New Zealand Elopement Photographer
The Complete Guide to New Zealand Elopement Locations and Packages
Hello, I’m LUCY!
I’m Lucy – your colorful New Zealand Elopement Photographer & Planner! Whether you’re just starting to consider eloping in New Zealand or have your heart set on it, this complete and updated for 2025 & 2026 guide will walk you through it. Eloping in New Zealand is easy, fulfilling, and unforgettable. I am based in New Zealand. So, let me walk you through some drop-dead gorgeous New Zealand elopement locations in my favorite country of all time.
Eloping in New Zealand in 2025 & 2026
The best elopements are planned as a vacation. Your elopement is not an event, so you don’t need a ballroom, a 3 tier cake, elaborate matching outfits for your favorite friends, nor do you need to navigate the etiquette of invitations. Plan a vacation – 10 days for each island is good. Even longer is best if you want to see both. Getting to New Zealand will be the most expensive part, and I’ve got tips to enjoy the journey.
About this New Zealand Elopement Guide
The information here is from my first-hand experience planning and photographing unique elopements on the islands. Included below, you’ll find two sample timelines for elopements on each island. If you’re just starting to dream of a New Zealand elopement, take the next step and get in touch to see my interactive map. There you can explore the locations used in this guide, and click on each one to see details and exact locations.
See real New Zealand Elopement photos
To really get an idea for this incredible place, you can see a real New Zealand elopement that I planned and photographed in December on South Island. They got ready in their campervan on the shore of one of the most beautiful turquoise lakes in the world, Lake Tekapo. Surrounded by blue and pink flowers, they shared their first look and elopement ceremony. This was just the start of their incredible 2 day New Zealand adventure elopement!
How to elope in New Zealand
Most of the time, you don’t need a special permit to get marred on public lands in New Zealand. This makes planning a breeze, and last minute backup plans a cinch. The first step to planning a New Zealand Elopement is to book your flights, after checking the country’s travel requirements. Then chat with a New Zealand elopement planner about your desires and must-haves. (Hello!) I’ll help narrow down areas that will tick your boxes and more. Then you’ll book your accommodation and any excursions, and you’re pretty much ready to go. Planning an elopement should feel like planning an epic vacation instead of a large scale event. I’ll help you every step of the way. Get started by contacting me and telling me about your dream!
A step by step guide to eloping in New Zealand:
- Select a date range. Remember, December to March is summer season in New Zealand and June to September is their winter!
- Hire a New Zealand elopement photographer and settle on a specific date. Book flights & Get excited!
- With your photographers’ help, decide on a location and book your accommodation and rental car
- Create the perfect timeline and book any additional vendors – officiant, florist, etc
- Apply for your NZeTA at least 3 days before your flight leaves. Use the app!
- Elope!
About your New Zealand Elopement Photographer
I’m a New Zealand elopement photographer with an obsession for authentic imagery in stunning places. My photography style emphasizes the amazing landscape of your dreams and the real, candid moments that make you two.. well, you two! I love my job and my nature-loving clients. Maybe I’ll see you there!
Favorite hike: Hooker Lake Track
Favorite city: Waitomo
My favorite excursion: Milford sound cruise
Favorite food: real fruit ice cream
Favorite beach: Anawhata
New Zealand South Island Elopement Locations
If you’ve ever wanted to feel like you’ve living on middle earth, come to New Zealand. Moss coated forests, glaciers, canyons, scrub-dunes, rocky cliffs, high peaks and valleys dominate the island. Many of the areas are more remote and require more driving to access. But if you’re already going all the way to New Zealand, they’re worth going the extra mile for. This is one of the best places in the world for an adventurous couple that wants to elope privately. So, what are the best elopement locations in New Zealand? See my top 9 places below! Look into Kaikoura, Akaroa, Nelson Lakes, Te Anau and Mt Sunday for more hidden gem elopement locations on South Island.
