If you are dreaming of a wedding surrounded by towering forest, a rugged coastline and only the people who matter most, this real Margaret River elopement may be exactly the inspiration you need.
Hannah and Jake knew they did not want a large, traditional celebration. They wanted their wedding to feel relaxed, meaningful and true to them, with enough space to enjoy the day instead of rushing through it.
Their celebration brought together a private farm-stay chapel, immediate family, two much-loved dogs and portraits among the karri trees of Boranup Forest and along the coast at Conto Beach. Every part of the day had a purpose, but nothing felt over-planned.
Why They Chose Margaret River for Their Elopement
Margaret River gave Hannah and Jake the combination they were looking for: privacy, beautiful natural scenery and a slower pace.
During a weekend away, they discovered a private farmhouse with a charming little chapel. It was not somewhere they had spent months searching for. The property simply felt right.
That instinct shaped the rest of their wedding. Instead of choosing details because they were expected, they built the day around places and people that meant something to them.
This is one of the lovely things about choosing an intimate wedding. As I explain in my guide to what an elopement can look like today, there is no single formula you have to follow. Your celebration can be quiet and private or shared with a small circle of family and friends.
A Real Margaret River Elopement Focused on Family
Hannah and Jake celebrated with their immediate family, some of whom travelled from the UK, Thailand and Canberra to be there.
Keeping the guest list small gave them time to speak with everyone, laugh together and take in what was happening. There was no need to hurry from one formal event to another or spend the day worrying about a complicated schedule.
It felt less like hosting a production and more like sharing an important experience with the people they loved.
Although Hannah and Jake called their celebration an elopement, it also carried some of the warmth of a micro wedding. If you are deciding which description fits your plans, my guide to micro weddings versus elopements explains the difference in a simple, practical way.
Their Dogs Were Part of the Wedding Too
Eevee and Lola were not background guests. They were family, so including them in the celebration felt completely natural.
Eevee proudly carried the wedding rings, while Lola made sure nobody took the formalities too seriously. Their floral collars suited the relaxed setting beautifully, and watching them move between the guests created plenty of spontaneous moments.
Including a dog in an elopement can work wonderfully, particularly at private accommodation where pets have already been approved. It is still important to check the venue rules, transport, shade and who will care for them while you are having portraits taken.
For Hannah and Jake, having Eevee and Lola there made the wedding feel even more like their own.
Elopement Portraits in Boranup Forest
After the ceremony and family photographs, we travelled to Boranup Karri Forest for the first part of Hannah and Jake’s portrait session.
The towering karri trees and soft filtered light gave the photographs a calm, almost cinematic atmosphere. More importantly, the forest suited the feeling of the day. There was room for Hannah and Jake to walk, talk and enjoy a quiet moment together after the ceremony.
Rather than spending the session working through a long list of poses, I gave them gentle direction and allowed their natural interactions to lead. The little glances, laughter and pauses between them became just as important as the wider portraits among the trees.
Finishing the Day at Conto Beach
From the forest, we continued towards Conto Beach and the surrounding coast.
The change in scenery gave Hannah and Jake two completely different sides of Margaret River without trying to squeeze too many locations into the day. Boranup felt quiet and sheltered, while Conto Beach brought movement, open space and the drama of the coastline.
As the light softened, they walked together, talked and took in the view. Nothing needed to be performed. Those simple interactions created photographs that felt natural because they came from a real part of the experience.
It was a beautiful way to finish their Margaret River elopement: windswept, peaceful and completely unhurried.
The Meaningful Details Behind Their Day
Some of the most important details at a wedding are not always the biggest or most obvious ones.
Hannah and Jake selected a date that honoured both Jake’s grandparents’ anniversary and Hannah’s late grandmother’s birthday. Hannah also carried a small photograph charm on her bouquet, allowing loved ones who had passed away to remain part of the day.
Her preserved wildflower bouquet brought together influences from Britain and Australia, representing the two places that helped shape their story.
These choices were quiet and personal. They did not exist simply to look beautiful in photographs, although they did. They mattered because each one connected the wedding to somebody or somewhere they loved.
Wedding at a Glance
| Detail | Hannah and Jake’s wedding |
|---|---|
| Location | Margaret River, Western Australia |
| Ceremony | Private chapel at a farm stay |
| Portrait locations | Boranup Forest and Conto Beach |
| Guests | Immediate family |
| Wedding style | Relaxed nature elopement |
| Dogs included | Yes, Eevee and Lola |
Margaret River Elopement Vendors
- Photography: Moments by Naz
- Venue and accommodation: Secret Air BnB in Margaret River
- Celebrant: Donna – Confetti Days
Planning Your Own Margaret River Elopement?
Margaret River is a beautiful choice if you want your wedding to feel private, personal and connected to nature. A smaller celebration gives you the freedom to choose what genuinely matters, whether that means bringing your family, including your dogs or spending part of the day exploring the forest and coast together.
You do not need to have every location or detail decided before getting in touch. Tell me what you are imagining, who you would love to include and how you want the day to feel. I can help you shape a relaxed photography timeline and choose locations that suit your celebration and the available light.
You can view my Margaret River elopement photography packages or enquire about your date. I would love to hear what you are planning.
Frequently Asked Questions About Margaret River Elopements
How much photography coverage do we need for a Margaret River elopement?
Most Margaret River elopements can be comfortably photographed in four to five hours when the day includes a ceremony, family photographs and portraits across one or two nearby locations. More coverage may be helpful if you also want getting-ready photographs, a meal or substantial travel between locations.
Can we include our dog in our Margaret River elopement?
Yes, provided your ceremony venue and accommodation allow pets. You should also check the rules for any portrait locations, particularly within national parks or protected areas. Nominate somebody your dog knows to handle water, transport and care during parts of the day when your attention will be elsewhere.
When is the best time of year to elope in Margaret River?
Autumn and spring are popular because the temperatures are generally milder, but the right season depends on the experience you want. Winter can create rich, atmospheric photographs, while summer usually requires careful timing around heat, bright sunlight and coastal wind.
How far is Margaret River from Perth?
Margaret River is roughly a three-hour drive south of Perth. If your wedding includes several locations, it is best to stay in the region rather than travel from Perth on the wedding day.
Do we need witnesses to elope in Western Australia?
Yes. A legal marriage in Western Australia requires an authorised marriage celebrant and two witnesses who are at least 18 years old. A Notice of Intended Marriage must generally be lodged with an authorised celebrant at least one month before the ceremony. Check the current requirements on the official Western Australian Government marriage information page and speak with your celebrant about your circumstances.
SHARE: