Not every couple dreams of a big wedding. Perhaps you'd rather exchange vows somewhere beautiful, invite only your favourite people and spend your wedding day enjoying the moment instead of managing a hundred different details.
But should you plan an elopement or a micro wedding?
Both options let you celebrate your relationship in a more intimate way. The difference usually comes down to your guest list, the atmosphere you want and how much of a celebration you'd like to create.
At Elope Around Melbourne, we help couples find an approach that feels right for them, whether that means a tiny ceremony in nature or a little wedding surrounded by family and friends.
What is an elopement?
An elopement is an intimate wedding that focuses on the couple and the experience they want to share.
Some couples choose a ceremony with just the two of them and their required witnesses. Others invite a small group of family and friends.
An elopement might take place on a beach, in a forest, beside a waterfall, in a garden or at a private property. It can be simple and spontaneous in feel, or carefully planned around a meaningful location.
An elopement is ideal if you want:
A personalised ceremony without the pressure of a large wedding
A smaller guest list
A beautiful location that means something to you
Professional photographs without a full-day wedding schedule
A clear budget and fewer suppliers to coordinate
More time to enjoy your wedding day together
An intimate wedding can still be emotional, meaningful and beautifully planned. Small doesn't mean less special.
What is a micro wedding?
A micro wedding is a small wedding that retains some of the elements of a traditional celebration.
You might invite your parents, siblings, children and closest friends, exchange vows in a garden or private venue, take professional photographs and enjoy a meal or drinks together afterwards.
Micro weddings are ideal if you want:
More guests than a typical elopement
A ceremony followed by a meal or celebration
Time for photographs with family and friends
A venue, styling or a more structured wedding-day experience
A smaller and more personal alternative to a large wedding
There isn't one universal guest-count definition for a micro wedding. Different venues and wedding businesses use the term differently, so check the maximum guest count and package inclusions before booking.
How much does an elopement or micro wedding cost in Melbourne?
Your budget will depend on guest numbers, location, celebrant services, photography and whether you want a venue or additional styling.
At Elope Around Melbourne, our packages have been designed to bring key services together:
Mini Elopement — from $1,375 with your own witnesses. A starting point for couples wanting a small ceremony with essential services brought together.
Elopement — $1,575. An option for couples wanting a personalised ceremony and photography, 15 adult guest limit and inclusions confirmed in the package details.
Little Weddings — from $2,000. Designed for intimate weddings with up to 30 adults, subject to the current package inclusions.
These prices are starting points for the relevant EAM packages, not the total cost of every possible wedding. Venue hire, food, styling, travel outside included limits and additional services may affect your final budget.
Before booking, compare the complete inclusions rather than just the advertised starting price.
Can you have an elopement with family and friends?
Absolutely. An elopement doesn't have to mean running away in secret.
If you want your parents, children, siblings or best friends beside you, you can create a ceremony that feels intimate while still including the people who matter most.
The key is choosing a location that accommodates your guests comfortably and checking any relevant site restrictions.
If you are planning for around 10–15 guests, an elopement package may be a good fit. If you want a larger group, a meal together, more elaborate styling or a dedicated venue, a micro wedding may be worth exploring.
Should you choose a venue or an outdoor location?
Think about the experience you want.
A beach or forest can give you a beautiful natural backdrop without needing elaborate styling. However, public locations can have restrictions, limited facilities and unpredictable weather.
A private venue may offer greater privacy, shelter, toilets and a space to celebrate afterwards. It may also involve venue hire, minimum spends or catering requirements.
Consider accessibility, parking, guest comfort and a weather backup before deciding. Your ideal location should work for the people attending as well as look beautiful in photographs.
What if you don't see yourself in traditional wedding inspiration?
Your wedding doesn't need to look like everyone else's.
You can wear whatever makes you feel comfortable, choose a location that reflects your relationship and celebrate in a way that suits your life and budget.
You can be older, plus-size, LGBTQ+, neurodivergent, previously married or simply someone who doesn't connect with traditional wedding expectations. You don't need to fit a particular wedding aesthetic to have a meaningful day.
At Elope Around Melbourne, we believe your ceremony should reflect you, not a set of expectations about what a wedding is supposed to look like.
How do you decide?
Ask yourselves these three questions:
1. Who do we really want there? Start with the people you cannot imagine the day without.
2. What matters most to us? It might be photographs, personal vows, an incredible landscape, a beautiful meal or simply being married without a big production.
3. What do we want to spend our money on? Decide which parts of the day deserve the biggest share of your budget and where you can keep things simple.
If your answers point towards a small, personal ceremony, an elopement may be perfect. If you want a more substantial gathering with family, food and a venue, a micro wedding may be the better fit.
And if you're somewhere in between, that's completely fine too.
Let's plan a wedding that feels like you
Elope Around Melbourne is a mother–daughter team bringing together celebrant services, photography, legal paperwork and planning support to help couples create personal, memorable weddings.
We offer options for couples who want an intimate elopement as well as those planning a little wedding with family and friends.
You don't need to have every detail figured out before getting in touch. Tell us your preferred date, guest count, budget and the kind of setting you love, and we'll help you explore your options.
Ready to get started?
Explore our elopement and little wedding packages and take the first step towards a wedding day that feels like yours.
Package prices, guest limits and inclusions can change. Please confirm the current details before booking.
