Megan + Tom | Intimate Brisbane City Elopement

When Megan and Tom decided to elope in Brisbane City, they knew they wanted to keep it simple, heartfelt, and truly them. Their only guests? Their two young children, Zara and Louie, and Megan’s close friend, Courtney. The result was a Brisbane elopement that was joyful, relaxed, and deeply personal, captured in stunning detail by their talented photographer and second witness, Carissa from Elk & Fir.

The night before the big day, Megan and Zara checked into the ever-chic Calile Hotel in Fortitude Valley for a boujie girls’ night to remember. Dressed in robes and sipping (respectively age-appropriate) bubbles from champagne glasses, they tucked into chips and cheeseburgers from room service while watching movies in bed. It was the perfect pre-wedding bonding experience, filled with fun, laughter, and just the right amount of indulgence. With the whole morning to themselves, they spent it poolside, enjoying a peaceful lunch in town, and even hand-picking some blooms for Megan’s bridal bouquet – a lovely, relaxed touch that suited the day’s vibe perfectly. Megan, a professional hair and makeup artist, styled herself on the day—radiating effortless beauty and calm as she made her way to meet her groom with her little ones in tow.

Meanwhile, Tom and Louie were in excellent hands with Courtney, who chauffeured them to the registry office. A cheeky stop for a quick shot en route provided a dash of dutch courage before the official “I do.”

Although this intimate ceremony marked their legal union, Megan and Tom are planning a larger celebration with family and friends in Tasmania down the track. But there’s no denying the magic of their Brisbane elopement, which was vividly documented by Elk & Fir’s Carissa. Her images capture not only the emotion and spontaneity of the day but also the unique urban energy of their post-ceremony adventure. From twilight city shots with a champagne spray, to candid moments in a record shop, pizza parlour, cocktail bar, and even Central Station, every frame tells a part of their story in motion – artful, vibrant, and entirely real.

This Brisbane City elopement was proof that an intimate celebration can be just as moving, memorable, and photogenic as any grand affair. With the right team, the heart of the city became the backdrop to a love story beautifully told.

Who did you invite to be part of your day?

Just my friend Courtney, our children Zara (5) and son, Louie (3) – photographer Carissa as our other witness and our content creator.
 

What was something important to you that you simply had to include?

Nice hotel for getting ready for photos and chill morning with my girl 🙂 My daughter and I stayed at the Calile the night before, so we could wake up all excited and have a whole day to get ready! We had photos with Carissa the eve prior so we have lots of super cute getting ready/hotel stay vibe photos.
 

Share an extra special moment from the day.

Zara our daughter was so excited. Watching her lap up every moment was so special. 
 

 

Did you have a honeymoon? 

Not exactly – we flew to Tassie and had two weeks there with family and friends while we did our second marriage/party.
 

Did you do any DIY for your Brisbane elopement? 

Designed my own wedding dress, got my own flowers from down the road. Did my own hair and makeup (although it’s my job 😉 hehe).

Brisbane Elopement Vendors

Photographer | ELK AND FIR

Venue | THE CALILE HOTEL + BRISBANE REGISTRY

Celebrant | BRISBANE REGISTRY

Content Creator | HONEY I GOT YOU

Makeup + Hair | MEAGAN ELISE HAIR & MAKEUP
 
Flowers | JAMES STREET FLOWER SHOP

Gown | ZALU COUTURE
 
Suit | THEODORE
 
Jeweller | BRISBANE BAYSIDE JEWELLERS
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Hi, I’m Sally, Founder and Editor of The Bride’s Tree. Over the past 13 years I’ve written thousands of articles about all things wedding from tips and trends to etiquette and ideas. On this blog I bring you the best of Sunshine Coast and Brisbane weddings.