Elopements
For many couples (and for many reasons) planning a wedding is a roadblock to actually being married!
The choices, the expectations and the budget can all become overwhelming. As a pastor I witnessed first-hand that this can be especially true for Christians! So I absolutely love helping people who want to focus on getting married… rather than planning a wedding! Creating simple, straightforward solutions that offer a great experience with a minimum of fuss!
If you think people will be mad at you for eloping… wait til it’s done and throw a party, announce that you’re married, give them a big hug, show them your photos and the hardest of hearts are bound (well, very likely) to soften! ;)
Elopement Enquiry…
Elopement FAQ’s
What’s the difference between an Elopement and a Destination Wedding:
Elopements are you, getting married, with no guests. Destination Weddings are just that, a wedding with guests that requires a trip to a (usually dream) location!!
Where do you offer Elopements:
Literally anywhere. I’ve helped people Elope in and around every state and territory in Australia, South East Asia, New Zealand and the UK. Let me know what you’re thinking and we can create a quote!
Can we add guests to our Elopement to make it a Small Wedding:
Yes! Let us know when you enquire, no trouble at all.
Can we add a photographer:
Yes, absolutely. We can make recommendations or look after it all for you.
Do you only offer Christian elopements:
I marry anyone and represent each couple to the very best of my ability, I am however an ordained pastor as well as a civil celebrant so I’m really popular with Christian couples, especially those who want to elope and may not be able to use their own pastor, minister or priest.
Do Christians elope:
Absolutely! It’s great to have a big celebration with family and friends… for many people. But for others there is so much more meaning and intimacy when it’s just the two of you. I’m sure you’ll tell your family at some stage! ;)
How do we plan to elope?
It’s simpler than planning a wedding (because... no guests!) however there are still things to organise. The big difference is that with an elopement you can really focus on the things that matter to YOU! Common things include:
Your rings
Your travel plans
Your look (outfits, hair, make-up &/or florals)
Your legal paperwork… We look after this with you
Your ceremony and vows… We look after this with you
Your memories … photographers and videographers can help a lot in this area… we can help with this if you’d like us to
Your announcement (think about how you’ll let everyone know after the fact!)
What about witnesses:
Legally two people must witness your ceremony for it to be legal. There are a few solutions to ensure we have legal witnesses. Your photographer, videographer, hotel staff etc are all viable witnesses, we can (and often do!) ask to strangers to witness or you can bring two people along for the ride with you! Regardless we will make sure that you’re legally married!
How can we get married overseas?
You can choose to get married under the law of the land of your chosen destination. You’ll have to follow their processes and your marriage will be registered overseas with a foreign government. I am (or can be) registered in some countries outside Australia, so we may be able to help you with this. Alternatively, many Australians prefer to simply fulfil all the legal requirements in Australia and have their marriage registered here. Then they celebrate their marriage in a really powerful way with a ceremony at any worldwide location! Most of our clients prefer this option and we can create a simple, straightforward solution tailored to you!
How can we make our elopement feel meaningful?
You might come across the term ‘legals only’, where a celebrant offers to look after all your legal paperwork then host you at their office or meet you at a coffee shop, you all say a few words, sign some paperwork and that’s it; you’re married. There’s obviously a really good chance that won’t feel terribly meaningful though! Each of the following increases the likelihood that your elopement will actually feel amazing:
Choose a location that you absolutely love. (ANY location!)
Put effort into the things that matter TO YOU. (Writing your own vows!? Creating the most unique outfit!? Having a destination photoshoot!? Investing more of your finances, energy and effort into your honeymoon!!?) Determine what matters most to you and invest energy and finances into THAT!
Work with someone who knows how to create moments that matter. Think genuine tears, genuine laughter, no awkwardness, no fluff, no fuss, just meaning!
Plan what you’ll do immediately after the ceremony; walking under the Eiffel Tower, over the Brooklyn Bridge or through a field of Dutch tulips… as a married couple! #memories!!!
Have fun with photos, and (if budget allows) make a movie! A good elopement, like a wedding will feel very surreal. You’ll look through those photos and watch that 5 minute video a thousand times! On your anniversaries you’ll look again, you’ll laugh, you’ll cry and you’ll remind yourselves just how much your relationship means to you both! It’s good for your soul and your marriage… and they’re a great asset when it comes time to share your elopement stories with family and friends!
Arriving at Matt and Ange’s elopement in Bali… in style