New Zealand Elopement Guide
Eloping In New Zealand
Eloping in New Zealand is truly an experience you'll never forget. From the beautiful tracks & walks, to the rich city life and local culture, there's so much to offer. This guide will show you how to elevate your wedding day in New Zealand.
Your Guide To New Zealand Elopements
Weddings, and elevated experiences
New Zealand Spring Elopements: September - November
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When To Elope In New Zealand
While it starts to warm up across New Zealand, the spring typically tends to bring more rain throughout the country. In addition, New Zealand is incredibly beautiful in the spring, as the mountains begin to clear of snow, and new growth is in full swing. It's an incredible time to experience the outdoors, from hiking to skiing, you can experience it all. During this time, it's expected that the days will be a bit warmer, and temps will dip and it can become quite cool (depending on your location) in the evenings.
Eloping In New Zealand
New Zealand Summer Elopements: December - February
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The wildflowers are in full bloom, the Island is fully accessible, and the days average just above 14 hours of daylight. This is one of the most perfect times to elope in New Zealand, as pretty much everything in the mountains is accessible via car or foot, everything is in full bloom, and the weather is incredible. In addition to the mountains, you'll be able to take full advantage of New Zealand's incredible coastlines and beaches. Overall, if you're wanting to see all of New Zealand on one trip, this is the time to do it!
New Zealand Fall Elopements: March - May
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Like most places around the world, Autumn provides an incredible array of colors in New Zealand. You'll find that the temps are at a great level in the daytime, but also starts to dip a bit more in the evenings. Depending on your location, you'll start to find dustings of snow on the mountains, which provide incredible backdrops for your locations. If you're looking to avoid crowds, the Fall is the perfect time to visit New Zealand. Tourism starts to slow down which will leave you with plenty of beautiful spots all to yourself.
New Zealand Winter Elopements: June - August
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For more detailed (and scientific) information about the New Zealand climate and weather, follow the link below.
If you're big into skiing or snowboarding, this is the time for you to visit New Zealand! While most resorts start to to open in June, you'll find most of them fully open by early July. While many of the tracks are not passable in the wintertimes, you'll still find that that heli-companies are still in full operation, and will still take you to all the best locations. While colder in the mountainous regions, you'll find fairly favorable average high temperatures that are usually around 40-50F.
Locations to consider for your
New Zealand Destination Wedding
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New Zealand Waterfall Elopements
New Zealand Heli Weddings
New Zealand Mountain Elopements
New Zealand Glacier Elopements
There are 249 waterfalls in New Zealand, and let me tell you, they are stunning. While some of the most incredible waterfalls are only accessible via a multi-day hike or heli, it's one of the most stunning locations you could elope at in New Zealand. For more exact information, just shoot me a message and I'll give you some more specifics!
The mountains of New Zealand are pristine. With a wide range of types, from fjords, to rolling mountains, to rugged, snow capped peaks, it really has it all. Mountains are a huge part of why many travel to the area, and eloping in New Zealand with the mountains in mind won't disappoint.
New Zealand has an abundance of glaciers that offer incredible scenery. From the views of Aoraki / Mount Cook to Mount Edward there are some stunning and easily accessible options for just about anyone. In addition, most glacier locations are also covered in the heli wedding world, which we'll discuss more here very soon!
New Zealand heli weddings & elopements are very popular. From the mountains near Wanaka & Queenstown to the Fjords of the Milford Sound, the options here are endless. With a heli wedding, you'll be able to see some of the most beautiful sights this world has to offer, and even better, you'l have it all to yourselves as most locations that heli tours take you are very remote.
Ready To Talk More?
Regardless of where you are in the process of planning or dreaming for you elopement, I'd love to hear from you! To get stated, just hit the button below, fill out a form, and I'll be in touch very soon!
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Take In The Vast Scenery Of New Zealand
Experience The Local Culture
TWith an abundance of beautiful views, New Zealand is the perfect place for an adventure style wedding. In the northern part of the country you'll find a more tropical feel. In the south, you'll be met with grand mountain views and a more temperate climate. It's such a vast landscape of different features, all within just a few hours of one another. You just can't go wrong here.
