What Is an Elopement Wedding? (And Is It Right for You?)

QUICK ANSWER An elopement wedding is a small, intimate ceremony – usually just the couple, sometimes with a handful of close family or friends – chosen for its simplicity and focus over a large traditional wedding. At Jaspers Berry, an elopement means the same magical garden setting and level of service as a full wedding, scaled down to what matters most.

What’s the Difference Between a Wedding and an Elopement?

A traditional wedding is built around a Guest list — often 80 to 150 people, a reception, and a full day of formalities. An elopement strips that back to the ceremony itself and the people who matter most, with far more flexibility on timing, styling and scale. Some couples elope quietly and celebrate with everyone else later; others treat the elopement as the whole event.

How Much Does an Elopement Wedding Cost?

Elopement packages are generally priced well below a full wedding package, since they involve a smaller footprint, fewer Guests, less catering and a shorter day. Exact pricing depends on your date, Guest numbers and inclusions, so the most accurate figure will always come from an enquiry rather than a general estimate.

What’s Included in an Elopement at Jaspers Berry?

An elopement at Jaspers Berry takes place in the same enchanting gardens as our full weddings, the Magic Faraway Tree, the Colonial Verandah, the Secret Garden Rooms scaled to an intimate group. It’s the same level of care from Rosi and Sue, just built around a smaller, more personal celebration.

Extend the Celebration — Stay the Night

Many eloping couples choose to extend their day into a proper South Coast getaway. Jaspers Meadows, our private Mid-Century Retreat on the same lane as the venue, is a beautiful way to continue the celebration with your closest witnesses, a plunge pool, four living areas and a whole home to yourselves. The on-site Guest House is also available, depending on your package.

 

Is Eloping Right for You?

  • You’d rather spend your budget on the experience than a big Guest list
  • You want a low-stress, intimate day without compromising on setting or style
  • You’re planning a longer engagement celebration or reception separately, later
  • You want to elope, then still have your full love story photographed beautifully

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

A traditional wedding is built around a large Guest list and a full day of formalities. An elopement is a small, intimate ceremony often just the couple, sometimes with close family or friends, with far more flexibility and a much smaller footprint.
Elopement packages are generally priced below a full wedding, since they involve fewer Guests and less catering but exact pricing depends on your date and inclusions, so enquire directly for an accurate quote.
Yes, many couples elope privately and then host a separate reception or party for family and friends afterwards. There’s no rule that says it has to be one or the other.
Under Australian law, a legal marriage requires two witnesses over the age of 18, regardless of how many Guests are at the ceremony so even the smallest elopement needs at least two people present besides the couple and celebrant.
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