#1 New Zealand Elopement Queenstown
Queenstown is the epicenter for adventure not only within New Zealand, but in the world! Bungee jumping, jetboat rides, steamboat tours of lake Wakatipu, the alpine coaster and the gondola are all popular adventures in Queenstown. Plus, New Zealand helicopter elopements leave from Queenstown. Hiking is popular, but not required as there are lots of places with mountain views that you can drive to.
Choose Queenstown if you are an adrenaline junkie or want to experience lots of excursions from a central location.
A New Zealand helicopter landing location
#2 New Zealand Helicopter Elopements
There are a few companies that offer New Zealand Helicopter Elopements out of Queenstown. Scenic flights will blow your mind with a trip through mountain ranges and fjords you can’t explore on foot. On a Scenic Flight, you will take off and land from the same place without stopping to get out anywhere else. On a Wedding Flight or Glacial Landing, the helicopter will take you to an epic location where you can get out and have your ceremony.
- Glacier Southern Lakes Helicopter Flights
- HeliWorks Queenstown
- The Helicopter Line – Offers landings on Glaciers too
- Fly NZ
#3 Milford Sound Elopement Photographer
Tucked away on the southwest coast, Milford Sound is a remote inlet and is famed for its epic scenery. Massive waterfalls tumble into the ocean on every side. Ask me about what time of day to take the boat cruise for the best chance to see seals, penguins, dolphins and more. Nothing will make you feel more alive than an elopement in this majestic landscape.
Choose Milford sound if you want scenic drives, mountain peaks without hiking and a rainforest fjord.
#4 Mt Cook & Lake Pukaki Elopement Locations
The tallest peak in New Zealand, Mt Cook, is also known by its Maori name Aoraki. This towering mountain is flanked by stunning turquoise lakes and glacially carved valleys. Hooker Lake, Tasman Lake, and Lake Pukaki are some of the most beautiful.
Plan a Mt Cook or Lake Pukaki elopement if you want the most iconic views in New Zealand and are willing to hike for 1-4 hours.
#5 Tekapo Elopement Locations
In the central South Island, Lake Tekapo is a beautiful blue lake surrounded by mountains that’s also famous for its blooming Lupines on the shore. Aim for an early December elopement for peak blooms. The town of Tekapo is quaint too.
Pick Tekapo if you want to be surrounded by pink, purple and white lupines when you elope.
#6 Wanaka Elopement Locations
Wanaka is a fantastic small town just an hour’s drive from Queenstown, and home to the famous Wanaka Tree. This mountain-studded lake is a less crowded but just as fun home base for adventure activities in New Zealand.
Have a Wanaka Elopement if you want to go jeeping deep into the glacial valleys and have epic photos there.
#7 Glenorchy New Zealand Elopement Locations
Glenorchy is a small town along the north shore of lake Wakatipu near Queenstown. This was the filming location for Isengard in the Lord of the Rings. There are mossy forests and mountains in every direction.
Have a Glenorchy New Zealand Elopement if you crave privacy and lake & mountain views.
#8 Farewell Spit, Wharariki and Abel Tasman National Park
At the north end of the South Island lies a paradise of calm beaches in Abel Tasman National Park. The nearby Farewell Spit is one of the longest sandbars in the world. There are waterfall hikes and unique beaches with offshore rock islands.
Have an Abel Tasman elopement if you want it all: privacy, turquoise beaches, hikes, sandy spits and iconic rock islands.
#9 West Coast of the South Island
This vast area is known for its tempermental weather and incredible sights. From Punakaiki’s pancake rocks and marine blowhole to the helicopter & glacier tours at Franz Josef and Fox Glacier. Visit Lake Matheson and Haast pass for lush rainforest groves and tall waterfalls, hidden groves, blue pools, the Haast river and glacial floodplains. Bring bugspray.
Pick the west coast if you’d like to get married on a Glacier or at a rugged coastline.
