Wedding Blog

Country Wedding Venues In Queensland

Looking for a country wedding venue in Queensland? These barns, farms and homestead wedding venues are among Queensland's most beautiful rural properties for private celebrations. They are an eclectic assortment of country wedding locations from rustic sheds in regional towns to farm wedding venues on hundreds of outback hectares.

Country wedding venues in QLD come in all price brackets from very affordable to high-end luxury. The cheapest places to get married are DIY properties and at relaxed farm wedding venues where pizza style menus are on offer.

If you're after a more luxe experience, Queensland has some amazing private homesteads and country wedding estates with all inclusive packages starting from $250 - $300 per head. On average, country weddings in Queensland costs between $150 - $200 per person with accommodation on top.

The following list of country wedding venues include some amazing farms, barns and sheds, hinterland escapes with epic views over National Park, Hamptons-style country halls, wineries and country resorts. Some venues are available to hire for elopements and micro weddings while others offer a 3 day country getaway for your entire guest list.

Here are our top 27 country wedding venues in Queensland.

Country Venues:

Near Brisbane
Near Gold Coast
Near Sunshine Coast
Central QLD
Far North QLD

Country Wedding Venues Near Brisbane

1. White Chapel Kalbar

Location: 87 George Street, Kalbar, QLD 4309
Capacity: 90
Ceremonies: All inclusive (BYO celebrant)
Reception Packages: All inclusive

White Chapel Kalbar is a modern country chapel located in the beautiful Scenic Rim just one hour from Brisbane and 1.5 hours from the Gold Coast. Through an elegant picket fence, grand white doors open to a fresh white space furnished with classic white bentwood chairs and a unique, back-lit altar.

White Chapel can be hired exclusively for wedding ceremonies and elopements and comes with access to a rustic courtyard and lush gardens including an alfresco barn bar. Also adjoining the gardens is Black Hall, a modern black-walled reception venue elegantly styled for luxe country weddings.

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2. Black Hall Weddings

Location: 87 George Street, Kalbar, QLD 4309
Capacity: 90
Wedding Packages: All inclusive
Optional Accommodation: Sleeps 8

Black Hall is a luxe, American style barn wedding venue with polished wooden floors and a modern black & white palette. Styled perfectly for elegant country weddings that space can seat up to 74 guests and caters for 90 for a cocktail event.

Affordable all inclusive packages provide all catering & drinks and the hall comes with a front lawn for games and canapes or seated outdoor dining if you wish. Garden ceremonies are also welcome in this space, with the indoor option of the chapel a few steps away. The venue has a luxury Airbnb a few doors down the road and a mini bus for guest transport.

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3. FigTree Country Retreat

Location: Petersen Road, Irongate, QLD 4356
Capacity: 90
Accommodation: Sleeps 10
Wedding Packages: DIY/BYO

With an amazing reception space in a festoon-lit hangar, the ability to fly in to your wedding, stunning views and glamping style accommodation in repurposed grain silos, FigTree is one of Queensland's most unique country venues. The elevated property is located 2 hours from Brisbane, 40 mins from Toowoomba and within 20 minutes of airports for refuelling.

Weddings at FigTree Country Retreat are DIY and there's plenty of excellent caterers and suppliers in the region. Elopement packages are available for fly in, fly out couples or you can stay the entire weekend and celebrate with up to 90 guests. There's also outdoor dining areas for receptions under the region's incredible star-lit sky and a unique Silo Bar perfect for alfresco drinks.

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4. Jubri's Hideaway

Location: 63 Chelldan Avenue, Dalby, QLD 4405
Capacity: 80
Wedding Packages: DIY/BYO
Accommodation: Sleeps 14

Located in the country town of Dalby an hour from Toowoomba, Jubri’s Hideaway is a one-of-a-kind destination with a unique choice of backdrops for rustic weddings. From bush gardens and water settings to a hidden Balinese garden complete with authentic buddha hut altar, carved entryway gates and totem poles.

The reception venue is a renovated shed style space with an adjoining indoor/outdoor bar and an eclectic courtyard filled with country knick knacks. An affordable venue hire fee includes accommodation in guesthouses, all furniture for ceremony & reception, bar staff and a choice of caterers.

