How To Elope On the Mornington Peninsula: Everything You Need To Know

If you’re looking to elope with your significant other, you’ll need to look no further than Mornington Peninsula. Whether you’re looking for a grand adventure or a romantic meal for two, understanding how to elope on the Mornington Peninsula will make your big day one to remember!

Today I want to talk to you about eloping on the Mornington Peninsula, the incredible romance this region evokes, and the many options available to you. So, if you’ve always dreamed of eloping on the Mornington Peninsula, let me show you exactly how to do it!

What Is An Elopement?

First off, we need to understand what exactly an elopement is. While the word “elopement” originally conjured up thoughts of running away and getting married without telling anyone, that definition has slightly changed over time.

Now, ‘elopement weddings’ are about getting married with just the two of you (or a small number of people) and celebrating slightly more casually than the typical wedding. Don’t enjoy the thought of planning your wedding for months on end and would prefer to tie the knot as soon as possible? The romance of eloping somewhere like Mornington Peninsula is something that might appeal to you.

Planning Your Dream Elopement 

The key to planning the perfect elopement on the Mornington Peninsula is doing things exactly how you want to. There’s no point following the advice of others if it’s something that’s not going to make you happy. As you’ll soon find out, Mornington Peninsula has a huge amount to offer all couples considering eloping. So, whether you get excited over the possibility of climbing down wild cliffs and the lesser explored back beaches, or you prefer the understated romance of breakfast at your favourite local cafe, this Mornington Peninsula elopement guide has you covered.

Eloping On Mornington Peninsula – Legal Bits

Before you start planning your elopement activities, let’s talk a little bit about what’s required to make your elopement official. Believe it or not, it’s a lot less than you might think.

I once had a conversation with a celebrant, Ebony Carver, about what the legal requirements are for getting married. She told me that a few words that have to be read, some paperwork to sign and two witnesses must countersign. 

Those witnesses can be friends, family, photographers or even two strangers you invite to your occasion. What a cool story that would be! Other than that you’ll need to lodge a NOIM with your celebrant who will perform the marriage.

Want to elope and still say your I Dos? Read 10 Amazing Mornington Peninsula Celebrants for Your Wedding and check out celebrants who can help you make your moment even more perfect!

Elopement Planner

Here are a few tips to make sure planning your dream elopement goes off without a hitch and is one of the greatest memories of your life:

Think About Your Ultimate Day

This is your day. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, your elopement should be something that both you and your significant other vibe with and will remember for the rest of your life. There’s zero point in planning something just because you think you’re expected to do so. Make it weird, wonderful and unique to you!

Plan Activities

We’ll talk more about these in a little bit, but any great elopement includes a few awesome activities. Because the legal part of the day only lasts for around 5 minutes, you’ll need to fill your day with memorable things to do for both of you and any other people you’ve invited along, if you want to. 

Fancy a romantic champagne picnic on the beach with just the two of you? You can do that in Mornington Peninsula. Or maybe you’d prefer a simple lunch with family and friends. Both of which are possible!

If you’re a little unsure about how to proceed with this part of the plan, I would suggest thinking about the whole day as the ‘ultimate date”. Plan out a really cool day packed with exciting activities that you’d plan for a date together, that just so happens to include the two of you getting married at some point! 

Don’t Forget The Vendors

Sure, you could elope on Mornington Peninsula without any vendors, but they really do add that little extra depth to your occasion. Whether it’s a few seasonal bouquets from the local florist or some awesome catering from your favourite foodie, their presence will make your day just that little bit more special.

To help you out, I’ve compiled 10 Mornington Peninsula Wedding Florists that could help turn your arrangement ideas into reality. Check them out and have fun connecting with local legends! 

Tell The World, Or Keep Quiet?

One of the biggest questions you’ll likely face when planning your elopement is whether or not to tell people. For some of you, not inviting certain family members might be out of the question, but for others, the idea of eloping in the traditional sense of the word might be even more romantic. Tell people or don’t. It’s entirely up to you!

Amazing Mornington Peninsula Elopement Locations

What would any elopement guide be without a list of location ideas? Mornington Peninsula has a lot of them! Beaches make for some of the most romantic elopement locations on the peninsula. That’s just my opinion, so feel free to change things up if it doesn’t fit your vibe!

Shoreham Beach

At 700m wide, this is the sort of location you come to if you want to feel like the only couple in the world. Fantastic opportunities to get some of the best elopement photography Mornington Peninsula has to offer, too!

Portsea Beach

The best part about this location is the juxtaposition of man and nature coexisting together, and you’ll feel the grandeur of the location when you visit it. The harsh rocks make for some incredibly powerful imagery and a fantastic backdrop for the rest of your lives together. 

Cape Schanck

Cape Schanck has some of the most awesome rock formations on the peninsula. With a backdrop of Pulpit Rock and the Cape Schanck lighthouse, your elopement location is as unique as it gets.

Cairn Beach Flinders

With stunning views of the bay, huge waves, incredible surrounding farms and awesome rock pools when the tide is out, this is somewhere bound to appeal to those who want an interesting location for their elopement.

Bushrangers Bay

If you’re in the mood for a hiking adventure, Bushrangers Bay is a great choice for your elopement on Mornington Peninsula. There are two separate two-and-a-half-kilometre walks to get to Bushrangers Bay, and once you’re there you’ll be provided with a secluded location, sandy beach and stunning views.

Merricks Beach

A stunning location for a romantic walk, Merricks Beach is a long narrow stretch of sand, banked by trees, with an expansive view of the sky. Perfect for a long romantic walk during your elopement!

Elopement Activities

No elopement to Mornington Peninsula would be complete without a few awesome activities. The key here, as with everything in elopements, is to be as authentic as possible to your vision. If you enjoy it, go for it!

Hot Springs

What better way to celebrate your elopement than by soaking in a geothermal pool? Ground yourself in the present moment as you relax with your significant other at some of Mornington Peninsula’s most incredible thermal springs – I recommend Peninsula Hot Springs or Alba Thermal Springs & Spa.

Winery Lunch

Mornington Peninsula is famous the world over for its wine production. It seems only fitting that you’d spend some time delighting in what this place has to offer by enjoying lunch at one of the many wineries on the peninsula. Ten Minutes by Tractor, Red Hill Estate, Montalto, Polperro – your options are practically endless!

Swim

Mornington Peninsula is full of great places to swim, and as long as you do it safely, it can be a great addition to your elopement. Swimming in the crystal clear waters of the bay as it approaches golden hour with your loved one(s) is a memory you won’t easily forget.

Pub Lunch – Sorrento or Portsea

Take a trip to Sorrento or Portsea and visit some of the incredibly beautiful pubs they have to offer. Sometimes a simple pub lunch with your loved ones is all you need to make your day special!

Dinner – Jackalope

If you’re looking for something super luxurious and romantic at the same time, I’d suggest hitting up Jackalope Hotel. It’s perhaps the luxury boutique hotel in Australia and it has some of the most incredible dining options on the peninsula. If you’re feeling really fancy and you want your elopement to include a little something extra, I’d recommend staying the night and checking out their spa. That’s an experience you’ll never forget.

Mornington Peninsula is full of fantastic options if you choose to elope there. From a low-key cosy occasion to a luxuriously romantic event, or high-octane adventure, there truly is something for everyone. As I hope this guide on how to elope in Victoria has taught you, the key to organising an elopement you love is being authentic and true to both of your desires when you plan it. That way, your elopement will include nothing but the best of memories and pure joy. Still after an elopement photographer? Get in touch and let’s plan something spectacular together!