Your Guide to Registry Wedding and Elopement Venues in Perth
- Kat Wray
- 4 hours ago
- 10 min read
I’ve had a lot of experience photographing elopements and registry style weddings over the years and I wanted to give Perth couples an honest and clear understanding of what elopements and registry style weddings actually look like in Perth.
In Perth, there are generally three civil ceremony options:
Full wedding service ceremony
Registry style wedding ceremony
Legals-only wedding ceremony
Whilst you might think I’ve forgotten elopements - the word elopement actually suggests a smaller sized experience, but not necessarily a small ceremony.
So first, let’s get a few things straight and define all the different types of ceremonies, as this can be confusing! A tiny elopement with 4 people can still have a full service wedding ceremony, and a wedding with 50 guests can have a bare minimum, registry style ceremony.
What is a full service wedding ceremony?
Hand-selected Celebrant, legal paperwork, personalised script, Celebrant hosts the ceremony and looks after guests, sound system and music provided, all in a specifically chosen location.
As far as Australian civil wedding ceremonies go, this would be considered a ‘traditional’ wedding. Typically the space is set up with an arbor/altar area for the couple to stand together with the celebrant, and rows of seats are set up for guests to sit and watch. A Celebrant who has been specially chosen by the couple performs the wedding ceremony, often starting the ceremony by retelling the couples’ love story for the guests. Traditional rituals usually include personal heartfelt vows (as well as the legal vows), ring exchanges, and a big kiss as they are announced married.
What is a registry wedding, or ‘registry style ceremony’?
A basic ceremony, legal paperwork, limited crowd, indoor location*
A loose term that usually means a government office where you would officially register your wedding. Technically in Western Australia that would be The Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages in the Perth CBD, but there are also some private venues that offer a similar service in better looking buildings, and are also open on weekends. Private venues have a Civil Celebrant on duty to officiate the wedding with a simple script and legal vows, with ring exchanges and personal vows optional.
*Some Celebrants offer a “registry style wedding ceremony” which is kind of like a registry wedding, in that the ceremony follows a simple script, but is not held in a dedicated registry office or private building - they come to you. This is usually only suitable for smaller groups, and is quick. The Celebrant will arrive and begin the ceremony straight away, then leave.
What is a legals-only ceremony?
Legal paperwork, no traditional ceremony rituals
As the name suggests this is the absolute bare minimum, legal part of any civil wedding ceremony in Australia. The couple say their legal vows with a Civil Celebrant then sign the legal paperwork, typically sitting down at a table. This is common for couples who are having a wedding ceremony overseas but need the legal paperwork to be done in Australia, or having a friend MC a ‘wedding ceremony’ and therefore need to make it legal first.
Rituals like exchanging rings, reading personal vows, even standing and facing each other are not typically part of a legals-only ceremony.
What is an elopement?
A wedding ceremony (from legals-only to full wedding service), legal paperwork, small crowd, relaxed location
Really, an elopement is more about the experience and size than it is about the ceremony. It is usually considered a wedding ceremony with less than 10 people, and with such a small group there is less ‘hosting’ required of the Celebrant. It’s usually a very casual and relaxed vibe which is what makes it so appealing. Due to the small numbers, they can be done nearly anywhere - from a bar, to a national park, to your own backyard or a registry or marriage office. A Civil Celebrant will attend and officiate the ceremony. The ceremony itself can be a registry-style ceremony, a full-service wedding ceremony or something inbetween.
Important note: if you have more than 10 people then you’re probably having a microwedding, not an elopement
What is a micro wedding?
A full service wedding ceremony but with a small crowd, legal paperwork, in any location.
The ‘micro’ in microweddings usually refers to guest numbers, and does not reflect the type of ceremony a couple chooses to have.
Why do some venues or Celebrants charge more for extra guests?
Once you go over 10 people we have a group size that needs someone to take charge, and that’s typically the Celebrant. A sound system will likely need to be used for larger groups, so everyone can hear. And for venues, it takes a lot longer to corral a group of 50 guests over a group of 6.
Be wary of different definitions!
Definitions vary between venues and Celebrants, and it gets tricky when couples book an Elopement Ceremony and then invite 50 people, or book a registry office wedding with a large group and then wonder why they feel rushed on the day.