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5. Bundaleer Rainforest Gardens

Location: 59 Bundaleer Street, Brookfield, QLD 4069
Capacity: 30 - 160
Wedding Packages: All inclusive (BYO drinks)
Ceremony & Elopement Packages: All inclusive (BYO drinks)

One of the most convenient country wedding venues in Queensland is Bundaleer Rainforest Gardens, located a quick 18km from the centre of Brisbane. The four acre family owned property is a nature lovers paradise, immersed in lush rainforest with a pretty waterfall, tranquil creek and surrounded by landscape gardens and century old trees.

On either side of the property are two seperate wedding sites, each with their own ceremony and reception venues. One location features a large white marquee & sun drenched ceremony deck, the other is a rustic treehouse and timber ceremony pavilion.

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6. Barn Bar @ Black Hall

Location: 87 George Street, Kalbar, QLD 4309
Capacity: 10 - 40
Wedding Packages: All inclusive
Optional Accommodation: Sleeps 8

The Barn Bar at Black Hall is an open-air rustic wedding venue located on the lawns of Black Hall and White Chapel. Although outdoors, the bar is weatherproof and can seat 20 - 30 guests on one long table. Receptions can also be set up on the lawn and in torrential weather the chapel and hall provide your Plan B.

The venue also has an optional Airbnb a short walk down the road, a vintage Bentley and a mini bus for door-to-door guest transport.

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7. Greenvalley Country Weddings

Location: Douglas Road, Plainby, QLD 4355
Capacity: 120
Accommodation: Sleeps 6
Wedding Packages: 3 Days, DIY/BYO

Greenvalley Country Weddings is located on a quintessential Queensland farm, offering a charmingly authentic location for laid back country weddings just 35 minutes outside of Toowoomba. Set on 160 acres the property features fields of friendly stallions, rustic photo backdrops and a beautifully refurbished wedding barn.

Due to the rural location there is no curfew at Greenvalley and there is plenty of space for guests camp with onsite bathroom amenities. Venue hire includes sole use of the property from Friday to Sunday and comes with the homestead and an onsite wedding coordinator to facilitate your set up & pack down.

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8. Preston Peak Winery

Location: 430 Preston Boundary Road, Preston, QLD 4352
Capacity: 300
Accommodation: Sleeps 18
Wedding Packages: All inclusive

Preston Peak Winery is one of the most popular country wedding venues in Queensland. The 330 acre property has one of the most photographed cellar doors in Australia featuring a huge tree chandelier decked out in sparkling Swarovski crystals. This is just one of the potential sites for your first dance as a newly married couple.

The property's other marvels include this glasshouse ceremony pavilion which has breathtaking views over the Lockyer Valley, an intimate cocktail courtyard which offers an interactive kitchen experience and a function centre with incredible views. There's also a Bridal Suite, homestead accommodation and loads of amazing photo opportunities.

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Country Wedding Venues Near Gold Coast

9. Midginbil Eco Resort

Location: 252 Midginbil Rd, Midginbil, NSW 2484
Capacity: 150
Accommodation: Sleeps 150+
Wedding Packages: DIY/BYO

A couple messaged us recently requesting recommendations for a country wedding venue where all their guests would be trapped with them for the weekend. They booked Midginbil Eco Resort. This picturesque retreat is set on 400 acres in the Byron Bay Hinterland and accommodates all guests including in an epic village of safari tents that each have their own timber balconies.

Midginbil is surrounded by sub-tropical rainforest and has hill top ceremony sites with expansive views over the Night Cap National Park. There's also a gorgeous rustic barn for wedding receptions, a late night after-party bonfire site, a swimming pool, tennis & volleyball courts and loads of options for a recovery day shindig. No curfew!

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10. Tides Estate

Location: 290 North Teven Road, Teven, NSW 2478
Capacity: 140
Accommodation: Sleeps 22
Wedding Packages: Tailored

Tides Byron Estate is a highly picturesque farm wedding venue situated on 100 acres south of the Gold Coast. The unique macadamia farm features a fully furnished modern wedding hall with views to Lennox Head and an 8 bedroom, two storey villa with a poolside event space.

Venue hire at Tides Estate includes two options... You can either hire the wedding hall for your ceremony & reception or add the villa and make a weekend of celebrations. The owners also allow long table weddings in the Macadamia Orchard.

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11. Glenbridge Country Weddings

Location: 74 Craike Road, Murrays Bridge, QLD 4370
Capacity: 500
Wedding Packages: DIY/BYO

Glenbridge Country Weddings is a family operated working farm on the Southern Downs, 15 minutes from Warwick. Oozing country romance, the property features an authentic rustic shed with adjoining festoon lit yard, a quaint homestead with lush gardens for your wedding ceremony and a hilltop location for marquee or tipi weddings.

