What is an elopement? How does an elopement differ from a wedding?
An elopement, at its very core, is a celebration of love and commitment that is profoundly personal and intimate. It is a heartfelt choice made by couples who wish to diverge from the well-trodden path of traditional wedding celebrations. Instead, they invite only the traditions that resonate with their unique story and values. The focus is on crafting an experience that is deeply meaningful to the couple, rather than hosting a larger, more public affair.
In contrast, a traditional wedding tends to be a grander, more public celebration. It encompasses not only the couple but also their friends, family, and sometimes even their extended community. While a wedding is undeniably a celebration of the couple's love and commitment, it also serves as an occasion for loved ones to gather, rejoice, and partake in the joy. As the hosts, the couple often spend considerable effort ensuring their guests' comfort and entertainment, from arranging meals to creating a welcoming space. The event becomes a shared experience, filled with interactions, speeches, and festivities that highlight the couple's connection to their broader community.
The key distinction between an elopement and a traditional wedding lies in the prioritisation of space, both literally and metaphorically. During a traditional wedding, the couple shares their space—be it the ceremony location, the reception venue, or even the limelight—with their guests. This sharing often comes with the responsibility of hosting, which can sometimes overshadow the couple's personal experience. The logistical demands and the desire to cater to the guests' needs can add layers of complexity and stress.
On the other hand, an elopement creates more room for the couple. It's a space for them to express their love and commitment without the pressure of hosting or meeting others' expectations. The focus is solely on the couple's journey, their bond, and their pledge to each other. This intimacy allows for a deeper, more personal connection, letting the couple fully immerse themselves in the experience. The absence of a large audience means that every moment, from the exchange of vows to the quiet post-ceremony reflection, is infused with genuine emotion and significance.
At The Elopement Collective, we believe in the beauty and authenticity of both types of celebrations. However, we understand that an elopement might resonate more with couples who wish to prioritize their experience and the intimate expression of their love. We are dedicated to helping such couples create a meaningful, personalized elopement that reflects their unique love story. Our goal is to provide a seamless, stress-free, and unforgettable experience, allowing couples to focus on what truly matters—their love and their future together. Whether you envision a quiet beachside ceremony, a mountaintop vow exchange, or an intimate celebration in a picturesque location, we are here to make your elopement dreams come true.
What locations does The Elopement Collective offer for elopements?
At The Elopement Collective, we know that love knows no boundaries, and neither should your elopement. While we are based in beautiful Tasmania, our work takes us far beyond these shores.
Every week, we're crafting unique elopements in locations all around the globe, giving our couples the freedom to say 'I do' in a place that truly resonates with them.
Australia and New Zealand
As an Australian company, we have a deep love for the diverse landscapes our homeland and neighboring New Zealand offer. From the tranquil beaches of the Gold Coast and the rugged beauty of the Outback to the breathtaking mountain vistas of New Zealand, we have helped couples exchange vows in a multitude of awe-inspiring settings. Whether it's a secluded beach, a serene forest, or a majestic mountain peak, we ensure each location reflects the unique beauty and charm of your love story.
Bali, Indonesia, and throughout Asia
Bali, with its serene beaches and lush landscapes, is a popular elopement destination that we frequent. But our Asian adventures don't stop there. Throughout Asia, we've found hidden gems and enchanting locales that serve as perfect backdrops for your intimate ceremony. Whether you dream of a tranquil ceremony in a secluded Balinese villa, on a remote beach in the Philippines, or amid the vibrant colors and culture of Thailand, our experienced team can make it happen. Each destination offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural richness, providing a memorable setting for your special day.
The Americas and Europe
Our reach extends across the Pacific and Atlantic oceans as well. From the sun-drenched coastlines of California to the rugged mountains of Colorado in the USA, and from the romantic vistas of Italy to the enchanting chateaux of France in Europe, we've explored and uncovered some of the most romantic elopement locations these regions have to offer. Our team has extensive experience across some of the most iconic and picturesque locations in Europe, from the dramatic landscapes of The Alps to the mystical allure of Iceland. No matter where you envision your elopement, we have the expertise to bring your vision to life.
Local Teams and Traveling Teams
For the highest quality of service, we have local teams in many of these destinations. They bring valuable local knowledge and connections, ensuring every detail of your elopement is perfect. Additionally, our Australian team is often on the move, bringing their expertise to various locations around the world. They are more than willing to travel to help you create the elopement of your dreams. This combination of local insight and global experience allows us to provide a seamless and personalised elopement experience, no matter where you choose to say 'I do.'
At The Elopement Collective, we're all about crafting an elopement experience that's as unique as your love story. We take pride in our ability to offer diverse, stunning locations for your elopement, spanning continents and cultures. Whether you dream of a beachside ceremony at sunset, a rustic mountain elopement, or an intimate ceremony in a historical European city, we're here to make that dream come true. Let us help you create an unforgettable day that truly reflects the beauty and depth of your love.
Why do couples choose to elope over having a traditional wedding?
