A Guide to Eloping in Perth

Back in 2020 I wrote this blog post to explain the concept of eloping in in the sunny city of Perth, Western Australia (aka my favourite place in the world!). Back then the concept of eloping was fairly new – couples thought they either had to do the big wedding or head down to the registry office. I had teamed up with Celebrants and offering a one hour elopement package so couples could get their ceremony captured and some nice photos of themselves afterwards.

Since then (and partly due to Covid restrictions) elopements are more well-known and have become more popular. Couples realised they didn’t have to stick to boring tradition, they could have a small and intimate celebration just for them.

This blog post is perfect for….

·       Couples considering the idea of eloping in Perth

·       Couples travelling to Perth to elope

·       Couples who don't feel like big weddings are for them

·       Couples who need help planning their elopement

So first, what is an elopement exactly?

Traditionally to elope was to secretly run away in order to get married - which might have meant popping down to the local registry office or hopping on a plane to Vegas. But today, the essence of an elopement is just to break away from tradition and consider nobody but the person you love on your wedding day.

the Elopement legal bits

In Western Australia, to get married you need to lodge a Notice of Intended Marriage at least one month prior to the ceremony date (I would suggest doing this under the guidance of a celebrant to ensure all the paperwork is done correctly) then have the celebrant officiate the civil ceremony (which in its basic form is an introduction, monitum (reminding you of the legality of the ceremony), and some short legal vows). It’s up to the couple if they would like to have their own personal vows part of the ceremony too. Two witnesses (not including the celebrant) must be present (yes, your photographer can be one of the witnesses!) and then some paperwork must be signed and witnessed.

I've teamed up with some great local celebrants who can guide you through the paperwork and create an intimate ceremony.

Yes, you can secretly elope in Perth

Eloping isn’t about running far away (it could be in your own backyard!) it’s more about running away from tradition than a physical distance from home. When I meet with couples to discuss their ideal elopement I usually ask them what they enjoy doing together, their favourite time of day and their favourite places. Finding something completely unique to the couple makes for a really special day. Maybe it’s bushwalking in one of Perth’s national parks, or sunsets on the beach, or eating icecream in Fremantle, or checking out the latest bar in Northbridge. Or maybe you want to create a new tradition that you can revisit as a couple every year on your wedding anniversary!

What makes an elopement fun

When you elope, you aren’t restricted by the same formalities that might be in place when there is a crowd of guests to manage. You have an opportunity to break the rules and you don’t have to please anyone but yourselves!

With a legal ceremony taking as little as 15 minutes, how else would you like to spend the time? I am happy to photograph a couples' day however they want to spend it. Do you want to have a drink beforehand? Do you want to go for a small hike and find the perfect spot? Do you want to finish it while watching the sun set? I offer one and two hour elopement sessions and it’s totally up to you how we fill that time.

What do we need to organise for a Perth elopement?

Couples who elope aren’t restricted by what is convenient to their guests, so they can get married at any time and on any day. We are so lucky in Perth that we have such amazing weather most of the year. Because of the nature of elopements being so intimate, couples have the opportunity to get married all year round (see my guide on planning your wedding day around the traditional Noongar seasons).

I have a lot of couples who contact me as their first step and I guide them through the whole process. I love having a chat with couples to find out what they love doing as a couple, what they favourite things are, and then working out some ideas for when and where to elope.

Here are the basic steps for planning an elopement:

1. Decide where you’d like to get married, this will set the entire scene (seek help from your Elopement Photographer if you need it!)

2. Decide on a date and time

3. Book your Celebrant and get the paperwork started

4. Book your Elopement Photographer

5. Decide what to wear

   
   

What’s the difference between an elopement and a microwedding?

Often confused, there are a few key differences between an elopement and a microwedding.

Elopements are teeny-tiny, informal weddings. Just you and your partner or a handful of family and friends.

·       There are less than 10 people in attendance.

·       An elopement is focused on the couple, not the crowd.

·       There are little formalities or staged moments, it’s all very fluid.

·       The ceremony lasts less than 15 minutes.

·       There isn’t a formal reception, it’s more of a casual hangout vibe.

Small weddings & micro weddings give you the elopement vibe but with a bit more formality: 

·       There might be up to 30 people

·       The ceremony now has a crowd and some more formalities might be in place

·       It might be held at a more formal venue

·       There might be decorations and furniture hired

·       It feels like a small gathering with some planning involved

Let's make getting married an adventure!

I've been specialising in elopements since 2018 because I wanted to offer couples a super easy and intimate way to elope, without having to visit the registry office. Every couple deserves to have an awesome time on their wedding day. I work with a great group of local celebrants who also specialise in intimate elopements, catered towards the couple (I'll give you a great list of celebrants to connect with!).

For the fuss-free, one and two hour elopement photography packages check out my Elopement page.