A South Island Elopement Timeline
Here is an example New Zealand South Island elopement timeline so you can start imagining your day. If you have more time, my second choice of itineraries would start on the northern end and explore Abel Tasman, the farewell spit, and the beaches of the west coast. Contact me if you’d like to see this timeline or one based around any of the other locations.
8:00 First look at Monkey Creek
9:00 Grab coffee, pastries and savory pies at the Cafe
10:00 Morning boat cruise on Milford sound, look for penguins and get sprayed by Stirling Falls
12:00 Hike to a secluded lake surrounded by mountains to say your vows alone on the shore
1:00 Picnic lunch pies and champagne
3:00 Drive to Te Anau and take a scenic helicopter ride
5:00 Land on a glacier and explore it
6:30 Return to Te Anau
7:00 Take a rowboat out on the lake at sunset
8:00 Fancy Dinner
North Island Elopement Locations
The South Island of New Zealand gets a lot of hype. But a North Island Elopement is spectacular too! There are so many great New Zealand elopement locations on North Island. There are epic waterfalls; beaches, cliffs, and seaside caves; volcanic steam vents and boiling mud; hikes to mountain peaks, and more. Look into Mt Taranaki, Hunua, and Raglan for more great hidden gem elopement locations in New Zealand.
#1 Waitomo Glow Worms in New Zealand
No north island trip would be complete without a visit to the world famous Waitomo Glow Worm caves. The Spellbound tour is the best, and will take you on a boat on an underground river in a cave lit up by the glowing turquoise lights of glow worms’ butts. If that isn’t romance, I don’t know what is. Near Waitomo, you can visit two of my favorite North Island Waterfalls.
#2 Hobbiton Elopement New Zealand
Hobbiton, the movie set of Lord of the Rings and Hobbit movies, is located on the North Island of NZ, about 2 hours drive southeast from Auckland. If you’d like to marry in the Shire, you can! For a price. Elopements with 11 people or fewer, or permission to have a photoshoot on the grounds, starts at $4,000 NZD. These prices do not include a reception. Read more about Hobbiton elopement options here. There are additional filming locations all over New Zealand. If you’d like to visit the mossy orc-filled forests, the high mountain ridges, and other areas for your Party Business – I can take you.
#3 Cape Reinga Dunes Elopements
At the most Northern tip of the North Island, Cape Regina is a special place in Maori mythology. A mars-like dunefield allows playful couples a chance to sled and explore.
Pick Cape Reinga if you want to feel like you’re on a warm desert planet.
#4 Rotorua New Zealand Elopement Photographer
Rotorua is the geothermal capital of New Zealand and offers other-worldly landscapes to elope. Additionally, a 150 year old Redwoods forest grove is located in Rotorua, as well as hot springs, waterfalls, boiling mud, steaming vents, and more smelly features.
Pick Rotorua if you seek a unique elopement location and want to swim in hot springs.
#5 Whangarei Elopement Locations
North of Auckland, this is one of the most tropical feeling elopement locations in New Zealand. Warm weather makes the beautiful beaches a year round highlight. There are tree canopy walks, waterfalls and even caves to explore nearby as well.
If you want a beach elopement, pick Whangarei.
#6 Waitakeres Elopement Locations
This mountain range borders the ocean to the west and feels remote from the big city life of nearby Auckland. Hikes in the dense native bush are a sweet escape, and you can find glowworms and waterfalls if you know where to look. The beaches of Piha, Muriwai & Anawhata, are world class and offer black sand, sea caves and sunset views.
If you want an elopement close to Auckland, pick the Waitakeres.
#7 Coromandel Elopement Locations
The Coromandel is a small peninsula on the North Island with rugged, still-wild mountains in the middle. There are excellent opportunities for hiking, backpacking, or kicking back on a tranquil beach.
If you want an mix of mountains, beaches, and waterfalls, have a Coromandel Peninsula elopement.
