Are you looking to elope in Margaret River? If you’ve done even a tiny amount of research on this incredible location, you already know why so many couples have sought it out as their wedding destination.
Located in the heart of the South West (a global biodiversity hotspot) with an epic landscape unlike any other, it’s no surprise Margaret River is considered one of the most stunning and unique elopement destinations not only in Australia, but in the world.
An elopement in itself is exciting, so any adventurous couple spirited enough to make such a decision for their wedding is going to appreciate the raw beauty the Margaret River region has to offer for their elopement location!
If you’ve never been to Margaret River, you could blink and miss it. But once you’ve been there, it’s impossible to forget. A few hours south of Perth, Western Australia, the town of Margaret River is picturesque with tons of amenities!
This vibrant destination is alive with bustling shops, wineries and restaurants, and there are stunning beaches and natural sea-sculpted rock formations nearby.
The wider Margaret River Region is a paradise for wine and nature lovers, spanning from the beachside town of Busselton down to Augusta in the far south of WA.
If you’re looking to elope in Margaret River, you’ll be happy to know the region offers something to suit every taste.
The topography alone is incredibly unique, with stunning coastlines that are home to incredible waves (which draw pro surfers every year for the Margaret River Pro comp). Lighthouses mark either end of the Margaret River region, jagged sea cliffs line the shores, and spectacular salt caves are enough to tantalise the senses of even the most seasoned adventurer. Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park is another great spot for those who relish Australia’s gorgeous natural landscapes.
The town of Margaret River is quaint and picturesque, to say the least, surrounded by vineyards and spectacular natural sights. At the top of the wider region, at the opposite end from the cape, you’ll find towns like Dunsborough which is very pretty and Busselton which has the longest jetty in the Southern Hemisphere and one of six underwater observatories in the world. Both towns are a little more beachy with calmer waters and definitely worth a visit!
Margaret River is famous for its collection of craft breweries and excellent wineries – if you love a good drop (especially cab sauv, shiraz, sauvignon blanc, and chardonnay), you’re in great hands here! Whatever your interests, the whole region is an enchanting destination for couples looking for elopement locations in Margaret River where they can create once-in-a-lifetime memories.
Wondering where to elope at Margaret River? You’re certainly spoilt for choice. Start by considering: are you more of a forest- or an ocean-loving couple? Are you into great food and wine? Are you interested in active experiences and adventures? I suggest tapping into your unique energy as a couple to help you determine which area and which specific location would be the ideal spot for you to say your “I do”s.
Now, let’s talk about some of my favourite places for couples to elope. These areas are primarily out in nature and mostly feature national parkland. They’re perfect if you’re seeking a taste of adventure and an elopement in Margaret River that is reflective of who you are!
As a photographer, I love that the scenery here is not only epic but also incredibly special and unique to this part of the world.
Remember you also have the option of getting married on different sides of the cape. One side of the cape hosts dramatic rock formations, perfect for all the adventurers out there! I have to also add that it’s the perfect place for watching the sunset and snagging some killer sunset photos. The other side of the Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park boasts calm beaches with turquoise waters.
With so many majestic locations to choose from, let’s narrow it down to my five best places to elope in Margaret River!
First on my list for those looking to elope in Margaret River is the incomparable Sugarloaf Rock. One of the most widely photographed natural landmarks in WA, this is a striking sea-sculpted rock formation jutting out from the Indian Ocean. It’s a jaw-dropping backdrop for exchanging vows, particularly at sunset!
This location is absolutely perfect for the more adventurous and distinctive couple looking for an elopement in Margaret River. The terrain is pretty rugged, but the results are so worth it – Sugarloaf Rock elopement photography is nothing short of spectacular, especially when those picturesque sunset shades start to colour the sky!
Tip: If you’re keen on an adventure, the rocks here can be quite sharp so don’t go barefoot! Many brides have managed in their heels but if this is not you, I’d definitely suggest a pair of thongs.
When it comes to capturing unique elopement photography in Margaret River, you’ll get your money’s worth at Injidup Natural Spa!
To say the scenery is breathtaking here is an understatement. Injidup is a natural salt spa formed by waves crashing over huge boulders to create a small waterfall. It’s a protected little spot, like a gorgeous tucked-away rockpool filled with clear turquoise water.
This location is ideal for couples seeking a rocky adventure. It’s a bit of a climb to access the spa, which is breathtaking and totally worth it — a wonderful thing to experience on your elopement day!
I adore Gracetown Beach as a Margaret River elopement destination for a few reasons, but especially for its quaint vibe and old-style jetty! Unlike much of the rough terrain surrounding the Margaret River coastline, there are plenty of flatter rocks here to run around on.