The farm's picturesque paddocks offer a variety of photo opportunities with friendly horses, chillaxed cows, hay bales, green crops and tractors depending on the season. Venue hire includes exclusive use for 5 days providing heaps of time to set up & pack down. As a DIY venue you choose all your own suppliers and style the property however you like.

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12. Pioneer Country Weddings

Location: 98 Fraser Drive, Tweed Heads South, 2486
Capacity: 300
Accommodation: Optional glamping
Wedding Packages: All inclusive

Just 10 minutes from the airport in the picturesque Northern Rivers is a 200 acre working cattle property surrounded by lush rolling hills and featuring glistening ocean views. Pioneer Country is one of the most relaxed & affordable farm wedding venues in Queensland and comes fully equiped for both indoor & outdoor weddings.

Ceremonies can be held in the plantation style chapel which has walls that open on both sides making the space both airy and flexible in size. There are a number of potential ceremony sites outdoors, loads of photo locations and a barn style reception venue/restaurant that seats up to 220 guests. Cheap wedding packages start at $5,000 with pizza menus.

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13. The Acre Boomerang Farm

Location: 55 Johns Road, Mudgeeraba, QLD 4213
Capacity: 100 - 300
Accommodation: Available nearby
Wedding Packages: All inclusive

Nestled in the Gold Coast Hinterland, The Acre at Boomerang Farm is a tropical paradise of lush, manicured lawns set amongst a thriving backdrop of pristine rainforest. The property has a secluded & tranquil ceremony site set over a gentle flowing stream, a refurbished 1902 rustic barn for receptions and acres of space for outdoor or tipi weddings.

The property is perfect for intimate country weddings and is run by the team from renowned venues Ancora and Osteria. Wedding packages come with menus designed to share including seasonal grazing tables, canapés and gourmet feasting platters.

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14. The Bower Estate

Location: 3165 Nerang-Murwillumbah Rd Natural Bridge, QLD.
Capacity: 150
Accommodation: Sleeps 10
Wedding Packages: 3 Days

Under the gaze of dramatic cliff faces and with vast views over the Springbrook & Lamington National Parks, weddings at The Bower Estate are both jaw droppingly spectacular and environmentally savvy. The family who own and operate this 120 acre private nature reserve are dedicated to the preservation of its world heritage rainforest and wildlife corridors.

The Bower Estate can be booked for 3 day country weddings or single day weddings (week days only). There is a permanent clear roofed marquee and a number of private outdoor areas to suit alfresco celebrations of all sizes. All wedding packages are inclusive of venue hire, food & drinks, furniture, tableware, coordination and set up.

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15. Austinvilla Estate

Location: 31 Austinville Road, Mudgeeraba, QLD 4213
Capacity: 130
Accommodation: Sleeps 90
Wedding Packages: All inclusive
Elopement Packages: $3,000+

Austinvilla Estate is a full-service country wedding destination set on 111 acres of resort-like grounds in the Gold Coast Hinterland. Surrounded by lush rainforest, macadamia fields and tranquil creeks, the grounds offer total privacy and every amenity you need for a luxurious and relaxed wedding getaway in a beautiful, regional setting.

There is an onsite beauty parlour, an open-air ceremony pavilion with stunning views across the property, an elegant reception venue with a canopy of romantic fairy lights, a pre-dinner rainforest deck with pop up bar and accommodation for your entire guest list. Other options include a recovery breakfast, post-wedding pool party and meet & greet dinners.

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Country Wedding Venues near Sunshine Coast

16. Maleny Retreat

Location: Mears Lane, Booroobin, QLD 4552
Capacity: 200
Accommodation: Sleeps everyone
Wedding Packages: DIY/BYO

With 100 acres of lush mountain scenery as the backdrop for saying "I do", Maleny Retreat is one of the most picturesque country wedding venues in Queensland. Sitting on a hilltop 555m above sea level, this Sunshine Coast Hinterland location boasts views from Glass House Mountain to the Pacific Ocean.

Outdoor and marquee weddings are the specialty at Maleny Retreat with a range of packages available including hire of a marquee, Sperry tent or giant Nordic tipis. There’s a 9 room guesthouse and bell tents for accommodation, and camping is permitted for additional guests.

