Courtney & Duane’s Intimate Brisbane City Elopement – Brisbane Registry Office & Customs House
There’s something beautifully effortless about a Brisbane City elopement, and Courtney & Duane’s day was everything an intimate wedding should be — meaningful, emotional, stylish, and free from all the usual wedding-day chaos. From heartfelt vows at the Brisbane Registry Office of Births, Deaths and Marriages (180 Ann St, Brisbane City) to a romantic reception at the iconic Customs House, their celebration was small in size but overflowing with genuine, wholehearted love.
A Meaningful Ceremony at the Brisbane Registry Office
What a day.
Courtney & Duane chose to honour their love in the most authentic way — a small registry ceremony surrounded only by the people who mattered most. Elopements have a unique magic about them; they strip away the fluff and leave you with the pure heart of a wedding.
Their personal vows were emotional, tender, and beautifully honest. The kind of vows that make you smile through a few happy tears and remind you why intimate weddings are so impactful.
As one of my favourite lines says:
“Love doesn’t consist in gazing at each other, but in looking outward together in the same direction.”
And that’s exactly what these two did — they looked toward their future, hand-in-hand, with a calm certainty that radiated through their whole ceremony.
Exploring Brisbane Through Their Love Story
Once the rings were exchanged and the paperwork signed, we wandered into the heart of Brisbane for photos — and honestly, the city could not have given us a more perfect backdrop.
From the registry office toward Customs House, every part of Brisbane seemed to sparkle a little brighter for them.
From the heritage buildings like a timeless film scene. These quiet moments feel almost cinematic. It was as though the city itself paused to admire them.
“In all the world, there is no heart for me like yours.” – Maya Angelou
Next came the riverside pathways, where the Brisbane River shimmered in the afternoon rain. Dodging some storms we defiantly got the most out of this couple session.
And then there was Customs House, rising ahead of us in all its architectural glory. Its iconic dome stood tall above the river, a symbol of Brisbane’s history and a breathtaking setting for timeless wedding portraits. Courtney & Duane shared a laugh beneath its curved structure, wrapped up in a love that felt both effortless and eternal.
Even the bustling CBD streets softened around them. Among the sandstone buildings, moving crowds, and city sounds, they somehow found pockets of stillness — the kind of moments where you forget the world around you and remember exactly why you chose each other.
“Whatever our souls are made of, his and mine are the same.” — Emily Brontë
Brisbane’s architecture, the afternoon light, and their quiet chemistry worked together to create some of my favourite images of their whole day.
A Classic Brisbane Reception at Customs House
Their celebration continued at the stunning Customs House — truly one of Brisbane’s most iconic wedding venues. With grand interiors, sweeping river views, and that distinctive heritage charm, the atmosphere felt warm, elegant, and perfectly suited to an intimate elopement dinner.
The staff, the atmosphere, the location — everything came together to create a reception that felt luxurious without being over the top. It was honest, joyful, and completely them.
Why You Should Consider an Elopement
Elopements are honestly one of the best wedding decisions couples make — and here’s why:
No pressure.
No complicated seating charts.
No debating whether your second cousin’s neighbour’s dog needs an invitation.
Just love, simplicity, and a day that reflects who you are.
Elopements give you the freedom to be present, to enjoy each moment, and to build a day that feels calm, meaningful, and deeply personal.
And if you’re thinking about eloping in Brisbane?
Then you’ll want a photographer who understands intimate weddings, knows all the best Brisbane City photo locations, and can guide you through the day in a relaxed, natural way.
That’s where Angela Brushe Photography comes in. Whether you want photography only or a photography + videography package, I’m here to make your elopement feel effortless and beautifully documented — exactly the way it deserves to be.
“I have found the one whom my soul loves.” — Song of Solomon
And on this day, that truth couldn’t have shone brighter.