I think there are three major reasons couples choose registry style weddings:
Budget: couples who do not hold value in the rituals of a wedding ceremony, and therefore don’t want to spend money on it
Shyness: Couples who don’t want the big performative, spotlight moment of a full wedding ceremony so they book a bare minimum ceremony to get the awkward part done quickly (sometimes they will read each other personal vows in a private location at another time)
Decision making: They want to minimise decision making, so they choose a package that covers everything in a ceremony.
Hopefully this guide can help you decide what works best for what matters most to you.
YOUR REGISTRY STYLE WEDDING VENUES AND OPTIONS IN PERTH
Please note: Prices and information are accurate as of April 2026. The “Perfect for” and “Not ideal for” sections are in my opinion.
Perth Registry Office (Registry of Births Deaths and Marriages)
Level 10, 141 St Georges Terrace, Perth CBD
The one and only official Registry Office in Perth. It is the only option where you can be issued your certified (legal) marriage certificate immediately after your wedding ceremony (all other options require paperwork to be lodged by the Celebrant and then issued at a later date). They also provide an interpreter service free of charge if needed.
The ceremony: A government officiated, legal wedding ceremony service. This means no customisation or personalisation - you get what you get.
The space: Operating out of the 10th floor of an office building in the CBD, they do have two decorated ceremony rooms with views of the Swan River. Each ceremony room has its own adjacent waiting area for guests.
Capacity: Max of 35 guests
Session time: The session time is 30 minutes long, but they recommend arriving 15 minutes earlier than the appointment time. Note that appointments are available from 9.30am - 4.00pm Monday to Friday (not open on weekends).
Parking: As it is only open during office hours midweek, you will be competing for parking with the CBD so plan accordingly.
Cost: $444
Perfect for:
Couples who do not speak English and require an interpreter
Couples who need a Certified Official Certificate of Marriage ASAP
Couples who just need the legal bit done in Perth because they’re having an overseas wedding
Not ideal for:
Couples who want it to feel romantic (the office vibe is not for everyone)
The Perth Marriage Office at Old Tower House
Level 1, 115 Francis Street, Northbridge
These folks dominate the Perth registry style wedding scene with their heritage listed building in Northbridge. Often confused as the official government registry, it’s actually a private business with a range of Celebrants performing the ceremonies. The same owners also run The Perth Wedding Collective, a wedding pop-up service.
The ceremony: A registry style, legal wedding ceremony service. This means no customisation or personalisation - you get what you get. Much like how you’d imagine going to The Registry Office (the legit government one), only the aesthetics are nicer!
The space: Occupying a heritage listed building, the inside is all white with high ceilings and beautiful bay windows in the smaller rooms. A choice of three rooms depending on size required. The two smaller rooms (a 10 and 25 person capacity) have windows that allow a good amount of light into the room which makes lovely photos. The larger back room (50 person capacity) does not have a lot of natural light so it is trickier to photograph.
There is no indoor space for guests to wait, so they will have to wait in the courtyard or nearby.
Capacity: Capacity for up to 50 guests (though in my opinion it is best suited for a max of 30 guests)
Session time: Sessions are 30 minutes long, though you’ll be expected to leave after 25 minutes so it doesn’t impact the next session. There is the opportunity to pay extra to extend your session.
Given the strict session time, the couple and guests should only arrive 5 minutes before the session time and will need to wait in the courtyard and there may be some crossover with the previous session and their guests. There is limited opportunity to make a special arrival.
Parking: Lots of street parking in the area. Events such as Fringe Festival may impact availability.
Cost: From $455 for 25 minute session
Perfect for:
Elopements with a small group
Relaxed couples who have no set expectations about how the ceremony will run
Not ideal for:
Couples who want to connect with their Celebrant and be guided through the process
Couples who don’t want to feel rushed
Larger groups (more than 30)
Fremantle Marriage Office at The Old Courthouse
45 Henderson St, Fremantle WA 6160
Utilising the original heritage court room, (including a judges bench!) these wedding packages include a celebrant, a ceremony that can be personalised, and a big space that can be extended to include a reception afterwards.
The ceremony: A legal wedding ceremony service which can be personalised.
The space: Attached to The Old Courthouse Fremantle (a pub), this space has its own private entry with undercover front porch area ideal for waiting guests. There is a private bar area adjoining the ceremony area that can be utilised as a celebration space. The ceremony room is quite large and has dark blue walls and dark wood features. There are windows allowing a good amount of natural light into the room.