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17. The Old Dairy Maleny

Location: 621 Landsborough Maleny Road, Maleny, QLD 4552
Capacity: 90
Wedding Packages: 3 Days
Elopement Packages: Mid week

Set across 90 acres of manicured grounds on a ridge top overlooking the Glass House Mountains, The Old Dairy Maleny offers an extraordinary setting for country weddings with sweeping views over hills, valleys & rainforest. This magical hilltop paradise comes with unique and versatile event spaces to truly make your own.

With jaw dropping views, The lookout is one of the most breathtaking ceremony sites in Queensland. It is surrounded by spacious lawns with a working Bell Tower a picture perfect setting for alfresco entertaining. Inside, the blank canvas of The Old Barn is a stylist’s dream with a grand stone fireplace, high ceilings and views for days.

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Country Wedding Venues in Central QLD

18. The Farm Plumeria Road

Location: 405 Plumeria Road, Black River, QLD 4818
Capacity: 150
Wedding Packages: DIY/BYO

Nestled between the base of Mt Black & Black River only 25 minutes from Townsville is a beautiful expanse of Australian countryside known as The Farm Plumeria Road. This 540 acre farm features is immersed in tranquil bushland and is exclusively yours for the weekend, or for a mid week micro wedding.

The Farm Plumeria Road is a DIY & BYO location where you bring all your own choice of suppliers to create the country wedding of your dreams. The property has a huge 30x12m wedding shed that comes with timber tables & chairs, a rustic free standing bar and assortment of props and decor. Glamping is permitted onsite.

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19. Elite Barn Weddings

Location: Hervey Range Road, Alice River, QLD 4817
Capacity: 300
Wedding Packages: DIY/BYO

Elite Barn Weddings is a laid back spot for country weddings within an authentic Australian Outback setting. The property is located just half an hour from Townsville and has a huge open-sided wedding reception barn, an open-air & all-white chapel with rustic pews, and many beautiful wedding photo locations including a romantic fairy-lit tree surrounded by timber seating.

The wedding barn features high ceilings, plenty of light and festoon lights throughout, providing a versatile space to suit a wide range of styling. Relaxed boho & rustic weddings work just as well here as a glam, shimmering gold palette.

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20. Purnella Park Coachhouse

Location: 445 Torbanlea Pialba Road, Takura, QLD 4655
Capacity: 100+
Wedding Packages: All inclusive

Purnella Park Coachhouse is a quaint little 10 acre country wedding location set within gorgeous rambling gardens just 10 minutes from Hervey Bay. Surrounded by natural bushland and oozing in rustic character, the property offers a charming setting for relaxed regional weddings.

Wedding spaces include an open-sided ceremony pavilion that looks over a tranquil lake, the Coachhouse Barn seating up to 60 guests or catering for cocktail weddings of 80, and The Pavilion with hard wood flooring, private bar and rustic chandeliers.

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21. The Creek Whitsundays

Location: 30 Valmadre Road, Kelsey Creek, QLD 4800
Capacity: 130
Wedding Packages: All Inclusive

The Creek is a modern farm wedding venue located on 800 working acres in the picturesque Whitsundays. The centrepiece of this property is a grand rustic barn that has an atmospheric interior with timber slat walls, chandeliers, two bars and an adjoining festoon-lit outdoor area with a fire pit.

The photo opportunities on the farm are endless from rusty old Holden utes and a Chevy truck to open paddocks with grazing horses to a lily pond with row boat and a romantic swing. You also get epic sunsets over surrounding mountains and easy, all inclusive packages with a planner, catering, drinks, set up and coach transfers.

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22. Gabbinbar Homestead

Location: 344 Ramsay Street, Middle Ridge, QLD 4350
Capacity: 200
Wedding Packages: All inclusive
Summer discounts available

Conveniently located within minutes of Toowoomba, Gabbinbar Homestead is a highly popular spot for elegant country weddings. Inside the grand homestead, spaces accessible for weddings include a library, drawing room, conservatory, ballroom and Bridal Retreat. There is no overnight accommodation but there are plenty of places to stay nearby.

In the 150 year old gardens surrounding the homestead is an open air pavilion with chandeliers that offers an all-weather location for wedding ceremonies. Photo opportunities include a giant Moreton Bay fig, jasmine hedge, jacarandas and woodland settings. Wedding packages include all food, beverages, set up of spaces and nice surprises.

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23. In The Grove

Location: 295 Rosedale Road, Oakwood, QLD 4670
Capacity: 150
Wedding Packages: Flexible

Just 10 minutes north of Bundaberg, this 5 acre garden oasis is the perfect country venue for tropical outdoor weddings. Lush green lawns are surrounded by majestic hoop pines, soaring palm trees and giant festoon-lit figs providing a cool and private location for beautifully intimate garden weddings.

