Gold Coast Micro-Wedding Elopements
Some couples know from the very beginning that they do not want a big wedding.
Others arrive at that decision after a few weeks of venue quotes and guest list negotiations. Either way, you end up in the same place. Wanting something that feels genuinely yours, without the weight of everyone else's expectations sitting on top of it.
That is exactly what an elopement or micro-wedding is.
Your Elopement and Micro-Wedding
Whether it is just the two of you and two witnesses on a Gold Coast beach at sunset, or an intimate gathering of your closest people at a beautiful Hinterland venue, every elopement and micro-wedding I conduct has the same quality.
Unhurried. Genuine. A day designed specifically and entirely around the two of you.
There are three packages, each one designed so that the decisions that matter are the only ones you need to make.
Nothing important is left out. Nothing is included that does not belong. Choose the one that feels right and leave everything within it to us.
Every Elopement and Micro-Wedding I do Includes:
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Personalised ceremony
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Space for personal vows, ring exchange and personalised ceremony elements
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Calm, organised guidance through the legal process
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All meetings, in person or virtual
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Unlimited communication by phone, text or email
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Personal vow writing tips and support
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Printed personal vow cards keepsake
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PA system and microphone
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Lodgement of all legal paperwork
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Commemorative certificate
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Optional sensory adaptations to lighting, sound, format or flow
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Beach or park permit assistance, additional fee may apply
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Coordination with your photographer
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50 kilometre travel radius from Parkwood
Elopement and Micro-Wedding Packages
Image: Sarah Couturier. Kirra Beach Elopement
ELOPEMENT
CEREMONY ONLY
2 to 35 Guests. From $800.
A personalised ceremony crafted around the two of you. Intimate, considered and entirely yours. There is space for your personal vows, your ring exchange, and anything else that is meaningful to you both.
Nothing that belongs is left out.
Nothing that does not belong is included.
I take care of the legal requirements, the paperwork and every detail of the ceremony itself. All you need to do is arrive.
Perfect for:
Couples who want to make it official in a way that feels intentional and unhurried, without the logistics of a larger event.
Image: Sarah Couturier. Currumbin Beach Micro-Wedding.
CEREMONY + PHOTOGRAPHY
2 to 35 Guests. From $1900.
Your personalised Elopement Ceremony, plus two hours of professional photography from your choice of one of my trusted Gold Coast photographers*.
One booking, one less decision and a ceremony that is uniquely you captured beautifully.
Additional Inclusions:
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2 hours professional photography, choice of photographer
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100 finished digital images
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Rehearsal if desired, additional fee may apply
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Coordination with all key suppliers
Perfect for:
Couples who want their day beautifully captured without the time and effort of sourcing and briefing a photographer separately.
*Subject to photographers availability.
Image: Sarah Couturier. Burleigh Beach Micro-Wedding.
CEREMONY + PHOTOGRAPHY & FLORALS
2 to 35 Guests. From $2300.
Your ceremony, your photographer and your florals, brought together in one complete, cohesive package.
Every element thoughtfully coordinated so you can both enjoy a moment that is relaxed, intentional and entirely yours.
Additional Inclusions:
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Fresh floral bouquet and boutonniere
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Styled fresh floral arbour
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Rehearsal if desired, additional fee may apply
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Full supplier coordination
Perfect for:
Couples who want a beautifully styled elopement or micro-wedding with everything taken care of. Particularly popular with couples planning their Gold Coast ceremony from interstate or overseas.
Gold Coast Elopement and Micro-Wedding Locations
One of the most enjoyable parts of planning an elopement or micro-wedding on the Gold Coast is choosing where it happens, and it can be just about anywhere. On the Gold Coast is we are spoilt for choice when it comes to beautiful locations.
Here are the places I work at most often, and what makes each one special.
BURLEIGH HEADS
Consistently the most requested Gold Coast beach elopement location and deservedly so. The headland, the Norfolk pines, the wide stretch of golden sand and that extraordinary afternoon light make it one of the most beautiful ceremony settings in Queensland. Free to use for a simple ceremony without structures. A permit is required for arbours and furniture.
CURRUMBIN
Quieter and more relaxed than the main tourist beaches, Currumbin has a natural, unhurried quality that suits intimate ceremonies beautifully. The rock pools and calm water give it a private feeling that couples love. Free to use.
MAIN BEACH
A classic Gold Coast beach setting with easy access and beautiful open light. Particularly popular for sunrise or sunset elopements when the beach is at its most peaceful and the light is extraordinary. Free to use.
GOLD COAST REGIONAL BOTANIC GARDENS
For couples who want a lush garden setting rather than a beach, the Botanic Gardens in Benowa is genuinely spectacular. Manicured lawns, ornamental gardens and a tranquil lake make it one of the most beautiful ceremony settings on the Gold Coast. A paid council permit is required and I can guide you through that process as part of my service.