At The Elopement Collective, we cater to a diverse range of couples. Our clientele includes young couples, those embarking on second marriages, and older couples alike. Despite their differences, one common thread ties them all together: a shared desire for simplicity and significance in their marriage ceremony, rather than a grand wedding.
Our couples highly value intimacy, cherishing the unique space it creates for authentic, heartfelt exchanges of vows. They appreciate the flexibility that comes with eloping, allowing them to define their special day on their own terms. Moreover, they actively shun stress and seek ways to remain fully present in the moment, soaking in the joy and emotion of their commitment.
The couples we work with desire the best of both worlds. They want stunning photography capturing their simple yet profound ceremony. They wish to be surrounded by beautiful flowers in a picturesque location. Yet, they opt out of the fuss and fanfare associated with big weddings. Their choice is for an intimate, meaningful celebration that truly reflects their love and commitment.
At The Elopement Collective, we understand that each couple’s story is unique. We are dedicated to creating an elopement experience that honors their individuality and enhances their love story. Our goal is to provide a seamless, stress-free, and unforgettable experience, allowing couples to focus on what truly matters—their love and their future together.
How much does it cost to elope?
Once you’ve inquired and received an elopement package quote from us, that will be the total expense from us.
This includes all standard inclusions and any optional additions you’ve chosen, as per your information pack and then the invoice.
We don’t have secret prices or hidden fees.
Prints and albums of your photos are available at your choosing after they’re delivered as high-quality digital photo files after your elopement.
Once you have your Elopement Collective package confirmed, booked, and paid for, the other costs you might want to consider would be:
Your elopement threads: You and your partner do not have to wear the standard wedding attire; you can wear whatever clothes you choose, as long as they make you feel like a million dollars when you wear them.
Your travel expenses: If you’re eloping away from home, or even if it’s around the corner, you might want to consider flights, accommodation, car rentals, and transfers. If you’re a real travel pro, you’ll amass some Qantas points and get there in first class.
The after-party: As the sun sets and your elopement concludes, consider booking a table at a restaurant—either just for the two of you or for any family and friends who want to celebrate with you on the night.
Wedding rings: If you’re exchanging rings in your ceremony, you’ll want to find some that look amazing, feel great, and really make the statement that you are loved more than you could ever have bargained for.
Makeup and hair: Spend as much as you can on barbers or hairdressers, makeup, tanning, and whatever it takes for you to feel like a million dollars. The right professionals will ensure you look and feel your best on your special day.
At The Elopement Collective, we aim to make your elopement as stress-free and memorable as possible, with no hidden surprises. If you have any specific requests or need further customisation, we are always here to help make your elopement dreams come true.
What does the elopement package include?
At The Elopement Collective, our elopement packages are designed to provide you with a seamless, stress-free, and unforgettable wedding experience. We've carefully curated a set of services to cover all the essential aspects of your elopement.
Personal Elopement Planner: You will have a personal elopement planner, Britt, guiding you through the entire process. With her wealth of experience, Britt will craft a unique elopement that reflects your love story. Her role involves more than just logistics; she's there to provide support, answer your questions, and ensure everything runs smoothly, so you can focus on what really matters—celebrating your love. Britt has been creating elopements across Australia, Europe, New Zealand, the USA, and Asia for over a decade now.
Authorised Marriage Celebrant: Our elopement package also includes a professional marriage celebrant (officiant for our international friends) who will take care of all the legal paperwork associated with your marriage. But their role extends beyond the formalities. They will work closely with you to create a personalised, intimate ceremony that captures the essence of your relationship.
Dream Bouquet of Flowers: Flowers have a special way of adding magic to any occasion. That's why our packages include a dream bouquet, meticulously arranged by our talented florists. You can expect a stunning array of flowers that complements your elopement aesthetic.
Professional Elopement Photography: Capturing those precious moments is an integral part of the elopement experience. Our package comes with professional photography services, ensuring you have beautiful, high-quality images to cherish for a lifetime. All the images are delivered to you as soon as they’re ready, in the highest print resolution, with no watermarks and no upsells for more digital photos. Prints and albums are available through our print store.
We also offer optional extras to further enhance your elopement experience:
Elopement Film: Want to relive your special day over and over? Consider adding an elopement film to your package. Our skilled videographers will create a heartfelt film that tells your love story in a captivating way.
Extra Florals: If you want to add more floral magic to your day, we offer the option of additional floral arrangements. These could be additional bouquets, boutonnieres, or even floral decorations for your elopement location.
Additional Photography and Videography Time: If you wish to capture more moments before or after the ceremony, you can opt for extra photography and videography time. This allows for more comprehensive documentation of your special day.
Travel Expenses for Our Team: Depending on your chosen elopement location, there might be travel expenses involved. We can handle all the details to ensure a hassle-free journey to your dream elopement destination. These expenses will be communicated and agreed upon before booking.
At The Elopement Collective, we're all about personalizing your elopement experience. If there's something specific you want that's not listed in our package, let us know. We're here to help make your elopement dreams come true.
