FAQ
1. What dates do you have available?
Our elopement packages are available on weekdays. Ask us about the date you want. We will do our best to be available for you.
If you are wanting a celebrant or photographer for a Saturday date, please check out our respective websites
2. Where can we elope?
We will come to you wherever you choose to have your elopement. You can get married anytime of the day (or night) and you can marry anywhere you choose... at home, on a beach, on a boat, in a park, the bush, top of a hill... your choice.
3. How many guests can we invite?
Elopements are intimate and relaxed ceremonies, traditionally with a small guest list. Many couples who elope
just have their two witnesses present. We recommend around 12 guests at most. If you are planning to include a wedding party (that’s bridesmaids and groomsmen etc) and more than 20 guests, you will want a rehearsal beforehand and a PA with mic so everyone can hear what’s being said, and there will be lots more to photograph ... ask us about a Petite wedding!
NOTE: We will never tell anyone they aren’t welcome at your ceremony. Your marriage is a public
declaration made by both of you and by law anyone can watch on if it’s taking place in a public venue.
4. What happens during the photos?
It’s completely normal to feel a little nervous—most couples do!
Tamara’s approach is all about helping couples feel relaxed, natural, and comfortable infront ofthe camera. She
gently guides with simple prompts, so nothing feels stiff or overly posed.
The experience is light fun, and easy, with no pressure to be anything but yourselves.
Her focus is on capturing real connection, not perfection. Couples can simply enjoy the moment while she takes care of the rest.
FAQ
5. What happens during the ceremony?
The legal requirements are quite short. Leanne will explain these bits and work with you to add personal vows and giving rings etc if you want. Leanne’s elopement ceremonies are relaxed and intimate, not too formal.
You will need to have 2 witnesses present to sign the marriage documents.
6. Can we have bridesmaids, groomsmen, flower girls and pageboys?
See question 3! Yes! - We also do Petite Weddings.
7. What are the legal requirements
An elopement is a legal marriage contract. The legal requirements are just the same as if you are having
a big wedding ceremony with all the “bells & whistles”
To marry in Australia, parties to the marriage must meet the following criteria:
-Parties must be aged 18 years or over
-Parties must not be married to someone else (or each other)
-Parties must not be in a prohibited relationship
-Parties must give real consent.
Couples who meet these criteria are free to marry in Australia. The first step in the process is giving notice
to the Commonwealth Government, through your celebrant, that you wish to marry.
The Notice of Intended Marriage must be completed at least one month, and no more than 18 months, prior
to your ceremony. The completed NOIM remains with the celebrant until after the wedding is solemnised, at
which point it is lodged, along with your other wedding documents, with the Registry of Births, Deaths and
Marriages.
Usually we meet face-to-face to prepare and lodge the NOIM, but it can also be lodged with the celebrant
electronically.
Your celebrant will need to see originals of the following documents:
Proof of your date and place of birth: either your official birth certificate or passport. Passports are a
convenient way of confirming your date and place of birth. However, all the other information required
to complete the NOIM (such as your mother’s full maiden name) can be found on your birth certificate, so
if you don’t know this information, it’s easier just to get a copy of your birth certificate! If the document
you present is in another language, your celebrant will need to see a formal translation of it.
Photo identification: your passport, driver's licence, or proof of age card.
Evidence of the dissolution of your most recent marriage if you have been married previously: a divorce certificate or death certificate.
8. What is included in CQ Elopement Wedding Packages and what extras do we need to consider?
All packages include preparation and lodging of all the legal documents, a legal marriage ceremony, a
registry table and two chairs, photographs to record your special day and keep the
memories precious. This is a CLASSIC Elopement package.
The STYLED Elopement includes ceremony decor set up for you, and extra time for photos.
You might consider the add-ons in the LUXE package or ask us about a Petite wedding.
Extras to keep in mind -
After your marriage has been registered with the Registry of Births, Deaths & Marriages, you will need to
order a registered copy of the certificate. The fee is paid to the Registry Office.
You will need to arrange your Hair, Make Up appointments and your dress and suits – unless you are planning on a beach wedding in boardies and crocs, or a bus wedding in jeans & T- shirts!