When planning an elopement, your getting ready location is often overlooked, but it’s actually one of the most important spaces that sets the tone for your entire day! The accommodation where you prepare isn’t just a practical detail; it shapes the mood, the style of your photos, and the intimate moments you’ll remember forever.

Having photographed many elopements in a variety of stunning getting-ready spaces — from moody tree-houses to bright tropical apartments, I’ve witnessed firsthand how different accommodations create uniquely beautiful stories, even when captured by the same photographer.

In this post, I’m sharing five distinct getting ready accommodation styles to inspire your elopement planning and explain why styling your space is just as important as choosing the location itself.

1. Moody Tree-House: A Cinematic Hideaway for Intimate Moments

Imagine waking up surrounded by nature, in a cosy tree-house where sunlight filters softly through the leaves. The rustic timber walls and vintage details create an enchanting, cinematic atmosphere that feels like a secret hideaway.

Couples who choose this style often incorporate meaningful styling elements — think reading vintage books, playing piano, or typing love letters on a typewriter. These little touches add nostalgia and personality to your photos, making your getting ready session feel like a storybook chapter.

Why choose a moody tree-house?

• Perfect for couples craving intimacy and cinematic feel
• Natural textures and warm light creates mood
• Storytelling props enhance the cinematic vibe

S&S got ready in the charming Treehouse in Forrest for their Great Ocean Road elopement and it truly felt like stepping into a fairytale.

See how S&S used the space to tell their elopement story HERE.

2. Victorian Classic: Timeless Elegance and Refined Details

For those drawn to history and grandeur, a Victorian-style getting ready accommodation offers elegant architecture, ornate moldings, and rich colours that evoke romance and sophistication.

Imagine antique mirrors, classical furniture and the chance to have your own Bridgeton moment! Often these older classical homes have smaller windows which can create a more moody, cinematic feel to your photos.

Why choose Victorian classic?

• Ideal for couples wanting a refined, historic vibe
• Architectural details add depth and interest to photos
• Styling enhances timeless elegance and romance

D&L got ready in the stunning Campbell House in Castlemaine Victoria.

3. Bright Apartment at Port Douglas Resort: Tropical Light and Joy

Opposite the feel of the two options above, couples have the option to go bright and airy instead of moody and cinematic. An apartment in a tropical resort like Port Douglas is the perfect example of a space that feels bright and open with the all white walls, open layouts, and big bright windows. The abundance of natural light ensures photos feel vibrant and full of life.

Why choose a tropical bright apartment?

• Creates a light, joyful, and carefree vibe
• Ideal for beach or resort elopements
• Natural light enhances candid, radiant photos

M&L got ready at the stunning Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort in Port Douglas. Want to see how they spent two days in this tropical paradise? Check out their full story HERE.

4. Modern Airbnb with Dark Walls and Timber Styling: Contemporary and Cosy

This stunning Airbnb has timber accents and large windows that offer a striking yet cosy backdrop. Styled with rich textures and autumn tones, the space feels both elegant and inviting — the kind of place that makes you want to slow down and soak in the moment. The autumn leaves and timber detailing created a warm, earthy palette that photographed beautifully.

Couples often style their session with personal touches like cozying up with books, or playing chess, relaxed moments that feel effortlessly intimate.

Why choose a modern moody Airbnb?

• Perfect for couples wanting modern aesthetics with warmth
• Deep colours and textures add drama to your photos
• Styling props tell stories and enhance the vibe

A&D got ready in one of my favourite accommodations in all of Vic, Pebblebank on Morses – Mountain Retreat. They spent their morning listening to records, playing chess and reading books with their pup.

5. Bright & Airy Airbnb in Costa Rica

A bright and airy Airbnb flooded with sunlight and surrounded by tropical greenery offers a serene and elegant atmosphere. This style works beautifully for couples wanting to connect with nature while enjoying light-filled, clean spaces for their getting ready moments.

We ended up using the balcony in addition to the the indoor area as the balcony was so beautiful!

Why choose a bright and airy Airbnb?

• Creates a calm, fresh vibe perfect for natural light photography
• Minimalist styling keeps focus on genuine emotions
• Great for tropical or nature-inspired elopements

R&B’s Costa Rica elopement was one for the ages. Imagine sunrise waterfall swims (at one of the most insanely beautiful waterfalls in the world!), getting ready in a tropical rainforest, and sunset vows on a beach. Check out their full story HERE.

Why Styling Your Getting Ready Space Matters

No matter your location, styling your getting ready accommodation elevates your elopement photos from simple snapshots to a curated story.

Styling adds personality, highlights your relationship, and brings your elopement vision to life. Whether it’s vintage books, a record player, a piano, or fresh flowers, these meaningful props and activities create authentic, intimate moments that photographers love to capture.

Styling also complements the space’s lighting and colours, helping to create photos that feel cohesive and timeless.

Quick Tips for Choosing Your Getting Ready Accommodation

Not sure what to look for when picking your getting ready space? Here are a few things to consider to help create beautiful, meaningful photos and a calm, enjoyable experience:

1. Natural Light

Natural lighting is probably the most important thing to consider with your getting ready space. I typically like to stand couples near a window to get ready so that you’ have the most ‘re in the most flattering lighting. This means you need a window that has space near it. Think about what is around that window because that will be in your photos.

2. Wall Colour

If your accommodation has dark walls, it will look more moody and cinematic. If it has white walls it will look more bright and airy.

3. Room to Move

Having a big space isn’t always better… we have photographed elopements in a single room before (without the couple seeing each other!) but if you want to have a strong story for your elopement, and to have multiple getting ready spaces and photos around the accommodation, then consider a slightly larger space.

4. A vibe that reflects you

Whether it’s moody, minimalist, rustic, or elegant — pick a place that feels like your story.

5. Minimal clutter

Clean, open spaces help keep the focus on you and your moments. Make sure that any elements in the accommodation are ones you like as they will most likely be in your photos! Look at paintings, positions of TVs, mirrors, couches etc.

6. Interactive features

Think piano, bathtub, record player, chessboard — anything that adds a layer of personality and activity to your getting ready time.

Choose a Getting Ready Space That Tells Your Story

Your getting ready accommodation is more than a place to get dressed — it’s the foundation for the mood and story of your elopement day. From the lighting to the styling to the atmosphere, this space helps tell the story of who you are and how your day feels.

Do you want something bright and airy? Or moody and cinematic? Cosy and intimate? Or modern and minimalist?

We help all our couples find the perfect getting ready space — just like the beautiful locations above. If you’re unsure what to look for or need help narrowing it down, send us a message. I’d love to help you choose a space that reflects your style and adds to the magic of your day!

Still Struggling with how to choose your perfect elopement location?

Choosing your getting ready space is just one piece of the puzzle — finding the right ceremony location is just as important. Whether you’re dreaming of mountaintops, coastal cliffs, or lush forests, we’ve got you covered.

If you’re not sure where to start, check out our guide on How to Choose Your Perfect Elopement Location. It’s packed with tips to help you find a place that feels like you — and makes your elopement unforgettable.

Fun Fact!

R&S booked us without knowing where in the world they wanted to elope, they just knew they wanted a beach and a waterfall. We researched places all around the world for them and helped them find Costa Rica!

One of my favourite parts of our job is helping you bring your elopement vision to life. So if you’re feeling lost, reach out! I would love to help you have your dream elopement!