Jon and Tegan's epic clifftop adventure elopement

Jon & Tegan wanted a sunset ceremony with an ocean backdrop with a sprinkle of adventure!!

They booked my package which includes all your vendors so it makes life super chill for you and your wedding day is seamless, no stress, no drama, just fun!!

I help to plan the timings and locations and we even had a whirl in the 4WD to get to the clifftop spot which was fun!!

Discover the Perfect Wedding Venue: 43 Amazing Destinations in Margaret River and The South West

WEDDING VENUES IN MARGARET RIVER, YALLINGUP, DUNSBOROUGH, BUSSELTON & THE SOUTH WEST

Welcome to my comprehensive guide to wedding venues in Margaret River and The South West. Planning your wedding is an exciting journey, and choosing the perfect venue sets the tone for your special day. Whether you dream of exchanging vows amidst vineyards, on a pristine beach, or in a rustic countryside retreat, this guide has something for every couple's taste and style.

Margaret River Wedding Venues

Eight Willows Retreat

Nestled amidst lush bushland and tranquil lakes, Eight Willows Retreat offers a serene and picturesque setting for your wedding day. With spacious chalets for accommodation and stunning outdoor spaces for ceremonies and receptions, it's the perfect blend of luxury and natural beauty.

Xanadu Wines

Say "cheers" to your forever amidst the beautiful vineyards of Xanadu Wines. This iconic winery boasts elegant indoor spaces and expansive outdoor lawns, making it ideal for both intimate gatherings and grand celebrations. Toast to love with their award-winning wines and breathtaking views.

Rustico at Hay Shed Hill

For food-loving couples seeking a rustic-chic vibe, Rustico at Hay Shed Hill delivers delectable cuisine in a charming setting. Exchange vows under the sprawling eucalyptus trees before indulging in a feast of fresh, locally sourced ingredients paired with Hay Shed Hill's acclaimed wines.

Barefoot Beach Weddings

Feel the sand between your toes and the sea breeze in your hair at Barefoot Beach Weddings. With pristine white sands and crystal-clear waters as your backdrop, this barefoot paradise sets the stage for a laid-back and romantic ceremony followed by a beachside reception under the stars.

Tanah Mara

Escape to the enchanting forests of Tanah Mara for a wedding immersed in nature's embrace. Surrounded by towering trees and babbling brooks, this secluded retreat offers a magical setting for intimate ceremonies and cozy receptions around crackling fire pits.

Yallingup Wedding Venues

Aravina Estate

Experience luxury and elegance at Aravina Estate. The sprawling vineyards and manicured gardens provide a stunning backdrop for your wedding day. With its modern facilities and exquisite cuisine, Aravina Estate offers a sophisticated setting for couples seeking a truly memorable celebration.

Tiller Dining

Indulge in a culinary experience like no other at Tiller Dining, where innovative cuisine meets breathtaking views of the Yallingup coastline. Whether you're planning an intimate gathering or a grand affair, Tiller Dining's stylish restaurant and outdoor terrace provide the perfect setting for a wedding that's as delicious as it is unforgettable.

Wills Domain

Elevate your wedding day to new heights at Wills Domain, enjoy panoramic views of the vineyards and the Indian Ocean create a backdrop of unparalleled beauty. With its award-winning wines and contemporary Australian cuisine, Wills Domain offers a unique and unforgettable experience for discerning couples.

Caves House Hotel

Step back in time and celebrate your love in historic elegance at Caves House Hotel. With its stunning architecture, lush gardens, and convenient location near Yallingup Beach, Caves House Hotel provides a charming setting for weddings of all sizes, from intimate ceremonies to lavish receptions.

Credaro Wines

Toast to your love amidst the vineyards at Credaro Wines, a beautiful medditerranean rustic charm meets modern sophistication. With its picturesque surroundings and versatile event spaces, Credaro Wines offers a romantic setting for couples looking to say "I do" in the heart of wine country.

