Here’s an amazing secret to help you plan your elopement: some of the best wedding destinations are right here in your own backyard! Eloping is such an intimate and special way to tie the knot. Many people imagine they need to go overseas to holiday spots like Hawaii or Bali, but here in Victoria, we live in one of the most beautiful parts of the country and are spoilt for choice when it comes to elopement destinations.
Not only are we surrounded by gorgeous and epic elopement spots, but having a local elopement also leaves a smaller carbon footprint. It’s much kinder to the environment, plus it gives you an opportunity to support small businesses here in your own community.
While Victoria is packed with gorgeous locations, there’s nowhere quite like the rugged beauty of the High Country. To help you plan your big event, here’s my guide to elopements in North-East Victoria High Country.
Best Places to Elope in Victoria
When it comes to the High Country, what are the best elopement locations in Victoria, Australia? Below are some of my top recommendations. I love these destinations not only for their natural beauty, but also because they have plenty of luxurious and cosy Airbnbs, plus lots of local food, produce, and wine.
You’ll also be able to find talented wedding vendors to bring your elopement to life, looking after flowers, catering, and hair and makeup.
Bright
The town of Bright is a gorgeous destination any time of the year, but it really sparkles in autumn, thanks to the gorgeous reds and oranges of the leaves. The seasonal colours are breathtaking and the surrounding pine forest is also a dreamy spot for wedding photos.
It’s a delightfully charming town with plenty of accommodation and dining options, so you’ll have no problem finding everything you need for your elopement.
Victorian Snowfields
If you’ve ever imagined a winter wonderland wedding, look no further than the Victorian ski fields! We’re so lucky to live close to amazing snowy destinations like Falls Creek, Mount Buffalo, and Mount Hotham.
A winter wedding is obviously going to be fantastic if you’re a skier, but even if you’re not, there’s still plenty to love about the epic, serene beauty of the mountains covered in snow. There’s sure to be plenty of log fires to warm up by at the end of the day too!
If you’re more of a summer person, the snowfields look pretty spectacular in spring and summer as well. You’ll find bubbling brooks, wildflowers in bloom, and plenty of dramatic scenery.
Rutherglen
The winery town of Rutherglen is another top destination for elopements in Victoria. There are plenty of wineries and restaurants where you can host your celebration, plus plenty of heritage accommodation for you and your guests.
You could also head to the neighbouring King Valley, which offers incredible alpine views, beautiful sunsets, and great wine. It’s set at the foothills of the Alpine National Park, giving you gorgeous scenery, waterfalls, and plenty of inspiring natural beauty.
To get a better idea of what an elopement or wedding in Rutherglen might look like, here are some recent wedding photos I took for the lovely Chris and Emily.
Mount Buller
If you’re craving the most epic views in the state, I can’t recommend Mount Buller enough – specifically, Craig’s Hut. It’s one of the most famous huts in the High Country, thanks to its rugged beauty, especially when covered in snow.
It’s a popular spot for wedding photos, especially in the late afternoon, as that gorgeous golden light rolls in. You can even fly in by helicopter – what an unbelievable way to tie the knot!
Even if you don’t make it up to Craig’s Hut, Mount Buller still has plenty to offer. In addition to being Victoria’s largest ski resort, you’ll also find plenty of gorgeous chalets, restaurants, and dramatic scenery and landscapes.
Beechworth
The country town of Beechworth is known for its gold-mining past, but today it’s a beautifully preserved historic town. You’ll find plenty of gourmet dining options, amazing desserts and wines, and the beautiful Chiltern Forest.
From beautiful architecture and heritage pubs to local parks and forests, Beechworth offers plenty of choices for wedding photography, no matter what the time of year.
Strathmerton
For a truly original elopement locale, check out Strathmerton – specifically, Cactus Country. Here you’ll find Australia’s largest collection of cacti, plus gardens and a venue that’s ideal for receptions.
As a wedding photographer, I’m already getting excited over the idea of taking your gorgeous elopement photos surrounded by cactus!
How to Elope in Country Victoria
How do you elope in Victoria? Luckily, the process is straightforward from the legal side of things. If you want your elopement to be legally binding, you’ll need to file a Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM) one month before your wedding, and you’ll also want to find a wedding celebrant. Don’t stress about this part, though – I’ll be glad to talk you through every step of the process.
However, the much harder part of the elopement is the decision-making and planning! Many couples love that elopements are much more simple and affordable than big, traditional weddings, but you still need to put some time and effort into planning.
I absolutely love the thrill of elopements, which is why I offer elopement packages in Victoria, designed to take all the stress out of the process. To learn more, just reach out – I’d love to hear from you! I can help with everything from venue planning to suggestions on where to stay and eat. As a local wedding photographer, I also have the inside scoop on all of the best wedding photography locations in the High Country, including some hidden gems.
I can’t wait to hear from you and help you create the elopement of your dreams!
