Burleigh Heads
The classic. Headland walking track, Pandanus trees, and a view straight up the coast to Surfers. Go early for quiet.
Gold Coast elopement ceremony · $1,800 inc GST
Elope on the Gold Coast with a ceremony that actually feels like yours
A short, personal ceremony written with you, at a beach, headland, rainforest lookout, or backyard you choose. The legal paperwork, NOIM checks, and registration are all included.
What is included
$1,800 inc GST
A short, personal ceremony written with you, at a Gold Coast beach, headland, hinterland lookout or park you choose. Everything in paperwork-only, plus the romance.
Book the elopement ceremony- Everything in the paperwork-only marriage
- A planning call or video meeting to shape your ceremony
- A personal ceremony script written with you and approved by you
- Your own vows, with templates and help writing them if you want it
- Ring exchange and one small ritual, such as a handfasting or sand ceremony
- Location and timing advice for light, tides, weather, and permits
- Portable signing table for the paperwork on the day
- Unlimited email support in the lead-up
What a Gold Coast elopement with us looks like
An elopement is not a smaller wedding. It is a different idea altogether: the day is about the two of you, not about hosting. There is no guest list to manage, no seating plan, no reception timeline. Just a ceremony that says what you want it to say, in a place that feels right, followed by whatever you actually want to do next, whether that is fish and chips at Currumbin Alley or a long dinner in Broadbeach.
Our elopement ceremony sits between the bare-bones paperwork-only marriage and a full wedding ceremony. You get the personal words, your own vows, a ring exchange, and a celebrant who has thought about the light, the tide, and where to stand so your photographer gets the shot. You also get the part most elopement packages skip over: clear, calm help with the legal paperwork so nothing goes wrong on the admin side.
Who this package suits
- Couples who want a meaningful ceremony but do not want to host a wedding
- Couples flying in to the Gold Coast to get married with just a photographer and two witnesses
- Couples who want to marry now and throw a party later
- Second marriages, blended families, and couples who have done the big-wedding thing before
- Anyone who read the simple weddings guide and thought "a bit more than paperwork, please"
What it costs to elope on the Gold Coast, all-in
The ceremony is $1,800. The other costs are up to you. A rough, realistic Gold Coast elopement budget looks like this:
- Celebrant and legal paperwork: $1,800 with us
- Photography: commonly $800 to $2,500 for one to three hours of coverage
- Flowers: a bouquet and buttonhole from around $150 to $400
- Witnesses: free if you bring your own, or $130 for our witness service
- Official certificate: ordered from Queensland BDM, or $70 for us to order it for you
- Dinner or drinks afterwards: entirely your call
Want a fuller breakdown? Read our Gold Coast wedding cost guide and the affordable weddings guide. For photographers and other suppliers, browse the Gold Coast wedding directory.
The legal bits still apply
Eloping does not skip Australian marriage law. You need a Notice of Intended Marriage given at least one calendar month before the ceremony, the right ID documents, and two adult witnesses. International couples can elope here too: read our guide for couples coming from overseas.
Favourite Gold Coast elopement locations
We will help you choose based on the light, the tide, the crowds, and the council rules. More ideas in our local spots guide.
Currumbin and Tallebudgera
Currumbin Rock and the calm Tallebudgera Creek mouth give you water, rocks, and room to move away from the crowd.
Snapper Rocks and Kirra
Southern end, stunning light, and easy dinner afterwards in Coolangatta. Wind can be strong, so plan a sheltered backup.
The Broadwater
Southport and Labrador parklands offer flat, shaded, accessible spots with sunset over the water and easy parking.
Springbrook and Tamborine
Rainforest, waterfalls, and lookouts. Cooler, greener, and a completely different feel from the beach.
Your own place
A holiday rental balcony, a family backyard, or a private room at the restaurant you are heading to afterwards.
How it works
Step 1
Book online
Book the elopement ceremony online with your preferred date, rough location, and time of day.
Step 2
Do the NOIM
Complete your Notice of Intended Marriage with NOIM Easy, get it witnessed, and send it through at least a month before.
Step 3
Plan the ceremony together
A planning call to shape the words, your vows, the location, timing, and any small rituals.
Step 4
Elope
Say the words that matter to you, sign, and go and celebrate. We lodge the registration afterwards.
Not quite right?
Compare the other Gold Coast packages
Just need it legal? Paperwork-only is $820. Having guests? The full wedding ceremony is $2,200.
Paperwork-Only Marriage
The cheapest legal way to get married on the Gold Coast
$820 inc GST
- Guests:
- The two of you and two adult witnesses
- Ceremony:
- About 10 minutes
Best for: Couples who want to be legally married now and celebrate later (or not at all).
Personal ceremony
Elopement Ceremony
A personal ceremony for the two of you, somewhere beautiful
$1,800 inc GST
- Guests:
- Just you two, or up to about 15 family and friends
- Ceremony:
- About 15 to 20 minutes
Best for: Couples who want the moment to feel like theirs, with no or only a few guests.
Wedding Ceremony
A full, custom wedding ceremony your guests will actually enjoy
$2,200 inc GST
- Guests:
- Your wedding guests, from a dozen to around 150
- Ceremony:
- About 20 to 30 minutes
Best for: Couples having a wedding with guests who want a celebrant, not a script-reader.
Need witnesses, an after-hours time, or travel beyond the coast? See the optional extras on the Gold Coast pricing page.
Gold Coast elopement FAQs
How much does it cost to elope on the Gold Coast?
Our Gold Coast elopement ceremony is $1,800 inc GST, including the legal paperwork and registration. Photography, flowers, and any location permit are separate, so many couples elope for well under $4,000 all-in.
Can we elope with no guests at all?
Yes, but Australian law still needs two adult witnesses. Bring two people you trust, or add our witness service for $130 and we will supply them.
Where can we elope on the Gold Coast?
Popular choices include Burleigh Heads, Currumbin Rock, Kirra and Snapper Rocks, the Broadwater parklands, Tallebudgera Creek, and hinterland lookouts around Springbrook and Mount Tamborine. We help you weigh up light, tides, crowds, and council permit rules.
Do we need a permit to elope on a Gold Coast beach or park?
Small, low-impact ceremonies are often simple, but City of Gold Coast rules depend on the location, group size, and any setup. Check the current council requirements for your spot; we will point you in the right direction during planning.
How far ahead do we need to book?
The Notice of Intended Marriage must be given at least one calendar month before the ceremony, so book at least five or six weeks out if you can. Sunrise and weekend sunset slots go first.
Is an elopement a legal marriage?
Yes. The elopement ceremony includes the full legal wording, signing, and registration with Queensland Births, Deaths and Marriages, exactly like a registry marriage.
What is the difference between the elopement and paperwork-only packages?
Paperwork-only ($820) is the legal minimum, read simply. The elopement ceremony ($1,800) is written with you, includes your own vows and a ring exchange, and happens at a location that means something to you.
Ready to elope on the Gold Coast?
Book online with your date and the kind of place you are imagining. We confirm availability and send you everything you need.