11 tips for an epic elopement in New Zealand
So you've arrived at the point where you're deciding if you should elope in the mountains of New Zealand. Or perhaps you've already decided. There's pros and cons between having an elopement and having a wedding, and it's really down to your personal preference.
Lisa and I held a medium-sized wedding back in 2012, true backyard style in our hometown up in North Canterbury. We loved it, however now when we see our couples eloping, we really wish we had done this instead. Everything becomes simpler. Your day is purely about yourselves, the connection you have and what you truely like to do together. The adventure is yours.
Read on for some pointers to consider when eloping in New Zealand.
Heli elopement photos from Lochnagar.
Where does your compass point?
1. Find your location.
There will be a place that is special to you. It may be somewhere you've both been before that has a connection of you. It could be somewhere you have always wanted to go. It could simply be a setting or landscape that has captured you. Either way, lean into that place and make it happen. Being based in Wānaka, we plan and co-ordinate elopements to first time visitors and long time locals alike.
2. Choose your transportation.
Elopements in New Zealand can be anywhere on the scale, from a simple ground elopement, to a 4WD adventure, to a breath-taking helicopter tour. Each have different considerations when it comes to weather, ground elopements being the easiest to navigate, 4WD elopements almost as easy providing the track is accessible, and helicopters being at the mercy of natures wind and cloud. All options are worthwhile having a back up plan in place.
Snowy 4WD elopement near Tekapo.
Know your surroundings
3. Prepare for any weather.
We've grown up in the mountains of New Zealand, and know first hand how quickly the weather can change here, let alone make plans based on an inaccurate long term-forecast. Our advice; throw the long-term forecast in the bin. It's not worth the stress. A better plan is to work with vendors in your elopement destination who live there, and can shift with you if the weather decides to postpone your day. Stay a few days around your date and enjoy the sights.
4. Dress for the terrain.
From scorching summer afternoons to freezing winter mornings and everything in between. There's beauty in every setting, but make sure you're prepared. For those hot days, bring plenty of water, and sunscreen is essential. The sun is very harsh, and make sure you wear it the day sledding up to you elopement too! Red arms and faces are difficult to correct when editing your photos.
Equally if you're planning a winter elopement, wear closed footwear if you're going to be in snow, warm socks (hiking boots win every time and add to the adventure vibe), and a warm coat, wrap or jacket that you're happy to wear in your photos. Hand warmers are also a good shout, you can throw these in your pockets to keep toasty.
5. Take your time.
The key thing with eloping is your day is yours. There's no set time you have to do family photos, or cut the cake, or do a first dance in front of everyone. It's really an introverted persons dream! We always allow additional time to just enjoy being in the place you want to be. The idea is to make your day as cruise and enjoyable as possible.
Heli elopement by a river on Minaret Station, Wānaka.
Local expertise
6. Connect with your vendors.
There's some incredibly talented elopement planners and photographers out there. Make sure you connect with these people and that you vibe with them. Make sure they share the same vision as you. They'll be local to your elopement destination, be connected with a lot of the local vendors and will know the ins and outs of what needs to happen to make your day run nice and smooth.
7. Talk to people who have eloped before
Elopements in New Zealand is a growing thing, though they have been happening for years. Ask your friends who have done this before, connect with couples who have had the elopement experience. They'll be able to share from a customers perspective what works and what makes it special.
Winter heli elopement in the Southern Alps of New Zealand.
Let’s Make it personal
8. Define what matters to you.
Everyone has a different vision. There might be a family tradition you want to include in your ceremony. You might bring a couple of special people along to be your witnesses and be your hype team for the day. You might wish to say your vows completely in private. You might want to bring your 4WD along and set up camp at the end of the day somewhere spectacular. Your day really is yours.
9. More than just a ceremony.
Your ceremony is a key part of your day, however you can be as adventurous as you like once you're dressed up. You might want to head out for a wine tasting, get a pampering together, tear up the go kart track together or smash some clay birds in your wedding gear. Tune the activities of your elopement day to your tastes, there's no limit to what you can do.
4WD adventure elopement near Wānaka.
10. Afterparty?
Even though you decided to elope, you can always have the best of both worlds and celebrate with your loved ones when you return home with an afterparty. This can be like the reception portion of your wedding, but just the way you wanted it. You can have photos from your elopement on display, your video on a screen to share, and adventurous stories to tell.
11. Follow your heart.
Eloping isn't for everyone, but it sure does suit couples who don't want to be in the spotlight in front of their family and friends. Eloping is for couples who dislike crowds, who appreciate nature, and enjoy the sense of freedom, and whose best friend is their fiancé.
Winter elopement near Lake Pukaki.
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We're Andy & Lisa, an elopement photographer and planner based in Wānaka, New Zealand, serving throughout the South Island. We hope these tips help, and we'd love to connect with you if eloping in New Zealand is a dream of yours.