Smiths Beach Resort

Escape to luxury at Smiths Beach Resort. Comtemporary stylish accommodation and stunning ocean views set the stage for a wedding to remember. Whether you're planning a beachside ceremony, a poolside reception, or an intimate gathering in one of the resort's private villas, Smiths Beach Resort offers endless possibilities for your special day.

Rivendell Winery Estate

Embark on a journey through Rivendell Winery Estate, amidst rolling hills and lush vineyards that create a tranquil setting for your wedding celebration. With its charming chapel, elegant reception venue, and award-winning wines, Rivendell Winery Estate provides a romantic backdrop for couples seeking a fairy tale wedding.

Venue One - Chandeliers On Abbey

Illuminate your love story at Venue One - Chandeliers On Abbey, where modern elegance meets timeless romance. With its stunning chandeliers, spacious dance floor, and lush gardens, Venue One offers a versatile and sophisticated setting for weddings of all styles and sizes.

Forest Rise Chalets & Lodges

Escape to nature at Forest Rise Chalets & Lodges, surrounded by secluded chalets and tranquil bushland that provide a serene backdrop for your wedding day. Whether you're planning an intimate elopement or a rustic celebration with all your loved ones, Forest Rise Chalets & Lodges offers a peaceful and romantic setting for saying "I do."

Dunsborough Wedding Venues

Solitaire Homestead

Experience rustic charm and country elegance at Solitaire Homestead, I love the sweeping landscapes and historic buildings which provide a picturesque backdrop for your wedding day. With its spacious grounds and versatile event spaces, Solitaire Homestead offers a romantic setting for couples seeking a tranquil and intimate celebration.

Pullman Bunker Bay Resort

Escape to luxury at Pullman Bunker Bay Resort, take in the pristine beaches and stunning coastal views set the stage for a wedding to remember. With its elegant function rooms, world-class amenities, and exceptional service, Pullman Bunker Bay Resort offers a sophisticated and unforgettable experience for discerning couples.

Bunkers Beach House

Celebrate your love in laid-back luxury at Bunkers Beach House, a scenic beachfront bliss meets coastal chic. With its relaxed atmosphere, panoramic ocean views, and delicious cuisine, Bunkers Beach House provides a stunning setting for couples looking to tie the knot in style.

Meelup Farmhouse

Discover the charm of Meelup Farmhouse, I love rustic barns and rolling hills create a pastoral paradise for your wedding celebration. With its idyllic setting, charming farmhouse, and lush gardens, Meelup Farmhouse offers a romantic backdrop for couples seeking a country-inspired wedding.

Wise Winery

Raise a glass to love at Wise Winery, I'm always bl;own away by the vineyard vistas and there award-winning wines create a romantic setting for your special day. With its elegant restaurant, sweeping views of Geographe Bay, and versatile event spaces, Wise Winery offers a sophisticated and memorable experience for couples and their guests.

Happs Wines

Toast to your future amidst the vines at Happs Wines, where rustic charm meets contemporary style. With its scenic surroundings, spacious lawn area, and relaxed atmosphere, Happs Wines provides a beautiful setting for couples looking to celebrate their love in the heart of wine country.

Palmer Wines

Indulge in the beauty of nature at Palmer Wines, the vineyards and native bushland come together to create a tranquil oasis for your wedding day. With its rustic cellar door, expansive outdoor deck, and sweeping views of the countryside, Palmer Wines offers a romantic setting for couples seeking a unique and memorable celebration.

These are just a few of the enchanting wedding venues waiting to make your special day unforgettable in Dunsborough. Each venue offers its own unique charm and ambiance, ensuring that your wedding day reflects your love story in the most beautiful way possible.

Busselton Wedding Venues

Old Broadwater Farm

Step into a world of rustic charm and timeless beauty at Old Broadwater Farm, gorgeous heritage buildings and sprawling gardens provide a magical setting for your wedding day. With its historic homestead, picturesque lake, and charming gazebo, Old Broadwater Farm offers a romantic backdrop for couples seeking a fairy tale wedding.

