If you’ve been dreaming of a wedding on Lord Howe Island — a completely unique and off the radar destination — you’re in for something seriously special. This little slice of paradise, just a two-hour flight from Sydney, is the definition of secluded beauty, with pristine beaches, crystal-clear blue waters, and dramatic mountain backdrops that have taken a page from Hawaii’s playbook. (Sorta like Jurassic Park, but with fewer dinosaurs and more romance.)
This location provides an unforgettable backdrop for adventurous elopers and traditional couples alike, with everything you need to make your special day feel effortlessly magical.
In this Lord Howe Island wedding guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know, from the best locations to tie the knot to accommodation, legalities, and insider tips to keep things easy-going and stress-free.
Ready to escape to a place where nature does the decorating and your only job is to soak it all in? Let’s do it!
Why A Wedding On Lord Howe Island Is Next-Level Amazing
There truly is no place on earth like Lord Howe Island for a wedding. This breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage site offers an abundance of natural beauty and privacy, making it the perfect destination for an elopement or wedding designed with intimacy, romance, and untamed magnificence in mind.
I’m talking pristine beaches, crystal-clear lagoons, and dramatic mountains surrounding you and your love at every turn. Plus, the island’s remote location pretty much ensures you’ll have the place entirely to yourselves, giving you a private, exclusive experience with no one around to spoil the moment.
A visit to Lord Howe Island is not just beautiful — it’s life-changing. The moment you step off the plane, life will immediately slow down and you won’t be able to help but embrace the laid-back island vibe. Trust me, this is a place where time takes on a whole new meaning.
Lord Howe is also a bird lover’s paradise, thanks to the island’s successful rat eradication programme, (thank God, because gross), which has allowed the local birdlife to thrive. Can you imagine tying the knot with the sounds of native birds filling the air? There’s just something so enchanting about having nature as a witness to the authentication of your love.
And when it comes to wedding photos, you’re truly spoilt for choice. No matter where you turn, there’s a sensational view just begging to be captured, from beaches to amazing forest backdrops, to towering mountain peaks.
With scenery this incredible, you’ll have no trouble nailing photos that’ll take your breath away every time you look back on them. And I can’t stress this enough — with limited tourists, you’ll have the freedom to explore and choose the perfect location to hold your ceremony without the annoyance of nosey onlookers in the background!
Who’s A Match For A Wedding On Lord Howe Island?
While Lord Howe Island is a destination dream come true, it is an especially ideal fit for couples looking for a more intimate wedding experience. Those looking for a Lord Howe Island elopement, for example, will find no qualms with this location for all the reasons listed above.
Overall, this island is the perfect destination for couples seeking a secluded, romantic atmosphere embracing beautiful terrain and a more natural, untamed aesthetic. This is far from the crowded beaches of places like Fiji, Bali, or Queensland.
In fact, Lord Howe Island is one of the most unique wedding destinations in Australia (let alone the world), promising a wedding experience like no other.
That said, there are some pros and cons to getting married here. For example, getting to Lord Howe Island can be a bit of an adventure since it’s 600 kilometres east of the Australian mainland. You can fly from Sydney or Brisbane, with flights taking around 2 hours.
The great news is, that once you arrive, you can stretch your wedding experience into a few days (which I recommend) with several accommodation options, including boutique hotels, guesthouses, and holiday units. Most places tend to be more laid-back, which is a reflection of the island’s relaxed vibe.
Just be aware that accommodations book quickly, so depending on your guest count and wedding date, you’ll want to book well in advance.
And speaking of guest count, most weddings on Lord Howe Island can comfortably accommodate around 20-50 guests, but this varies depending on the venue or location you choose on the island for your ceremony.
The Best Time of Year To Get Married On Lord Howe Island
So, wondering when to elope on Lord Howe Island? While the island is an all-year-round beauty, your wedding dreams will be in full bloom between September and May.
The winter months bring the wet season, making it less ideal for a wedding if you want to avoid rainy days and soggy vows, so stick to the sunshine-filled months for the best weather and views.
September through May is also the perfect time to experience Lord Howe at its most spectacular. The weather is mild, and the island is vibrant, making it ideal for outdoor ceremonies and capturing those absolutely epic wedding shots.
As for the best places to elope on Lord Howe Island, your options are seemingly endless. Couples can say their “I do’s” on the beach at Lovers Bay, with spectacular views of the twin peaks of Mt Gower and Mt Lidgbird. One of the area highlights is a private grassy hill and two large pine trees that, from a distance, look like two lovers!
For a more intimate, secluded experience, Blowhole Beach offers a perfect private location for sharing your first married kiss. Ned’s Beach is also worth mentioning — white sand, a really nice sheltered area, and a grassy flat area hidden amongst the kentia palms. Finally, tucked away on the east side, covered from the Westerly winds, is Middle Beach with absolutely amazing views, and a private beach you’ll almost definitely have all to yourself.
How To Get Married on Lord Howe Island: The Legalities
What do you need to get married or elope on Lord Howe Island? Great question. Luckily, it’s a pretty straightforward process, but there are a few things to keep in mind to make sure everything runs smoothly.
Here’s what you need:
Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM):
- You must submit a Notice of Intended Marriage at least one month before the wedding day. This is a legal requirement for all couples marrying in Australia.
- The form can be lodged at any Australian registry office or with your authorised celebrant.
