Palm Cove in Tropical North Queensland is one of Australia’s most romantic beaches, with a palm‑lined shores, warm weather and a relaxed holiday atmosphere that is ideal for destination elopements.
This recent Palm Cove elopement took place in mid-November; the couple travelled from interstate for their intimate beach ceremony – just the two of them and their beautiful baby girl as the only guest. Keeping the guest list to just their daughter and wedding vendors allowed them to stay fully present and in the moment.
Their photographer and fellow Celebrant Cara served as the couple’s legal witnesses, keeping everything simple, stress free and focused on their love and the heartfelt vows they were making to each other.
A private and shaded beach location
The couple chose a quiet shaded area by the beach entrance of Sea Temple, overlooking the ocean and Double Island. This gave them all the beauty of a Palm Cove beach elopement with the comfort of shade and privacy, which was especially important with their little one in tow in the tropical climate.
The soft rustle of the palms and filtered light made the ceremony feel private and peaceful, even though they were only moments away from the water. Their baby girl watched on inquisitively from her pram as they shared their vows, adding to the relaxed, intimate atmosphere rather than a formal, traditional wedding.
This area ‘Opposite Sea Temple’ can be booked for wedding ceremonies to take place through Cairns Regional Council.
A heartfelt ceremony by the sea
The ceremony itself was simple, personal and full of emotion and the heartfelt promises to each other as partners and parents. Their emotional vows revealed a whirlwind of emotions from happy tears to giggles and laughter.
They exchanged vows and rings with the sound of gentle waves in the background, which added to the calm, natural atmosphere.
With no audience watching, they could pause, wipe away happy tears between these heartfelt moments, which is one of the biggest advantages of eloping in a quiet destination like Palm Cove. This special beach elopement concluded as they were introduced as married, and sealed the deal with a kiss, before signing their marriage certificates on the beachfront, the perfect relaxed, tropical elopement wedding.
After the paperwork was complete, the couple wandered down to the shoreline with their daughter where they slipped off their shoes, dipping their feet in the ocean taking a few quiet minutes to soak in the newlywedded bliss.
To avoid having the photography element override their special day their photographer kept things unintrusive and brief, capturing the raw emotions of the ceremony along with a mix of candid moments and romantic couple shots along with a few playful photos with their little girl.
Because everything was in one easy location, there was no rushing between venues or worrying about transport.
Celebrating their Palm Cove elopement
To celebrate their Palm Cove beach elopement, they headed to a favourite local restaurant Nu Nu for a relaxed celebration lunch overlooking the palm trees and the ocean, just the three of them. Sharing delicious food and a glass of bubbles as they reflected on their ceremony and enjoyed their first meal as a married couple in paradise.
By choosing an elopement in Palm Cove, they were able to combine a family holiday, a beautiful, memorable ceremony and a stress‑free wedding experience all in one beautiful tropical beachside destination.
Just a short drive or Uber from Cairns City, Palm Cove gives interstate and overseas couples that ‘tropical escape’ feeling without having to venture overseas, which makes it a brilliant choice for small weddings and elopements.
If you love the idea of having a relaxed, Palm Cove beach elopement, perhaps a simple beachside ceremony, with beautiful photos and a focus on what truly matters to you, get in touch to start planning your own tropical wedding.
With Wedding Celebrant Jamie Eastgate
Captured by Peter George
View inspiration and find out more and about eloping in Palm Cove here.
Learn more about eloping in Tropical Far North Queensland.
View our top tips for planning your destination elopement wedding.