10 of the Best Locations to Elope in Sydney, (during coronavirus restrictions)
When Australia went into lockdown because of the coronavirus, a team of Australian Celebrants with secret knowledge of ‘all things weddings,’ sprang into action to create I Do Drive Thru – a business that helps couples elope in their cars, (or really at any location they can imagine!)
It’s like a super cool wedding registry office on wheels. Your marriage celebrant will meet and marry you, while you stay (socially-distanced) in your car, or wherever it is you wish to elope in your own micro wedding! The business partners with photographers and car hire companies to package up a memorable and completely unique wedding concept.
Lillian Lyon, Sydney celebrant
One the cities most experienced celebrants (and one of OUR OWN super-cele’s-on-wheels,) Lillian Lyon gave us her Top Ten spots to tie the knot in Sydney:
Hornby Lighthouse (the cutest little red and white striped lighthouse) built in 1858, an Instagrammer’s delight. Access takes around a 15 min walk on an easy track from the carpark at Camp Cove. I’ve actually done it in heels carrying my PA system. Along the track, there are various Gun Emplacements built from 1788 with epic views across South Head, and if you reach the official nudist beach, Lady Bay Beach, and get a last minute “to hell with it, let’s marry in the nude,” I’ll promise not to look!
You can get every angle of the Sydney Harbour Bridge from endless spots around the foreshore, but there’s a catch. You want to get up close and personal to be in awe of all that iron, so here are some of our fave with breathless views of “the coat hanger” (you can either stay in your car, or jump out to strike a pose. We’ll be done and you’ll be married before we have to put more coin in the meter! That’s a million dollar view for only a few bucks.
Kiss and Ride Zone, McMahon’s Point
End of Blues Point Road, McMahon’s Point
Jeffrey Street Wharf, Milsons Point
Broughton Street Lookout, Milsons Point
Copes Lookout Kirribilly
Observatory Hill Park, Millers Point
Bradleys Head Amphitheatre, Mosman
Hickson Road Reserve, The Rocks Sydney
3. If you’re a heritage building kind of couple, The Rocks area is all about sandstone, old wharves, and more iron. You’ll probably see wedded couples having their photos taken from all angles because it’s such a photogenic place, but I bet they paid ten times more for their pics than our own super professional IDDT togs.
4. Awesome graffiti is not limited to Melbourne. Sydney can street arty fart just as good as our creative cousins down south. Parking’s not always great where graffiti exists, because it just wouldn’t be as cool if you tagged in the open. We always find a way to edge your car or bodies up to the brightest walls.
Back streets around Newtown and Marrickville
Graffiti walks around Caringbah and Cronulla
5. Harry’s Café de Wheels in Tempe, is a popular diner, with a good splash of Retro Vibe too. The place looks better when it gets a little darker and all those buzzy neon signs light up. After you’ve said “I do” you can have your first meal as a married couple with Harry’s iconic pies ‘n peas with mash and gravy.
6. Bare Island in La Perouse is a picturesque islet with an old fort built on it. The island is a beautiful backdrop for your nuptials, complete with a big old timber wharf that spans across the clearest waters and rockpools. After you marry with all that magnificence in the background, go grab some fish’n’chips from the many nearby shops.
7. Clovelly Bowling Club is a locals’ gem that will once again serve as a totally unique option for lovers of Aussie kitsch, lawn bowls and cool-cat vibes.
8. Steve’s Café at Dolls Point at picturesque, Depena Reserve is another fantastic option. Get married and follow up with a beautiful hike through the gardens or along the shore.
9. Bondi Beach (and all the other stunning beaches in Sydney) where all the beautiful people hang out might be the perfect option. Of course as it’s your wedding day, you’re sure to be the most beautiful of all! The Esplanade, the massive beach, the lookouts, the graffiti skate park, all those graffiti walls, and a cocktail at the famous Bucket List afterwards! But, Bondi is arguably the jewel when it comes to beaches in Sydney, based on popularity of course! And if you really want to get away from tourists, you can’t go past the many beaches in Cronulla. Don’t hate me.
10. If bridges and skylines are your thing, you can’t go past Blackwattle Bay Park in Glebe with a view of the city skyline from the west and the incredible cable stayed Anzac Bridge commanding the backdrop. Nice, private, and pretty.
Here at I Do Drive Thru, we’re confident that we have the very best (and most affordable) packages for simple, quick and crazily fun weddings that are safe during coronavirus restrictions, both here in Sydney and all around Australia.
So, what are you waiting for?
