Cradle Mountain wedding for Josh and April

Cradle Mountain is one of Tasmania’s most iconic locations for an elopement, and April and Josh’s intimate ceremony at Dove Lake captured its magic in a bottle. As their celebrant, I had the privilege of witnessing their heartfelt vows against the stunning backdrop of Cradle Mountain.

Cradle Mountain is one of those rare places where nature feels larger than life. It’s a breathtaking slice of Tasmania that seems heaven-made for moments of profound love and connection.

Driving from Hobart to officiate April and Josh’s elopement at Dove Lake, I knew I was heading into something truly special.

Their Cradle Mountain elopement wasn’t just another ceremony—it was a celebration of love, simplicity, and the beauty of the Tasmanian wilderness.

As I made the drive from the Huon Valley to Cradle Mountain, deep through my podcast list, I reflected on how perfect this location is for a wedding or elopement, it’s seriously perfect for an elopement nd I’d love to be there for more adventerous couples wanting meaningful and simple elopements and weddings in the Tassie wilderness.

The journey itself, winding through Tasmania’s diverse landscapes, sets the tone for the day with a unique Tassie mix of anticipation and awe. The very manifestation of ‘coming down for air’.

April and Josh began their day at the iconic Cradle Mountain Lodge, nestled amongst the alpine scenery. It was here, amidst the excitement and calm of preparation, that their day started to take shape. April was styled to perfection by Ben O’Brien and had her makeup expertly done by Liv Rodgers. The team from Bulb Creative was on hand to capture these intimate moments, immortalising April slipping into her stunning Karen Willis Holmes dress. Plus the whole epic elopement was planned and created by my amazing wife, Britt, at The Elopement Collective.

Josh and April’s marriage ceremony was held at Dove Lake, with the towering majesty of Cradle Mountain as the backdrop.

It’s a spot that needs no embellishment. April and Josh opted for no florals, letting the rugged beauty of the surroundings and their heartfelt vows take centre stage.

Standing with them on that beach at Dove Lake was such a simply human and honest moment and it was an honour to be their celebrant.

April, I almost can’t believe that today is finally here—to stand at the top of a mountain, at a lake, ready to vow to love and cherish each other forever. Even though we’ve been a little delayed from our original plans, the extra wait has only solidified what I’ve always thought for the last five years: “Josh, you are never going to find anybody as perfect as April.”

Since we met, you’ve been by my side as my best friend, as my girlfriend, as my fiancée, and soon as my wife. You have taught me so much in the last five years. You’ve taught me patience, challenged me to be the best person I can be, to step outside of my comfort zones, and to experience life from a completely different perspective—like, who knew that I could actually brush my teeth and not look at myself in a mirror at the same time?

I promise to love you and cherish every minute that we spend together, which is going to be the easiest thing to do because it’s what I look forward to every day already. You are my soulmate, the love of my life, and nothing makes me happier than thinking of life with you forever. I love you.

Josh, you have shown me more love than I’ve ever known, and I’ll be endlessly grateful for that. You know my deepest emotions and nurture me when they become too much. You’ve embraced every part of me and every dream I’ve had—with a little bit of logic and a whole lot of love.

The way you love your family and the way you love the children we care for only deepens the love I have for you. I truly can’t imagine a life where we didn’t coexist, and I never want to. You are just perfect to me. But us—we’re just something special. The way we love and communicate makes our union something only dreams are made of.

We listen to each other always, and every compromise involves growth in every aspect of our thinking. We respect each other completely and continue to learn how we can respect others. We’ve experienced so much together in such a short amount of time, and I know the adventures will only continue. We are the best decision we ever made.

You are my somewhere over the rainbow, and I promise to always be right by your side with every opportunity that comes into your hands. I know that together we can accomplish anything. Thank you for letting me love you and for loving me the same. Thank you for being here.

The connection between these two, that something special, was undeniable, and their vows reflected a relationship built on trust, respect, and unwavering love.

As the sun dipped behind Cradle Mountain, the couple wandered through the awe-inspiring scenery for their portraits. With the talented Harley from Bulb Creative capturing every glance and embrace, beautiful art was created.

The absence of a crowd allowed them to fully immerse themselves in each other and the moment.

This is the magic of a Cradle Mountain elopement: it strips away the noise - figuratively and actually - leaving only love and the natural beauty of Dove Lake and Cradle Mountain.

Cradle Mountain isn’t just a location; it’s an experience. As a celebrant servicing Cradle Mountain and all of Tasmania, I’ve been fortunate to witness many incredible weddings and elopements. The drive from Hobart is part of the adventure, taking you through some of the state’s most stunning landscapes. Once you arrive, the serenity and grandeur of Dove Lake and the surrounding areas make it clear why so many couples choose to begin their married lives here.

If you’re dreaming of a Cradle Mountain wedding or elopement, I’d love to help you create a day as meaningful and unique as April and Josh’s. Whether you’re planning a simple ceremony at Dove Lake or a full celebration surrounded by the mountain’s majesty, I’m here to make it unforgettable.

If you’re looking for local advice about how we can make your wedding day at Cradle Mountain everything you’ve ever imagined, get in touch.

Whether you’re driving from Hobart or flying in from interstate, I’m here to help you every step of the way. As a Cradle Mountain celebrant, my goal is to ensure your elopement is as personal and heartfelt as possible.