Many couples now are opting to elope. There is less planning, less stress and loads of options! You may want to avoid the planning, the drama or just really want something low key. Whether you are organising a small wedding, a pop up wedding or legals only, there are many great locations to elope in Melbourne.
Your choices range from a small registry office to a resort or restaurant elopement, a holiday away in a romantic location with minimum witnesses, sky diving or bungee jumping, a registry office ceremony with a surprise reception for the guest – the choices are limitless!
Legalities
In the state of Victoria, you need to lodge a notice of intended marriage form 30 days before the wedding date so ensure that you leave enough time! You may also need Council permits if you are getting married in a public area. Make sure that you can get your venue of choice on your intended wedding day before putting in your form!
You will need witnesses, but these can usually be arranged for you by the celebrant. Legal paperwork must be lodged through the Department of Births, Deaths, and Marriages.
If you are eloping overseas, you can take the stress out of the legalities and have the legal side of the wedding completed in Melbourne before you go. Most celebrants will organise the legals and paperwork for you.
Celebrant
You will need a licenced celebrant. Choose your celebrant carefully. It should be someone that you both connect with and that is experienced with elopement ceremonies.
The Venue
There are many beautiful locations to elope in Melbourne including the Yarra Valley, the Great Ocean Road, one of the many fabulous Melbourne City resorts and restaurants, the Botanical Gardens, and the Dandenong Ranges. Choose something that you both love and that will be memorable.
The Guest List
Decide how many people you are having at your elopement. It may be just the two of you, or an intimate groups of 3 – 20. It is your wedding – you decide, and do what best works for you.
The Timing
The price is generally cheaper Monday to Thursday so if you can book then, you can save a bundle!
Photography
Photography is optional but highly recommended! Whether you have a friend take photos or hire a photographer your wedding day memories are always something that you will cherish in years to come.
The Honeymoon
Whether you are having a completely low key wedding, eloping so that you can spend more money on your honeymoon, eloping overseas, or honeymooning in Melbourne or another fantastic spot in Australia the honeymoon night is usually spend locally. It saves time, money and stress to stay at or near the location that you had your ceremony at on the first night. Make your booking then relax!
The Waterfront Retreat at Wattlepoint in Gippsland Lakes, Toorongo River Chalets, Chateau Yering Hotel in Yarra Valley, the Hotel Windsor in the City and Crown Towers Melbourne are all very romantic choices.
Bridal Expos Melbourne – How to Elope in Melbourne
Whatever you decide, it is your wedding and a day for the bride and groom. An elopement in Melbourne is easy, fast and affordable. Let us know your vision and we can help you plan. Have a look at our Recommended Wedding Suppliers for wedding and elopement inspo.