Kingbilli Country Estate : Elope, Elopement, Elopements - Eloping at Kingbilli: Secluded Romantic Cottages, ecotourism, wildlife

Eucalypts whisper in the evening breeze, mountain streams tumble, and songbirds call as a pink sun fades … the soft hues of the bush replace bright city lights … and natural harmony inspires tranquil romance. Such simple bush magic makes Kingbilli a favoured honeymoon destination.

Secluded bluestone cottages - with open fires and private spas - tucked in a peaceful valley filled with spectacular wildlife … the perfect place to spend those first few days of married life.

But sometimes … Kingbilli is involved with more than just the honeymoon. Eager to escape the expense and pressures of a traditional wedding - some couples decide to elope, holding their ceremony here too. Vows are exchanged in a leafy garden corner … on a sunny hilltop … or in a picturesque gazebo amidst watery reflections.

For most of us, 'elopement' conjures up a centuries-past romantic picture of the young bridegroom stealthily ascending a ladder to his beloved's window … whereupon hand-in-hand they escape into the moonlit night … avoiding the wrath of feuding families.

In the 21st century, it seems the reasons for eloping are not so very different.

First is the couple whose parents have separated. Wearied by the diplomacy required to bring the whole family together for a 'friction-free wedding', the couple escapes the hassle (altogether) by marrying without family present, holding small celebratory gatherings for each clan later.

Other couples regale stories of well-intentioned mothers, so intent upon achieving 'the perfect day', it assumes the intensity and expense of a theatrical event, whilst the guest list reads like a telephone directory.

Or there is the couple planning a second marriage ... generally older and less interested in a big to-do, they focus on one another. Privacy is key and public celebrations come later.

And then … some couples take the middle road, requesting a "planned elopement", with close friends or family witnessing the ceremony and gathering afterwards at a restaurant nearby. A few even have their guests linger on in a second cottage for the remainder of the honeymoon … but everybody's different!

The choice is yours. A wedding belongs to no-one except the bride and groom … and we're here make your special day exactly that: your day.

At Kingbilli, life centres on a philosophy of living in harmony with nature

… and what could be more natural than two people coming together as

halves of a balanced whole? Hence, couples marrying at Kingbilli find the pervading sense of a renewed connection with nature leads to a deeper understanding between bride and groom.

Couples keen on all things curious will find Kingbilli's friendly four-leggeds present opportunities for weddings with a difference! (Although only if desired). The occasional groom has been known to waylay a llama to act as his best man

… whilst eloping brides have forgone the traditional 'family

photo' for a swiftly snatched snapshot with a passing kangaroo.

Although organizing an elopement is far simpler than arranging a traditional wedding, some planning is still required. Budgets are always an issue … so we'll help you balance your wishes with your wallet!

Firstly, decide upon the timing and length of your stay at Kingbilli. Visit our prices page for a list of packages, choose

one to suit your budget, and call or email us to check availability. Prices start at $390 for the Special Late Weekend Budget Break (2 people: arrive Sunday 6pm - depart Tuesday 11am).

Next, a Civil Marriage Celebrant. There are several we can recommend … and it's important when planning dates you remember, legally, you must finalize paperwork with your celebrant at least 1 month and 1 day prior to the ceremony. Costs for a celebrant start at $250 … and this includes an appointment prior to the ceremony; paperwork and legal formalities; selecting marriage vows; printing your marriage certificate and so on.

You need two witnesses over the age of twenty-one. If you plan to have guests attend your ceremony, this is easy - or, alternatively, we're happy to stand-in as witnesses for you. At Kingbilli, the cost for guests to attend your wedding is $15 each for adults and $5 each for children under 12 years (unless, of course, they, too, are staying in one of our cottages). Generally, the maximum number of guests we accept is twenty.

Now - photography. If your budget is tight, our resident

photographer, Georgina, will happily record your special day. For just $220, she will spend as long as you like, taking as many photographs as you wish.Her only request is you purchase the film and have it developed yourselves. See our Wedding Belles section for examples of her photographs.

Alternatively, wedding photographer Peter Layton is a regular visitor to Kingbilli, and can offer you a range of wedding services including digital photography, albums and so on. His costs start at $775.

Our local hairdresser will come to your cottage if you wish, or you may prefer to visit her salon in the nearby township of Marysville. Costs start at $80, depending upon style and hair length. She can also arrange make-up if required.

And our local florist will deliver to your cottage. Costs vary depending upon your selection. Alternatively, during certain times of year, Kingbilli's gardens produce a spectacular array of roses and native flowers which we can help you select, free of charge. Check with us regarding the date of your wedding and flower availability.

Some couples choose to retreat to their cottage post-ceremony and enjoy a romantic evening alone together …others dash out with friends to a local restaurant … and some select the rather more unusual option of a Sunset Supper Llama Eco-Trek through Kingbilli's private wildlife sanctuary. A sunset trek costs $90 per person, and is available during daylight saving months only. Click here for details.

Occasionally, wedding attendees are of the smaller variety, as couples share their special day with their children. Couples within this category,

who'd like an hour or so of solitude following the ceremony may choose to send their little treasures on a Pouch Professors eco-education session, available for children aged 7-14 years. Costs $25 per child or one child only, $45. Bookings are limited … click here for more details.

The choices are entirely up to you. The most important thing to remember is this is your special day … and we want it to be as close to perfect as possible. For more information and assistance … contact us anytime.