Authorised Celebrant:
- You need to have a registered celebrant to conduct your wedding. There is only one local celebrant on the island available from Monday to Friday, so you’ll want to prepare in advance to work around these limits.
- The celebrant will guide you through the ceremony and ensure everything complies with Australian marriage laws.
Witnesses:
- At least two witnesses are required to sign your marriage certificate. You can arrange this with your celebrant, or ask your photographer or a trusted friend to step in.
Documents:
- You’ll need to provide proof of identity, including your passport or birth certificate, as well as evidence of your current marital status (if applicable).
- If either of you has been previously married, you’ll need to provide a divorce certificate or death certificate for a deceased spouse.
Marriage Certificate:
- After your wedding, your celebrant will file your marriage with the registry, and you can request an official marriage certificate from the relevant state office.
Location Permissions:
- While the island is a world heritage-listed paradise, certain locations may require permission for weddings, especially if you’re planning on a private, remote spot. A wedding planner or your celebrant can help you navigate these details, or you can contact the Lord Howe Island Board for more info.
While the above legalities are relatively simple, there are still some nuances to planning a wedding on Lord Howe Island that may require some additional research, time, and attention to ensure your big day comes together seamlessly. For this reason, I would strongly suggest hiring a local wedding planner familiar with the area.
Need a recommendation? I can’t sing enough praises for Danielle from Love Lord Howe. Danielle is an expert when it comes to weddings on the island and can guide you every step of the way, including helping nail down your celebrant to finding you Lord Howe Island wedding packages for a stress-free celebration!
Final Details For The Ultimate Lord Howe Wedding Experience
A wedding on Lord Howe Island will feel like stepping back to a simpler time, where life moves at a slower pace. And I don’t just mean this figuratively!
It’s Off the Grid
Be prepared for no mobile reception and no mobile data, which means the only way to catch up with family and friends who aren’t able to make it to the wedding is by payphone. It’s like taking a nostalgic trip to the 90s, minus the dial-up internet. Wifi is also limited, though available at various cafes and restaurants dotted around the island. If you need to meet someone, it’s probably best to arrange things ahead of time, just like we did in 1980!
This is excellent news for anyone looking to untangle themselves from the chaos of the outside world and sincerely focus on what matters most. A little digital detox never hurt anyone!
It’s Exclusive & Intimate
The island is also home to only 400 permanent residents, and there’s a cap of 400 tourists at any given time. This is why you basically get the entire island to yourselves when you book. It’s an exclusive paradise where everyone gets around on pushbikes (because why not?), and there are only six hire cars for the whole island.
And because this is such a small community, you’ll get to experience the true charm of Lord Howe, where everybody still waves and says “hi” as you pass by — might as well get into the same spirit as soon as you land! This means it’s easy to melt into the laid-back culture and strike up a deep and meaningful chat with just about anyone.
Plan Ahead
Now, just a heads up that this is a very, very small island, (no surprise here) so things like hotel accommodations and transportation are limited.
For this reason, it’s important to book your trip as far in advance as possible. This includes air travel, and accommodations for you and your guests, as well as locking in island transportation like cars and push bikes. And, another friendly reminder, there’s only one celebrant on the island, so locking them in early is also key.
I always suggest trying to plan your Lord Howe wedding between six months to a year in advance due to all these quirks to ensure your experience is fun and stress-free.
And speaking of booking in advance, be aware that the planes that get you to the island are tiny Dash 8s with just 36 seats, so be quick to grab a spot (and maybe brace yourself — or bring a tranquilliser — if you’re not a fan of small aircraft)!
Note: Because of the small and quirky nature of the transit planes taking you to and from the island, you cannot bring a huge amount of luggage. If you usually pack heavily, spend some time prioritising what you can’t travel without, or you’ll run the risk of it being knocked back and coming out on the next flight instead.
Consider The Weather
Weather-wise, things can be a bit unpredictable. The wind is a big consideration for your ceremony and guest comfort, and the day before your wedding, you’ll meet with your wedding planner to determine the best location based on wind conditions.
But here’s the good news — even if the weather leads to some last-minute changes, having an experienced planner (like Danielle) and an experienced Lord Howe Island wedding photographer (ahem, ahem — me) will ensure that we embrace the adventure and create a wedding day and photos that are just as beautiful as you imagined.
It’s Remote!
If you want to explore the best places to elope on Lord Howe Island with your wedding photographer, you’ll need to hire a car or arrange transport to get you to those stunning remote spots. Also, getting enough food and alcohol to cater for larger numbers can be a challenge, as everything is flown or barged in. So, again, make sure to plan ahead for any specific catering needs.
Your Lord Howe Wedding Adventure Starts Here!
Lord Howe Island isn’t just a wedding destination — it’s an experience of a lifetime. Between the extraordinary scenery, the intimate atmosphere, and the chance to unplug from the modern world (literally), it’s a place where your love story can unfold unforgettably.
So while planning a wedding here may come with a few quirks — limited flights, no mobile service, and a strong chance of making friends with a passing bird — that’s all part of the charm!
If you’re after a wedding that’s unique, beautiful, and will give you the adventure of a lifetime, Lord Howe Island is calling. And, lucky for you, I know all the insider tips to make your day seamless, stunning, and stress-free.
Ready to take the plunge into paradise? Get in touch with me today, and let’s start planning your unforgettable Lord Howe Island wedding!
+ show Comments
- Hide Comments
Add a comment