Hero image of Saira and Josh provided by Carlon & Co.
During 2024, and 2025 is looking similar, I saw a growth in couples just wanting a quick, short and sharp ceremony with perhaps just two witnesses or even on their own with me supplying the witnesses. These are often called elopements, legals-only, registry-style ceremonies and sometimes I refer to them as my ‘kitchen table’ ceremonies.
And there’s a myriad of reasons why couples want this … they’re heading overseas for a big wedding celebration but want the marriage registered in Australia … sometimes they just don’t want the complications that families might bring to their day … one couple had been together awhile and one of their children was getting married in the next six months so they didn’t want to take any of the focus away from that wedding … or sometimes couples have other priorities and just don’t see the value of a larger wedding at this point in their journey.
Graham + Lyn with family saying I do. Image provided by Rose & Thistle Photography.
Whatever the reason, it can be short and sharp, like 10 minutes, or you can include in some personal vows if you’d like to add a personal touch. I’ve got a swathe of resources that can help couples create their own unique style.
Lyn + Graham enjoying their day. Images provided by Rose & Thistle Photography.
legalities
I have had a few enquiries over the years where people have decided they’d like to get married immediately, well, perhaps next weekend. Uh no! In Australia a couple must complete a Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM) and lodge it with a celebrant at least ONE month prior to the ceremony occurring. I will provide the paperwork so get in touch and we can do it all electronically very quickly.
locations
There are lots of cute little spots along The Great Ocean Road and around the Bellarine Peninsula but I think I’ve found THE perfect space for these weddings, Queenscliff. It’s got parking, amazing water views, easy access to the beach for photos, and the bonus is that you’re not actually down on the sand. Instead it’s grassy, quite protected from our south-westerlies and within walking distance to cafes and restaurants if you want to have a few drinks or a meal to celebrate. And Queenscliff has some awesome backdrops for photos, eg: the fort, a long pier, the iconic Victoriana hotels, and the harbour wharf.
Water views of Port Phillip Bay looking towards Queenscliff. Image provided by Rachel Ramsay Weddings.
“Sue, we’re eternally grateful for your outstanding contributions to making our wedding day an unforgettable experience. From day one, you offered Graham and me expert advice and support. By recommending the ideal location, you simplified our planning process and saved us from unnecessary stress. Throughout the ceremony, your exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail shone through, and your kindness in allowing us a moment to collect ourselves before proceeding was a testament to your compassion and understanding, as you recognized our nervousness and ensured our comfort.
Thank you so very much and can’t wait to share some of our photos soon.♥️♥️♥️”
Miriam + Damon images supplied by Alex Shore Weddings.
the ceremony
And a legals-only ceremony basically includes:
a welcome and introduction
a short but gorgeous poem
an Asking which is your chance to say ‘I do‘
the Monitum, the legal definition of marriage in Australia and is a legal component of the ceremony
your legal vows, again this is a legal component and I combine it with a ring exchange if appropriate
signing of legal certificates by yourselves, the witnesses and myself. Another legal component.
As mentioned, I can provide you with resources if you’d also like to add in some personal vows.
Holly + Tim with parents and their two littlies. Images provided by Rachel Ramsay Weddings.
permits
You will need to check with the local authority to obtain a permit. In some places it is free and is really just to make sure that there isn’t more than one wedding occurring at the same time at the same place. And, if you decide to have a celebratory alcoholic drink post-ceremony, as Graham + Lyn did, this can be included in the permit.
Check with me and I can let you know which local authority governs which area of the coastline. As you can see from images below, you and your witnesses signing the certificates always makes for some good photographs!
Images provided by Ash Hughes Weddings, Still Muse Photography and Rachel Ramsay Weddings.
Get in touch if this is something that interests you. I can even come to your place for my ‘kitchen table’ ceremony lol.