There is a major shift happening in the Western Australian wedding industry. While grand, 150-guest ballroom receptions used to be the default, modern couples are heading south.
The “Elopement-Plus” is the biggest wedding trend of the season. Couples are capping their guest lists at 30 to 50 of their absolute favourite people and investing their budget into a high-end, immersive weekend away in the South West. From the rugged coastlines of Yallingup to the ancient canopies of Dwellingup, the region has become a haven for those looking to turn their wedding day into a curated holiday for their inner circle.
Because the South West offers so many distinct landscapes, couples can completely customise the vibe of their destination weekend.
For the ocean enthusiasts, regions like Margaret River and Dunsborough are the ultimate choice. Venues like Pullman Bunker Bay Resort offer absolute beachfront luxury where guests can stay on-site in private villas, while Meelup Farmhouse provides a chic coastal-farmhouse aesthetic that feels incredibly stylish and relaxed.
Further inland, the rolling hills of Yallingup and Wilyabrup attract the food and wine lovers. Places like Credaro Family Estate, with its Tuscan-style cellar door and sweeping valley views, offer a dramatic, European-inspired backdrop for a long-lunch reception.
While the coast and vineyards are stunning, a massive wave of couples are choosing to head into the timber country for an entirely different kind of magic. If you love the idea of crisp air, woodfires, and towering trees, you do not actually have to drive three hours down the highway to find it.
Just over an hour from Perth, Dwellingup serves as the perfect gateway to the South West forest. Hidden gems like Jarrahfall Bush Camp offer a blank canvas for a private, multi-day forest retreat. If you are looking for an intimate setting, Noble River Estate provides a beautiful, secluded sanctuary nestled right in the jarrah forest. For couples who want a touch of rustic sophistication mixed with vineyard charm, Redgum Wine Estate offers stunning views over the valleys. These locations give you all the secluded romance of a deep South West timber wedding, reminiscent of down-south favourites like Stonebarn in Pemberton, but without the long travel times for your Perth-based guests and vendors.
If you are shrinking the guest list to elevate the experience, the key is focusing on the details that create a sense of community.
Instead of traditional round tables, couples are opting for single, dramatic long-table dining layouts nestled among the vines or beneath the forest canopy. You can welcome your guests to their South West accommodation with a curated basket of local goodies, featuring items like Margaret River chocolate, local wines, and artisan cheeses.
Whether you choose the crashing waves of Bunker Bay or the quiet majesty of a Dwellingup forest grove, a South West wedding ensures your special day feels like an unforgettable getaway.
