I adore elopement ceremonies. I love how unhurried the time we spend together is. We can meander through a forest or garden, take a stroll on the sand, climb a hill or wander through laneways until we find the perfect spot.

And then we begin whenever you’re ready. There are no timelines to adhere to, you’re under no pressure to perform and there are no people to please. Your elopement ceremony will be a wonderfully intimate, authentic and meaningful experience and, importantly, it will be all about you.

I’m thrilled to announce my exclusive partnership with the elite Melbourne photographer, Julieanne Perara.

You can book both my celebrant services and Julieanne Perara’s photography services from $2,700

What You’ll Receive:

Celebrant Services

A face to face meeting (or we can meet via Zoom if you’d prefer) to discuss ceremony locations, legal requirements and your elopement ceremony.

Professional guidance in writing vows.

A sweet and simple marriage ceremony (with as many laughs and tears as you’d like), conducted before your two witnesses.

A commemorative marriage certificate.

Preparation and lodgement of all legal documentation. (For an additional fee, I can also apply for your official Certificate of Marriage for you.)

A Change of Name Guide (for Australian residents) if either of you wish to adopt your spouse’s surname.

Photography Services from Julieanne Perara

A phone or video consultation to discuss your photography session.

1.5 hours of photography at your ceremony location.

Sneak peek images within 24 hours, online gallery with print store attached.

Online gallery containing all images taken (delivered 4 to 6 weeks after your ceremony).

The Fine Print

The offer is subject to availability.

The offer is based on ceremony locations in metropolitan Melbourne and the Yarra Valley. Locations outside these areas (such as the Mornington Peninsula) will incur an additional fee. The fee is to be agreed at the time of booking.

Elopement Locations

There are so many hidden gems in and around metropolitan Melbourne, the Yarra Valley and the Mornington Peninsula. Here’s a small selection of our favourite elopement locations.

Contact me today to book your Elopement Ceremony and Photography package.

All images displayed were taken by Julieanne Perara Photography

You might like to read What’s A Micro Wedding?

By Sally Hughes, Melbourne Marriage Celebrant

Marrying outdoors in Melbourne? There are so many breathtakingly beautiful gardens, vineyards and fields to choose from.

What are some of the advantage of marrying at a private venue, as opposed to a public space?

You'll most often be able to have your reception onsite (guests love not having to drive to two venues) and you'll most likely able to head indoors with minimal fuss should the weather become inclement.

It's also likely that you won’t need to outsource important elements, such as staff, furniture, restrooms, cooking facilities and power. Car parking is likely to be easier and there’ll be no need to apply for an event permit.

Earlier this year I shared my favourite Outdoor Wedding Locations - Public Spaces. Here are my favourite privately-owned outdoor spaces in Melbourne (and surrounds):

The Yarra Valley

Zonzo Estate, Yarra Glen

Coombe Yarra Valley, Coldstream

Vines of the Yarra Valley, Coldstream

Stones of the Yarra Valley, Coldstream

Rochford Wines, Coldstream

Photo: Michael Briggs

Alowyn Gardens, Yarra Glen

Harriett at Hubert Estate, Coldstream

Re’em at Helen & Joey Estate, Coldstream

Yering Station, Yarra Glen

Image: Kate Robinson Photography

Acacia Ridge, Yarra Glen

Image: Angels Floral Event

Vue on Halcyon, Chirnside Park

Image By Fotografa

The Little Vineyard, Chirnside Park

Image: Winny Toh

Balgownie Estate, Yarra Glen

Immerse, Dixons Creek

Fergusson Winery, Dixons Creek

Chateau Yering, Yarra Glen

Bramleigh Estate, Warrandyte

Riverlea Estate, Warrandyte

The Farm Yarra Valley, Warrandyte South

Massaros Estate, Kangaroo Ground

Image by Michael Briggs

Inglewood Estate, Kangaroo Ground

Fondata 1872, Kangaroo Ground

Image: Rick Liston

Ballara Receptions, Eltham

RACV Country Club Healesville

The Dandenong Ranges

Mont du Soleil, Kallista

Log Cabin Ranch, Monbulk

Lyrebird Falls, Kallista

Avalon Castle, Cockatoo

Image: T-One Image

City & Inner Suburbs

Garden House, Melbourne

Como Historic House and Garden, South Yarra

Abbotsford Convent

Park Hyatt Melbourne - Trilogy Garden

North

Overnewton Castle, Keilor

Meadowbank Receptions, Campbellfield

North West

Flemington Racecourse

East

The Gables, East Malvern

Leonda By The Yarra, Hawthorn

West

Warrawong Estate, Eynsbury

Bayside / Hobsons Bay

The Baths Middle Brighton

Sandringham Yacht Club

Luna Park, St Kilda

Port Melbourne Yacht Club

Sandbar Beach Cafe, Middle Park

South East

Rippon Lea House & Garden, Elsternwick

Yarra Yarra Golf Club, Bentleigh East

Mornington Penninsula

Sunnyside Events, Mount Eliza

The Garden Vineyard, Moorooduc

Summerfields Estate, Bittern

Lindenderry at Red Hill

Dromana Estate, Tuerong

Daylesford

Sault Restaurant Daylesford

Lake House Daylesford

And what's the advantage of marrying at a private venue, as opposed to a public space?

It's also likely that you won’t need to outsource other elements. There will be venue staff on hand to assist, seating, restrooms, power sources, and considerably better (and free) car parking options for guests.

If you don’t require this, or if you’re happy to outsource items, perhaps a public garden or beach is for you: Outdoor Wedding Locations - Public Spaces

With the exception of those credited to photographers, the images used in this post have been obtained from official venue web pages.

Sally Hughes - Melbourne Celebrant