Beach or Forest? Choosing the Perfect Setting for Your South West Elopement

Once you’ve decided to elope in the South West, the next question is usually the same: beach or forest?

Both can be beautiful. Both can feel intimate. And both photograph exceptionally well. The right choice isn’t about which location is “better” — it’s about which one matches the kind of day you want to have.

Here’s a clear, honest look at both, so you can decide with confidence.

If you want ocean air and open space

A coastal elopement has a particular kind of energy. The sound of the waves. Salt on your skin. That wide horizon that makes everything feel bigger and simpler at the same time.

Good coastal options around the Margaret River region include places like Bunker Bay, Meelup, Gnarabup, Redgate, and the more dramatic headlands near Yallingup. Each has a slightly different mood — some calmer and more sheltered, others wilder and more windswept.

A beach elopement tends to suit you if:

• You love being near the water

• You want that golden late-afternoon light

• You’re happy with a more elemental, barefoot feeling

• You like the idea of portraits against sand, rock and ocean

Things to keep in mind:

• Public beaches usually need a permit

• Wind is part of the coastal experience, especially in summer

• Timing matters — late afternoon often looks and feels best

• Access varies. Some spots are easy. Others involve stairs, uneven rock or a short walk

The coast is at its most comfortable in autumn and spring. In summer, north-facing bays are often the smarter choice because they sit out of the strongest afternoon breeze.

If you want quiet, shelter and a sense of wonder

Then there’s the forest.

Boranup Forest is the location most couples picture when they think of a South West forest ceremony — tall karri trees, filtered light, and that hush that makes vows feel even more intimate. It’s sheltered, photogenic in every season, and has a completely different atmosphere from the beach.

A forest elopement tends to suit you if:

• You want stillness more than drama

• You prefer soft, even light over bright coastal glare

• You’re thinking about a winter or shoulder-season date

• You like the idea of being wrapped in nature rather than standing on the edge of it

Things to keep in mind:

• National park locations can have permit and timing requirements

• The ground can be uneven, so footwear matters

• Rain in the forest is often more magical than inconvenient

• It can feel cooler, even on a mild day, because of the canopy

Forest ceremonies are beautiful year-round. Spring brings wildflowers on the forest floor. Autumn has that soft, golden light. Winter can be crisp, quiet and incredibly romantic.

What if you want both?

You don’t always have to choose only one.

A very common and beautiful rhythm for a South West elopement is a ceremony in the forest, then portraits on the coast later in the day. That combination gives you two distinct moods without turning the day into a rush. The key is keeping the drive short and the timing generous.

If you only have a tighter window, pick the setting that matters most for the ceremony itself. Portraits can often still happen nearby.

A simple way to decide

Ask yourselves these questions:

• Do we want to hear the ocean, or feel enclosed by trees?

• Do we prefer open space or shelter?

• Are we more drawn to golden light on water, or light falling through leaves?

• Do we want the day to feel wild, or quietly sacred?

• Are we happy to work around wind and permits, or would we rather keep things simpler?

If you answer those honestly, the right setting usually becomes obvious.

The setting should support the day, not steal it

The best elopement locations in the South West don’t need much styling. They already have atmosphere. What they should do is hold the two of you — not compete with you.

That’s why we always start with how you want the day to feel, then match the place to that. Beach, forest, private garden, vineyard… the landscape is the backdrop. The day itself is still about the two of you saying the words that matter.

If you’re unsure, that’s completely normal. A short conversation about dates, guest numbers and the kind of photos you love is often enough to point you in the right direction.

When you’re ready, we can help you choose a setting that feels effortless — and completely like you.