Fairlawn Estate

Celebrate your love amidst the elegance of Fairlawn Estate, where manicured lawns and heritage buildings create a refined setting for your special day. With its grand ballroom, sweeping staircase, and lush gardens, Fairlawn Estate offers a sophisticated and unforgettable experience for couples and their guests.

Abbey Beach Resort

Escape to paradise at Abbey Beach Resort, where white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters set the stage for a wedding to remember. With its luxurious accommodation, stunning ocean views, and world-class amenities, Abbey Beach Resort offers a romantic and idyllic setting for couples seeking a beachside celebration.

In conclusion, the Margaret River and South West region of Western Australia offers an array of enchanting wedding venues to suit every couple's taste and style. From the picturesque vineyards of Margaret River to the stunning beaches of Yallingup and the historic charm of Dunsborough and Busselton, each venue provides a unique backdrop for celebrating love and commitment. Whether you dream of an intimate ceremony surrounded by nature or a grand affair in a luxurious resort, the options are endless. With its breathtaking scenery, world-class amenities, and warm hospitality, this region sets the stage for unforgettable weddings that reflect the beauty and romance of the surroundings. So, start exploring and let the magic of Margaret River and The South West be the backdrop for your happily ever after.

Eligh and Maddy Solitaire Homestead Wedding

Eligh and Maddy’s wedding at Solitaire Homestead

Eligh and Maddy are both super shy with cameras around so there was a big emphasis on candid photography, capturing the vibe, scenery and minimal directed portraits. They wanted to be in amongst the party and enjoy time with their loved ones which was so cool. This was a fun gig, I love Solitaire Homestead weddings!!

Stephen and Emily Royal Fresh Water Bay Yacht Club Wedding

Stephen and Emily's Wedding At Royal Fresh Water Bay Yacht Club, Perth

What a chilled and fun couple. I love a trip to Perth for a wedding and Royal Fresh Water Bay Yacht Club is a beautiful wedding venue with incredible views overlooking The Swan River. I got to shoot candid pics with a handful of directed ones which is so good!!

James and Sheena's South West Farm Wedding

BYO farm wedding in Ludlow near Busselton

This was an epic one!! Super hot forty degree day, power cut so no air con, no water for showers!! James & Sheena breezed through it all and even managed to feed their cows and horses (yes, Sheena was in her wedding dress!!) and have an awesome day. A candid photographers dream wedding to be fair.

Creating Your Wedding Photography Schedule FAQ's

Your wedding day will be a whirlwind of emotions and moments you'll want to treasure forever.

To ensure those moments are captured beautifully, you need a well-structured photography schedule.

The Basics of Wedding Photography Schedules

It’s important that you consider the experience that you want when considering your schedule. There is no point doing things that you feel you have to rather than want to.

So, I recommend that you read through the various stages of a wedding day and the typical timings. Then ask yourselves, “what do we want?”.

The Art of Getting Ready Photos

Getting ready photos capture the anticipation and excitement before the ceremony. Plan for about 30 minutes with the groom and 75 minutes with the bride session. Don't forget to discuss must-have shots with me if you have a wish list.

When does the photographer head to the ceremony?

I would leave the brides getting ready location 15 minutes before the bride.

Embracing the First Look

Considering a first look? This emotional moment before the ceremony allows you to share a private, heartfelt reveal. Plan for it to happen a few hours before the ceremony. The first look adds an extra layer of magic to your day.

The Ido’s

Typically your ceremony will be 20-30 minutes for an outdoor wedding. Church weddings can push out to 40-60 mins.

The emotional part that I love

Congratulations is so emotional and awesome. I love capturing the joy on people faces during the congratulations. Allow 20 minutes for this. If you love candid photos this is an important part of your day.

Timing Your Family Group Photos and Customisation

Family group photos are a timeless tradition, but when should you schedule them? Typically, these shots happen after the ceremony and can take about 20- 30 minutes.

Example Of Family Group List

I am happy to do as many as you wish but please consider your experience on the day, directed photographs can be tiring and you don't want to use up all your photo energy before your bridal party pics.

