Queenstown is the ultimate destination elopement spot in New Zealand, and for a reason. The town is known for its stunning nature - from peaceful, window-clear lakes and lush green valleys, to snow-capped mountains glowing in gold while the sun sets. It is one of those places where you will be amazed by how beautiful it is every 5 steps you take. With that being said, it can be really hard to find the perfect place to exchange your vows, just because there are so, many, options. So, I’ve put together my top 5 locations with some amazing elopement venues close by to save you some time! If you want to find out the best places to elope in Queenstown, keep reading!

1. Coronet Peak

Coronet Peak is Queenstown’s most easily accessible ski-field, about 20 minutes drive from Central Queenstown with a breath-taking view across Dalefield, Arrowtown, Lake Wakatipu, and The Remarkables.

And just when you thought the view can't get any better... it does. A little further up Coronet Peak is the beautiful Skippers Canyon, where you can get a 360-degree mountain view. In the Winter months, you’ll be greeted with the gorgeous winter wonderland at the top of the mountain – and don’t worry, I’ll be so up for a little adventure even in the cold if it’s to capture you and your loved one on your special day! Throughout the rest of the year, Coronet is covered with wild, velvety-looking tussocks and long grass among the Queenstown landscape. It’s a perfect spot for elopements and smaller ceremonies without having to book a helicopter to get there!

Bride and groom walking on a grassy hill in front of mountains at their elopement in Queenstown, New Zealand.

2. Rees Valley

Rees Valley was actually one of the filming locations for Lord of The Rings. It is one of the best places to elope in Queenstown, especially if you’re looking for some adventure, but also want to feel like only you and your loved ones exist in this world. If you organise a pretty set up with florals featuring your favorite colours and some wooden decor, you’ll have the perfect backdrop for your couple portraits surrounded by the glorious mountains. It is around an hour's drive to get there, but you will not be disappointed by the scenic views of Queenstown on the way.

Bride and groom hugging each other on a path in front of the mountains at their elopement shoot in Queenstown, New Zealand.

3. Jacks Point

So, you can’t decide whether you prefer a lake view or a mountain view… well. What if you could have both?

Set in the panoramic landscape of Lake Wakatipu, Jacks Point offers the perfect cocktail of water and mountain view with so many awe-inspiring backdrops to choose from for your elopement portraits (and the sunset is out of this world). This gorgeous spot is still a bit of a hidden gem, which means, fewer tourists. If you’re looking for a more private place to elope in Queenstown, Jacks Point is the perfect location for you!

Now, one of the most captivating venues near Jacks Point is Jacks Retreat, which is a luxe private hideaway, nestled in the natural landscape. Designed with modern architecture and warm, neutral materials, Jacks Retreat is a magical place to host your elopement in Queenstown.

Bride and groom walking on a grassy hill at their elopement shoot in Queenstown, New Zealand.

4. Lake Erskine

Now, this has to be one of my absolute favourite places to elope in Queenstown. I will never get over how beautiful this place is. Lake Erskine is a glacial lake, located 1,390 metres high in the mountains of Fiordland National Park. In summer time, the lake radiates bright blues and greens with crisp reflections of the majestic rocky ground on one side, and the snowy mountain backdrop on the other. During Winter, the lake would be covered in ice, and mountains in thick snow… whatever season you decide to elope in, Lake Erskine will provide you with an unreal, out of the world feeling right from the moment you spot the paradise from the helicopter until you decide to head back.

Bride and groom walking on the white sand by the blue lake at their elopement shoot in Queenstown, New Zealand.

5. Coromandel Peak

Coromandel Peak is technically not in Queenstown, but I had to include it here because of how idyllic this place is for an elopement. Plus, it can only be reached by a helicopter lifting from Queenstown Airport, and let me tell you – the flight is a lifetime experience in itself. This also means that the spot will be all yours. Yep, 100% private, which is perfect for an intimate elopement wedding. Located right on top of Lake Wanaka, not only does Coromandel Peak offer that blend of lake and mountain view like Jacks Point does, but also a more rocky mountain/valley view or even a golden snow-capped mountain view depending on where you land!

A stunning venue around this location that is definitely worth checking out is Edgewater, which is an extremely experienced elopement host. They will provide you with plenty of luxury lake-side ceremony options such as overlooking the mountains, or next to their duck pond with Lake Wanaka as the backdrop.

Bride and groom walking through the long, beige grass while holding hands at their elopement shoot in Queenstown, New Zealand.

Bonus: Stunning Venues around Lake Wakatipu

I’ve mentioned 5 amazing, adventurous locations so far, but if you’re thinking of eloping at venues located around Lake Wakatipu, I’ve got 3 recommendations for you!

1. Eichardt’s Private Hotel Penthouse

The Penthouse by Eichardt’s offers the ultimate, sophisticated accommodation and venue for your intimate, Queenstown elopement. The Penthouse adorns the top of the building, with modern furnishings all around, and the uninterrupted views of Queenstown across Lake Wakatipu to the snow-capped mountains beyond. For those of you who are wanting to get the whole package all at once, this is an excellent, easy yet luxurious option!

2. Blanket Bay

Voted as one of the world’s best luxury lodges, Blanket Bay is located on the shores of Lake Wakatipu amidst the rugged snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps. With a variety of relaxing features such as world-class dining, a professionally equipped exercise facility, a steam room, and an indoor spa, you can trust them to provide you with the best resort experience. The outside is thoughtfully decorated with greenery and tussocks, giving it a natural, rustic vibe.

3. Thurlby Domain

Thurlby Domain is a stunning historic ruin that provides you with plenty of privacy and peacefulness. Although the owners of Thurlby Domain rarely advertise their property as a ceremony venue as they don’t want this spectacular hidden gem to be heavily promoted, they will be more than happy to host your elopement if you do decide to enquire them! Surrounded by beautiful trees, you will find the woolshed, which will make a perfect reception venue, as well as the stone stables that looks like it came right out of a fairy-tale to have your ceremony at. This has to be one of the most cosy, intimate places to elope in Queenstown!

I hope I was able to inspire you with this blog post on some of the best places to elope in Queenstown!

Are you planning to elope in Queenstown and need a photographer to capture your day? Contact me here - I’d love to hear from you!

BEST PLACES TO ELOPE IN QUEENSTOWN, NEW ZEALAND