Capacity: Capacity for up to 80 guests
Session time: 45 minute session time for ceremonies
Parking: Directly across from a multilevel parking garage
Cost: From $1,250 for 45 minute session
Perfect for:
Microweddings or registry style weddings with a bigger group
Couples who want a simple package with the option to add on a reception afterwards.
Not ideal for:
The room may feel empty if it’s a very small crowd
If you don’t like the colour blue
House of Vows
142 Northwood Street, West Leederville
Based in a more residential end of West Leederville and just 150 metres from Lake Monger, this quiet spot is run by an experienced Celebrant.
The ceremony: A registry style, legal wedding ceremony service which can be personalised.
The space: Based in a charming federation style building that was once a home, the ceremony room is in a well lit former sitting room and the altar area is a former fireplace. The room is customisable, with a few layout options.
Capacity: Up to 25 guests
Session time: 30 minutes (with a 30 minute buffer between sessions)
Parking: Street parking available.
Cost: From $475 - depending on how many guests you have (includes venue and Celebrant)
Perfect for:
Couples who want a registry style wedding, but want to be guided by the same Celebrant from enquiry to ceremony
Couples who don't want crossover with other couples
Not ideal for:
Large groups
Cherry Bomb Chapel
532 Hay Street, Perth CBD
Cherry Bomb are a Las Vegas chapel style venue with a fun aesthetic. Run by experienced wedding planners and a photographer, they are perfect for couples wanting a fun and memorable experience in a unique space.
The ceremony: A short and sweet ceremony is included in the package, from a range of curated Celebrants.
The space: Based in the second story of a historic 1905 building, you enter via the stairs into the main space and bar. Smaller elopements are held in a second room off the main space. The entry has fun neon signs and disco balls, deep green velvet line some of the walls, and there’s a light up love-heart altar.
Capacity: Up to 10 guests for the elopement package, but capacity for up to 120 guests for bigger weddings.
Session time: 1 hour+
Parking: Limited street parking and larger carparks nearby. Given its proximity to the CBD, parking may be restricted during business hours.
Cost: From $2,222 (includes venue, Celebrant, and a celebratory glass of bubbles for you and your guests)
Perfect for:
Couples who want a fun and exciting venue
Couples who want a space where guests are looked after with a space to wait beforehand, and also celebrate afterwards
Not ideal for:
Couples or guests with mobility issues - this is on the second floor with no lift
Couples who want a plain aesthetic
Public Space + Choose your own Celebrant
When compared to a registry wedding, the difference here is that you have more control over the space, the Celebrant, and the ceremony.
The ceremony: Some Celebrants offer elopement or registry style ceremonies - these are more personal and ceremonious than a legals-only ceremony, don’t usually require microphones or major setup, and don’t have all the extra fluff of a full wedding ceremony. Be wary of your guest numbers as this may impact the cost.
The space: Could be anywhere, which means it’s as cheap or expensive as you want it to be. Booking an outdoor space is important if you want to ensure sprinklers or maintenance won’t occur on the day. If you have a very small group then you may not need to book a public space, but be willing to move or compromise if the area doesn’t work out on the day.
Capacity: Unlimited. Though the nature of a registry style wedding is always small numbers, usually less than 20 people.
Session time: The Celebrant will provide a registry style wedding ceremony in less than 20 minutes, but you have the space for as long as you need.
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Parking: Dependant on your choice!
Cost: Varies. Celebrants have their own pricing depending on ceremony personalisation, guest numbers and how experienced they are - but in most cases you get what you pay for.
Perfect for:
Couples who want a personalised experience with a Celebrant
Couples who don’t want to feel rushed on the day
Couples who want to choose a space that holds special meaning.
Not ideal for:
Couples who are overwhelmed with decision making
DID THIS HELP YOU?
This blog post was written for couples seeking a small, simple and quick registry style wedding - so you know what your options are. But I hope it also helped couples understand the different types of ceremonies and experiences couples can have. As a wedding photographer who likes to capture authentic moments, I really want my couples to have a great time and choose the ceremony experience that best suits them.
Got any questions? I’m more than happy to help you work out the best type of ceremony experience for you!
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