TAMBORINE MOUNTAIN
A short drive from the Gold Coast and a world away from the beach. Rainforest, vineyards, cool mountain air and scenic lookouts make Tamborine Mountain perfect for couples who want something lush, unhurried and entirely different. Many couples extend their elopement into a weekend away on the mountain.
PRIVATE VENUES AND AIR BNBS
Some of the most beautiful elopements I have conducted have taken place on private properties. A hinterland Airbnb with a sweeping valley view, a coastal property with a private garden, a rooftop with a city backdrop. The privacy and flexibility of a private venue makes it a firm favourite for micro-weddings of all sizes. I can help you think through what to look for when choosing yours.
Image: Sarah Couturier. Main Beach Elopement.
Image: Every Moment Captured. Saint Bernards, Tamborine Wedding
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between an elopement and a micro-wedding?
The terms are now used interchangeably and I treat them the same way. Traditionally an elopement meant just the couple, while a micro-wedding included a small group of guests. Today both simply mean an intimate, intentional ceremony free from the pressure and scale of a traditional wedding. What matters is how it feels, not what it is called.
How many guests can I have at an elopement or micro-wedding?
My elopement and micro-wedding packages are designed for two to 35 guests. If you are planning a celebration with more than 35 guests, my Wedding Celebrant and MC service may be a better fit. Book a free planning call and we can work out which option suits you.
Do I need a permit to get married on a Gold Coast beach?
Gold Coast beaches are free to use for elopements and micro-weddings with a free permit. I can help you understand what is needed for your chosen location and assist with the permit application process.
How much does a Gold Coast elopement cost?
My elopement packages start from $800 for a ceremony only. With professional photography included, packages start from $1,900, and with photography and florals from $2,300. It is also entirely possible to elope on the Gold Coast for under $1,000 with a free beach location, a ceremony package, and a trusted friend with a good camera. I have a full guide to elopement costs on my blog.
What are the legal requirements for getting married in Australia?
You need a registered marriage celebrant, a completed Notice of Intended Marriage lodged at least one calendar month before your ceremony, proof of identity for both of you, and two witnesses aged 18 or over present on the day. I guide every couple through this process from start to finish so nothing gets missed and nothing feels overwhelming. You can read more about this on my blog.
How far in advance do I need to book?
The legal minimum notice period in Australia is one month. In practice I recommend booking as early as possible to secure your preferred date, particularly for weekend ceremonies and popular locations. Some couples book six to twelve months in advance. Others come to me with a few weeks to go. Get in touch and we will work out what is possible.
Can we write our own vows?
Absolutely. Personal vows are one of the most meaningful parts of any ceremony and I actively encourage them. I provide vow writing tips and support as part of every package, and printed vow card keepsakes on the day so you have something beautiful to hold and to keep.
Can we include our children or our dog in the ceremony?
Yes, and I love it when couples do. Children can carry rings, do readings, participate in unity rituals, or simply stand with you during the ceremony. Dogs are welcome at most outdoor locations. I design every ceremony with your whole family in mind and I am experienced at creating space for the unplanned moments that end up being the ones everyone remembers. Find out more here.
Can we get married somewhere other than a beach?
Absolutely. While Gold Coast beaches are among the most popular locations, I conduct elopements and micro-weddings at private venues, Airbnbs, the Gold Coast Botanic Gardens, Tamborine Mountain, rooftops, parks, vineyards and anywhere else that feels right for you. If you have a location in mind, let us talk about whether it works.
We are planning our Gold Coast elopement from interstate or overseas. Can you help?
Yes, this is something I do regularly. All planning meetings can be conducted virtually, I coordinate with suppliers on your behalf, and I guide you through every legal requirement including your Notice of Intended Marriage which can be lodged remotely. Many of my couples have never visited the Gold Coast before their ceremony day and leave feeling like it could not have gone more smoothly.
My Trusted Partners
Interested in adding photography, fresh florals, a styled arbour, guest seating or videography? I work closely with a trusted network of local Gold Coast and Brisbane wedding suppliers to create cohesive, cost-effective packages so everything comes together without the effort of coordinating it yourself. Ask me about supplier recommendations when we speak.
Photographers: Sarah Couturier | Dee Pauline | Samuel Parke | Andy Williams
Videography: Geoff Schatzel
Hair & Make Up: Chantel | Laura Borzillo
Furniture & Styling Hire: Signature Hire | Stay Golden
Flowers - Fresh, Dried & Faux: The Paperblooms & Co
North Burleigh Micro-Wedding with Celebrant Sacha Clark Image by Sarah Couturier. Flowers: The Paperblooms & Co