Can we customise our elopement package, or are they pre-set?
Our packages are created to give us the best chance of delivering something epic for you in a way we confidently can deliver it. But we’re also up for a challenge, so if you think ordering off the menu is boring and you have better ideas, get in touch.
We love working with couples who have a unique vision and are excited to help you bring your dream elopement to life.
How far in advance should we book our elopement date?
While we're adept at creating beautiful elopements with a minimum of one month's notice, and currently Australian law requires one month's notice for legal marriage paperwork, we typically plan elopements anywhere from three to nine months in advance. This timeline allows us to thoroughly prepare and ensures that we can secure the best services and vendors for your intimate elopement.
Flexibility on the day of the week and date of your elopement means we can plan it as soon as possible, maximising the quality and personalisation of your special day.
We understand that every couple is unique, and the timeline that works for one may not work for another, so, if you're considering an elopement, we recommend reaching out to us as soon as you can.
This early communication allows us to discuss your vision, preferences, and specific requirements, ensuring that your elopement is not only unforgettable but also perfectly tailored to you. We take pride in our ability to adapt and customize each elopement to reflect the individuality of the couple, making your day as special and unique as your love story.
If you’re planning to elope more than nine months from now, we can discuss locking in a date, especially if it’s a special date or a unique travel location that requires more intricate planning. This additional time can be incredibly beneficial for securing exclusive venues or coordinating complex travel arrangements, ensuring that every detail aligns with your dream elopement. Our goal is to make the process as seamless and stress-free as possible, allowing you to focus on the joy of your upcoming union.
By reaching out early, you give us the best chance to create an elopement experience that exceeds your expectations, filled with beautiful moments that you will cherish forever. Let us take care of the details so that you can fully immerse yourself in the magic of your special day.
How many guests can we invite to our elopement?
It's not about the number; it's about the heart and the intention behind it. We've had true elopements with sixteen guests, and we've had zero guests at an elopement, and it hasn't felt right.
The magic of an elopement isn't defined by the size of the guest list but by the depth of the connection and the meaning behind each moment shared.
Basically, we don't do ‘tiny weddings’, micro-weddings, or budget weddings.
We don't want to try and squeeze a wedding into an elopement package. Instead, we create simple and significant elopements. Our focus is on crafting experiences that are authentic and intimate, allowing you to celebrate your love in a way that feels true to who you are as a couple.
Josh likes to say that you should only invite people to your elopement who you'd invite into your birthing suite as you give birth to your child. Your elopement isn't a public spectacle for all to see; it's an intimate moment that deserves to be witnessed but only by those people with whom you share your life.
Your favourite and most important people who know and celebrate you. These are the ones who truly understand your journey and the significance of your commitment.
There's no room for obligation guests at an elopement. This is your day, and it should be shared with those who matter most, free from the pressures of societal expectations or familial obligations. The beauty of an elopement lies in its purity and authenticity, untainted by the need to please everyone else.
Your obligation guests can find out on social media when you share a photo. Let the world see your joy through your eyes, on your terms. Share the moments that matter to you, with the people who were meant to be there, and let everyone else experience the magic from afar. This way, you preserve the sanctity of your elopement while still sharing the happiness of your union with a broader audience.
What do we need to have organised before contacting you?
Complete this checklist before inquiring with The Elopement Collective to create your epic elopement:
Read the information pack that was emailed to you.
Make sure you read through the information pack that we’ve sent to your email.
If you haven’t received it yet, you can enter your email address here to get the information pack.
Remember to check your spam folder if the email doesn’t show up in your inbox.
It’s a good habit to check your spam folder regularly anyway—the email gods can be quite fickle.
Decide on either a location or a type of location.
Start thinking about where you want to have your elopement.
Are you dreaming of Iceland or maybe “a black sand beach like Iceland but in Australia”?
Perhaps “Byron Bay” is on your mind, or a picturesque green hinterland area in the USA?
Somewhere around Tasmania or Europe?
Our teams are stationed all around the world and we're constantly on the move, so if you have some flexibility, we might just be nearby your ideal spot.
You’re in love with someone and you’d really like to marry them.
This might seem obvious, but it’s essential. You need to be madly in love with someone and really want to marry them.
Legally, both of you must be 18 or older, not currently married to someone else, and fully consenting to the marriage.
There are a few other legal requirements, but don’t worry—your celebrant will go over all of them with you.
Follow us on social media and explore our galleries.
Get to know us better by following us on Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook.
Take some time to scroll through our photo galleries to get a feel for what we do and see what it looks like to elope with The Elopement Collective.
This will help you visualize your own special day and ensure our style matches your vision.
Understand our no-assholes, only nice people policy.
We’re all about creating beautiful, meaningful moments for couples who are genuinely in love.
To keep things positive and enjoyable for everyone, we have a strict no-assholes, only nice people policy.
We’re just a couple of humans who are passionate about what we do and want to work with like-minded, kind-hearted individuals.
If you’ve ticked all those boxes, let’s chat! [email protected]