Many of the weddings held in the Hunter are elopements. Most are very private, just the two people, no guests, no wedding gown, no suits, no bouquet, no photographers.

Couples  have recently come from Sydney, the Hunter and Central Coast, the Middle East, Asia, UK and the USA.  Some arrive alone, stay at a guest house for the weekend, and ask staff to witness their marriage, or we can help you find witnesses. The Hunter also has photographers who have “elopement packages” and they often act as one of the witnesses to the wedding.

The reasons for eloping are many, time-poor couples  report the sheer time and energy required to organise a wedding don’t resonate with them, they just want to marry their partner, start a family, get on with life.

Private individuals  are not always comfortable with sharing what is  a very personal moment before  an audience. For those together for long years, often with a family,  paying a mortgage and school fees are higher priorities than a reception.

One couple together for 15 years booked a cottage for the weekend, married there at noon with fellow tourists as witnesses, lunched at a restaurant, then caught one of the Hunter’s open air  concerts.

Many elopements are not secret at all,  sometimes couples have told their families and have their blessings, often saying their families were relieved as no one was looking forward to “speeches and choosing outfits” and the stress was all gone.

We can arrange everything at short notice (one month, one day minimum), and by email/mail, not meeting until your wedding day.  I will send you the legalities and procedure, what you need to provide, how to get it, etc.

I can recommend “elopement friendly” Hunter Valley venues, accommodation, etc., who will similarly expedite your marriage. I can also recommend other wedding suppliers if you require them (hairdressers, photographers, etc.) and I’ll send an elopement pack including ceremonies.

Thanks to the following couples for agreeing to share their day.

One couple (who had not told anyone about their marriage) described the reaction when they  returned home:“We visited my family, and they were so happy for us. They leapt out of their seats with hugs and kisses. My Dad said we did the right thing by keeping it small. We have told all our friends, who are thrilled. I know we probably had one of the smallest weddings known to mankind, and that other people spend a house deposit on one day, but I have come to realise that if it makes you happy, then do it.”

Sydney couple David and Emily came alone, choosing Peppers Guest House and driving from Sydney with the words  “Just Eloped” emblazoned on their car! 

Mike and Judy from Illinois  also arrived alone, marrying at Roberts Restaurant and  coupling it with a NZ and Fiji tour before heading back to their US medical careers.  

Ian and Lynne  came with their children from the UK for an outdoor wedding in Hunter Valley Gardens, but regretfully they brought the English weather with them. 

David and Melissa from Sydney celebrated their marriage at a  weekend away alone at Mercure Resort, Hunter Valley Gardens.

Thai and Jennifer’s wedding was more a small wedding than an elopement,  they brought their young son to their wedding at  Thistle Hill, along with close family members. Marrying on site, they celebrated with a family BBQ.

Central Coast couple Michael and Karen brought their daughters and two close friends for their Hunter Valley Gardens Waterfall wedding.  In the photo they are giving the girls bracelets as part of the ceremony.

Hunter couple  Mandi and Scott did not travel far - marrying at the Sunken Garden at Hunter Valley Gardens, they brought their children, and asked two close friends to be witnesses.