FAQ
What location/venues can I choose?
You can choose almost any location in Airlie Beach for your wedding ceremony!!! The most popular ceremony locations are local beaches or gardens – you’ll need a council permit for these locations, but don’t worry, we have step by step directions to help you apply for this. There are also a variety of private local ceremony venues – these usually come with additional venue hire fee, but each venue will be able to assist and answer specific questions. The third option is to hire an epic holiday home/Airbnb or stay at one of the local resorts on the hill with stunning ocean views and hold your wedding ceremony at your accommodation.
Of course we are happy to make suggestions and offer guidance as to what wedding ceremony location or venue would be best suited to you!
Can I wed outside of Airlie (ie. Whitehaven Beach or one of the islands)?
Yes, of course! While there are countless epic locations in Airlie Beach to say your ‘I do’s’, the Whitsunday Islands also offer some glamourous options. Think Whitehaven Beach with the pure white silica sand between your toes or one of the exclusive resorts on Long Island just to name a few. Additional travel fees apply, though our team will discuss these with you as fees vary depending on your preferred location.
Please note that Hayman Island, Hamilton Island and Daydream Island all have on-island wedding teams and venue specific wedding packages. If you are interested in one of these three locations for your ceremony, it will be best for you to contact them directly. Another option is to have your wedding ceremony here in Airlie Beach and then head to one of the resort islands for a romantic dinner and the start of your honeymoon.
Can I choose my own Celebrant/Photographer?
During the initial phone meeting you will chat with Kylie McIntosh, our principal celebrant and go to gal for all Elope in the Whitsunday package questions. You’ll get to know Kylie and chances are you’ll love her! She’s diverse, modern and so passionate about each couple and her role as a wedding celebrant. If Kylie is unavailable for your chosen wedding date or you are looking for an officiant with a different style (which is totally ok by the way), we’ll match you with the perfect Whitsunday celebrant.
We will also chat about your preferred wedding photography style. If you do have a preferred photographer in mind let us know and hopefully we can accommodate this when we confirm your photographer two months prior to your wedding date.
What if I want to add extras such as flowers, cake, transport, etc to my package?
You certainly can! By securing our Elope in the Whitsundays package you will receive our little black book of professional, modern and fun-loving local wedding suppliers. This allows you to contact and book any special wedding day extras you require. We can also direct you to some wonderful Wedding Planners to engage if you are in need of a little more direction.
What if I have my own photographer?
Awesome, a tick off your wedding to-do list! Please contact us to discuss options.
Is a wedding planner included?
No, our team does not specialise in wedding planning, but we do know some knowledgeable local wedding planners who would love to help you plan your dream day.
Do I need to have witnesses?
We include two legal witnesses within our elopement package. This is usually your photographer and another one of our team members (your celebrant cannot be a witness). However, if you would like to have your own witnesses present you certainly can! Witnesses just need to be over 18 years old.
Can I have guests attend my elopement?
Absolutely! You can have as many guests as you’d like or at least as many as your chosen wedding location/venue permits. Our only recommendation is to balance your ceremony time with your photography time based on what’s most important to you. For example, if you want lots of family photos and photos of the two of you than perhaps talk with your celebrant about limiting your ceremony to something short and sweet. Or if family photos aren’t of interest to you, we will gently convey this to your guests so you can maximise your photo time with just the two of you. There is also the option of discussing extra photo time with your photographer – charges apply.
How do I book?
Just let us know you’re ready to lock in your date and we’ll get the ball rolling!
When do I have to pay?
To secure your date a 50% deposit is required at the time of booking. Then your final payment is due two months prior to your wedding date. Just two easy payments!
What happens after I book?
The fun part begins! Your celebrant will be in touch with you straight away. They will advise how to complete the legal paperwork and the best way to return this. Once the paperwork side of things is finished it’s onto planning the ceremony. Break out the wine (maybe a few tissues) and enjoy an emotional journey while you and your partner reminisce over the early days of your relationship, delve deep into your feelings for one and other, and put pen to paper and write your vows.
Your photographer will be in touch two months before your wedding to introduce themselves and get to know a bit more about the two of you. This also gives you a chance to ask any questions and/or submit any inspo images of photo styles you like.
When you arrive to Airlie Beach your wedding celebrant will organise a time to meet with you to finalise the legalities. This can be done quickly in your accommodation or over a cup of coffee. Either way, we make it easy and stress-free so you can enjoy the time before your wedding day relaxing and enjoying the beautiful Whitsundays.
What paperwork is required?
Your celebrant will walk you through the legal paperwork, but in short, you’ll complete a Notice of Intended Marriage – this needs to be completed and submitted to your celebrant no later than one month prior to your wedding date. You will also need to provide further identification to your celebrant, usually a drivers license plus birth certificate or passport.
You will also need to complete and submit an event permit to the Whitsunday Regional Council if you are holding your ceremony on public land (ie. Boathaven Beach, Headland Park, Airlie Beach Foreshore, etc).
Where is Airlie Beach?
Airlie Beach is in the Whitsunday Region in Northern Queensland. Located 1.5 hours north of Mackay, 3 hours south of Townsville and 7 hours south of Cairns lies our ‘mainland’ town which offers access to the 74 Whitsunday Islands (including world famous Whitehaven Beach).
How do I get to Airlie Beach?
Despite being a remote tropical paradise Airlie Beach is easy to get to! You can fly into the newly remodelled Whitsunday Coast Airport in Proserpine (PPP) from all major cities on Jetstar or Alliance airlines. Once you arrive to the airport there are multiple transport services to take you on the 30-minute journey to the seaside town of Airlie Beach. Or you can choose to hire a car with car pick up right at the airport.
If you prefer driving or keen for a road trip, Airlie Beach is just off the Bruce Highway and is a comfortable and easy drive.
What is the cancellation policy?
The 50% initial deposit is non-refundable. Any monies paid above this amount are refundable up until two months prior to your wedding date. At this point, two months prior, the total cost is non-refundable. Transferring or postponing your wedding date may be available on request, but not guaranteed. Full terms and conditions will be presented prior to your booking.