New Zealand has great local culture. Fueled by The Māori culture and customs, it's important to not just respect and understand it, but also experience it in full. Māori culture has a very strong presence over all of New Zealand, and are centered around the concept of behaving in a way that is culturally acceptable and appropriate. You'll find it all over!
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New Zealand Elopement Excursions & Guided Tours
From private helicopter tours that will land on mountains to off-roading on some of the abundant non-paved 4x4 roads, there's so much to see & offer. Heli tours are by far the most popular, in addition to some of the boat tours (some are overnight!) near Milford & Doubtful Sound. Like most other things in New Zealand, the options are endless to experience the vast beauty.
What exactly are the great walks of New Zealand? In short, they're some of the most incredible hikes and trails that New Zealand has to offer. While some are very far and difficult, some are very manageable. Regardless of whether you want to commit to hiking one, they provide stunning scenery, and are well worth the time! In my opinion, some of the most beautiful scenery in NZ is on these tacks.
Eloping In New Zealand
If you're interested in eloping in New Zealand but don't know where to start, I have you covered. I've helped my couples for years find unique experiences to celebrate their elopement day. With just a few brief questions we can narrow down your likes, dislikes, & how you enjoy spending time together. Based off those items, we can find you the perfect experience to celebrate your wedding day. Over the years I've done everything from hiking mountains to couples sharing a meal or drink together. We'll tailor it to your exact relationship & it will truly be yours & a day you'll never forget.
That's right! I can help you find the best rates for travel, or just the ones that work best for your schedule. Travel isn't the easiest in some places and can seem very unfamiliar, so I'm always more than happy to lend a helping hand wherever I can. While I can't always book these items on your behalf, I can point you in the right direction or give you an array of options for you to make a good, informed decision.
Traveling To New Zealand For Your Elopement
Booking Your Flight To New Zealand
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First step is getting there! If you're a seasoned travel pro, no worries! Just do your thing & I'll see you there! Like the statement above, I'm always more than happy to help my couples find the best rates & schedules to their destination. While I can't book your flights for you, I'll be there for you every step of the way to help you get the best deal.
Getting Around New Zealand
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Since we'll likely be away from forms of public transit, renting a vehicle is your best bet to get around. The vehicle you select to rent during your stay is also key. For instance, if there's a possibility of snow being present, 4WD or AWD is needed. Likewise, if you're on a summer trip and plan on sticking to main roads, it's not a necessity as most of the roads in New Zealand are quite good.
Regardless, I'll walk you all through the details and make sure you're prepared, informed & confident when booking your transportation! I'm also more than happy to chauffeur you to our locations the day of your elopement, but cannot provide that service outside of your date.
Do you have specific questions or thoughts? Just click the button below, fill out a form (it will take 2-3 minutes) and I'll be in touch soon!
Accommodations In New Zealand
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Want to stay in a photogenic location to add some incredible views to your collection? Maybe you're more into camping before your elopement. Either way, I can help direct you to the style of lodging you'd like. New Zealand has lots of incredible places to stay, from modern Airbnb's to more remote huts. Wether you want a just place to stay at night or an incredible view to celebrate your commitment at, we'll find the perfect place for you.
New Zealand Elopement
Let's talk about how to legally make your New Zealand Elopement come to life! There are a couple of different options, both of which are fairly easy. Let's dive in and if you have any questions, click the 'contact me' button below and I'll be in touch soon!
Option #2
Option #1
Get Legally Married In Your Home Country Before Or After Your Trip
How To Legally Get Married In New Zealand
It's actually quite easy for non-citizens to get married in New Zealand. However, you will need to bring the proper documentation along with you. For More details and an in-depth view of how to get legally married in New Zealand, follow the link below for the official government page with all the detail you need.
https://www.govt.nz/browse/family-and-whanau/getting-married/how-to-get-married-in-nz/
This option will save you the hassle of making sure you have all the proper documents and bringing them along with you! It's as easy as going to your local courthouse or city service office, getting your license and either filling it out then or upon your arrival back. Most couples seem to opt for the latter, as it keeps a little more excitement alive leading up to your vows. This option doesn't take away any meaning or value to your elopement day though! Your commitment is still the same!
