South Australia Adventure Elopement Wedding in the Sand dunes

When Jo & Luke first reached out to us, we knew we were about to embark on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. These two Aussie legends wanted something more than just traditional wedding photos—they were after an adventure elopement experience that truly reflected who they are: adventurous, free-spirited, stylish, and passionate about travel.

Choosing a Remote Elopement Location in South Australia

Australia is packed with breathtaking locations, but Jo & Luke had their hearts set on something remote and wild—even though they had never been there before! They were especially drawn to the surreal pink and blue salt lakes, where a long road cuts straight through the vibrant waters. But what really blew us all away was how much more the surrounding landscape had to offer.

Just outside Penong, South Australia, you'll find everything from rugged ocean cliffs to rolling white sand dunes—all within reach of each other, making it an absolute dream for anyone planning a destination elopement in Australia.

How to Get to Penong, South Australia

This hidden gem does take some effort to reach, but it’s 100% worth it if you're up for an adventure. Penong is located roughly 8 hours west of Adelaide or 18 hours east of Perth, making those cities your two main airport options. We drove from Adelaide and enjoyed watching the landscape transform—spotting wallabies and kangaroos along the way. It truly felt like a real Aussie outback experience.

What to Expect in Penong

Penong is a small town most famous for its windmills. While it doesn't offer much in terms of big-city amenities, you'll find a few cozy cafés, a convenience store with surprisingly great coffee, and a sense of peaceful isolation that’s perfect for an elopement off the beaten path.

Accommodation is limited, but you can find options like local Airbnbs and a small inn. We shared an Airbnb with Jo & Luke, which made for an even more personal and connected experience.

Discover Jo & Luke’s South Australia elopement with pink salt lakes, dunes & cliffs. Watch their stunning wedding video and get inspired for your own adventure!

Day 1: Scouting for Elopement Photo Locations

Since none of us had been to Penong before, we dedicated the first full day to scouting. This is something we love doing for elopements in unfamiliar places. When couples can join us for the scout, it adds another level of connection and lets them be part of the location selection. But even if they can’t, the first-time reactions on shoot day can be just as magical.

Day 2: Pink Salt Lake Editorial Shoot

Jo brought along a stunning pink gown that matched the iconic pink waters of Lake MacDonnell perfectly. Before heading to the lake, we explored a rugged mining area and even found a river winding through a sand dune backdrop—an unexpected and gorgeous find.

This entire shoot felt like it belonged on the cover of Vogue. Jo & Luke brought such an effortless editorial energy that made the images truly next level.

Day 3: Western Wedding Meets Eastern Tradition

For the final shoot day, Jo & Luke wore two different looks: classic Western wedding attire and traditional Eastern outfits—a Sari for Jo and a Dhoti for Luke.

We started with a quick stop in Penong for some town portraits (fun fact: an old surf shop next to what looked like an abandoned building made the perfect edgy backdrop). Then we hit the windswept white sand dunes in the mid-day sun, which looked absolutely breathtaking.

As golden hour approached, they changed into their Eastern wedding looks and we moved to the cliffside overlooking the ocean. Watching the sun set over the waves while Jo & Luke embraced in their traditional outfits was the perfect way to end this epic shoot. The sky turned soft shades of lavender and peach as the waves crashed below—a moment we’ll never forget.

Wrapping Up the Adventure

The next day, we packed up and began our journey back to Adelaide. Saying goodbye was bittersweet—we had made amazing new friends and shared such a meaningful experience. We’re so grateful Jo & Luke trusted us to capture this incredible elopement adventure in South Australia.

We can’t wait to return and explore more of what this beautiful part of the world has to offer.

Why We Recommend South Australia for Your Elopement

If you're dreaming of an off-the-beaten-path elopement in Australia, South Australia should be high on your list. From pink salt lakes and remote beaches to wind-sculpted dunes and wild coastal cliffs, it has everything you need for an unforgettable adventure.

We rented a camper van for our journey and explored all kinds of secret spots between Adelaide and Penong, eventually continuing on toward Sydney, New South Wales. It was a long journey—but every kilometer (or mile!) was worth it.

Planning Your South Australia Elopement?

We’d love to help you bring your adventure to life. Whether you're envisioning pink lakes, golden dunes, or cliffside vows, this land has something magical waiting for you.

Ready to plan your South Australian elopement? Reach out and let’s make it happen.

Discover this epic South Australia elopement with pink salt lakes, sand dunes, and ocean cliffs—perfect inspiration for your adventure wedding!

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!

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