Additional Information

If you have any further questions please do not hesitate to contact us
Questions? 
A Relaxed & Easygoing Vibe 


‘Elope With Us’ is a very small company consisting of myself plus 1-2 other crew.
The experience offered is intentionally relaxed & personal, rather than rigid & formal.
While the crew are experienced & capable, the atmosphere onboard is calm, down-to-earth & intimate - more like being welcomed into a space than attending a planned event. This allows your elopement to be a relaxed, intimate experience that is tailored specifically to you, without rigid plans or a one-size-fits-all schedule.
 Each journey is shaped around you - your pace, your preferences & the kind of moments you want to create. Whether you want quiet, relaxing moments, an exciting adventure or something in between, the experience is designed around you, creating something that feels personal rather than a pre-planned experience.
A key aspect of this experience is flexibility. Each elopement is completely tailored to your requests. If you have something specific in mind, we are always open to making changes to suit your wishes, provided it is feasible within the setting, timeframe & conditions.
Logistics
Planning a destination elopement can feel overwheming - but it doesnt have to be. We take care of everything so you can focus on being present with each other.
  • Transfers included
  • Food included
  • Accomodation included
  • Legal marriage paperwork submitted
  • Ceremony planning & setup 
  • Photography arranged (optional)
All you need to do is book your flights.
Option 1: Fly to Hamilton Island. We will meet you at the airport & get the shuttle with you to the boat. This option is recommended as the journey from Airlie beach to the Whitsunday Islands & back takes up a days travel, so it is more productive to meet already at the Islands, so you can spend the 5 days visiting the places you came to see.
Option 2: Fly into Airlie Beach & out of Hamilton Island. We will pick you up from the airport at Airlie Beach & take you to the boat, then take you to the shuttle back to Hamilton Island Airport.
We will liase with you to discuss ceremony design, what to bring & we will curate a personalised menu based on your preferences. 
I will be fully available from our first contact by email &/or phone as much as you need & will endeavour to get back to any queries within 24 hours. 
The Boat
The boat will have 4 cabins & 2 bathrooms. The crew will use 2 of the cabins & there will be 2 cabins for you to use. If you require 3 cabins (if your 2 guests need their own cabin), we can arrange this for an additional cost. If you would prefer a boat with ensuites for each cabin we can also arrange this for an additional cost.
More premium boats of your choice can be arranged for an additional cost.
We will all sleep on the boat every night. You will have 2 cabins & your own bathroom. Please note that the boat can only carry limited fresh water - for both drinking/cooking & showering. The crew will not shower in freshwater, it will be reserved for you, but we will recommend taking very quick 2-3 minute showers only.
Food
3 meals will be served plus morning fruit platter & afternoon grazing board each day. Some examples of menu options are listed here & we will discuss & plan the menu together prior to the charter, according to your preferences. The meals will be made fresh each day.
Menu options 
Best Time of Year
The best time to visit the Whitsundays really depends on the balance you want between weather, water conditions, crowds & marine life. Generally May to October (dry season) is considered the best time to go. The weather is warm but comfortable (around 22-27 C) & less humid. There is excellent visibility for snorkelling & low Irukandji/stinger risk. It is however the most popular time, so is likely to be more crowded, especially during school holiday periods. 
April & November are also a good option as they are less busy but still have favourable conditions. 
December to March isnt necessarily a bad time to go, just different. The weather is more likely to be hot, humid & tropical (not the worst when you’re on a boat & can swim whenever you like). It will likely be much less crowded than the peak season. There is also a higher risk of Jellyfish, so stinger suits are strongly recommended over Summer. 
A Typical Day
8AM- Wake up to the sound of water lapping gently beneath you
8.30AM- Swim then Coffee on deck
9AM - Breakfast cooked for you
10AM - Explore secluded island
11AM - Fruit platter
12-3PM - Sail or motor to new location, Lunch served
4PM - Moore or anchor for the night (we will always need to be at our final destination for that day by 4PM)
4PM - Afternoon snorkel
5PM - Sunset picnic on beach or grazing board on deck
7PM - Dinner served
For the wedding day, the ceremony can be at any time you choose - sunrise or sunset - & will be followed by a beach picnic set up for you with a grazing platter & sparkling wine. 