One of the great things about this gorgeous country estate is that it is family owned & operated by onsite event managers who ensure everything is ready & organised for your big day. You can choose your preferred catering and either dine outdoors or in the grand marquee under a clear roof and 300 metres of fairy lights or with optional draped silk lining.

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24. The Barn At The Mountain

Location: 291 Mount Wheeler Road, Cawarral, QLD 4703
Capacity: 200
Accommodation: Camping
Wedding Packages: DIY/BYO

The Barn At The Mountain is a scenic country venue set against the backdrop of Mount Gai-i between Yeppoon & Rockhampton. With a gorgeous open-air reception barn, festoon-lit outdoor area, expansive lawns and onsite bush camping, this unique equestrian retreat is the perfect destination for laid back rural weddings.

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25. Hedlow Retreat

Location: 74 C H Barretts Road, Barmoya, QLD 4703
Capacity: 180
Accommodation: Sleeps 25 + camping
Wedding Packages: DIY/BYO

This 14 hectare hinterland retreat is situated 25 minutes from Rockhampton on the banks of Hedlow Creek and is bordered by impressive volcanic plugs creating a beautiful backdrop for country weddings. The property offers plenty to do over a destination wedding weekend away from mingling around communal fire pits & paddling canoes to bike riding and hiking.

Wedding facilities at Hedlow Retreat include a fully furnished, silk lined 10m x 21m pavilion marquee with chandeliers, and a rustic reception space for up to 75 seated guests on the deck of the lodge. An outdoor dance floor can be arranged on request. Accommodation includes two cabins, a lodge and optional glamping.

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Country Venues in Far North QLD

26. KUR-Cow Barnwell Farm

Location: 112 Barnwell Road, Kuranda, QLD 4881
Capacity: 120
Wedding Packages: All inclusive

Six minutes from the rainforest village of Kuranda and 30 minutes from Cairns airport is a little known country wedding venue and one of tropical North Queensland’s best kept secrets. KUR-Cow Barnwell Farm is a 626 hectare working cattle farm open to the public for farm stays, horse rides, quad bike adventures, and beautiful country weddings.

A marquee dining room and adjoining sunset deck overlook picturesque rolling green pastures and come fully catered with tailored menu options for all budgets. A unique tractor & trailer ride away is the property’s scenic Hilltop Arbor, an impressive place to get married with 360 views.

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27. Rainforest Lakes

Location: 1030 Kennedy Highway, Kuranda, QLD 4881
Capacity: 600
Wedding Packages: All inclusive (BYO drinks)

Surrounded by lush world heritage rainforest, this tropical North Queensland wedding venue offers an abundance of settings ideal for small and large country weddings. There is an intimate ceremony rotunda which can also be used as a micro wedding venue for elopements and small receptions, as well as 3 seperate restaurants which seat up to 350 guests.

Rainforest Lakes is located 30 minutes outside of Cairns and offers affordable wedding packages starting at $90 per person with BYO drinks.

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The above 27 country wedding venues in Queensland offer an eclectic range of places to get married in the state's best rural and outback locations. From farms to rainforest to national park backdrops, whatever kind of country wedding you're planning in Australia's Sunshine State, these country venues offer the perfect rural setting.

Have a country wedding venue to add to this list? Get Started

3 months ago

Wedding Dress Designers

Australia has some of the best wedding dress designers in the world including internationally recognised bridal labels that regularly feature in global fashion magazines. So if you're wanting to create a one-of-a-kind couture wedding gown to wear on your big day, there's a wide choice of world-class Australian bridal designers to choose from.

Top Australian bridal gown designers custom make Haute Couture gowns from AU $8,000. Haute Couture is the ultimate experience in designing your own wedding dress, where you'll collaborate one-on-one with your chosen fashion designer to conceptualise and create your dream wedding gown.

Bespoke wedding gowns can also be commissioned from $2,000 - $3,500 from local wedding dress designers. You get a similar one-on-one design experience as with Haute Couture, but without the distinct styling that comes with a specific brand. Local designers offer exceptional design quality and craftsmanship, and are the perfect choice for affordable custom couture.

Many of Australia's most well known wedding dress designers offer ready-to-wear collections that are released seasonally. The designer wedding dresses in these collections can either be purchased online or through select stockists and either made-to-measure specifically for you, or taken off-the-rack. If purchasing off the rack you'll likely need a local tailor for any required alterations.

