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Eloping in Perth has become one of the most popular ways for couples to get married. No long guest list, no seating charts, no stress about who sits next to who at the reception. Just the two of you, a celebrant, and a beautiful spot to say your vows.
But couples still ask the same question. How much does it actually cost?
Below is a real, honest breakdown of what you can expect to spend on an elopement wedding in Perth, what a Perth elopement photographer typically charges, and the questions worth asking before you book anyone.
An elopement usually means a small, intimate ceremony with two people, sometimes a handful of close family or witnesses, and a short list of vendors. It is not the same as a micro wedding, which can still include 10 to 30 guests and a small reception afterward. Both are growing in Perth because they let couples put their budget toward the parts of the day that matter most, rather than spreading it across catering for 100 people.
Every elopement looks different, so treat these as realistic ranges rather than fixed prices. This is based on current WA pricing for celebrants, florists, and photography services in Perth.
Marriage celebrant: $600 to $1,600 A legal-only ceremony on a weekday can sit at the lower end. A personalized ceremony with a custom script, PA system, and a Saturday booking pushes the price up. Add travel fees if your celebrant is driving outside the Perth metro area.
Photography: $650 to $1,800+ This is where a lot of couples choose to spend more, since photos are the one thing you keep forever. At Letthe Lightin, the elopement photography package starts from AUD 650 for 2 hours of intimate, tailored coverage. If you want a longer day with a pre-wedding session included, packages start from AUD 1,800 for 4 hours of wedding coverage plus a 2 hour pre-wedding shoot. Like most photography services in Perth, prices scale with hours booked and what is included in the package.
Official marriage certificate: around $58 This is the WA Births, Deaths, and Marriages fee for your certificate. It is separate from your celebrant's fee.
Flowers: $150 to $450 A bridal bouquet and buttonhole through a Perth florist typically falls in this range, depending on the flowers you choose and the season.
Hair and makeup: $250 to $600 Some couples skip this entirely and do their own. Others book a mobile artist to come to them, which usually costs more than a salon visit.
Attire: varies widely Elopement outfits tend to be simpler than a traditional wedding dress or suit, which keeps this cost down. Many couples wear something they already own or buy off the rack.
Venue or location fee: $0 to $2,000+ A public beach or park is often free, though some spots require a permit. Private venues and estates charge a hire fee, which can range from a few hundred dollars to well over a thousand depending on the location and how long you need it.
Extras: $100 to $500 Think champagne, a picnic setup, styling touches, or a small dinner afterward to celebrate.
Put together, a simple Perth elopement with a celebrant, 2 hours of photography, flowers, and a marriage certificate often lands between $1,800 and $3,500. Add hair and makeup, a private venue, and a longer photography package, and the total can move up to $5,000 or more. Compared to the average Australian wedding cost, which sits well above $30,000, an elopement is a fraction of the price without losing the parts that matter.
Perth and the surrounding region have no shortage of beautiful elopement spots. Some popular venues among couples we have worked with include Barrett Lane Function Centre, Darlington Estate in the Swan Valley, the Supreme Court Gardens, the Blue Boat House, Chapel Farm in the Swan Valley, Burns Beach, Wanneroo Pine Forest, House of Vows with Philipa, UWA with Ruben Olivia, and the Ritz Carlton Perth.
Each of these offers something different, from native bushland and vineyard backdrops to city gardens and waterfront views. If you want a longer list of dreamy locations to consider, we put together a full guide here: 10 Dreamy Elopement & Micro Wedding Venues in Western Australia.
Photography is usually the biggest line item after the celebrant, so it is worth getting right. Here is what to ask a Perth elopement photographer before you book.
How many hours of coverage do I actually need?
A 2 hour elopement package works for a simple ceremony and a short photo walk. If you want getting ready shots, a first look, or time at two locations, you may need more.
How many edited images will I receive, and how quickly?
Ask for a minimum number of images per hour and a realistic turnaround time. Most Perth photographers deliver a gallery within a few weeks to a couple of months.
Is a second shooter included or available?
For elopements this usually is not necessary, but it is worth asking if you want extra angles or have multiple locations planned in one day.
What happens if it rains or plans change?
Perth weather is generally reliable, but every photographer should have a backup plan or reschedule policy in writing.
Do you know the venue or location already?
A Perth elopement photographer who has shot at Darlington Estate, Burns Beach, or Kings Park before will know the best light and the best spots without wasting your ceremony time scouting.
What is included in the price, and what costs extra?
Confirm whether travel, a second location, or extra editing is included or billed separately.
Can I see a full gallery from a real elopement, not just highlights?
Highlight reels look great, but a full gallery shows you the consistency of their work across an entire session.
An elopement in Perth can be as simple or as detailed as you want it to be. What matters is knowing where your money is going before you book. If you are planning a small ceremony and looking for a Perth elopement photographer, Letthe Lightin offers elopement photography starting from AUD 650 for 2 hours, along with packages for couples who want a longer day or a pre-wedding session included. We are one of a handful of photography services in Perth built specifically around small, intimate ceremonies rather than large weddings.
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