When Meagan 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 Meagan’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, Meagan 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. Meagan, 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, Meagan 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.
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Brisbane Elopement Vendors
Photographer | ELK AND FIR
Venue | THE CALILE HOTEL + BRISBANE REGISTRY
Celebrant | BRISBANE REGISTRY
Makeup + Hair | MEAGAN ELISE HAIR & MAKEUP
Gown | ZALU COUTURE
Frequently Asked Questions about Eloping to Brisbane
Yes, absolutely. The Brisbane Registry Office offers legally recognised ceremonies for couples wanting to elope or keep things simple. You’ll need to submit a Notice of Intended Marriage form at least one month before your wedding date.
A Brisbane registry elopement typically costs between $350 and $600, depending on the type of ceremony and day of the week. If you add extras like a photographer, bouquet or celebration meal, your total spend might range from $1,000 to $3,000 — still far below a traditional wedding budget.
That’s entirely up to you! Some couples go full glam with a wedding gown and suit, while others keep it low-key in cocktail attire or chic streetwear. The beauty of a city elopement is that there are no rules — just dress in a way that feels true to your vibe.
Some of the most popular elopement photo locations in Brisbane include the City Botanic Gardens, Kangaroo Point Cliffs, the steps of Parliament House, the heritage-listed Treasury Building, and along the Brisbane River at sunset. For a touch of urban elegance, laneways around the CBD and the Calile Hotel in Fortitude Valley offer a chic, modern backdrop.