Adelaide Courthouse Wedding vs Elopement | Affordable Celebrant Packages
Why Couples Consider a Courthouse or Registry Office Wedding in Adelaide
The Adelaide Registry Office is often the first choice for couples looking for a quick, cheap, and legal way to get married. It’s straightforward, but it’s also:
Rigid — limited time slots and fixed office hours.
Impersonal — you may feel like just another appointment on a busy schedule.
Uninspiring — government offices rarely provide romantic backdrops.
Guest restrictions — limited space for friends and family.
For couples who simply want to be legally married, it gets the job done. But for those hoping for something memorable, the experience can feel flat.
Why Eloping With an Adelaide Celebrant Is Different
Eloping doesn’t mean skipping the legalities — with I Do Drive Thru, you get the exact same outcome as a courthouse wedding (a valid, recognised marriage) but with:
✅ A government-authorised celebrant.
✅ Any Adelaide location you love — from beaches to gardens.
✅ Flexible timing and personal vows.
✅ Optional professional photography to capture the moment.
✅ The freedom to make your day uniquely yours.
Elopements give you the legal simplicity of the courthouse or registry office, but with the joy and personalisation of a real celebration. Its fuss free and way more flexible that the government issued option!
The Legal Process in South Australia (Step by Step)
Getting legally married in Adelaide is simpler than most couples think. Here’s how it works:
Lodge Your Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM)
Must be lodged at least one month before the wedding date.
Can be signed with a JP, police officer, GP, lawyer, or Notary Public (if overseas).
Valid for up to 18 months.
Provide the Right ID
Passport (or birth certificate + driver’s licence).
If previously married: divorce decree absolute or death certificate.
Choose Your Celebrant & Location
With I Do Drive Thru, your celebrant travels to your chosen spot.
Locations can be public (parks, beaches) or private (homes, venues).
Have Your Ceremony
Requires two witnesses over 18 (we can provide if you need)
Celebrant says the required legal words.
You sign three copies of the marriage certificates.
Get Your Official Certificate
After the ceremony, apply to Births, Deaths and Marriages SA for your official marriage certificate - all couples in Australia end up with two marriage certificates, one issued on the wedding day and one issued from BDM.
Where to Elope in Adelaide (Top Locations)
Adelaide is full of stunning, free or low-cost wedding spots. Some favourites include:
Adelaide Botanic Garden — lush greenery and romantic hideaways.
Rymill Park — peaceful lawns and lakeside views.
Glenelg Beach — sunsets, sand, and sea breezes.
Adelaide Himeji Garden — serene Japanese-inspired space.
Adelaide city laneways — quirky, urban backdrops.
Mount Lofty Botanic Garden — dramatic autumn colours.
Each of these spots gives you something the courthouse can’t — atmosphere.
Cost for Getting Legally Married in Adelaide
Cost Comparison: Courthouse vs Elopement
Wedding Option Cost -
Adelaide Registry Office Wedding $436 Legal marriage only, set location, strict times, and you MUST bring your own witnesses - its basic & impersonal
I Do Drive Thru Elopement From $400 Celebrant to perform a legal ceremony, flexible location, get married at home, beach, park and it will be affordable, flexible, meaningful!
With I Do Drive Thru, you get the same legal outcome as the courthouse or registry office — but with far more flexibility and a personal touch.
Real Couples, Real Stories
“We thought about the registry, but it felt too cold. Instead, we eloped in the Botanic Gardens with I Do Drive Thru. Short, sweet, legal — and absolutely beautiful.” — Hannah & Michael
“We flew in from interstate and just wanted something easy. We married at Glenelg with a celebrant and photographer — best decision ever!” — Tara & Ben
FAQs
Is an Adelaide courthouse wedding cheaper than an elopement?
Yes, the courthouse is cheaper. But elopement packages start at $400 — only a little more, with much greater freedom.
Where can I elope in Adelaide?
Popular locations include Botanic Gardens, Glenelg Beach, Rymill Park, and Himeji Garden.
Do you provide suppliers in Adelaide?
Yes. We work only with trusted celebrants, photographers, and florists we’ve used many times. No Airtasker freelancers.
Can tourists elope in Adelaide?
Yes. You’ll need to lodge a NOIM one month before, bring ID, and provide any necessary divorce or death certificates.
How many guests can we bring?
Registry-style elopements are best for 2–20 guests, but we can adapt to suit your vision.
All of the photos included in this blog are taken by our very talented Photographers. They are photos of our beautiful marrying couples in South Australia, in Adelaide, in Glenelg, West Beach, in the Adelaide Hills and in McLaren Vale in the presence of our amazing Adelaide Celebrants!