Example to work from (repeated for both sides of the family)

  1. All in, extended family
  2. Immediate family ie; Parents and siblings
  3. Parents with bride and groom, parents with bride or groom.
  4. Mum with bride or groom.
  5. Dad with bride or groom.

  6. Both sets of parents

  7. Delegate organising each pic group to a friend/family member who is great at being bossy. We will give them a list to read from. If they can get each group together ready for me, the group photos will be streamlined and easy for everyone.

Capturing Bridal Party Moments

Your bridal party is a vital part of your big day, and capturing their joy and camaraderie is a must. Typically scheduled after the family group photos, bridal party photos take around 30 minutes.

Intimate Bride and Groom Portraits

Those intimate moments between the bride and groom are the heart of your wedding album. Allocate some private time for these photos, typically around 45 minutes to an hour. We will explore beautiful locations to make your shots truly magical.

Crafting Your Tailored Schedule

Crafting a personalised wedding photography schedule is essential. Iam very happy to offer expert guidance on creating a schedule that fits your unique day. I’d love to help you strike the perfect balance between capturing the essential moments and allowing you to enjoy your wedding to the fullest.

Do You Prefer Candid Photos?

If you would like more candid “in the moment” photos and you’d love to spend more time with your guests we can lessen the following; family group list, bridal party photos duration, bride & groom photos duration.

Reception party

This is often organised with your planner, venue or mc. I’ll fit in with the proceedings and capture what happens. If you would like me to stay for your first dance, myself and my second photographer will require a meal.

I hope that has given you a good insight into how long things take and when they happen. Everything is variable and no two weddings are ever the same. The important part is that it is what you both want for your special day.

Epic elopement wedding Margaret River

Boranup Forest Elopement Wedding

Last week I was very lucky to meet and hang out with two beautiful souls on their wedding day at Boranup Forest, Margaret River. Kay & Samantha had booked my elopement package which gives you the best of the essential vendors for your wedding day.

Ultimately this allows you to relax, trust the process and let the experts advise you along the journey. Here is their wedding film. See what the beautiful couple thought about their experience below.

Elopement wedding in Margaret River, ceremony was at Boranup Forest and pics after at Redgate Beach. Part of my elopement package which included celebrant, hair & makeup and photography.

Feedback: Kay …..

Wed, Apr 19, 4:49 PM (16 hours ago)

to me

“Hey John,

Thank you so much for those stunning photos of our day, we are absolutely in love with them!! Such a beautiful way to remember our wedding.

Thank you for organising the day, and for making the entire shoot really easy and so much fun. It was everything we could've asked for.

PS YAY we got some bonus beach photos!!

Thanks again,

Mrs & Mrs Smith”

A rainy day Margaret River elopement

Where to go in Margaret River when it rains on your elopement wedding day

Fantastic wet weather elopement Margaret River

Jason & Janice were all set for their wedding at Boranup Forest but the weather didn’t want to play ball. I knew I had this stunning venue up my sleeve for midweek elopement weddings and we waited until the day before to decide this was the safest way to go.

Black Brewing Co Margaret River elopement wedding

This venue is brilliant, it has amazing architecture, gardens, lake, vineyard and restaurant areas to utilise. If it’s raining we can set up inside, it’s beautiful with the stonework fireplace, wood ceiling and heaps of window light flooding in.

Enjoy the vibe after your elopement ceremony

Blackbrewing Co is happy for you and your guests to order some drinks, there isn’t a drinks package, you just order what you fancy. This is handy if we are waiting for a shower to pass before your photos outside.

One of Margaret River’s best wedding venues

This venue is one of the premier wedding venues in the south west. To have your elopement wedding here is pretty cool. The gardens have so much variety for photos that you do not need to go to another location. You can just relax and enjoy the moment.

Special request photos

Hit me up with any special requests you may have for pics, however quirky I am in. I just love this one that Jason & Janice resonated with from an earlier blog. They felt it was just them, as they love the outdoors and their troops.

The best Margaret River elopement venue for A rainy day

Wet weather elopement venue Margaret River

What if it rains on your elopement wedding day in Margaret River?

