Thinking of eloping in Byron Bay? Elopements are no longer seen in the way they used to be, and are a fun, economical, personal and intimate alternative to a typical wedding…..not to mention “ A fabulous way to celebrate love". Eloping can be simple, practical, and short and sweet, or something that is an elaborately detailed romantic adventure. Another great benefit of Eloping is it’s a "no drama" way to formalise your marriage, that is private with no controversies, or compromises, ultimately representing who you are as individuals. There are a myriad of reasons a couple may choose to elope. For some couples, the concept of a traditional wedding simply isn't a good fit, and they would rather to do it their own way. What is paramount is that as a couple you follow your own wishes, and whatever groove makes you happy.
Budget- One key reason a couple chooses to elope is financial. Some people don't care to, or simply don't have, the finances to spend on a larger scale wedding. Some choose to allocate the money that a more lavish wedding would cost, on a deposit for a home, a honeymoon in Byron Bay or maybe traveling. Aside from the appeal of lower cost and chilled planning, an elopement means escaping any expectations or wedding traditions that may not be in alignment with the couple’s circumstances or personal preferences. Blended Families -Couples that have been previously married, or have children from previous relationships can sometimes prefer the low pressure, and moderate spotlight of an elopement. I have heard couples say they felt it was less confronting for the children and also more inclusive. There are some lovely and fun ceremony rituals that include the children marking the blending of family. Stress- For some couples planning a wedding can be time consuming and often stressy, which can potentially cloud the occasion and detract from why you’re there in the first place – LOVE. Eloping in Byron Bay requires very little planning yet encompasses the true essence of marriage – “declaring your love & celebrating the good fortune that you have to have found each other!” Oh, and it’s a great excuse to lush out! Privacy – For some bride or grooms the thought of speaking in front of a gathering of people can feel overwhelming and even terrifying. Eloping alleviates that pressure and allows you to relax and drop into the magic and the joy of marrying your big love, with all the lush and lovely elements present …minus the crowd. Location- Some couples opt for using the money that they would have been spent on a more lavish wedding, on a combined “elopement-honeymoon” - in an exotic or lush paradise such as our “beautiful Byron Bay”. In doing so, the process of getting married becomes an awesome loved up holiday, trimmed with all the special and photo perfect memories, (like others who have traditional weddings put in picture frames and albums.... and Instagram !). Capturing the moment- It has become popular for couples to have the ceremony filmed with a videographer, so they are able to share it in a surprise party celebration with their loved ones when they are home. You can even dress up as you did on your wedding day and get to wear that dress again! So lovelies, there are just a few great reasons to Elope!
My Role as your Celebrant I am always honored and humbled to facilitate marriage/love ceremonies. I find it deeply touching and inspiring, whether it’s a wedding or an elopement ceremony, however there is a particular magic that happens when a couple prepare themselves with all the care and attention to detail, feeling the excitement and anticipation, the gentle butterflies, deep joy and connectedness, without the stress or outside pressures that a bigger wedding can sometimes bring. I get the added bonus of getting to know a couple and share a very special bond with them. I have had a lot of fun, great times (and great Champagne!) and treasured memories with so many of my elopement couples. SO If a small, intimate wedding is what you desire, you can really achieve this with an elopement. You will need two witnesses for a wedding, but these needn't be guests - some elopement couples are able to use the photographer as one of their witnesses, which they are usually more than happy to do. If there are no other persons over 18 present to be witnesses, that's fine - I can organise witnesses . I am also happy to work with you in recommending or organising the other services that you require for your elopement. I have worked with many International couples and am able to advise you in the various areas of making your marriage legal in your Country of origin.
The Legal Requirements of Eloping in Australia are the same as any marriag and are as follows : To be legally married in Australia, a couple must:
Not be ppresently legally married to someone else
Be over eighteen years old, unless a court has approved a marriage where one party is aged between sixteen and eighteen years old.
Give written notice of their intention to marry to their authorised celebrant, within the required time frame.
Notice of Intended Marriage A Notice of Intent to Marry form must be completed and lodged with your celebrant no later than one month prior to the ceremony. You can lodge it with your celebrant up to eighteen months beforehand. As your marriage celebrant I am happy to help you complete this form. The notice may also be completed and witnessed outside Australia if required. You will need to give your celebrant evidence of: *Date and place of birth -which can be your Passport, or a Birth Certificate + photo ID. *You will also need a Divorce or Death Certificate if you have been previously married.
On the day of your wedding, you sign three marriage documents. Each document is signed by you, your two witnesses and your celebrant. * Your celebrant will give you one of the documents which is a decorative certificate of marriage- as a record of your marriage. As your celebrant, I will then register your marriage with the "registry of births, deaths and marriages",which if you are married in Byron Bay will be the NSW Department of BD&M * The Marriage Certificate that is issued by the registry of births, deaths and marriages is similar to a birth certificate and is your ‘Official Marriage certificate’ which you can use for official purposes, including changing your name and your legal documents. * You are able to apply for a copy of this certificate from Registry approximately 3 weeks to 1 month after your wedding through NSW births, deaths and marriages…. supplying 3 forms of identification. Alternatively as your your wedding celebrant I am able to include it in the legal paperwork that is sent off to the registry proceedeing your marriage. The price of the certificate is the couple’s responsibility unless otherwise agreed. Please feel free to ask me any questions that I may be able to assist you with. Much love to you on your adventure.