Planning a New Zealand Elopement: The Ultimate Guide
New Zealand, with its diverse landscapes, dramatic coastlines, and breathtaking mountains, has become one of the most popular elopement locations in the world. Whether you dream of saying “I do” surrounded by snow-capped mountains, lush forests, or on a quiet beach, New Zealand offers the perfect backdrop for a romantic and intimate adventure.
If you’re considering eloping in New Zealand, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to plan the elopement you dream of.
1. Choosing your Elopement Location
New Zealand is renowned for its array of landscapes, each offering something unique for your elopement. Here are some top spots to consider:
- Queenstown: Known as the adventure capital of New Zealand, Queenstown offers a variety of landscapes, including towering mountains, alpine lakes, and vineyard-covered hills. It’s perfect for couples who want a combination of adventure and romance.
- Ideal for: Mountain backdrops, lakeside ceremonies, adrenaline-filled post-ceremony activities (like bungee jumping or skydiving).
- Fiordland National Park: For an awe-inspiring natural setting, Fiordland is unrivaled. Its dramatic fjords, such as Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound, offer a magical, out of this world atmosphere.
- Ideal for: A truly secluded, nature-focused ceremony in a remote, jaw-dropping setting.
- Kaikoura: Famous for seal covered coastlines, dramatic waves, whale watching and a snow capped mountains in the distance. This location is perfect for couples who want to include native sealife in their elopement adventure.
- Ideal for: A coastal sunrise ceremony with seals sleeping on the rocky shore.
- Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park: If you’re envisioning a mountainous ceremony with a view of New Zealand’s tallest mountain, Aoraki offers that. The vistas here are mesmerizing and a perfect fit for couples wanting an awe-inspiring backdrop.
- Ideal for: Couples seeking a mountain-clad ceremony in the heart of the Southern Alps.
2. When to Elope in New Zealand
The best time to elope in New Zealand depends on the type of experience you’re after:
- Summer (December to February): The weather is warmest during these months, making it ideal for outdoor ceremonies. It’s also the high season for tourism, so be prepared for more crowds in popular locations. Wanaka, Aoraki, and Queenstown tend to attract the most tourists during these months so be sure to choose a photographer who know how to avoid the crowds if you want any of these locations.
- Autumn (March to May): The weather is still mild, but the fall foliage adds a magical touch to your elopement photos. The crowds are thinner compared to summer, so it’s an excellent time for a peaceful elopement. The mornings and evenings are cooler so pack warmer clothes for those months.
- Winter (June to August): If you’re dreaming of a snow-capped mountain adventure, or a complete white-out elopement, winter offers exactly that. The weather can be cold, but it’s perfect for a cozy and intimate elopement in a secluded cabin or lodge.
- Spring (September to November): Spring is the most unpredictable season, but it offers beautiful wildflowers and fresh, green landscapes. You’ll find fewer tourists compared to summer, which allows for more intimate moments in scenic spots. This is also our windiest season so be prepared with warmer clothing!
3. Legal Requirements for Eloping in New Zealand
Eloping in New Zealand is simple when it comes to legalities. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Marriage License: You’ll need to apply for a marriage license from a New Zealand Registrar. This can be done online or at any Registrar’s office in the country. The license is valid for three months, so you’ll want to ensure you apply well in advance. When applying online you’ll be able to pay online, simplifying the process.
- Celebrant: You’ll need a licensed celebrant to conduct the ceremony. This can be a celebrant, religious figure, or a Registrar (although registry ceremonies are not allowed to have photographers present). Many celebrants offer a specially created option for eloping couples making it easy to personalise your experience.
- Witnesses: You’ll need two witnesses to sign your marriage certificate. These witnesses can be anyone over the age of 16. If you don’t have anyone with you, many elopement planners or celebrants can provide witnesses. You can also ask your photographer to be a witness.
- Identification: You’ll need to provide identification, such as a passport or birth certificate, when applying for your marriage license. If you’re not a New Zealand citizen, make sure to have your passport and any required documents on hand.
4. Hiring Vendors (or Not!)
One of the joys of eloping is that you don’t need to worry about organizing a large wedding with lots of vendors. However, you can still hire a few professionals to make your day even more special if you want:
- Photographer/Videographer: A professional photographer or videographer can help you capture the magic of your elopement. Consider hiring someone who specializes in elopements, as they’ll know how to capture intimate moments in stunning locations. They’ll also have the elopement planning process in their back pocket making it as stress-free as possible!
- Florist: If you want to include flowers in your elopement, hiring a local florist can add a beautiful personal touch. Some florists specialize in eco-friendly or foraged flowers.
- Hair & Makeup Artist: Some couples prefer to have their hair and makeup done professionally to ensure they look their best. Many makeup artists and hairstylists in New Zealand are experienced in elopement styling.
- Planner/Coordinator: While New Zealand is an easy country to navigate, you may prefer to hire an elopement planner or coordinator who knows the ins and outs of local laws, best venues, and logistics. They can also help you with hidden gems and remote locations you might not find on your own. (If you choose a photographer like myself you won’t need to add on this option as I will help you with all the planning and coordination with plenty of guides so you don’t have to worry about a thing.)
5. Create Your Personal Elopement Experience
An elopement is all about the two of you, so make it as personal and unique as possible! Here are some ideas to incorporate:
- Personal Vows: Write your own vows to make the ceremony feel even more intimate. The scenic beauty of New Zealand will be the perfect backdrop as you share your love with one another.
- Adventure: New Zealand is famous for its outdoor activities, so why not add a touch of adventure to your elopement? After your ceremony, go for a hike, take a scenic flight, or even go skydiving or bungee jumping.
- Post-Elopement Celebration: You don’t need to go to a big reception, but you can enjoy a cozy dinner at a fine restaurant, a private wine-tasting tour, or even a picnic in one of New Zealand’s national parks.
6. Budgeting for Your New Zealand Elopement
Elopements can be a budget-friendly option, but it can also cost anywhere from $6K to $100K, so it’s essential to plan your budget carefully. Here are some expenses to keep in mind:
- Travel: Flights to New Zealand, especially from faraway destinations, can be a significant part of your budget. Be sure to book well in advance to get the best deals.
- Accommodation: From luxury lodges to cozy cabins, there are many options for accommodation in New Zealand. If you’re eloping in a remote location, be prepared to pay a premium for privacy and exclusivity.
- Vendors: While you don’t need many, hiring a photographer, celebrant, or florist can add up. Prices can vary greatly depending on location and the specialty of the vendor.
- Activities: Whether you’re looking to go on a scenic tour, take a helicopter ride, or try bungee jumping, New Zealand offers plenty of fun activities. Factor these into your budget if you want an adventurous experience.
7. Enjoy Your Elopement Day
Once everything is planned, all that’s left is to enjoy your elopement! Take time to savor every moment as you marry the love of your life in one of the most beautiful places on Earth. And don’t forget to explore the surrounding areas—you’re in New Zealand, after all, and there’s so much to see!
Whether you want to elope in a secluded forest, on top of a mountain, or by the beach, New Zealand has it all, and I’m here to help you every step of the way. Hi, I’m Chaznel, New Zealand based elopement photographer specialising in creating personalised and unique elopement experiences in New Zealand that leave you wanting your elopement to never end. Happy planning!