Here are 16 amazing wedding dress designers who design beautiful wedding gowns for brides across Australia.

Australian Wedding Designers

Melbourne
Sydney
Brisbane
South Australia
FAQ

Wedding Dress Designers in Melbourne

Anna Campbell Couture

Showroom: 44 Church St, Hawthorn, VIC 3122
Years in Business: 15+
Price: $3,999 - $7,999

Anna Campbell is one of Australia's most well known wedding dress designers, favoured by relaxed Brides seeking an elegant & effortless gown that oozes modern romance. The fashion label is synonymous with feminine, lightweight & romantic designs embellished with shimmer, sparkle and handcrafted lace.

All Anna Campbell designer wedding gowns are designed and handmade to order in the flagship Melbourne boutique and can be purchased via select boutiques in major cities across Australia, NZ, the UK and America. Sample sales are held at the end of each season.

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Suzanne Harward Bridal

Location: Melbourne, VIC
Years in Business: 12+
Prices: $4,995 - $12,995

Suzanne Harward is an iconic Australian designer of high-end couture wedding gowns with collections that range from bold & elegant minimalist ball gowns to intricate designs in detailed lace. The Suzanne Harward brand is synonymous with luxury European fabrics, lace with colour detailing, feminine silhouettes with waist details and impeccable craftsmanship.

Suzanne Harward's couture bridal dresses are made-to-order and shipped world wide. Most gowns range between $6,500 - $8,500 and come with a one-on-one online design consultation with Suzanne herself.

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D'Italia

Showroom: 62 Glenferrie Rd, Malvern, VIC 3144
Years in Business: 13+
Price: $2,500 - $4,000

At d’Italia, you have the choice of purchasing a designer wedding gown from the signature ready-to-wear collection, or alternatively design your own wedding dress for a perfectly fitted one-of-a-kind gown. If you're opting for a custom made wedding gown, you can try on dresses from the signature collection to help envisage what your own dress should look like.

The highly experienced bridal designers & dressmakers at d'Italia are specialists in crafting timeless & elegant gowns that bring together your vision, budget, preferred fabrics and design silhouettes. Most designer wedding dresses range between $2,500 - $3,500 or slightly more if you're opting for French lace, beading or other embellishments.

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Oui The Label

Showroom: Shop 2/ 20-22 McKillop St, Melbourne, VIC 3000
Years in Business: 9
Prices: $1,980 - $4,950

OUI The Label self describes as part of the 'bridal renegade' club of contemporary Australian wedding designers who create affordable & alternative, cool-girl bridal wear. The label is renowned for its effortlessly chic collection of easy to wear one & two piece bridal outfits styled to a modern-luxe aesthetic.

OUI The Label is stocked in select boutiques across Brisbane, Albury and Victoria, New Zealand, the UK, USA and Austria, and can be purchased online direct from OUI.

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Lola Varma Couture

Showroom: 149a Brunswick St, Fitzroy, VIC 3065
Years in Business: 8
Prices: $4,500 - $6,500

Lola Varma specialise in minimalist wedding gowns that revel in the sensuousness of silk, fine wools and cotton. Designed by Australian bridal couture designer Courtney Illfield, the gowns and separates depart from convention offering Brides an edgy alternative crafted from fluid materials that naturally grace the body's movement.

At the Lola Varma flagship store you're helped to find the perfect designer wedding gown with a silhouette, materials and palette to fit the essential you. You can also purchase wedding gowns online or from stockists and pop-up stores throughout Australia, New Zealand, Asia, America and Europe. All bridal fashion is hand made to order in Melbourne, Victoria.

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Wedding Dress Designers in Sydney

Made With Love Bridal

Showroom: Suite 7/15-17 Stanley St, St Ives, NSW 2075
Years in Business: 11+
Prices: $3,000 - $4,000

Made With Love is a down-to-earth, Australian luxury bridal brand with boutiques in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and the Gold Coast. Designed by Carla Jenkins, the label is renowned for daring necklines, draped low backs and lace corset bodices, often featuring figure hugging silhouettes in clean-line satin fabrics.

The internationally recognised fashion label releases collections seasonally with a range of ready-to-wear dresses available for immediate shipment. Most wedding gowns are priced between $3,500 - $3,800 and are available is US sizes 0 - 30. Elopement collections, removable over skirts, veils and accessories can be purchased online.

