Sydney · Blue Mountains · Southern Highlands elopements
Just the two of you — or a tiny circle — and a ceremony written entirely around your day.
An elopement is marriage stripped back to what matters most: your vows, your people (however few), and a place that feels like you. Whether that's a Sydney Harbour foreshore, a Blue Mountains lookout or a Southern Highlands garden, I create warm, personal ceremonies that keep the focus on the two of you.
You still marry legally — with a custom-written ceremony, calm guidance through the paperwork, and a celebrant who loves intimate weddings as much as the big ones.
Explore key locations, browse other ceremony types, or get in touch for a relaxed chat in Balmain or via Zoom.
Your elopement, shaped with care
Intimate by design — personal, legal and completely yours
Elopements can be just the two of you plus witnesses, a handful of closest family, or a quiet surprise celebration with the people who matter most. There's no single "right" size — only the one that feels true.
Together we shape a ceremony that fits the setting: a warm introduction, readings if you want them, vows that sound like you, the legal asking, and the signing. I handle the Notice of Intended Marriage and registration with Births, Deaths & Marriages so the day stays simple.
Prefer something even quieter in Balmain? You may also like a Legals Only ceremony at my home office.
Elopement locations that feel like a getaway
Sydney Harbour & surrounds · Blue Mountains · Southern Highlands
Sydney — harbour foreshores, cliff-top parks, Inner West gardens and quiet waterfront spots where the city becomes your backdrop.
Blue Mountains — misty lookouts, mountain gardens and retreat venues where an elopement feels like an escape into the landscape.
Southern Highlands — estates, country gardens and open skies — ideal when you want space, stillness and a little romance beyond the city.
Browse the locations pages for areas I regularly celebrate in, or tell me your dream spot when you get in touch.
Why Janet is the perfect choice for elopements
Calm presence, joyful storytelling, and a ceremony that never feels rushed
Elopements ask for a different kind of celebrant — someone who can hold a quiet moment without filling it with noise, and still make it feel complete. That's the part I love most.
I listen carefully, write a ceremony that sounds like you, and arrive prepared so you can breathe, laugh and be present. With more than 14 years as an authorised Civil Marriage Celebrant based in Balmain, I've married couples across Sydney, the Blue Mountains and the Southern Highlands — from just-the-two-of-you moments to small family gatherings.
Read what couples say in the testimonials, or start with a no-obligation chat via the contact page.
Ready to plan your elopement? I'd love to hear your preferred date, location ideas and whether it's just the two of you — or a tiny celebration with the people you love.
Elopement FAQs
Questions & answers couples often ask before we meet
- What counts as an elopement with you?
- An intimate, legally binding marriage ceremony focused on the two of you — often with just witnesses, or a small circle of closest family and friends.
- Where can we elope — Sydney, Blue Mountains or Southern Highlands?
- Yes. I regularly celebrate elopements across Sydney Harbour & surrounds, the Blue Mountains and the Southern Highlands. Tell me the feeling you want and we'll match it to a setting — or browse the locations pages for ideas.
- Do we still need legal paperwork for an elopement?
- Yes. You still complete a Notice of Intended Marriage at least one month before the date. I guide you through the documents and register your marriage with Births, Deaths & Marriages.
- How many guests can we invite?
- As few as the legal minimum (you, me and two witnesses), or a small gathering of closest guests. If you're planning a larger celebration, a full wedding ceremony may suit better.
- How long does an elopement ceremony usually run?
- Usually around 15–25 minutes, depending on readings, vows and how much story you would like included.
- Can we write our own vows?
- Absolutely. Your vows can be short and simple or deeply personal — I'll help you shape wording that feels natural in an intimate setting.
- Do you travel to Blue Mountains and Southern Highlands venues?
- Yes. Travel across Sydney is included in my usual packages; Blue Mountains and Southern Highlands elopements are warmly welcomed — tell me your venue when you enquire.
- How do we start planning our elopement?
- Send a note via the contact page with your preferred date and location ideas. We'll arrange a friendly chat in Balmain or on Zoom and shape the ceremony from there.
