Eloping to New Zealand

If you've never been to New Zealand, you could be forgiven for not knowing how beautiful our country really is. From coast to coast, the scenery is by times serene, moody, stunningly beautiful and out-of-this-world. From cascading glaciers to sheer mountains covered in snow, from beautiful historic churches to modern architecture, from sprawling farmlands to the modern metropolis of Auckland City, New Zealand has the power to wow you, delight you and inspire you. Where better to elope to for your dream wedding?

Elopement Wedding Packages

Elopement wedding packages in New Zealand are a great way to plan your elopement wedding. Your wedding planner will help you sort all the things you need for your wedding, including:

• Marriage License (you'll need one to be legally married)
• Wedding celebrant (the person who can legally marry you)
• Two witnesses (must be present for the marriage to be binding)
• Wedding venue (the place you say your vows)
• Wedding photographer or videographer
• Hair and makeup
• Bridal car or transport
• Wedding flowers and bouquet
• Wedding cake

There are lots of wedding planners specialising in elopement wedding packages in New Zealand. It is a good idea to have a look around at their websites, then get in touch with a few and see who you feel most comfortable entrusting your special day with.

Best Places for Elopement Weddings in New Zealand

You really are spoiled for choice when it comes to elopement wedding venues in New Zealand. Whether your dream day is saying your vows with your loved one in a church, beside a lake, or high up on a remote mountain, you can do it here in New Zealand.

Elope to Lake Tekapo and the Church of the Good Shepherd

Lake Tekapo is truly one of the most magical and beautiful places in New Zealand. The stunning crystal clear waters of the lake shimmer and reflect the mountains that fringe it. In winter, these mountains are covered in snow, and in summer the lake edge is alight with colour when the lupins are in bloom.

Nestled on the shores of Lake Tekapo, the Church of the Good Shepherd is a small, historical church that attracts tourists from around the world, and is one of New Zealand's most-loved elopement wedding venues. The gorgeous altar - with its beautiful carvings - sits beside a wide altar window offering beautiful stunning views of the lake and mountains.

Elope to Queenstown

Known as the Adventure Capital of New Zealand, Queenstown is a four season alpine and lake resort town. From world class skiing to bungy jumping and jet boating, from gondolas to 5 star holiday accommodation, this stunning town has everything you could want for an elopement wedding and honeymoon.

Say your vows in a beautiful lakeside church or fly by helicopter to a remote destination high up on the Remarkables.

Elope to Wanaka

Another beautiful lake surrounded by mountains, offering magical elopement wedding venues. Stand beside the stunning lake waters and say your vows, or fly high up into the snow covered mountains for a snow landing wedding.

Elope to Aoraki Mount Cook

New Zealand's highest mountain, Aoraki Mount Cook is a much loved holiday destination with only a very small resort town nestled into the valley beneath the mountain. Fly by helicopter to the snow covered mountain slopes to marry your loved one and then enjoy a romantic honeymoon in one of the accommodations down below.

Marriage Laws in New Zealand

In New Zealand, the laws for marriage are simple.

• Unless another marriage exists, anyone over the age of 18 can be legally married.
• Anyone between the ages of 16-17 must have parental consent to be married.
• Same sex marriages are legal.
• Civil unions are legal.
• Your marriage or civil union must be performed by a registered celebrant.
• Your marriage must be witnessed by two people.
• You can choose to be married at a registry office.
• You must apply for a marriage license.

You can visit the New Zealand Government website for full details on getting married in New Zealand.