As an elopement photographer in Margaret River, I’m just a little obsessed with the wild surf that dances in the background down at the beach, offering the perfect canvas for jaw-dropping photos!
The best time to wed at Gracetown Beach is generally an hour or so before “golden hour” begins. After your ceremony and a little cheers or two with a Margaret River sparkling wine, you and your love can steal away over Gracetown’s beautiful rocks, embracing as the sun sets.
Boranup Forest is the ideal location for the couple looking to add a bit of whimsical ambience to their ceremony. And it truly doesn’t get more magical than saying “I do” beneath the forest’s towering trees, lush greenery and extraordinary foliage. Imagine the Boranup Forest wedding photos you can capture here!
Boranup is made up of karri (Eucalyptus diversicolor) a pale-barked tree that’s truly striking as it towers over you. This forest is the furthest west you can find these trees, and it’s actually a regrowth forest – over a hundred years ago, the entire area was logged, but the resilient karri has already grown back to amazing heights.
The Boranup Forest is also known as the “punchbowl” due to its unique viewpoint. Although there was a bushfire here a year and a half ago, the forest has nearly restored itself – further proving just how resilient and ethereal this unique location in Margaret River really is.
Redgate Beach is yet another spot that’s ideal for adventurous couples looking to elope in Margaret River. It’s pretty close to Boranup Forest, making it perfect for couples who love both an ocean and forest vibe and want the best of both worlds for their elopement!
I love that this location offers a beach wedding vibe if you want it, but you can also tap into the raw nature of what makes Margaret River special. Wedding photos full of white sand, crystal-clear turquoise waters, dramatic rocky outcrops, and stunning skies – what more could you ask for?
Your elopement dream may not include saying your vows outdoors among the raw landscapes of Margaret River. Perhaps you’re envisioning saying “I do” somewhere else, saving the great outdoors for your first wedded adventure afterwards! Luckily, there are plenty of places to stay in Margaret River that would accommodate your ceremony.
While there are a lot of outdoor elopement ideas in Margaret River, we don’t want to overlook the incredible venues the area has to offer. To add a little diversity to your elopement photos, why not base yourselves and host your ceremony at one of Margaret River’s outstanding accommodation spots?
(Oh, and a tip: not only is it a good idea to consider some ceremony venues when looking for elopement inspiration in Margaret River, but it’s also wise to have a Plan B if you’re planning a winter elopement and the weather isn’t playing on the day.)
Here are some of my favourite elopement venues in Margaret River — they provide all the magic the region has to offer (and more!!) with a bit more security for those concerned about changing weather conditions or those who’d simply rather marry at a gorgeous established venue.
La Foret Enchantee sounds exactly like what it is: a delicious slice of French paradise! This venue – and the La Foret Enchantee wedding photography it allows for – is like something out of a fairy tale. Inspired by the lush romance of European gardens, it’s full of statues, topiaries and fountains, beautifully kept greenery and flowers, and soft dappled light filtering through the trees … Talk about dreamy!
The venue offers surprisingly cosy and intimate accommodations with some incredible ceremony spots. It also includes a grand stone table next to the river and European-inspired turrets with spiral stairs that are just as breathtaking in real life as they are in photos! It’s such a perfect place to have an elopement dinner, especially if you’re sharing the day with a few loved ones.
This location is also ideal for elopers who are looking for something more diverse, and for those who want to follow their ceremony with a rocky adventure or photoshoot later in the day.
Losari Retreat provides couples with a boutique retreat feel and a hint of luxury. The grounds of this large, secluded estate are so beautiful – complete with lake views. The gorgeous gardens are ideal for charming wedding photos, and you can choose any part of the estate to host your ceremony.
Losari’s accommodations are simply flawless, with your choice of a botanic, lakehouse, or garden spa villa for yourself. You can even have your own private chef cook a three-course meal on-site!
Last but never least we have Bina Maya, another elopement venue in Margaret that I love! This spot offers more modern accommodations for elopers with a wild and rugged forest backdrop.
Located in Yallingup, towards the top end of the wider Margaret River region, Bina Maya boasts a main residence and two luxury villas, all of which are beautifully appointed and would make the perfect base for your elopement.
I like the contemporary feel of the accommodation, but I especially love the gardens which are perfect for elopers looking to tie the knot in a unique location that combines all the wonder and whimsy Margaret River has to offer.
There are so many options, venues, and outdoor locations you can choose from when looking to elope in Margaret River. I hope sharing some of my favourite locations with you has helped you zero in on the perfect spot in the region that suits you best!
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Are you ready to begin your happily ever after? I’m excited to help! Contact me now to start planning your Margaret River elopement. If you’re looking for an all-inclusive package or an EPIC off-road adventure on your elopement day, my sister company The Wild Elopement Co may be just what you’re looking for!
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