Planning your dream wedding, but not sure where to start? Consider the magic of a Queenstown elopement!
Here are the top 10 reasons why this could be the perfect choice for you and your love.
1. It’s Your Wedding, Your Way.
Elopement weddings are all about you! There’s no need to worry about anyone else thinks or expects and so you really can do your own thing. Forget tradition! You get to decide what is important on your day without judgments or expectations – just your own unique story unfolding. You don’t even have to tell anyone you’re eloping; we promise to keep your secret!
2. It’s Easy and Stress-Free!
Eloping means no seating plans, no chasing RSVPs, no awkward “plus one” requests and no family drama. It’s simplicity at its finest – just you and the love of your life having the best day ever!
Because legally, all you need is: your love, a celebrant, and two witnesses. Your photographer can be a witness, and if you choose a heli-wedding, your pilot can be a witness too!
For the ultimate hands-off wedding experience: There are plenty of Queenstown wedding packages available that take all the stress out of planning your perfect day, leaving you with nothing to do but enjoy the ride and stay present for each step of the journey!
3. It’s Budget-Friendly.
Elopements are pretty easy on your wallet, when compared to bigger weddings. There’s no catering for a crowd — just yourselves. Plus, knowing your guest count from the start makes budgeting a breeze, and much simpler to get exact quotes.
4. Have a Wedding-Moon!
Follow up your dreamy Queenstown wedding with an unforgettable Queenstown honeymoon!
There’s plenty of ways to unwind in Queenstown, from relaxing in luxury accommodation, or indulging in a couple’s spa day. You can hit the road to discover the wonder of Milford Sound, taste award winning Central Otago wines, or take a cruise on the lake.
Or, try taking it up a notch and get your adrenaline fix at one of the local outdoor adventure activities. There’s something for every mood in Queenstown & it’s surrounds!
Photo by Hidden Lodge
5. Treat Yourself.
You’ve saved some cash by having a small wedding, so why not splurge and pamper yourself? Indulge on your own personal glam squad to get your dream wedding day look. Or what about working with a local florist to create an epic bouquet or flower crown. And don’t forget about planning a romantic dinner, or organising some luxury accommodation for your visit? Or…. all of the above?!
6. Get Adventurous.
Every love story is different, and so are the ways to say ‘I Do.’ If you’re looking for an elopement that’s as unique as you, then Queenstown has you covered…
Would you declare your vows on the top of a mountain and then ski off as newlyweds? Or, are you keen hikers who want to get married along one of New
Zealand’s Great Walks? How about a bungy jump into married life? Or something a little less adrenaline-fuelled, like a lake-side picnic adventure, or swim together in the lake as soon as you say ‘I Do’?
No matter what you choose, the best way to plan an adventure wedding is to get some help from a Wedding Planner who can give suggestions and/or coordinate an itinerary that fits in all of your favourite things. Having local knowledge is invaluable for organising this sort of an out-of-the-box wedding, and the wedding planners in Queenstown are absolute Pro’s at planning adventurous weddings!
7. The Best Wedding Photos!
You have no guests to rush back to, so take all the time you need for those breathtaking photos – the kind you’ll proudly print, hang, and reminisce over for years.
Our suggestion? Bring a bottle of bubbles to your photographer session. Pop it and enjoy together in front of the camera. Simply enjoy your day at your own pace, and soak it all in.
8. The Views.
Everywhere you look you’ll find another epic backdrop for your wedding ceremony and photos. With beautiful lakeside, mountain top, river bed, and green garden options…. the hardest part will be choosing your favourite!
If you fancy the mountain-top wedding option, be sure to check out our blog on Queenstown’s Best Locations for Heli Photos.
9. Be Spontaneous!
Getting your marriage license is a breeze in New Zealand– you can get your marriage licence paperwork online in just three working days, and then you’re all set to get married! Go on… We dare you!
10. LGBTTQIA+
Queenstown is a welcoming place with a friendly and inclusive community. Many local businesses, including wedding professionals, are actively involved in ensuring the health, safety and visibility of all LGBTTQIA+ people through the Pride Pledge initiative. You can even download a map of all the rainbow friendly businesses in Queenstown!
The Queenstown Wedding Association is the largest collection of LGBTTQIA+ pledged vendors in New Zealand, which means that you can be sure that your wedding planning is in safe & warm hands.
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Of course, there are a million reasons why a Queenstown Elopement would be perfect for you, but you’re going to have to trust us from here.
For more details and to start exploring everything Queenstown has to offer, check out the Queenstown Weddings directory, organised into easy to use categories so that you can get planning with ease.
Let the adventure begin!
Photo by Ricky B Good Photography
