There is something so wildly romantic about an intimate wedding day focused on two people in love, don’t you think?
Elopement's scream romance to me. I couldn’t love them more. Perfectly understated yet fabulously intimate, elopement's just seem to get to the core of saying I do.
Are you exchanging the months of wedding planning for an intimate elopement? Congratulations! Just because you’re skipping the big wedding day ceremony and huge reception doesn’t mean you can’t include those classic wedding traditions in your elopement if that’s what you envision. The beauty of an elopement is being able to do whatever you want and I always encourage couples to embrace that. So if you are running away and getting married in secret (how wildly romantic) or a couple with a few friends celebrating with you on your wedding day (always good to have someone help you pop the champagne corks) - romantic elopements and Port Douglas are a perfect match.
One of the most popular wedding traditions that couples include in their elopements are vows and love letters, which are a really beautiful way to express your feelings and also keep forever.
Why not make a grand entrance on your day? While not all elopements have aisles, there’s no reason you cannot arrive to your all-time favourite song or walk down a coconut or flower strewn aisle. to get married. What a romantic wedding day!
Cheers to your status as newlyweds—you did it! You are officially a married couple so its time to celebrate. Don't forget to bring along a special bottle of Champagne or a refreshing beer to get the party started, even if you’re keeping your day and the celebration private.
To Elope and get married in Australia you need to:
Complete and lodge your Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM) application form with me your registered marriage celebrant, at least 1 month before you get married
As you marriage celebrant I will discuss with you what I need to see before the wedding day—your identity and eligibility documents
After your wedding ceremony I will register your marriage with Births Deaths and Marriages QLD
If you do not complete the Notice of Intended Marriage application form with your registered celebrant, you both must sign the application form in the presence of a qualified witness. You must still lodge it with your registered celebrant and show them your identity and eligibility documents
Identity and eligibility documents: As you Marriage Celebrant I must see the following original documents from couples prior to getting married (if you are eloping this can also be done on the day of the wedding)
1. Evidence of the date and place of birth of both of you. eg Birth Certificate or a current overseas passport 2. Current photo ID eg Drivers License, Proof of Age 3. Evidence of any previous divorce or death of any spouse, if applicable—such as original divorce or death certificate of previous spouse
All your documents must be in English—or you must supply NAATI accredited translations if they are in another language
There must be 2 witnesses over the age of 18 at your wedding ceremony ( I can help arrange this for the day)
An interpreter must be at your wedding ceremony if one or both partners cannot understand or speak English ( I can help arrange this for the day)
My comprehensive Elopement Ceremony and small wedding package includes:
A free, no-obligation meeting to discuss your ceremony requirements, learn about me and what I do, and see if I am the right celebrant for you. We can do this in person over a coffee or a wine, over the phone, Skype or email (whatever suits you)
Meetings to catch up, discuss and plan your elopement ceremony in detail and complete the required paperwork – in person or for those far away Skype, phone or email ( 95% of my weddings are for couples who are having a destination wedding – relax you are in good hands)
A unique and personal ceremony reflecting you and your relationship
A comprehensive resource kit of ceremony ideas, ways to get creative, vow's and music suggestions
Use of my high quality, portable, wireless sound system and wireless, hand-held microphones to ensure everyone can hear what’s going on or my BOSE speaker for more intimate ceremonies
Supply, preparation and lodgement of all legal documents to register your marriage
A ceremony rehearsal at your wedding venue or alternate location with you and your bridal party (if required)
Solemnisation of your marriage (performance of your legal wedding ceremony)
Travel to and from your ceremony venue and other meetings
Couple’s Marriage Certificate presented on your wedding day
Unlimited telephone and email communication up until your ceremony date and assistance to guide you through the entire planning process
And plenty of smiles and laughs (and coffees and/or wines) with me along the way!
Overseas Couples
Whether you want to elope or you want an intimate wedding with family or you just want to renew your wedding vows, Australia is a great place to have your destination wedding; especially if you love to travel and you’re feeling a little adventurous. It’s simpler than you think:
Compared to other countries like France which require you to be in the country for 45 days before you can marry, it’s much easier to get married in Australia.
Start your honeymoon sooner: Having a destination wedding surrounded by beautiful tropical coastlines means you can start your Honeymoon ASAP.
You already speak the language: Australians speak English. If you’re reading this then so do you. It’s much harder to arrange a wedding in another country where you don’t speak the language.
It might save you money: If you elope to Australia, it may cost you less than if you were to have a traditional wedding in your home country and hundreds of guests.
When you tell people you got married in Australia people will envy you and think you are cool!