How to plan a dreamy Gold Coast elopement or micro-wedding!

For romantic wedding occasions big or small (seriously, we’ll find any excuse), the Gold Coast glitters year-round. But when you’re planning your dreamy elopement or micro-wedding, this multi-faceted region shines brighter than ever. Sun-kissed beaches and serene hinterland vistas are heavens for nature lovers while the smorgasbord of stellar venues draws couples looking for a luxe just-for-two “I do”. Best of both worlds? You bet.

It’s the kind of place you can find romantic rainforest chapels and hinterland hideaways within an hour of swanky beachfront restaurants and resorts. Factor in a vibrant community of creatives and vendors who specialise in micro weddings with ALL the trimmings, and you’ve got magic waiting to happen. Ready to go for gold with your Gold Coast elopement? We’ve got the how, why and where to celebrate, plus don’t miss our exclusive packages at the end of this blog post!

Gold Coast Elopements

For coast-loving couples, how does almost 70 kilometres of the good stuff sound? You’re never far from the ocean here, with some of Australia’s most iconic beaches and waterways dovetailing from South Stradbroke Island and the sugar-fine sands of Main Beach in the north through to the sought-after surf breaks of Snapper Rocks and Rainbow Bay in the south.

If you’re thinking salty kisses right by the sea with a beautiful beach ceremony, try low-key and lovely Currumbin Beach or Coolangatta’s most photogenic cove, Froggy’s Beach. Shimmering lagoon vistas more your style? You’ll adore the serene turquoise waters and national park backdrop of Talle (Tallebudgera) Creek. For more of a bird’s eye view, Burleigh Point will keep the Surfers Paradise skyline in your sights (and don’t miss the buzzing Burleigh food scene for day-after dining) while Pat Fagan Park at Greenmount frames a backdrop of ocean waves. And there’s plenty more where that came from. Toes in the sand, sorted.

Or what about an industrial-style, quaint chapel or glittering-lights Gold Coast elopement? From Southport to Cooly, you’ll find a host of fabulous venues that offer couples the chance to elope in style. Treat your family and friends to a stylish ceremony followed by a cocktail or dinner party celebration. The options are endless!

Fun fact: The Gold Coast enjoys around 300 days of sunshine a year, meaning the chances of a sunset ceremony or an open-air cocktail hour look very promising.

Hinterland Elopements

Ready to swap endless blue for a luscious sea of green? Head west of the waves to the Gold Coast Hinterland, encompassing the World Heritage landscapes of Lamington and Springbrook National Parks and the waterfalls and wineries of Tamborine Mountain. With touch-the-sky scenery and swathes of ancient Gondwana Rainforest, you won’t believe you’re less than an hour from the coast. It’s truly, madly, deeply magical.

Discover the region’s superb venues for a celebration to suit your intimate “I do”. Classic couple? Consider a charming hinterland chapel and an elegant soirée among the manicured lawns and rambling gardens of a private estate. Cabernet lovers can toast their happiness at a winery wedding (those barrels make an awesome prop). And for modern love? A boho-luxe celebration under the stars at an eco-retreat or a beautiful barn wedding (very 2021) on a country farm.

Idea: Winter wedding on the cards? With its cooler temperatures and European-inspired venue options, the Gold Coast Hinterland is ideal for a cosy fireside celebration and a more formal dress code.

Time to go pro – discover your Gold Coast Elopement specialist
The best way to pull off an intimate, incredible, and stress-free elopement? Enlist a little help. Whether you’re planning a simple celebrant/florist/photographer line-up or all the bells and whistles of a traditional celebration (sans overblown guest list), the Gold Coast will have the exclusive location, venue, and styling talents to suit your elopement dreams. Assemble your own personal dream team with our handy Gold Coast elopement venues and specialists listed below – and go get married!

Coast & Valley

Right next door to the Gold Coast you’ll find The Tweed Coast and Valley
Just when you thought the Gold Coast couldn’t get any more enticing, slip over the border into the gorgeous Tweed Shire and Far Northern New South Wales. As surveyor John Oxley wrote of seeing the Tweed Valley against the backdrop of Mt Warning in 1823: “The view was altogether beautiful beyond description. The scenery here exceeded anything I have previously seen in Australia.” Now that’s a recommendation! As the southern gateway to the GC, and home to some of the country’s most sought-after wedding venues, you want this region in the mix.

Fun fact: Queensland and NSW currently observe different time zones during the months of daylight savings. Meaning you can ring in your first day as newlyweds, twice!

Gold Coast Elopement Packages

from Pop Up Event Co

Easy Legals from $750

Similar to a registry-style wedding making things sweet and simple. This package includes your marriage officiated by an Authorised Celebrant, two witnesses (if required) and all the legal paperwork. Available Mon-Thursdays.

Just the basics from $2500

You choose your location and the pop-up team will “pop up” with a super easy elopement package! Included in this package is your choice of celebrant and photographer from our team, all the legal paperwork, a two-hour professional photo shoot, 150 edited high-resolution images, PA system and ceremony music, a signing table and two chairs, a styled arbour with your choice of floral or draping and a run sheet detailing the schedule of your day. Available Monday-Sundays.

Loved Up from $3500
Everything in the Just the Basics package plus:

your choice of a one-tier semi-naked wedding cake with a fresh floral topper / a luscious seasonal Bridal bouquet / a Flower crown in your choice of colours / Bridal hair and makeup
10 x guest chairs, and decorative pieces to compliment your location
Available Monday-Sundays.

Need help choosing a location? The Pop Up Event Co team are venue matching gurus and can take you through a range of options throughout the Gold Coast’s iconic coastline or hinterland. If you’re thinking of hidden gems and secluded spots, they have you covered! Local parks and beach bookings, in addition to wet weather backup venues, are priced from $850. Two-hour venue hire at a partner venue starts from $1000.

Level up your pop up with a range of add-ons including videography, floral and more. Discover more elopement information at popupevent.co