute bikes & carts add a touch of nostalgia and fun to your Backyard Wedding Reception.

 Find Ice Cream / Gelato Carts 

9. Food Truck Catering

Whether it's gourmet burgers, tacos, BBQ or wood-fired pizzas, food trucks add a fun and casual element to outdoor weddings. Guests can enjoy a variety of dishes, creating a relaxed and enjoyable dining experience, suited to all preferences.

 Find Local Food Truck 

10. Lay Out Lawn Games

Keep the entertainment flowing with laid-back lawn games. From cornhole to giant Jenga, these games encourage friendly competition creating a great way to make your backyard wedding feel relaxed and joyful.

 Find Lawn Games To Hire 

11. Floral Installations

Transform your backyard into a dream wedding venue with epic flower installations. Floral table arrangements and feature installations such as an entrance arbour or hanging cloud can redefine an outdoor event space. For a dramatic, Instagram-worthy wedding backdrop have a specialist event florist transform your backyard into a floral wonderland.

 Find Australia's Best Wedding Florists 

12. Custom Signage

Guide your guests with custom signage. Whether it's directional signs, welcome boards, or quirky quotes, custom decor signage adds a touch of personality to your backyard wedding.

 Create Custom Signage 

13. Have a Showstopping Wedding Cake

Make a statement with a showstopping wedding cake that not only tastes amazing but also serves as a centrepiece. Whether it's adorned with intricate details or follows a unique theme, a stunning wedding cake becomes a focal point of your celebration and adds to the vibe of your backyard wedding decorations.

 Find Wedding Cake Makers 

14. DIY Cocktail Bar

Encourage mingling and creativity by setting up a DIY cocktail bar in one section of your backyard space. Provide various spirits, mixers, and garnishes, allowing guests to craft their own signature drinks. Mobile bar hire typically comes with an RSA qualified staff member ticking your legal requirements for the service of alcohol in Australia.

 Find Mobile Cocktail Bars 

15. Backyard Wedding Drinks Station

Every good party needs a rehydration station where guests can pour themselves a glass of icy cold water. Add your favourite flavours such as lemon, lime and cucumber to an urn of iced water, lay out glasses and style with gorgeous florals.

Most backyard wedding planners & stylists have trestle tables and urns that are perfect for setting up a backyard ceremony drinks station like this one.

 Hire A Drink Station Hire

16. Firefly Jars or Lanterns

Hang firefly jars or lanterns throughout your backyard. The soft glow will add a romantic touch to the evening, transforming your backyard into a fairy-tale wedding venue. To source, search 'floating paper lanterns' on Amazon.

 Find Styling Items On Amazon 

17. Late-Night Snack Station

Surprise guests with a late-night snack station. Set up the station on your verandah offering comfort foods like sliders, mini grilled cheeses, or gourmet popcorn as the night unfolds.

 Find Snack Station Caterers

18. Hire a touch screen photo booth

Touch Screen photo booths are a fun entertainment option for backyard weddings that enable guests to take selfies, create GIFS and Boomerangs and post content instantly to social media. Some operators like the Sydney-based In An Instant Photo Booth have options for open-air event spaces and covered backyard areas.

Touch screen photo booths are affordable to hire and super easy to set up.

 Find Touch Screen Photo Booths 

19. Festival-Inspired Seating

Opt for a variety of differing seats, with a mix of garden seating and low seating with vibrant cushions, blankets, and poufs to create a festival-inspired atmosphere. It's a relaxed and bohemian approach to seating that will encourage guests to kick back, relax and enjoy the celebration.

Here's a list of amazing festival-style wedding venues that offer the perfect location for a relaxed backyard celebration.

 Find festival-inspired seating 

20. Live Painting

Commission a live painter to capture the essence of your wedding day on canvas. Watching the painting evolve throughout the celebration adds a unique and artistic element to your backyard wedding. This particular creation was painted by Your Wedding Artist based in Sydney.

 Find A Live Painter 

21. Interactive Guestbook

Having an interactive audio guestbook is one of our favourite backyard wedding ideas because it lends a very personal and fun element to festivities that's entertaining for guests, plus creates a treasured keepsake for you. A roaming content creator interviews guests and extracts heartfelt and hilarious stories and anecdotes about the two of you.

 Find Interactive Guestbook 

22. Personalised wedding favors

Send guests home with thoughtful and personalized wedding favours like these miniature cocktails by Three Foxes Distillery in Melbourne. Options ranging from custom-made candles, succulents, or homemade jams, favours can serve as lasting reminders of your special day.

 Find personalised wedding favours 

23. Don't forget the kids

Keep kids entertained within the yard with a white-themed jumping castle, an Indian Teepee play area or hire a petting zoo. Stuck for backyard wedding ideas to keep the kids amused? Hire an event nanny and tick this problem off your to-do list.

 Find a Local Event Nanny

24. Champagne Tower

Decorate your backyard and create a momentous moment with a champagne tower centrepiece. For added effect rose coloured or red sparkling wine will have a visually striking effect and create a wonderful photo opportunity.

 Find Champagne Tower Suppliers 

25. Sustainable Wedding Confetti

Embrace eco-friendly practices by opting for sustainable confetti, decor, compostable dinnerware, and minimal waste. A green wedding not only reduces your environmental impact but also adds a conscientious and thoughtful touch.