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Moira Hughes Couture

Showroom: 27 Moncur St, Woollahra, NSW 2025
Years in Business: 11+
Prices: $3,990 - $9,500

Moira Hughes is regarded as one of the best wedding dress designers in Australia and was named 'one to watch' by Vogue and recognised for designing Australia's most romantic wedding gowns by Harpers Bazaar. With a focus on cinematic style, Moira's gowns recreate iconic classics with innovative Parisian corsetry that sculpts & lifts from the inside with luxury laces and silks on the outside.

The Moira Hughes ready-to-wear collection is priced from $3,990 - $6,500 and is available to order from the flagship Sydney boutique, stockists in Melbourne, Perth and Tamworth, and from select boutiques in the UK & USA. Collections are typically release twice per year in April & October. Couture ranges start at $5,000.

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Cortson Couture

Showroom: 42 Gurner St, Paddington, NSW 2021
Years in Business: 25+
Prices: $5,200 - $11,500

Corston Couture is the bespoke bridal gown label of Coral Johnston who has dressed thousands of Brides spanning a design career over 4 decades. The Australian based bridal designer is renowned for crafting romantic & sensual wedding gowns that bring a unique modern edge to classic silhouettes. The unique twists and quirks she works into designs have seen her gowns featured in the most fashion forward bridal magazines.

Corston Couture offer a ready to wear collection of bridal gowns that are available to purchase from stockists internationally. Coral also loves to work one-on-one with brides to create bespoke wedding gowns. The cost for custom wedding dress design starts at $8,000 and typically entails a 6 - 9 month design & creation process.

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Daniel Learmont Couture

Showroom: 1Suite 15/115 Oxford St, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010
Years in Business: 15+
Prices: $10k+

Daniel Learmont is an award winning dressmaker who crafts timeless bridal couture with a reminiscence of 50's & 60's old world elegance. His bridal gowns and special event dresses ooze Hollywood glamour and typically favour modern clean lines and romantic silhouettes crafted from luxury silks, satins and Chantilly lace sourced from Italy, France and New York.

The maestro of bridal gowns also designs custom clothing for Mothers of the Bride and Groom, cocktail gowns, bespoke ladies suiting and daywear. His craftsmanship has featured in many iconic fashion magazines and on the red carpets of Australia's most prestigious events.

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Wedding Dress Designers in Brisbane

A Bride To Be, Dare To Be Different

Studio: Toowoomba, QLD
Years in Business: 8+
Prices: $2,000+

When Becky couldn't find the ideal wedding dress for her non-supermodel-like physique, she designed her own vibrantly coloured wedding gown, custom made to suit her short stature, large boobs and non-white-friendly complexion. And ever since then she's been custom making beautiful wedding gowns for other non-supermodel-like brides all over Australia.

Designing plus size wedding dresses for curvy brides is Becky's jam, and she's got a seamless online styling & fitting process that enables brides anywhere in Australia to be able to wear custom wedding attire on their big day. Becky offers bespoke bridal couture at affordable prices that typically range from $2,000 - $3,000.

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Grace Love Lace

Boutique: Burleigh Heads, QLD
Years in Business: 13+
Prices: $1,800 - $4,400

Grace Loves Lace is an Australian bridal fashion leader renowned for comfortable, figure hugging wedding gowns that are free from corsetry and boning. The fashion label first hit cult status in the early 2000's when designer Megan Ziem produced a range of boho-inspired wedding gowns that offered unique bridal fashion at affordable prices. Today's collection have the same sleek silhouette in modern satins & lace.

Grace Loves Lace have four boutique stores in Australia including a flagship store in Sydney, Perth, Melbourne and the original showroom on the Gold Coast. The latest bridal collection is available to purchase online.

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When Freddie Met Lily

Showroom: 9 Northam Ave, Bardon, QLD 4065
Years in Business: 12+
Prices: $1,400 - $4,000

When Freddie Met Lily is the bridal label of fashion designer Vanessa Ford who has a wide range of made-to-measure wedding gowns available for purchase at her Brisbane showroom. Vanessa's beautiful wedding gowns have a unique bohemian elegance crafted from French and Italian lace, pure silk, tulle, and crystal embellishments.

The When Freddie Met Lily fashion label is showcased at Bridal Fashion Week every year in New York and across Australia. The average price of gowns ranges from $2500 to $3500 and are available in sizes 8 - 20.

Shop When Freddy Met Lily

Madi Lane Bridal

Purchase from retailers
Years in Business: 8+
Prices: $2,000 - $3,000

Madi Lane is a Gold Coast based couture bridal brand that is available to purchase from over 500 stockists worldwide. Collections embody femininity and feature dramatic and contemporary couture design from billowing lace sleeves and accentuated waists to detailed lace corsetry, high leg splits and grand embellished bows.