Itinerary
While it is always appealing to map out & know in advance the exact locations we will visit, comfort & safety on the water are ultimately shaped by the wind direction & speed. Where we anchor overnight must be protected by the wind. To ensure the most enjoyable experience, we will confirm the route at the start of the charter based on the forecast, selecting anchorages that offer the best protection & conditions for each night. 
If there are particular spots you specifically want to visit, we will certainly discuss this in advance & plan our trip around those spots while also selecting the most comfortable & suitable locations for overnight, based on the conditions. 
The beauty is, apart from limitations from nature such as tide & wind, you can decide what we do & where we go. Usually one trip to shore per day is recommended but you can spend the entire day on the island exploring or you can spend the entire day on the boat reading - it is purely up to you. 
For safety reasons, we will ensure we reach our final destination each day by 4PM. At that time, we will make a safety radio call to base to confirm our safe arrival and advise where we will be staying overnight.
We will also conduct a morning safety call each day at approximately 9AM to outline our planned activities and discuss any adjustments required due to weather conditions or other unforeseen changes.
Example Itineraries
Example 1: Fly in & out of Hamilton Island. 
Day 1 - Picked up Hamilton Island
Day 2 - Wedding ceremony Whitehaven Beach
Day 3 - Drop Photographer back Hamilton Island
Day 4 - Stonehaven Bay, Hook island
Day 5 - Sawmill Bay, Whitsunday Island
Day 6 - Dropped back to Hamilton Island
Example 2: Fly into Airlie Beach & out of Hamilton Island. 
Day 1 - Picked up Airlie Beach, Travel to Bauer Bay, South Mole
Day 2 - Stonehaven Bay, Hook island
Day 3 - Drop Photographer at Hamilton Island
Day 4 - Whitehaven Beach, Whitsunday Island
Day 5 - Chalkies Bay, Whitsunday Island
Day 6 - Dropped off at Hamilton Island
Example 3: Fly into Airlie Beach & out of Hamilton Island. 
Day 1 - Picked up Airlie Beach, Travel to Nara Inlet
Day 2 - Stonehaven Bay, Hook island
Day 3 - Butterfly Bay, Hook Island
Day 4 - Cateran Bay, Border Island
Day 5 - Whitehaven Beach, Whitsunday Island
Day 6 - Dropped off Hamilton Island
**Photographer stays for 5 nights, or No professional photographer chosen
 Example 4: Fly in & out of Hamilton Island. 
Day 1 - Picked up Hamilton Island, Travel to Whitehaven Beach
Day 2 - Wedding ceremony Whitehaven Beach
Day 3 - Nara Inlet, Hook Island
Day 4 - Butterfly Bay / Stonehaven Bay, Hook Island
Day 5 - Sawmill Bay, Cid Harbour
Day 6 - Dropped off Hamilton Island
**Photographer stays for 5 nights, or No professional photographer chosen
The Weather
The Whitsundays & Airlie Beach enjoy a sub-tropical tropical climate year-round making for the perfect beach & sailing holiday, sitting on the same latitude as Honolulu & Mauritius. Protection by surrounding Mountain ranges, islands & the Great Barrier Reef offer calm, protected waters with moderate winds allowing plenty of opportunity to sail & dozens of anchorages for protection should the weather turn unfavourable.
While the Whitsundays are known for their beautiful weather, conditions can vary & part of the experience is embracing nature as it comes. The weather of the Whitsundays is all part of the magic - it brings a sense of adventure & keeps every journey feeling unique. Shifting winds can lead us to hidden bays, glassy calm anchorages, or lively sailing conditions that make the experience all the more memorable. A change in weather doesn’t take away from the magic of this experience - in many ways, it can enhance it. Moody skies, gentle rain or shifting winds often create a more intimate, atmospheric setting & we will always adapt the itinerary to find the most protected & enjoyable locations. The experience remains just as special - simply different, & often unexpectedly beautiful. 