I can organise this awesome wedding venue for you. Try and imagine the space without the long tables and this beautiful space bathed in flattering window light is yours. Yes, the show goes on and some might say this is an upgrade to their original plan.

A real elopement wedding ceremony on rainy day in Margaret River

Jason and Janice were absolutely thrilled when I organised Black Brewing Co as their wet weather alternative venue. They had requested an arbour and ceremony furniture which I set up infant of the gorgeous stone fire place which was lit and nice and warm. Real elopement wedding at Black Brewing Co Margaret River

An elopement wedding ceremony at Black Brewing Co on a rainy day

Relax by the fire after your elopement ceremony

After their ceremony, Jason and Janice ordered a few drinks from the bar and chilled for a bit with their mates. We had plenty of time to get photos in the beautiful gardens once the shower stopped.

How to get to your elopement venue from Margaret River

Located just twenty three minutes from Margaret River town, Black Brewing Co is the best wedding venue in Margaret River for your elopement if it rains on your wedding day.

I will book this awesome wet weather wedding venue for you

If the forecast indicates that the weather gods are not going to play ball, I will arrange the booking of Black Brewing Co for you. I will notify my team of vendors the new location and any schedule time shifts that are required. It’s really simple and not worth stressing about. I want you to be positive about your wedding day and to enjoy your experience.

Epic architecture and gardens for your elopement wedding photos

After your ceremony we will venture outside for some photos, this venue is mind blowing and we can get a lot of fantastic photos in a short window of time. Check out the pics below from a recent wedding I photographed

Have your ceremony in the gardens if the weather is good

If the rain is playing games with us and it now looks clear and bright for your ceremony we can swap to the ceremony deck overlooking the lake. It’s as easy as moving to the new location and away we go.

Can you book this venue as your first choice?

You can book this venue with me as your primary choice, it doesn’t have to be rainy for you to be able to book it. Just let me know if you’d like Black Brewing Co and I will organise everything for you no worries.

Margaret River Waterfall Elopement Wedding

Elope next to Margaret River waterfall

Margaret River Waterfall Elopements

Located just six minutes from town with easy road access and plenty of parking. You can literally park up and walk fifty metres into the forest and the perfect forest/river backdrop awaits.

Eloping at Margaret River Waterfall is easy and fun

It’s an easy to find land mark on google maps. I will meet you there with my awesome celebrant and your elopement wedding experience starts from there. There is a beautiful clearing for you and your guests attending and plenty of space for ceremony furniture if you’d like me to provide that.

Your Margaret River Waterfall Elopement Photos

I position your wedding so your backdrop is the waterfall and forest. This space has a beautiful energy and you really feel you are surrounded by nature.

Experience Margaret River waterfall elopement

Shortly after your ceremony we will go for a walk through the nearby forest and get some awesome pics, share some stories and laugh a lot. Your photo experience will be very relaxed and easy going.

Planning your Elopement in Margaret River

I will help to plan your photo coverage, we can move on to some other locations so you get some variety. This is my local area and I know the place like the back of my hand. If you’d like to try for some sunset beach pics I know an epic beach close by that you will love.

Best months for Margaret River Waterfall Elopement

This location is best when Margaret River is moving after the rains have started. That would typically be between May and October. Don’t worry about if it rains on your wedding day because my poor weather alternative is amazing as well.

Margaret River Mouth Beach Elopement Wedding

Best Margaret River beach to elope

Popular Margaret River beach elopement wedding location

Just ten minutes drive from Margaret River town is a beautiful beach where Margaret River meets the Indian Ocean. This location has plenty of great spots for your wedding ceremony. Steps and ramps lead you to the beach from the car park.

Planning your elopement Margaret River mouth beach

Your ceremony could comfortably have up to twenty guests but typically I work with just the couples or they have up to six guests. There are two sites marked x on the pic below. One is with the ocean view and the other is a windy day option, tucked around the river and sheltered by the headland.

Epic elopement photos at Margaret River Mouth Beach

This beach has large dramatic rocks that frame photographs. It also has rock that you can safely stand “near” the ocean. There are also some beautiful photos we can capture just up the river a tad, a short walk.

