Pre- Wedding Adventure Session in Penong, South Australia

When Jo and Luke first reached out to us, we knew we were about to embark on something incredibly special. These two local Aussies wanted an adventure elopement—or what some might call a pre-wedding photo session—that felt authentically them. Adventurous, free-spirited, stylish, and deeply in love with travel, they were looking for more than just a pretty location. They wanted a meaningful experience.

Australia is filled with breathtaking destinations, but Jo and Luke were drawn to one place in particular—Penong, South Australia. Despite having never been there, something about the remote, untamed beauty of the area called to them. The pastel pink and blue salt lakes crossed by a narrow road were what initially caught their eye, but once they arrived, the rugged cliffs, endless ocean views, and white sand dunes stole their hearts completely.

Why Penong, South Australia?

Located about 8 hours west of Adelaide and 18 hours east of Perth, Penong is remote—but that’s what makes it so magical. While the drive might sound intense, if you’re up for the adventure, it’s more than worth it. On our journey from Adelaide, we were treated to the shifting Australian landscape and spotted wallabies and kangaroos along the way. It truly felt like we were deep in the outback.

Penong itself is a small town most known for its collection of windmills. While amenities are limited, there are a couple of small cafés, a convenience store (with surprisingly excellent coffee!), and a few accommodations including an inn and Airbnb options. We shared an Airbnb with Jo and Luke, which made the experience even more intimate and fun.

A Three-Day Adventure Elopement Experience

Jo and Luke’s elopement journey unfolded over three unforgettable days:

Day 1: Scouting the Landscape
Since none of us had ever been to Penong before, we dedicated the first full day to scouting. We always prioritize location scouting when we’re shooting in a new place. When couples join us for this part of the process, it becomes a special memory on its own—they get to hand-pick the spots that resonate with them most. Even if we scout alone, the element of surprise on the elopement day makes it all the more magical.

This day ended with an intimate, golden-hour couples session—capturing Jo and Luke in their natural element, surrounded by Australia’s raw beauty.

👉 [Watch their wedding video and view more of their Penong session here.]

Day 2: Saying Goodbye
After soaking in all the magic and taking in the landscapes, it was time to say goodbye. Parting ways was bittersweet—we were sad to see Jo and Luke go, but we also knew we had made lifelong friends. Being a part of their story in such a meaningful way was a true honor.

Day 3: The Long Way Home
Dustin and I rented a camper van for this adventure, which made exploring even more fun. After Penong, we road-tripped back through Adelaide and eventually made our way to Sydney, stopping at remote beaches and cliffside campsites. Every kilometer (or mile!) was an experience in itself.

For this set of photos we went more couples sunset portrait vibes / engagement photos.
You can view more of their session - wedding adventure photos HERE

Why We Recommend South Australia for Your Elopement

We can't recommend South Australia enough for adventurous couples looking for something truly unique. There are so many hidden gems off the beaten path—perfect for elopements, pre-wedding sessions, or just creating once-in-a-lifetime memories together.

Whether it’s the salt lakes, rugged cliffs, or quiet sand dunes, Penong offers a cinematic backdrop unlike any other. If you’re up for the road trip, the rewards are endless.

Ready to plan your own adventure elopement in South Australia?
We’d love to help you dream it up, capture the story, and create an unforgettable experience tailored just for you.

📩 Reach out to us here to start planning your dream elopement HERE

Brittney Couture | Australia & Destination Elopement & Wedding Photographer

Ready for us to capture your dream elopement next?! Head to our contact page so we can chat about the ideas you have and how we can make it unique. CAN’T wait to hear from you!

Come see more of this unique elopement below!