The Crew
Christianne Gilbert - Founder, Skipper, Celebrant
  • Coxswain NC1 Qualification - AMSA, 2022
  • Day Skipper Sailing Course - Eastsail RYA Certified Sailing School, Sydney, 2022
  • Food Safety Supervisor Course - Just Careers Training, 2022
  • Responsible Service of Alcohol Certificate - Clear to Work, 2022
  • Certificate II in Maritime Operations - All Hands on Deck Maritime Training, 2021
  • Marine Radio Licence: Long Range Operator Certificate of Proficiency - - All Hands on Deck Maritime Training, 2021
  • Coastal Navigation Course - All Hands on Deck Maritime Training, 2021
  • Competent Crew Sailing Course - Eastsail RYA Certified Sailing School, Sydney, 2021
  • Start Yachting Sailing Course - Eastsail RYA Certified Sailing School, Sydney, 2020
  • Certificate IV in Celebrancy - Australian Celebrants Training, 2019
  • PADI Advanced Open Water Scuba Diving Certification - Big Bubble, Thailand, 2008
  • Bachelor of Science: Major Biology - Wollongong University, 2008
  • Bachelor of Veterinary Science - Sydney University, 2013
  • Up to Date First Aid Certification
Qualifications

Yeti

Deckhand

Mattia

Deckhand & Photographer
-Speaks Italian & English. 

Skipper
-Speaks italian & english

Schioppetto

Photographer

Stacie

Photography
A selection of relaxed, candid photos will be included so you have something to remember your time by - capturing key moments in a relaxed & natural way. 
For couples wanting a more refined & fully documented gallery, a professional photographer can be arranged. This allows every part of your elopement - from your ceremony through to the in-between moments - to be captured with a polished, editorial feel. 
The photographer will usually stay onboard for the first 2-3 days & will have her camera on her the entire time, shooting intermittently, or as otherwise arranged with her during your discussions prior to the charter. Payment & discussions of your vision for your elopement album will be directly with the photographer. Photography packages start at $3,600.
Stacie Photo Gallery
Stacie Website 
Cancellation Policy
Deposit is 40% & the remainder is due 100 days prior to the start date of your charter. 
If you wish to cancel more than 100 days prior to the date, you will be refunded 50% of your 40% deposit (50% will be forfeited for reservation of the boat & the crew members. 
Irukandji Jellyfish
Exploring the Whitsundays is an incredible experience, & part of what makes this region so special is its vibrant marine environment. As with many tropical destinations, there are a few natural considerations to be aware of - one of these is the presence of Irukandji jellyfish. These jellyfish are very small & rarely seen, but their sting can be serious. While encounters are uncommon, it is important that all guest are informed so they can enjoy their time on the water with confidence & awareness. 
Irukandji is a very small, hard to see jellyfish that can be extremely hazardous to the elderly or children. If you are stung, you usually don’t feel the symptoms until 30 minutes afterwards. These jellyfish can be found everywhere but generally their presence is higher after having persistent strong northerly winds (usually October to March).
Irukandji stings are rare in the Whitsundays, particularly when simple precautions are followed. We recommend wearing protective stinger suits when swimming & snorkelling, especially in the warmer months. These are lightweight, comfortable & a standard safety measure used throughout the region as they have been shown to significantly reduce the risk of stings. These suits are provided for you. We also stay up to date with local marine safey advice & conditions to ensure we operate in the safest possible areas at all times. 
Your safety & comfort are a priotry throughout your journey. We take a pro-active, informed approach to managing environmental risks, without taking away from the relaxed & intimate nature of your experience. By being aware & prepared, you can fully unwind & take in the beauty of the Whitsundays with confidence & peace of mind.
More about Irukandji
FAQ 
Box Jellyfish
The box jellyfish is a potential hazard all along the Queensland Coast during November through to May, although peak season in the Whitsundays is more likely around March-April. The box jellyfish breed in the mainland estuaries and rivers and in summer with the rains they are usually washed down and found along the mainland coastline and very seldom around the islands. The box jellyfish causes extremely severe stings and possibly death.