Your elopement experience at Margaret River Mouth Beach

The various backdrops and scenes are located super close to each other. So, you are not having to walk ages on sand ever at this location. There is heaps of parking and toilets.

Redgate Beach Elopement Weddings Margaret River

Beautiful beach elopements Margaret River

Redgate beach is one of the best elopement wedding locations in the South West

If you love the ocean and the feel of sand beneath your feet Redgate and Margaret River Mouth beach are two of the best options in the South West. Conveniently located nice and close to everything that Margaret River has to offer

Elopement photos at Redgate beach Margaret River

This beach has some awesome rocks that add that dramatic landscape look to your photos. I love using the large rounded rock shapes to frame your photos and add perspective.

Elopement ceremonies at Redgate Beach Margaret River

A short sandy trail from the car park leads you to a small beach. Prefect for groups of up to twenty people but please consider any elderly guests who may not appreciate navigating the sandy trail and rocky sections. A more suitable venue would be Basildene Manor for your ceremony and then head to the beach for sunset pics after

Planning your elopement at Redgate beach Margaret River

I will help you to time your wedding ceremony for the best light, that way we can transition into having your photos at this stunning beach straight after your ceremony. Why not bring along some champers so you can celebrate the moment together.

Elopements overlooking forest and Margaret River

Elope on a deck next to Margaret River surrounded by forest

Your elopement ceremony experience in Margaret River

Right in the heart of town and a short five minute walk from the car park, is a cute Jarrah deck surrounded by forest and overlooking Margaret River. Suitable for weddings of up to ten people.

Planning your elopement at this amazing location

You can keep with the simple natural beauty theme or add an arbour with flowers to frame the scene. This site has plenty of awesome photo locations. So, you are getting married in a pretty scene but there is also an abundance of photo opportunities nice and close together.

Your Margaret River elopement experience

This allows us to plan an additional location or two. For instance we can contrast this with a nearby sunset beach location. Within the two hours coverage timeframe, you have tonnes of variety and your experience has been so easy and fun.

Elopement photos at Margaret River settlemnent

Just across the river is the original Margaret River settlement buildings which make cool backdrops for pics too. Let me know if you’d like to book the Rotary Park River Deck Location and I will organise everything for you.

Basildene Manor Wedding Margaret River

The best Margaret River elopement wedding venue

I have to say that Basildene Manor is a personal favourite of mine for elopements. I just love the afternoon light, architecture and gardens.

Listed by TripAdvisor in the top 25 hotels for romance. Basildene Manor is located just one kilometre from Margaret River which has an abundance of restaurants, breweries, cafe’s and wineries.

How to get to Basildene Manor from Margaret River

Why choose Basildene Manor for your elopement in Margaret River?

Grand Mercure Basildene Manor mixes the architectural style of an English Manor House with comfort and luxury. The beautifully designed gardens make my life as a photographer easy and there is a fantastic variety of scenes too.

Price of elopement wedding Basildene Manor Margaret River

You can have your wedding ceremony at Basildene Manor in front of the prettiest tree in the South West if you book a minimum of two nights in The King Bath Suite. This includes two hours of use of the epic gardens for your ceremony and photos after. It also includes breakfast which comes highly recommended by Margaret River locals. Fees range from $559-$689 per night.

Relax and enjoy your elopement wedding day

I love how everything is located super close at Basildene Manor. Your ceremony site is just outside the front door of Basildene Manor, so you can transition from getting ready to getting hitched without having to get in a car or walk anywhere. Once you are married, we literally go for a walk through the amazing gardens for photos.

Can you have all of your photos at Basildene Manor?

Basildene Manor gardens are so pretty we could do all of your photos just there or if you would like some forest photos or beach photos we can drive five minutes to two awesome locations for that.

Matthew and Samantha

Margaret River’s Secret Garden is and always will be one of my favourite wedding venues. I just love the design of the gardens, it’s such a pretty venue.