6000 - 12850 (usd)
Average Wedding Cost New Zealand
Photography
Coverage Over One Day
6000- 11850 (usd)
Videography
Coverage Over One Day
850 - 2450 (usd)
The prices show of an average wedding cost in New Zealand shown here are to give you a better idea of how much you might spend on a New Zealand elopement. These costs are based off my personal research and rates.
Are a deal hunter like me? Expect prices on the lower end. Know you want to splurge a little bit on this trip? Keep your prices on the higher end.
FLIGHTS
rated for travel both ways for one person
100 - 350 (usd)
CAR RENTAL
per day / Not Including gas
125 - 450 (usd)
LODGING
per night
Contact Me For A Custom Quote
500 - 950 (usd)
misc. details
flowers, make up, hair, etc.
250 - 450 (usd)
misc. expenses
food, gas, etc. (per day, both people)
New Zealand Wedding
How Much It Costs To Get Married In New Zealand
Here's what you can expect to pay for your New Zealand Wedding or elopement. These costs are based on the numbers I showed above. Just note, these estimates also include the costs of a 7-day trip! In other words, these costs aren't just on your wedding day, it's for an entire week of travel plus your wedding day expenses.
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High End Cost Of A New Zealand Elopement
Low End Cost Of A New Zealand Elopement
The Average Cost Of A New Zealand Elopement
Estimated costs are based off of a hypothetical 7-day trip, and includes videography.
Estimated costs are based off of a hypothetical 7-day trip, and includes videography.
Estimated costs are based off of a hypothetical 7-day trip, and does not include videography.
ESTIMATED COST:
ESTIMATED COST:
ESTIMATED COST:
24850 - 30850 (usd)
18850 - 22850 (usd)
35850 - 45850 (usd)
New Zealand Wedding Photographer & Videographer
I'm much more than just you New Zealand Wedding Photographer & Videographer. With 7+ years in the elopement and wedding world, I'll be your guide though this entire process. I specialize in New Zealand Destination Weddings and am always more than happy to share my wealth of knowledge. I get it, planning an elopement or wedding in a place that you have spent limited (or no) time at can be daunting. Rest assured, together, we'll create a wedding day that's 100% you, stress free.
Your Story Through Still Photography
Your Story Through Movement & Sound
New Zealand Wedding Photographer
New Zealand Wedding Videographer
As Your New Zealand Wedding Videographer, it's my ultimate goal to tell you story to it's fullest. Combining movement and sound not only adds all the extra feels to your day, it also truly shows who you are. You'll hear your heartfelt words just as they were, in addition to seeing every smile, laugh, and little moment. It's the perfect way to pass on your legacy for generations to come.
As Your New Zealand Wedding Photographer, my approach is quite different than most. I photograph elopements as if I were filming them. This entails a slower approach that allows you to live out your wedding day as it naturally happens. Less posing, and more moments that feel like you, which helps your photos also look like you. For 2023 forward, I'll only be shooting elopements on film and also on a limited basis.
"He has the uncanny ability to pull you back into each memory, as if reliving it another time."
Testimonial
Photos & films are meant to be kept as reminders, Francis's creativity has the uncanny ability to pull you back into each memory, as if reliving it another time. That is magical. That is art. That can only be done by someone that is not just a photographer, but someone who cares so deeply about his work and the people he offers his services to.
Kayla & Nathan
PHOTOGRAPHY / FILMS
The process
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To start - fill out the form via the 'contact' page and I'll be in touch within 24-hours to introduce myself & set up a time for us to hop on a laid-back call where we can get to know one another.
Connect + Introductions
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I want to understand what it is your looking for, what you want your wedding day to be like, hear & understand your journey. After, I'll create a customized package for you that reflects just that.
Personalized Proposal
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Once you feel confident that I'm your person, to lock in your date, I ask for a signed contract agreement in addition to a 30% retainer to lock in your date. After that, it's all official!
Your Date & Retainer
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After securing your date, we can dive deeper into planning every aspect of your day. This is super easy & laid back, starting with a questionnaire to find what your non-negotiables & must haves are.
Planning Your Experience
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On your wedding day, you'll be able to fully live in the moment and I'll be there to capture it all. After, I'll take the time to edit your film & photos into a piece of art that's all about you.
Wedding Day + Editing