Eloping in Melbourne?

9 May

Here’s How to Make It Magic

Your Ultimate Elopement Ceremony Guide

Thinking about ditching tradition and eloping instead? You’re not alone. More and more couples are choosing to skip the big wedding and say “I do” their way intimate, relaxed, and focused on what really matters: the love between you two.

As a modern elopement celebrant in Melbourne, I’ve had the joy of helping countless couples craft beautiful, simple, and stress-free ceremonies that feel just as special (if not more) than a large-scale wedding. If you're wondering how to elope in Victoria or looking for elopement ceremony ideas, you’re in the right place.

Why Eloping is the New Big Thing in Weddings

Eloping used to mean running off in secret to get married on a whim. These days? It’s a totally valid and intentional way to celebrate your relationship without pressure or expectations.

Couples are choosing elopements because they:

Want something meaningful but low-fuss
Prefer to invest in travel or future plans instead of a huge party
Don’t vibe with the big wedding tradition
Crave intimacy, privacy, or something that’s just for them

Whether it’s just the two of you or a handful of your favourite humans, eloping in Melbourne can be relaxed, romantic, and totally magical.

How to Elope in Victoria: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you’re wondering how to elope in Victoria, here’s what you need to know:

1. Choose your celebrant (that’s me!)
First things first, you’ll need a registered celebrant to legally marry you. As a passionate Melbourne elopement celebrant, I’ll guide you through the legal steps and help create a ceremony that reflects your vibe, whether it’s barefoot on the beach or tucked into a forest glade.

2. Lodge your Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM)
This form needs to be submitted at least one month before your elopement date. I’ll help you fill it out and make sure all your paperwork is sorted. Easy.

3. Pick your dream elopement location
One of the best parts about eloping in Victoria is the scenery. Think:

Coastal cliff tops along the Mornington Peninsula
Quiet city gardens in the heart of Melbourne
Romantic forests in the Dandenong Ranges
Airbnb backyards or rooftop terraces

No big venue bookings or timelines, just pick a place that feels you.

4. Bring your witnesses (or let me help)
You’ll need two witnesses over 18 to make it official. If you’re eloping just the two of you, don’t stress some celebrants (including me!) can help organise witnesses for you.

5. Say I Do, your way
From legal-only ceremonies to personalised elopement experiences, I tailor your ceremony to suit your style. Want it super simple? Done. Want to include a few heartfelt vows or a cheeky in joke? Absolutely. This is your love story, there are no rules.

Elopement Ceremony Ideas to Make It Feel Magical

Even a tiny ceremony can be full of heart. Here are a few ideas to make your elopement extra special:

Write personal vows to each other
Bring a photographer to capture the magic (without the pressure of a full wedding shoot)
Pop some bubbles and celebrate right after
Include a mini ritual like a letter exchange or a first-look moment
Dress how you want—from glam to casual, anything goes
Plan a post-ceremony dinner or weekend getaway just for two

The beauty of eloping is that you can create something totally true to who you are as a couple.

Eloping in Melbourne with Married by Maddi

When you work with me, you’re not just getting someone to make it legal, you’re getting:

A registered elopement celebrant in Melbourne who’s calm, organised, and up for anything
A ceremony that’s personal, relaxed, and meaningful (even if it’s short and sweet)
Help with all the paperwork and legal bits
Optional extras like vow coaching, witness coordination, and location ideas

Whether it’s a spontaneous weekday elopement or a planned-out intimate ceremony, I’ll make sure it’s full of heart, laughter, and all the good vibes.

Ready to Elope?

If you’re planning to elope in Melbourne or regional Victoria, I’d love to help make it official (and magical). Eloping doesn’t mean missing out it just means making it yours.

💌 Get in touch here to chat about your dream elopement
📸 Or follow along on Instagram @marriedbymaddi for real ceremony inspo

Let’s make eloping feel every bit as special as it deserves to be.

— Maddi x