Madi Lane gowns are lightweight and comfortable Australian-designed wedding dresses available in US sizes 2 - 28. New collections are released each season, offering fully customisable couture with detachable features, bust cups, embellishments and fabric options.

Shop Madi Lane Bridal

Anna Dutton Couture

Studio: Mackay, QLD
Years in Business: 14+
Prices: $2,750 - $4,600

Anna Dutton is an award winning Australian bridal designer who specialises in crafting one-off couture gowns with matching headpieces and veils. Anna works with you to design your custom wedding gown from conception through to delivery and covers all design styles from modern silhouettes to 40's glamour.

The cost to have Anna custom sew your wedding gown starts at $2,750. Slightly more detailed bridal gowns with a train are priced from $3,600 and $4,600 is the starting price for Haute Couture.

Shop Anna Dutton

Wedding Dress Designers South Australia

Calèche Bridal House

Showroom: Norwood, Adelaide, SA
Years in Business: 40+
Prices: $2,500 - $10,000

Calèche Bridal House bring European inspired wedding gowns to the Australian bridal scene, designing, cutting and sewing custom made gowns in the Adelaide design room. The atelier produces a range of made to measure gowns for retail purchase, and works one-on-one with brides to design custom couture with a contemporary European edge.

All Calèche garments are overseen by Elizabeth Foubert who is the brand's creative director. Liz's background includes designing for labels including H&M and Top Shop, and she has been creating bespoke bridal couture for Calèche for over 25 years.

View Calèche Bridal House

Alexis George Fashion House

Showroom: 86 Fullarton Rd, Norwood, SA 5067
Years in Business: 40+
Prices: $5,000+

Pat & George Georgiou are highly experienced wedding designers with more than 40 years creating custom bridal couture. The Alexis George fashion house offer a one-on-one design experience for brides with their own style ideas, and hand sew elegant, flattering gowns in their Adelaide fashion house.

A custom designed Alexis George wedding gown starts at $8,000 with ready to wear available from $5,000.

View Alexis George Fashion House

FAQ About Wedding Gown Designers

How much does a custom designed wedding gown cost?

The average price for a custom designed wedding gown in Australia ranges from $2,000 - $8,500. Made to measure wedding gowns are cheaper than fully custom made.

What's the difference between a made-to-measure and custom designed wedding gown?

A made-to-measure wedding gown is pre-designed and custom made to your measurements. You can view photos of made to measure gowns for sale online or in bridal salons. Custom designed wedding gowns are created from scratch and involve a collaboration between you and the designer starting with sketching your ideal wedding dress.

Who are the most affordable wedding designers in Australia?

The most affordable wedding gown designers in Australia include A Bride To Be, Dare To Be Different with custom designed gowns priced from $2,000 which are made-to-measure via online consultations. D'Italia in Melbourne and When Freddie Met Lily in Brisbane also offer budget friendly custom designed wedding gowns.

When should I order a custom designed wedding gown?

Most Australian fashion designers suggest starting the design process for a wedding gown 9 - 12 months in advance of your big day. On average, it takes 6 months for a made to measure gown to be finished. Some design houses with an in-house production team can deliver your custom bridal gown within 3 months.

Have a wedding dress designer to add to this list? Get Started

3 months ago

How to Elope in Australia

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:

Complete a Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM) at least one month before your wedding date
Provide ID as requested by your celebrant
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.

Elopement Guide Australia
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.

Eloped
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."

Elopements
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!

Grace advises opting for "breathable fabrics and versatile designs, ensuring both style and comfort throughout the day. When trying on your gown, feel free to lean over to check if you can adjust your shoes or pick something up from the floor. Try jumping, dancing, laughing, and prepare yourself for the unexpected."

Taking inspiration from your venue can also help guide you towards the perfect gown - from the vibrant energy of Sydney to the bohemian charm of Byron Bay. One last piece of advice from GRACE: "Don't forget that your wedding gown should always reflect your style and who you are."

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?

White Chapel Elopements
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?

Elope In Sydney Australia
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?

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

You want the day to be about you two (rather than spend it socialising with guests)
You want the day to be intimate (and not focused on lots of other people)
You want to avoid drama
You want to save money
You want to avoid stressing over details
You want to avoid traditional cliches
You hate large crowds
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

3 months ago