Yes! Margaret River has a warm, welcoming community, and with tourism playing such a big part in local life, visitors of every kind are woven into the fabric of the region. We’re proud to regularly marry LGBTQ+ couples who choose to say “I do” here.

Many of our couples travel from interstate or overseas to elope with us, and we know that when you’re getting married somewhere unfamiliar, feeling safe and welcome matters just as much as the scenery. It’s something Lukas & I are super aware of – we’ve got you!

Table of Contents

• Why We Call Margaret River Home
• Why So Many Couples Choose To Elope Here
• What To Expect On The Day
• LGBTQ+ Friendly Wedding Vendors In Margaret River
• Where To Stay
• Is Western Australia LGBTQ+ Friendly For Weddings?
• Q&A
• Ready To Start Planning?

Why We Call Margaret River Home

Lukas and I chose Margaret River because of the people, mostly. It’s full of creatives, makers, farmers, chefs, and people who left the city behind for a slower pace of life, and that mix creates an open minded, easygoing community. 

Margaret River is culturally diverse too, made up of a colourful combination of all walks of life, and the people here are generous and welcoming. We want everyone who visits to have a good time, and part of that is being able to feel completely at one with who you are in this community.

Then there’s the scenery! Beaches that go on forever, karri forest that feels like something out of a storybook, and wineries that never get old no matter how many times you drive past them. Add a tight knit run of small local businesses and cafes, exceptional produce, and some genuinely world class restaurants, and you get a place that feels creative and grounded at the same time. 

Why So Many Couples Choose To Elope Here

Choosing a same sex elopement in Margaret River usually comes down to a few things we hear again and again, and it’s about the place itself:

• Privacy: Remote beaches, quiet forest clearings, and small guest numbers mean your day can be as private as you want.
• Freedom: There’s no fixed script here, and no expectations about what your ceremony “should” look like.
• Adventure: A bit of 4WDriving to reach that secluded spot that you can guarantee no one else will be going to, a walk through the forest, a sunset over the ocean.
• A mini moon: With the award winning wine, food, and accommodation this region offers, many couples turn their elopement into a proper getaway! Check out our mini moon guide which walks through how to stretch your trip into something longer.

What To Expect On The Day

When you’re planning an LGBTQ+ elopement in Margaret River, here’s what we’ve learned matters most. Inclusive vendors. Respectful celebrants. Warm accommodations. Restaurants and wineries that welcome you immediately. 

Over the years, we’ve built relationships with businesses who truly support every couple who walks through their door. Not because they’ve been labelled “LGBTQ vendors” or added it to a marketing checklist, but because they’re good humans who treat people with respect.

We’re an inclusive company, full stop, regardless of race, gender, or sexual orientation. No matter who you are, we want this to be a safe space where you feel completely free to be open and authentically yourselves. Your elopement should be more than an amazing experience, it should be an honest reflection of who you are as a couple.

Every elopement we plan is built around the couple in front of us, not the other way around. Want to say your vows on a remote beach with just the two of you? Consider it done. Want beautiful photos but also some quiet time without us hovering nearby? We can do that too. Want all of the above but also feel a bit awkward in front of a camera and need some gentle direction? That’s about 95% of our couples, and we’ve got you.

LGBTQ+ Friendly Wedding Vendors In Margaret River

We’re careful about who we work with. Finding the right people isn’t about ticking a box, it’s about choosing vendors who use inclusive language and treat every couple the same way, without you having to ask for it. 

That applies to our celebrants, florists, hair and makeup artists, accommodation partners, and the restaurants we recommend afterwards. If someone doesn’t share that mindset, they don’t make our list.

Where To Stay

Finding LGBTQ+ friendly places to stay in Margaret River is easier than you might expect. Our accommodation partners are chosen with the same care as every other vendor on our list, places that treat you warmly from the moment you check in. The region’s own tourism association also runs a welcoming travel guide listing operators who’ve committed to inclusive hospitality. Get in touch and we’ll point you toward the right fit for your trip.

Is Western Australia LGBTQ+ Friendly For Weddings?

Yes, marriage equality became law across the entire country in December 2017, following a national vote that showed overwhelming public support. 

There’s no residency requirement to marry here, so you don’t need to live in Australia or hold a particular visa type. As of June 2024, the Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM) can be signed and verified remotely by video in many cases, which has made the legal side easier for couples travelling from interstate or overseas. Australia is one of the few countries in the world where you can do the NOIM remotely, making it the perfect destination elopement scenario! On the day itself, you’ll need two people physically present with you to sign as your legal witnesses. Your celebrant will walk you through exactly what’s needed at each stage.

We’ve had couples travel here from countries where marriage equality doesn’t exist yet, and being part of that day with them has meant more to us than words really capture.

Q&A

Q: Is Margaret River safe for LGBTQ+ couples?

A: Yes! It’s a welcoming, tourism focused region with a relaxed community, and we choose vendors and locations with your comfort in mind from the start.

Q: Can same sex couples legally marry in Western Australia?

A: Yes, marriage equality has been law across all of Australia, including WA, since December 2017, and the legal process is the same as for any other couple.

Q: Are there LGBTQ+ friendly celebrants in Margaret River?

A: Yes. We only work with celebrants who welcome every couple and use inclusive language throughout your ceremony.

Q: Can we have a private LGBTQ+ elopement?

A: Absolutely. This is really what we’re about! Our locations are remote and untouched, so you get to experience that raw beauty and privacy for yourselves.

Q: Can we bring family?

A: Yes, you’re welcome to bring up to 13 guests. Some couples keep it to just the two of them, others want their closest people there. Both are entirely yours to choose.

Ready To Start Planning?

If you’re ready to start exploring what a Margaret River LGBTQ+ wedding could look like for you, we’d love to hear from you. Get in touch with us and let’s start planning your elopement in the South West.