TOP 5 NEW ZEALAND ELOPEMENT LOCATIONS

If you’re thinking of a New Zealand elopement, I’ve got two words for you: DO IT. I mean, I’ve got loads more to say about it too, but that’s the main gist of it. As a Kiwi wedding photographer, I’m obviously a *tad* biased, but the scenery itself doesn’t lie. There’s a stunning range of backdrops in the natural New Zealand landscape, and all of them have such a sense of magic and adventure about them that it can be hard to narrow them down. Because I’m a benevolent soul, I thought I’d give you my Top 5 New Zealand Elopement locations, to maybe help you make your decision!

NEW ZEALAND ELOPEMENT DESTINATIONS - SOUTH ISLAND

Queenstown & Wanaka

This is very much Lord of The Rings scenery, and the main tourist spot, and therefore New Zealand elopement destination. Think dreamy mountainscapes, lakes, long grass - basically, all the perfect photo locations in one! There are even helicopter companies whose sole purpose is to take couples up the epic viewpoints for their couple shoots, which is pretty cool! (Casual helicopter on your wedding day, why the hell not?)

Queenstown and Wanaka are also great if you want some cute historic architecture dating back to the Gold Rush era: Arrowtown and Cardrona are nearby. In the latter, there’s the famous Cardrona Hotel, which is not only one of New Zealand’s oldest hotels, and rumoured to be the most photographed thanks to its charming period facade.

Christchurch

Christchurch is another beautiful South Island location, with gorgeous beaches, long grass and the beautiful Port Hills mountain range (you can see more of the area with this gorgeous Port Hills couple’s shoot!). Thanks to the lush landscape, there’s also some seriously incredible wineries, which might be a nice addition to your New Zealand elopement itinerary. One of those is Cossars Wineshed, which is seriously stunning - you can check out a wedding I shot there here, if you so wish.

New Zealand Elopement Destinations - North Island

Waiheke Island

We’re skipping over to the North Island now, specifically Waiheke Island, which is just off the coast of Auckland. It’s a stunning island full of gorgeous beaches, bright blue water and rolling hills covered in greenery as far as the eye can see - the perfect destination for an elopement like no other.

Northland

Northland is actually where I grew up, though if that’s not reason enough to elope there, here’s a few more. Mainly, this little top section of New Zealand has the best beaches in the country, from the Bay of Islands to Tutukaka and Whanagrei Heads - undisturbed vistas of pure paradise. If you’re thinking of making your New Zealand elopement a beachy affair, this is the one for you.

Taupo

Lake Taupo is the biggest lake in NZ, making it a popular holiday destination and also a stunning spot to get married. The water is crystal clear and the colours are so bold and pure that words can’t do it justice (photos can, just about, you’ll be happy to hear!)

Which of these have looked like your fave New Zealand elopement location? Where are you planning yours? I’d love to know - and if you’re looking for a New Zealand elopement photographer, I’d LOVE to hear from you!