Just the two of you
A celebrant, two witnesses and nobody else. Often on a weekday, often somewhere with a view. I bring witnesses into it only if you want them in the frame, and otherwise stay far enough back that the day belongs entirely to you.
Melbourne · Victoria · Wherever you’re going
Just the two
of you, and
everything else.
Eloping is not running away from a wedding. It is choosing the hours that actually matter. I photograph elopements across Melbourne and regional Victoria, from a fifteen minute city ceremony to a weekend in the Dandenongs.
“Eloping is not running away from a wedding. For most of the couples I photograph it is choosing the two hours that actually matter and refusing to spend eighteen months on the rest.”
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Two people is a full guest list
Some of the best days I have photographed had nobody at them except the couple, a celebrant and two witnesses I helped find on the day. Nothing about that is a lesser wedding, and nothing about the photographs treats it as one.
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The timeline is yours, not a package
Elopements do not fit a grid of hours built for a four hundred guest reception. Tell me the shape of your day and I will tell you where the coverage should sit. Sometimes that is less time than you were about to book.
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I am useful, not just present
On a day with no coordinator and no bridal party, the photographer is the only other professional in the room. I will hold the bouquet, mind the rings, tell you where the light is, and keep an eye on the time so you never have to.
What people mean by eloping
Four ways couples actually do it
Eloping in Victoria covers a lot of ground. These are the four shapes I photograph most, and every one of them is a real wedding.
The registry, then lunch
The most common elopement in Melbourne by a wide margin. A short ceremony at the Victorian Marriage Registry in the city, then a long lunch with the handful of people who came.
Away for the weekend
Daylesford, the Great Ocean Road, a house in the Dandenongs. You go somewhere for two nights and get married in the middle of it. These days photograph beautifully because nobody is watching the clock.
Telling nobody until after
You marry quietly and announce it later. If this is the plan, say so early. It changes how I handle the gallery, what gets shared and whether anything appears anywhere at all.
Before you book
Three things worth sorting first
None of this is photography, but couples ask me about it constantly, so here it is in one place.
You need a Notice of Intended Marriage lodged with your celebrant at least one calendar month before the date, two witnesses over eighteen, and somewhere you are actually allowed to stand. That last one catches people out. Several of the prettiest spots around Melbourne need a permit for a ceremony, and a few of them will move you on without one. Tell me where you are thinking and I will tell you what I have run into there. See the locations guide
Good to know
Eloping, answered
How long should we book?
Most elopements sit between two and four hours. That usually covers the walk in, the ceremony, portraits and the start of your celebration. Tell me your rough plan and I will suggest a shape. I would rather you booked fewer hours than the wrong ones.
Can you be one of our witnesses?
I cannot photograph the signing and sign it myself at the same time, so if you have nobody, tell me early and we will sort out a plan. It comes up more often than you would think and it has never once been a problem.
We want nobody to know until afterwards. Is that okay?
Completely. Say so at the enquiry stage and nothing from your day appears anywhere. No preview post, no portfolio, no Instagram. Your gallery stays yours until you decide otherwise, and you can leave it that way permanently.
Do you travel outside Melbourne?
Happily. The Dandenong Ranges, the Mornington Peninsula, Daylesford, the Yarra Valley, the Great Ocean Road and beyond. Travel within greater Melbourne is always included and anything further is sorted simply in your quote.
Keep reading
Also worth a look
Elopements
Just the two of you, or a handful of favourite people, anywhere from the city to the coast.
Locations guide
Where to actually get married around Melbourne, with light, permits and drive times sorted out.
Engagements & proposals
A relaxed hour around the city, and the best rehearsal there is for being photographed on the day.
No obligation, no spam, just a real reply
Tell me where
you’re going.
Even “somewhere near Daylesford, probably autumn” is enough to start. I’ll reply within one business day.
Thank you!
Your enquiry is on its way. I will get back to you as soon as possible, usually within one business day.
Can’t wait? Call or text 0418 507 947.