Elopement planning guide

Elopements are flexible, but they often include:

• a small number of guests (or none)
• a relaxed timeline
• a meaningful ceremony
• a beautiful location
• professional photography
• a calm, low-pressure environment

Every elopement is different — but they all share the same intention:
keeping the focus on the couple.

Couples choose elopements for many reasons:

• less overwhelm
• more personal experience
• more flexibility
• lower overall cost
• less pressure from others
• more focus on the relationship

It’s not about doing less.
It’s about doing what matters.

What’s the difference?

Each option is a different way to get married — it just depends on how simple, how many people, and how much structure you want.

Legals Only

The simplest option.

• just the legal ceremony
• no extras or structure
• quick and straightforward

Best if you just want to be legally married without a full wedding experience.

Elopement

Simple, but still meaningful.

• very small or no guest list
• flexible, relaxed
• focused on the two of you

Best if you want something personal, calm, and experience-based.

Micro Wedding

Small, but still a wedding.

• 10–30 guests
• more structure
• shared with your closest people

Best if you want a proper wedding feel without the size of a big wedding.

Simple way to think about it

Legals Only → just the paperwork
Elopement → the experience
Micro Wedding → the celebration

Most elopements are small — but there is no strict rule.

Direct answer:
Most elopements include 2 to 10 guests, though some may have up to 20 depending on the setting.

As numbers increase, the day naturally starts to feel more like a micro wedding.

A simple way to think about it:

• 2–10 guests → Elopement
• 10–30 guests → Micro wedding

It’s less about the exact number — and more about the feeling of the day.

Elopements are ideal for couples who:

• don’t like being the centre of attention
• want something simple but meaningful
• value experience over tradition
• want flexibility with location and timing
• prefer connection over performance

They also suit couples planning later in life, second marriages, or destination-style weddings.

Do elopements mean running away?
No. Modern elopements are intentional and planned — not secret or rushed.

Are elopements a real wedding?
Yes. An elopement is a legally recognised marriage when all legal requirements are met.

Do you have to keep it secret?
No. Some couples do, but many share the experience or celebrate later.

Are elopements less special?
Often the opposite — many couples find them more personal and meaningful.

Eloping does not mean missing out.

You can still include:

• a celebrant ( requirement really )
• professional photography
• flowers
• styling
• personal vows
• a beautiful location
• music
• a meal or celebration afterwards

It can be as simple or as styled as you want it to be.

Before deciding, it helps to consider:

• how many people you truly want there
• what kind of location feels right
• what matters most on the day
• your budget
• whether you want something private or shared

Start with what feels right — everything else builds from there.

In Australia, all marriages — including elopements — require a legal form called a Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM).

A NOIM must be lodged at least 1 month before your wedding date and can be submitted up to 18 months in advance.

How it works:

• completed with your celebrant
• can often be done online or via video call
• requires identification and basic details
• confirms your legal intention to marry

You cannot legally get married in Australia without this step — but it is simple and guided.

Traditionally, eloping meant running away in secret to get married — often without family approval.

Today, elopements have evolved.

Modern elopements are planned, intentional weddings focused on experience rather than tradition.

Couples now choose elopements because they want something more personal, flexible, and meaningful.

What once meant escape
now represents freedom.