 Order from Eco Love Confetti 

26. DIY Flower Crown Station

Perfect for the little kids and big kids alike, setting up a DIY flower crown station in your yard is a whimsical and bohemian activity that adds a touch of earthy nature to celebrations. The flower crowns could double up as wedding favours.

  Find A Local Wedding Florist 

27. Make your Backyard Wedding Weatherproof

Weather can be an absolute game changer on your wedding day so you'll thank yourself for having the forethought to consider these moment-saving backyard wedding ideas.

If it's bucketing with rain on your wedding day & you have no weatherproof space in which to continue celebrations you'll need to hire a marquee, tipis or sperry tent. A handy tub of umbrellas will do the trick for a mere sprinkle here & there and similarly to escape the sun, a tub of parasols will be much appreciated by guests.

For winter or trans-seasonal weddings when temperatures cool at night, consider having a blanket station that guests can access, fire pits with a ready wood supply or hire outdoor heaters. Facebook Marketplace is a fantastic source of budget friendly backyard wedding supplies.

  Search Facebook Marketplace 

28. Customised Dance Floor

An eye-catching way to make your dance floor stand out is to personalise your dance floor with a monogram, pattern, or meaningful quote. Customised decals are typically priced from $250 - $400 and can be found on Google by searching 'personalised wedding dance floors' or you can opt for laser projection with a special effects supplier.

 Find Special Effects Suppliers 

29. Rustic Desert Table

Showcase a rustic dessert table with a variety of sweets like pies, pastries, and homemade cookies. It adds a homespun and comforting element to your wedding. If you don't want to self cater, hire a local caterer to do it for you.

 Find Local Caterers 

30. Wine or Beer Tasting Station

Host a wine or beer-tasting station with a selection of local or favourite brews. It's a sophisticated and enjoyable way to celebrate your love for good drinks and styles up a backyard wedding reception.

 Find Mobile Bars for Tasting Stations 

31. Vintage Car Exit

Surprise guests with a stylish exit by departing your backyard wedding in a vintage car. Adding a touch of glamour to your departure creates a fabulous book end to elegant backyard weddings.

 Find Vintage Car Exit 

32. Add Custom Stationery to your Backyard Wedding Decor

Stationery adds a personal touch to backyard wedding decor, enhancing your wedding theme and providing an element of interest for your guests. Stationery can be incorporated into your table setting with place cards, menus or thank you cards, can be utilised with buffet stations to label foods and can be laid on ceremony chairs providing an order of service.

 Find Australian Stationers 

33. Quirky Centrepieces

Make your tables pop with colourful centrepieces styled with abundant florals, rich linens and textural elements. For a quirky table setting that's 100% you think outside the box and style lush florals amongst props of meaning to you.

Table decorations that work well for backyard weddings include colour coordinated candles or lanterns, statement glassware, fruits & berries, tree foliage & miniature liquor bottles - but you're only limited by your imagination. 

Find Amazing Wedding Florists 

34. Family Recipe Buffet

Infuse your wedding feast with sentimental value by featuring a family recipe buffet. Sharing beloved dishes from both sides of the family not only creates a delicious and diverse menu but also adds a warm and personal touch. It's a delightful way to celebrate your cultural heritage and create a culinary experience that reflects your unique family histories.

Find Buffet Caterers 

35. Camping Retreat

Extend the joy of your wedding by turning it into a full weekend camping retreat. Provide tents, create a bonfire, and offer camping essentials for a cozy and communal experience like this set up at The Cove Jervis Bay.

This unique backyard wedding idea allows guests to bond, share stories under the stars, and celebrate not just the wedding day but an entire weekend of love and connection.

Find a Camping Retreat 

36. Vintage Caravan Photo Booth

Elevate your backyard wedding by incorporating a vintage caravan. A retro caravan serves as an eye-catching backdrop for photos and adds a touch of glamour, whimsy and nostalgia to events. Aside from delivering unforgettable snapshots, a caravan photo booth also effectively fills empty space in your yard creating a cosy and intimate atmosphere.

Find A Caravan Photo Booth 

37. Pergola Alter

Frame your vows with elegance by setting up a pergola or arch as your ceremony altar like this one by Ivy Lane Collective on the NSW South Coast. Adorn it with flowers, drapes, or greenery to create a stunning focal point.

The pergola not only provides a picturesque backdrop for your wedding ceremony but also adds a touch of sophistication to your yard setting. Many wedding planners and stylists offer backyard wedding packages inclusive of a styled altar, signing table, aisle and guest seating.

Find Backyard Ceremony Packages 

38. Garden Tea Party

Transport your guests to an era of refinement by hosting a garden tea party. Set tables with fine China, elegant teacups, and dainty pastries for a sophisticated and charming affair. It's a unique way to blend tradition with your outdoor celebration. 

Find Garden Tea Party Suppliers 

39. Secret Garden Entrance

Craft a secret garden entrance. Use archways, draped fabric, or floral installations to create a pathway that leads guests to the main event. This entrance is a unique way to build anticipation for a momentous backyard celebration.

Find A Creative Wedding Florist  

40. Have a friend officiate your backyard wedding ceremony

One way to save money on your wedding and make your backyard nuptials super personalised at the same time, is to have a friend perform your wedding ceremony. To make the ceremony legal you'll need to hire a Legals-Only Celebrant who'll step in when its time for the official parts of the ceremony and sign your marriage certificate.

Find A Legals-Only Marriage Celebrant  

Cover image: Redleaf Estate captured by Margan Photography with styling by The Event Artists 

Have a backyard wedding idea to add to this list? Email Us