#8 Tongariro, National Park Locations
National Park is the name of a town that provides access to the central mountains of North Island: Ngaruhoe, Tongariro and Ruapehu. Ngaruhoe is the famed Mt Doom from the Lord of the Rings, and the Tongariro Alpine Crossing is one of the most famous hikes in the world.
If you want a hiking elopement with a geothermal landscape, pick Tongariro.
New Zealand North Island Elopement Timeline
Here is a tentative North Island elopement timeline so you can see what a day could look like. It was difficult to make this timeline knowing that there are so many other possibilities for amazing elopements on the North Island! To see my ideas for a 2nd day of adventure, or based on any of my other locations, get in touch!
7:00 Sunrise first look at Cathedral Cove
8:00 Brunch together and enjoy the scenic drive to Waitomo
2:00 Waitomo Glow Worm Cave tour on an underground river
4:30 Picnic sammies, real fruit ice cream and drinks
5:50 Hike down to Kopa falls and explore the rocks at the base
6:00 Say your vows near the thundering falls, get a little wet
7:45 First dance under the stars
See each location’s details and photos as you move & zoom the map.
Here is my New Zealand Elopement Locations Map:
This map is like a virtual tour of both islands of New Zealand with color photos I’ve taken of each place – get exclusive access by booking me as your elopement photographer & guide. So you can see all these great spots I’ve mentioned without leaving your living room. If you’re planning from afar, this is a visual key to picking out the elopement spot that works for you. Details like what seasons and time of day are best for each location are included. It will help you plan your activities, accommodations, and your day’s itinerary. Lastly, it’s easy to have a great backup location picked out with this map in front of you. Having that Plan B in your back pocket will keep your planning stress-free!
New Zealand Elopement Packages
I offer New Zealand elopement packages, which includes my services as a planner and photographer of your day. However, I don’t use pre-made templates, and no two elopements are the same. There are no travel fees, download fees, watermarks or other hidden fees.
2 Day elopements in New Zealand – $7900 usd / $12,000 nzd
1.5 Days of elopement photography – $6900 usd / $10,900 nzd
1 Full day adventure elopement in New Zealand – $5900 usd / $9000 nzd
Half day elopement photography in New Zealand- $4500 usd / $7000 nzd
New Zealand Elopement All Inclusive
If you’d like a totally hands-off planning experience, allow me to step in! I know the ins and outs of planning like the back of my hand, and I can pull together a fully custom All Inclusive Elopement Package in New Zealand. I will hire all the vendors and excursions needed to make your vision come to life. You will be responsible for your attire and flights.
All Inclusive Elopement Packages NZ – Starting at $10,000usd / $15,000nzd
When to plan a New Zealand Elopement
Because it’s located in the southern hemisphere, New Zealand’s seasons are backwards from the USA and Europe. The summer season is from December to the end of February, fall is from March to April, and so on. So if you’d like to escape the cold months in the North, get your booty down to New Zealand to enjoy the best temps. In every season, the further south you go the colder you will be, especially at night. In the summer, you will need to pack many layers for this reason.
What is the best time to elope in New Zealand?
The best time to elope in New Zealand is during the summer wildflower season in the first two weeks of December. The Lupine flowers that spread over the shorelines of the South Island’s lakeshores are a sight to behold and enjoy up close. December to March is considered summer, with temperatures in the 24 – 28C range (75 to 82). Shoulder seasons of fall (April to June) and spring (October and November) can be great too, if you don’t mind packing a warmer layer for mornings and evenings. In the winter (July, August and September), you can enjoy helicopter landing elopements out of Queenstown, skiing on both islands, and the temperate climate of Northlands and Cape Reinga.
A New Zealand Elopement in the Lupine Flowers in December
What I do for you:
Comprehensive planning
My custom map of New Zealand’s best locations and boots on the ground experience make me the perfect person to take planning off your plate.
Elope in Magical New Zealand
Enjoy jaw dropping landscapes, unforgettable adventures, and the special marriage ceremony you’ve been dreaming of. No stress, just awesomeness.