It was so cute watching Jordan and Ciara’s excitement as we got closer to the ceremony. I love capturing candid pics and especially of the kiddies.

Ciara really stole the show and believed it was her wedding day and not mums hehe. She also needed no encouragement to twirl in her dress, man it was a cool dress.

Getting ready pics are fantastic to get all the little details photographed.

Such a cute moment, mum and daughter looking absolutely amazing in their dresses and father and son watching on, excited and seriously handsome in their suits.

There was a really funny moment when Ciara held her flowers out for Jordan to smell and he leant over.

Matt & Samantha love Dolce Vita so much that they chilled out for thirty minutes after their ceremony ended to listen to their set.

I love this drone pic, I had imagined this all week leading up to the big day and it came off perfectly. I love how it highlights the symmetry of this space. I also love Samantha’s gorgeous white dress flowing behind her and Matts light grey suit, it just works so well.

It was super important that I created an experience that was fun and enjoyable. Matt & Samantha had pre warned me about how they hate having their photo taken because they feel super awkward in front of the camera.

It was so nice when Samantha told me how much they loved their photo experience, how I kept it light and fun. So good to hear.

After a thirty minute refresh, we headed back out to get some pics in a nearby paddock. I love the low afternoon light and what you can do with it to create some interesting pics.

I love working with Tiller dining, they are so onto it and their food is insanely good. Staying till after 9pm I got to try some and man it was awesome. The styling is always immaculate and I made sure I got heaps of detail pics.

The team:

Styling - Hire In Style

Catering - Tiller Dining

Florist - Mayflower

Hair - Abby Willing

Make up - Abbie Mac

Celebrant - Wedding by Kate

Ten epic locations for a Margaret River Elopement in 2022-2023

So, as you know we have had some fires take away one of our much loved spots in Boranup Forest. But I wanted to share some inspiration about ten other awesome locations to organise your elopement in Margaret River.

I photographed an elopement this week which was close to Boranup. It also has the iconic giant Karri trees which so many people love. I am organising for that location to be available to me and my awesome couples.

Please check out this really helpful article I have written today that outlines ten absolutely stunning locations to plan your elopement in Margaret River

Read more

Margaret River Elopement


I love the accommodation that Bradley & Kirsten booked for their elopement in Margaret River. It’s just a twenty minute drive to Boranup Forest and ten minutes to town.


Getting ready shots have many benefits, you get comfortable with the camera being around. I photograph lots of pretty detail photos. It’s a nice way to start your wedding story with some natural candid pics of what it was like before you got married.

The garden at this property is absolutely epic for photos. The forest is literally just outside and there are heaps of different spots for really nice photos in the gardens.


Light plays a major part in where I choose to photograph. I am always scanning a property, a landscape or a beachscape for exciting light.


In these portraits I have used the direction of the light to naturally retouch any dark shadows, blemishes or unwanted lines.


Boranup forest is a gorgeous place for your wedding, it has a special feeling and no matter whether it is in the morning or afternoon the light is epic there.


After the ceremony we literally go for a walk, have a chat and laugh a lot. It’s so easy and relaxing that everyone loves their experience in front of the camera. It’s a major skill that I have worked on for many years. I believe when people are relaxed and enjoying themselves, they look awesome in their photos.


I love dramatic coastlines, the rocks and bumps add that sense of adventure to your wedding story. I plan your schedule so that we arrive at the beach in time for the most flattering natural light and beautiful soft colours.

Why I love this pic

I love the depth to this photograph, starting with the foreground pond which leads your eye towards the brides dress. The bride is framed perfectly by the archway and the path leads your eye into the background and the beautiful gardens at Margaret River Secret Garden.

Bride-Margaret-River-Secret-Garden-wedding.jpg

There is a really nice mix of beautiful greens in this photograph. The sun gives some backlighting which makes the leaves sparkle, I love the brightness, it reflects an amazing happy day.

This photograph also celebrates the amazing landscaped gardens at Margaret Rivers Secret Garden, this is a unique wedding venue in the South West and couples booking here would want photographs that show off how epic this garden really is.