admin August 29 2025

How To Plan An Elopement or Micro Wedding?

The wedding day is truly special, but not everyone wants a grand traditional wedding celebration. More and more couples nowadays are going for smaller, more intimate weddings like elopements or micro weddings. Sometimes couples wish to celebrate the special day intimately and make it more romantic rather than inviting a huge number of guests and arranging for a big dine-in. After all, it is all about how the couples feel and make it a lifetime experience.

If you want a great way to get wedded to your person, planning a micro wedding in Adelaide or the Flinders Ranges and Outback could be exactly what you dreamt of. Adelaide and its surrounding area are famous for their beautiful, scenic locations, grand lifestyle, and a variety of unique venues, making it one of the best areas in Australia for celebrating a small wedding. In this blog, we will take you through everything you need to know to plan your elopement or micro wedding in South Australia.

Speciality of a Micro Wedding:

An elopement is generally a special type of ceremony that includes just the couple and the celebrant and possibly a few witnesses. The focus is mainly on love and commitment without the hassle of planning a large event. A micro wedding is a smaller wedding, with several persons attending stay between 10 and 40 guests. A micro wedding is an elopement plus the rules of a traditional wedding ceremony, reception, take some memorable snaps, and perhaps even a couple dance.

Why Choose a Micro Wedding in South Australia?

Starting from the scenic hills to a great atmosphere, Adelaide offers great opportunities for a micro wedding to happen beautifully. South Australia has everything you need for a beautiful small wedding, including:

  • Scenic locations

Think rolling vineyards in the Barossa Valley, picturesque Hills gardens, or a romantic beachside ceremony at Glenelg.

  • Elegant venues

From wineries to hotels and heritage estates, South Australia has huge options perfect for small gatherings.

  • Cost savings

A smaller guest list can save you money, and you can put your money into things that matter most, like food, photography, or your honeymoon.

  • Peaceful atmosphere

A micro wedding in Adelaide allows you to focus on your wedding instead of managing a crowd of 200 guests.

Steps To Plan Your Elopement:

Eloping is a convenient way of celebrating your big day without the pressure of having a grand celebration. With planning, you can make it as special as any grand celebration. Below are the steps to help you plan your elopement from getting started to your amazing day.

Step 1: Decide What Is Most Important to You

Having a clear idea will make the rest of the planning simpler. In planning your elopement or micro wedding in Adelaide, begin by asking:

Do you want you and your partner, or a few close friends and family?

If choosing the venue is important, or do you pay more attention to the food and party?

Do you want it to be simple and basic, or neat and fancy?

Step 2: Choose the Right Venue

When choosing your spot, think about whether you would prefer an outdoor ceremony, a private venue, or an adventurous elopement in a natural setting. South Australia is full of stunning spots perfect for small weddings. Some favourites include:

  • Adelaide Hills – Vineyards, gardens, and cosy retreats.
  • Barossa Valley – Perfect for wine lovers wanting a rustic-chic backdrop.
  • Glenelg Beach – A romantic seaside ceremony at sunset.
  • Botanic Gardens – Lush greenery and a serene atmosphere.
  • Heritage Venues in the CBD – Ideal if you want to spend a golden time.
  • Flinders Ranges in the Mid North – Picturesque landscapes and breathtaking scenery for a truly unforgettable wedding moment.

Step 3: Book Your Celebrant in South Australia

For both elopements and micro weddings, your celebrant plays a huge role. They will support you through the legal side of things and help create a ceremony that is amazing. Celebrants in South Australia specialise in intimate ceremonies. Among others, Perfect Memories is a renowned celebrant in South Australia with years of experience helping couples beautifully start their journey.

Step 4: Plan Your Guest List

One of the biggest benefits of a micro wedding in Adelaide is that you do not have to invite everyone you know. Keep it to the people who matter most to you. This makes the day feel more relaxed, personal, and enjoyable.

Step 5: Think About Food and Drinks

Since you are not catering for hundreds, you can focus on quality over quantity. With fewer guests, you have more freedom to choose a dining style that suits your vibe. Options include:

  • A long-table dinner at a winery.
  • A casual garden picnic.
  • A private dining room in a restaurant.
  • A table with champagne.

Step 6: Photography and Videography

Even though your wedding is a smaller one, you will definitely want to capture every moment. Photography is an essential part of both elopements and micro weddings in Adelaide. Some couples also shoot videography so that they can share the day with all the family and friends present there.

Step 7: Styling and Details

The beauty of a micro wedding in Adelaide is that you can totally personalise it without doing much. A small wedding does not mean you have to skip the details. Without skipping the details, you can still have the option to be involved in:

  • A bridal bouquet that feels grand.
  • Table decorations or candles.
  • A cake of a size of your choice.
  • Special touches such as a handwritten vow.

Step 8: Legal Paperwork

Do not forget the legal side of things. You will need to lodge a Notice of Intended Marriage with your celebrant at least one month before your wedding. Have two witnesses ready for the ceremony. Your celebrant in South Australia can guide you if you are eloping with no guests.

Step 9: Accommodation

One of the main attractions of a small wedding is that you can combine your celebration with a mini holiday. Consider booking a boutique hotel in the city, a cosy cottage in the Adelaide Hills, a luxury vineyard stay in the Barossa, or even a country farm or station stay in South Australia to make every moment count.

Step 10: Enjoy the Day

At the end of the day, your elopement or micro wedding in Adelaide is all about celebrating your love. Forget about traditions you do not want, and focus on what feels right for you as a couple. Planning an elopement or micro wedding in Adelaide is not easy, but when there is the right and understanding celebrant, then stay calm as everything will be done perfectly.

With beautiful locations, mesmerising venues, and endless ways to personalise your day, Adelaide is the perfect location for a wedding that is truly yours. Ready to start planning your dream elopement or micro wedding in Adelaide? Let Perfect Memories help you out by planning your day, arranging for the ceremony and helping you capture every special moment with stunning photography and videography. Contact Perfect Memories today to book your wedding package and make your big day evergreen.

FAQs:

What is the difference between an elopement and a micro wedding?

An elopement typically involves only the couple and a few witnesses, whereas a micro wedding is a small wedding with around 10 to 40 guests.


Do I need witnesses for an elopement in Adelaide?

Yes, you need two witnesses for an elopement.


What venues are best for small weddings in Adelaide?

The best venues include Adelaide Hills wineries, Glenelg Beach, the Botanic Gardens, and boutique hotels.


Do I need a wedding planner for a micro wedding?

Not always, but a planner with experience in small weddings can make things easier.


How do I start planning a micro wedding in Adelaide?

Start with preparing a guest list, choosing a location, and hiring a celebrant in South Australia and then organise the details like food, styling, and photography.

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