Wondering how much it really costs to elope in Western Australia?
Discover everything you need to know about planning a magical, meaningful elopement in the South West without the stress or the hefty price tag!
Eloping used to mean sneaking off to the wedding registry in the city to marry in secret... but not anymore.
Today, eloping or having a micro wedding is for the modern couple who wants to ditch the wedding day expectations and create a day that’s intimate, beautiful, and deeply personal, BUT without the price tag of a big, traditional wedding.
Are you dreaming of eloping or marrying your love in a micro wedding with you favourite people by your sides in Western Australia’s South West, the world class Margaret River Food and Wine Region? Think sweeping stunning vineyards, secret beaches and coves, enchanted Karri forests, beautiful vast farm land and gorgeous cows for days, charcuterie boards with locally made cheese and hand crafted decadent chocolate, craft breweries, wine tours, exploring caves and walking the Busselton Jetty, sounds incredible doesn’t it?!
Well you could enjoy all of that and more while you’re here getting married with two local, professional, relaxed and reputable Wedding Vendors, the only tewo you really need in our opinion: your marriage celebrant and wedding photographer, only 2.5 hours from Perth.
Those of you engaged couples in Sydney and Melbourne, Jetstar now fly directly into Busselton / Margaret River Airport placing you directly in the region upon landing, bypassing Perth and the drive down.
What are you waiting for?!
We’ve done a bit of research and here’s exactly what you need to know about the real cost of eloping in the south west region, and how to make it absolutely magical.
So, How Much Does an Elopement in WA Actually Cost?
Well like anything, it depends on what you include and how luxe you want to go, but here’s a breakdown of the average fees most couples may spend:
Eloping Service Average Cost (AUD)
Marriage Celebrant $1,200 – $2,500
Wedding Photographer $1,800 – $8,500
Hair & Makeup $350 – $600
Florals (Wedding bouquet & buttonhole) $250 – $450
Elopement styling / set-up $800 – $2,000
Permit / ceremony fee $100 – $500
Champagne / platter picnic $100 – $250
Wedding day lunch / dinner $250 - $500
Accommodation (2 nights) $400 – $1,000
TOTAL RANGE: Approx. $5,000 – $10,000
(Compared to the $40K+ Australian average for more traditional larger weddings!)
Lily & Kirk eloped at the bottom of the Wilyabrup Sea Cliffs with only Nikki as celebrant, James the photographer and Emma another celebrant who acted as their witness along with James.
EFFORTLESSLY WED ELOPEMENTS PACKAGES FROM $2500 for OUR Celebrant & Wedding Photographer Duo!
But Eloping Isn’t Just About the Price
Couples choose to elope in WA because:
They want something intimate and full of meaningful and memorable moments
They crave time to be present together, without having to entertain 100+ guests
They value experience over extravagance
They want epic photos in jaw-dropping locations in an iconic slice of heaven
They want to eat and drink their way through the Margaret River Region known for it’s world class wine making and award winning restaurants - Foodie Paradise!
They want to have a relaxing wedding day that celebrates their love and commitment
Nikki and Nick eloped in Gracetown W.A in front of their parents where they enjoyed a couple of nights celebrating before hedaing further South for their relaxing W.A honeymoon.
Mon & Gray eloped in Quedjinup at Bina Maya Retreat with only 4 family members as wedding guests.
How to Make Your Elopement Magical (Without the Stress)
Let’s be honest, just because eloping or opting for a “smaller” wedding, doesn’t automatically mean it’s easier to plan. BUT…… Here’s how to make your elopement next-level stunning and stress-free:
1. Choose a Local Celebrant + Photographer DUO & Team
Working with a team who knows the South West inside and out (Oh Hi, that’s us—Nikki + Rowan!) means you’ll get insider access to hidden locations, dreamy golden light, and the kind of ceremony that gives you goosebumps.
2. Pick a Spot That Feels Like You
Maybe it's barefoot on the grass at Meelup Beach, nestled under the tall Karri trees in the Boranup Forest, frolicing with cows as inquisitive witnesses in a gorgeous green paddock in Nannup, among the vineyards before a celebratory lunch at your favourite winery, or on the clifftops of Gnarabup overlooking the ocean at sunset. Let your heart and style lead the way! Or ask Nikki and Rowan for their reccomendations.
3. Embrace the Moments
Hire a helicopter and pilot to pick you up post nuptials for a coastal flight before lunch. Say ‘I DO’ on a Yacht on Geogrpahe Bay. Wear what ever colours you want and ditch the white dress! Wear a jumpsuit - buck the trend! Spoil yourselves at an award winning, luxurious resort or restaurant. Write your own marriage vows. Pack a picnic. Sip bubbles in your wedding outfits. Hire a live illustrator to capture your ceremony and use the artwork to announce you’re married! Only invite your two closest friends and surprise your family! Your day can be as untraditional or romantic as you want it to be.
4. Plan Like a Pro (With A LIL Help)
Want a pop-up arbour or luxury elopement styling? We can connect you with the region’s most talented wedding creatives to bring your dream elopement to life, without the overwhelm.
Why the South West Is Elopement Heaven
With its iconic vineyards, turquoise coastlines, forest backdrops and boutique accommodations, the South West is one of the most sought after regions to elope in Australia. And the best part? You get to turn your wedding into a mini moon!
Ready to Elope With Heart?
We’re Nikki (marriage celebrant and ceremony storyteller) and Rowan (wedding photographer + moment capturer), and we’ve teamed up to create a boutique elopement experience for couples who want something… effortless and without the hefty fees! We have mid week packages and morning weekend packages and we encourgae couples to work with us to find a wedding date during your south west stay that works for us all.
Planning to elope in the South West?
Reach out here via the website to check our availability, or work with us to find a wedding date! And follow us on Instagram @elope_effortlesslywed or our other businesses @loveandlegends and @loveempirewithnikki to see more real wedding day magic we’ve created for other happy and now married couples!