Where I'd elope in the Hunter Valley if I skipped the big reception altogether

Not every Hunter Valley wedding needs 150 guests, a marquee and a seating chart that takes three weeks to finalise. Some couples just want the vineyard, the view and each other, and honestly, that sounds like the better option most weekends.

Goosewing Cottage is the pick if a dam backdrop and genuinely great photos matter more than anything else. Packages for 20 guests or fewer start from $3,595 and include venue hire, a celebrant and a professional photographer, so there is no separate vendor scramble in the weeks before.

Leaves & Fishes in Lovedale specialises in exactly this, running elopements and micro weddings from two guests up to 55 with fully customisable packages and boutique accommodation on site. A ceremony only option starts from $2,600, which makes it one of the more flexible entry points if you are still deciding how small "small" actually needs to be.

For something more all-inclusive, Peppers Creek Barrel Room's elopement packages run through their partner Pash & Dash Weddings, starting at $3,990 for up to 15 guests. Celebrant, florals, photography, food and beverages are bundled into one price with five hours of exclusive use of the Barrel Room and Chapel, so the only real decision left is what to wear.

Say I Do, on Ekerts Road in Pokolbin, keeps things properly simple: exchange vows in front of a sprawling vineyard with the mountains doing the backdrop work for free. It's built specifically for micro weddings and elopements, and couples wanting more room can take over the whole property exclusively rather than share the day with anyone else's wedding.

None of these venues need a big reception to justify the cost or the view. If a long guest list was ever the only thing standing between you and eloping in the Hunter Valley, none of these four are waiting on you to change your mind.

Sugar Honey is the social media and advertising agency behind What's The Buzz, and wedding advertising across the Hunter Valley, Sydney and Melbourne is one of the things we do best. Get in touch at info@sugarhoney.com.au.