Planning to Elope?
Are you considering an elopement in Port Macquarie on the Mid North Coast? If so, I've got a few local insider tips to help you have the most awesome time in our little town. Nestled along the New South Wales coastline, this charming seaside town is the perfect backdrop for an intimate and fun-filled elopement. As a professional photographer, I've had the privilege of capturing the love stories of many couples in this beautiful location. Here are five fun suggestions to make your elopement in Port Macquarie unforgettable.
1. Hire a Cabin on the Water
To truly immerse yourself in the coastal charm of Port Macquarie, consider renting a cabin on the water. Below are my two top waterfront cabin recommendations.
NRMA Breakwall Caravan Park. Think cute little blue cabins right on the breakwall overlooking the river. Sit on your balcony and watch the dolphins swim past, plus you can walk to town - did someone say...PUB CRAWL? It's a great spot to access the coastal walk with Town Beach only a stones throw away. Speaking of stones, why not paint your very own elopement rock on Town Beach Breakwall which is right outside your cabin door.
My other fav is Jordan's Camp, with its cute retro boho vibes, which offers not only a cozy and unique accommodation experience but also some fantastic photo opportunities. This would be the perfect location for an elopement and you are literally spoilt for fun photo ideas with the pink cabins and cute cactus gardens. The calm waters, stunning sunsets, and tranquil surroundings make for a perfect setting to start your elopement journey. Imagine saying your vows with the gentle lapping of the water in the background and the vibrant colors of the sky at dusk. My recommendation is to stay in the waterfront cabins but other options include airstream caravans, glamping tents, refurbished shipping containers & the cutest retro caravan. Oh and I almost forgot you can bring your fur babies. It's a setting that romance is made of and the best bit is it's right next door to one of my favourite restaurants in Port Macquarie, Banks Cafe. So you can get hitched, pop the champagne (I totally recommend a dirty big champagne pop photograph thrown in here), have a sneaky glass of bubbles or two on the riverbank and then walk to Banks Cafe next door, no taxi required!
Cutest little cabins on the Hastings River at Camp Jordan.
Camp Jordan think boho vibes & sweet photo opportunities.
Boho glamping tents at Camp Jordan.
Watch the dolphins swim past your NRMA Port Macquarie Breakwall Holiday Park cabin.
Magic sunset views over the river from Camp Jordans cabins.
2. Sunset Dinner at Banks Cafe
For a romantic and delicious dining experience, make a reservation at Banks Cafe. This charming establishment is known for its stunning waterfront views and delicious cuisine. Be sure to book a table on the verandah for a sunset dinner to enjoy the beautiful colours of the sunset reflecting off the Hastings River. The intimate ambiance and gourmet dishes make it an ideal spot for an elopement celebration. Capture candid moments of your celebration as you toast to your love and savor a meal that's as unforgettable as your special day. It would be worthwhile to take your photographer to dinner here and pay for their dinner, a romantic dinner for three...ok maybe not!
3. Early Morning Coastal Walk
If you and your partner are adventurous souls, start your elopement day with an early morning walk along the coastline. The Port Macquarie Coastal Walk, which begins in town and extends all the way to the Lighthouse, offers breathtaking ocean views and the opportunity to immerse yourselves in the beauty of nature. It's a fantastic way to create lasting memories and begin your elopement day with a sense of adventure and you get to see the best of Port Macquarie. Also if you time your elopement right keep an eye out for migrating whales. Dolphins are often seen along the walk in particular when you are walking the breakwall keep an eye out for them.
Explore Port Macquarie's unspoilt beaches on the Coastal Walk. Lighthouse Beach is pictured above.
4. Slow Breakfast at a Local Cafe
Port Macquarie is brimming with charming cafes serving up delicious breakfasts. After the coastal walk, relax and unwind at one of Port Macquarie's many awesome cafes. Coast at Lighthouse Beach is a perfect choice, offering mouthwatering breakfast options and freshly brewed coffee. Plus it's right at the end of the Coastal Walk at Lighthouse Beach Surf Club. If you are not feeling adventurous and the 9km coastal walk seems a bit of a stretch, roll out of bed at Jordans Camp and you can either backup and go back to Banks for breakie (you can never go to Banks cafe too many times) or checkout Blackfish on Jordans on the river for some yummy breakfast options. Both walking distance from Jordans camp. If you are staying in town checkout Frankies Cafe, I can highly recommend their corn fritters!
How cool is this artwork at Blackfish on Jordans cafe!
5. Explore Cool Bars in the Evening
To wrap up your elopement day, visit some of the cool bars Port Macquarie has to offer. Hello Sailor at the Marina and Little Shack on the breakwall are two fun options, both with beautiful views and rad photo opportunities! Whether you prefer a relaxed evening by the water or a lively night out, these bars provide the perfect setting for post-elopement celebrations. Both venues are the perfect backdrop for awesome elopement photos (hint, hint take me to the bar with you) - think sunset, cool vibes & ice cold margaritas...actually now thats all I can think about! Hello Sailor also does a mocktail margie worth checking out if you are having a break from booze. If you are booze free currently check out this banger of an article I wrote just after I suffered a life changing hangover, Boxing Day 2022 - I remember it not so fondly!
You wil find these bad boys at Hello Sailor!
I can capture the laughter, the toasts, and the fun as you celebrate you & your lover. I make a great witness if you plan to just run away and get hitched AND I'm fun to hang out with (I know I sound like a wanker but I assure you I'm cool - haha). Eloping in Port Macquarie Mid North Coast is a dream come true for couples seeking a romantic and unforgettable experience. The combination of stunning landscapes, delicious food, and vibrant nightlife makes this little coastal town a perfect choice for an intimate elopement. And with a professional photographer like me, you can relive these beautiful moments for years to come. If you're considering an elopement in Port Macquarie, I would be honored to capture the love story you're about to embark on and help you plan the perfect day. Feel free to reach out and let's start planning your dream elopement today. Your love story deserves to be told, and Port Mac is a banger!
Cheers
Kris