Booking your elopement wedding
Whether you are planning an elopement with your closest family and friends or want to keep it completely private, Cairns has plenty of great options.
Imagine yourself tying the knot in the lively city of Cairns or in the natural surroundings of tropical rainforests and the most pristine beaches in Australia. Cairns offers so many natural settings that make the perfect backdrop for a romantic, memorable celebration. Combine that with wedding venues offering stunning waterfront views and decadent dining, and it’s easy to see why couples elope to Cairns for their ‘getaway’ wedding.
What is eloping and why do couples do it?
An elopement wedding is a smaller, more intimate ceremony compared to a traditional wedding. Rather than organising a big wedding with lots of guests and details to coordinate, elopement weddings focus on a minimal, low-key celebration. Some people choose to keep the day completely private as a couple, while others decide to invite a small number of close friends and family.
One of the main reasons people choose to elope is because of the flexibility it offers. It is an easier and more affordable way of doing things. With fewer guests to organise and less to worry about, there will be less planning to do and you can spend your money elsewhere. Couples who choose to elope may have different priorities and spend their budget on a photographer, a more luxurious location, or a better dining experience after the ceremony.
Cairns is a truly beautiful destination for couples looking for a tropical elopement wedding. Lush rainforest, coastal scenery, and a relaxed atmosphere make it a great place to hold your celebration. As a popular holiday destination, Cairns also allows couples to combine their wedding celebration with a romantic getaway.
What is the best time to elope in Cairns?
If you are planning to elope in Cairns, consider the time of year you want for your ceremony, as the region has varied seasons.
Cairns’ dry season usually runs between May and October. This is when you will experience lower humidity and usually less rainfall. Therefore, this time of year is usually more popular for weddings.
The wet season usually runs from November to April. During this time, you will usually experience heavier rainfall and higher humidity. This weather isn’t always ideal for couples, which is why it’s considered the off-season. However, every season has its own benefits and some may prefer this wet, tropical weather on their day.
It is always a good idea to have a backup indoor option if you choose to have your ceremony outdoors. This way you can have more flexibility in case you experience Cairns’ heavy rainfall.
Another factor worth considering is the time of day that you will hold the ceremony. If you want natural and soft light, then an early morning or late afternoon ceremony would be most appropriate and suitable for photography. You can also hold your ceremony at sunset if you want to take advantage of having a colourful sky in your wedding photos. Our team can help you pick the best time of the day according to your preferences.
Where are the best places to elope in Cairns?
One of the best things about planning an elopement wedding in Cairns is the variety of settings to choose from. Your ideal location will depend on the atmosphere you want to create, from adventurous and natural to relaxed and elegant.
- Beaches
Cairns offers some of the most prestigious beaches in Australia, which makes it the perfect destination for couples wanting a tropical wedding. The northern beaches are some of the most well-known spots to tie the knot. These beaches are famous for their beautiful backdrops and scenery, making them the perfect setting for your elopement wedding.
- Rainforests
If you prefer to elope in a more secluded area, Cairns offers some of the most lush rainforests in the world. Having your ceremony in a rainforest is a very unique and memorable experience, providing such a romantic option. These ceremonies are perfect for couples who love spending time in nature. One thing that would need to be considered if you would like to elope in a rainforest would be appropriate footwear and the humidity in these types of environments.
- Private venues
There are also many wedding venues in Cairns that plan and organise your elopement wedding for you. Selecting a private venue can also mean you get to enjoy a celebratory meal following your wedding ceremony. If you choose to celebrate with a small group of close friends or family this means you won’t have to stress about every little detail. Located in Trinity Beach, our venue offers waterfront views and dining options that can align perfectly with your elopement wedding. Our venue lets you bring the ceremony and celebration together in one location.
Things to plan when eloping in Cairns
Elopement weddings can be a more affordable alternative to traditional weddings, which cost an average of around $38,252 in Australia, according to Paperlust. Depending on your plans, an elopement can range from less than $700 for a simple legal ceremony to $15,000 or more for a personalised ceremony with photography and other extras.
Here is a list of things you will need to plan when eloping:
- Celebrant
- Photography
- Hair and makeup
- Wedding outfits
- Marriage certificate
- Flowers and styling
- Location and permits
- Travel and accommodation
- Guests and celebrations
As mentioned, Cairns’ tropical climate should be considered when choosing your date, especially if you are planning an outdoor wedding.
For couples wanting an intimate and more low-key celebration, our venue offers waterfront views and dining options, allowing you to bring your ceremony and meal together in one location without organising a large event.
Please note: Our venue requires a minimum of 30 guests for elopement wedding bookings. We recommend getting in touch with Georgia to discuss your plans and find the best option for your celebration.