After your Elopement
You’ll receive hundreds of beautiful, candid New Zealand elopement photos in an online gallery that take you back in time to the amazing day you had.
What does a New Zealand Elopement cost? Updated for 2025 & 2026
The cost of eloping in New Zealand can vary greatly depending on where in the world you’re coming from; your traveling style; and the depth of your bucket list. If you’d like to tour the country in a campervan and make your own breakfasts and lunches, you’ll be able to visit for about $1700usd per week (2 people). Petrol (gas) is one of the highest costs you’ll have, but otherwise the cost of living is equal or lower than the USA. If you’d rather stay in luxurious micro hotels and treat yourself to lots of excursions, you could easily spend up to $4000 a week. The additional costs for eloping will come together like so:
- $6000 to $10,000 Elopement Photographer & Planner
- $2500 to $7000 Optional Helicopter Elopement Package
- $300 to $500 Local NZ Celebrant
- $150 NZ Marriage License
- $200 to $300 Hair and Makeup Services
- $200 and up – Florals
= $6500 to $18,000 elopement costs
Do I need a Visa to elope in New Zealand?
If you are coming from outside of New Zealand, you will likely need the simple Visitors Visa or NZeTA, which stands for New Zealand electronic travel authorization. This costs just $17 per person. But the most important part is that you get this at least 72 hours before your first flight’s departure. My advice: get the app – it’s cheaper and it’s faster because it goes directly to the immigration department. BE SUPER CAREFUL that you don’t accidentally use a predatory 3rd party website or app – these shady companies are submitting your information FOR you while upcharging you and making the process take longer. This is the correct NZeTA site where you can apply and download the app.
What are the requirements to elope in New Zealand?
In order to legally marry in New Zealand, you will need a registered officiant or Celebrant. Celebrants are required to be registered with the NZ government; it is not possible to have a friend get ordained for a single ceremony. Use this link to find a celebrant near your chosen elopement location. Apply for your $150 NZ Marriage license at least 3 business days before your ceremony via this link. Alternatively, you can choose to legally marry in your home country and have a symbolic ceremony in New Zealand – this is the simplest method and a popular choice.
New Zealand Road Trip Elopements
New Zealand’s epic scenery is spread out over both North Island and South Island. To see the most while you are there, consider a road trip elopement! It’s no secret that renting a campervan is one of the best ways to see this country. Campsites are affordable and renting a camper works out to be cheaper than a rental car + hotel. You’ll wake up closer to your destination every day, and have an unforgettable experience. I have road tripped in a campervan on both North and South Islands and would be happy to chat with you about your dream itinerary. Look into NZTT for great savings on NZ Excursions. Here’s a list of some of the best NZ Campervan rentals:
Your New Zealand Elopement Photographer
When you choose me, I will design your elopement, walk you through every step of planning, and then give you the reigns to enjoy eloping in New Zealand. I offer half day, full day, 1.5 day and 2 day elopement photography all over New Zealand. I would LOVE to chat with you and help see if an elopement with me is what you’ve been dreaming of. Get in touch below!
Contact Me
Let’s talk about your New Zealand elopement dream.
I’ll get in touch with you that same day.
New Zealand Slang & Maori Words
Kia ora! That means ‘be well,’ or “hello.” You’ll hear everyone greet you this way! Hiking is called ‘Tramping’ in New Zealand, and trails are called ‘Tracks’. The longer you spend in the country, the more you’ll understand the true meaning of the phrase “yeah, nah” which mostly means yes, and “sweet as” which means “awesome!” Many of the place names and phrases are in Maori. Beware, before you embarrass yourself- “wh” is pronounced as “f” when speaking. You will also see “ng” together at the start of many words. It takes a bit of time to get used to, but just pronounce it like you would pronounce “ng” in the word “fang” 🙂
Aotearoa – The Maori word for New Zealand that means, The Land Of The Long White Cloud
Aroha – Love
Real Fruit Ice Cream – simply the best and freshest dessert on the planet
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