Elopement at Hopetoun Falls in Otway National Park

Elopement at Hopetoun Falls in Otway National Park on Victoria's Surf Coast

Just a few hours out of Melbourne, the Great Otway National Park is a spectacular location. Pristine rainforest, waterfalls and secluded beaches, Hopetoun Falls is a very special place in Victoria’s South West. 

Rather than travel home to New Zealand for their wedding, Helena and James decided to elope at Hopetoun Falls. We started early as the sun rose over Apollo Bay, reaching the Falls by 9:00 am. The intimacy of the ceremony, just the couple and their celebrant against the powerful natural backdrop, was genuinely wondrous and very romantic.

The videographer (James, Zephyr Productions) and I kept our distance but captured the devotion and joy shared by Helena and James. 

Following the ceremony we walked among the magical Californian Redwoods, they are awe-inspiring and created a wonderful backdrop for photos of the happy couple.

We finished the day with a visit to Cape Otway Lighthouse, as the light was fading we walked along the cliffs and enjoyed the last rays of gentle light. It was a beautiful, gentle and private day, filled with so much love and happiness. 

Helena and James

An email I received from Helena and James after the wedding:

“Ahhh! Thank you so much for these, we love them. I sent the link through to my parents and Mum said she had a little cry, so I'd say that's a job well done, haha.”

Mum had a little cry - mission accomplished!