A guide to eloping in New Zealand

If you’re toying with the idea that a big wedding just isn’t for you, but you definitely want to get married – eloping in New Zealand might just be the answer.

While an elopement has a lot less moving parts, there are still a bunch of considerations and plans and it can be hard to know where to start. Here at Perspectives, elopements and micro-weddings are our jam. Take away all the fuss and logistics of a big wedding day, and an elopement is the core of what weddings are all about. Two people who want to commit to each other – and we’re totally here for that.

What is an elopement?

An elopement is traditionally just the two of you and a celebrant. Legally for a New Zealand elopement, you need to have two witnesses to sign the marriage licence. Your witnesses can be your vendors – your photographer and / or videographer are a natural choice since they’ll be with you anyway. Or you can invite a couple of close friends or family members to the ceremony. Some celebrants will organise witnesses for you for a small fee.

For the sake of this article, I’m going to refer to an elopement as a wedding with less than 10 people (sometimes called a micro-wedding).

Why do people elope?

While talking to couples planning their elopement there are a few common themes as to WHY people choose an elopement. So here are a list of the top selling points of an elopement style wedding.

#1. You can elope pretty much anywhere.

For those with an adventurous spirit, getting out into nature is pretty appealing. When you’re not restricted by the logistics of catering for and sheltering 80+ people you can choose a location that feels special to you. You can head to more remote and special locations that wouldn’t be accessible for a large crowd.

#2. Elopements are by nature much more intimate and relaxed.

If the thought of sharing your vows in front of your nosey aunty or your bratty cousin gives you the ick, or if you’re a couple of introverts – sharing your vows in private is perfect. Couples often feel more relaxed and can be completely in the moment when their not feeling watched by a crowd.

Michaela and Aimee’s elopement in the Coromandel was just the two of them and their two best friends.

#3. Your budget is completely up to you.

An elopement can cost as little as $500 for your marriage licence and celebrant and as much as $30,000 (or more). While a luxury elopement might not be for everyone, many couples find that the money they save on catering for a large group can be re-invested into a few luxury items. Instead of a DJ – you could have a private chef for the night. Instead of bridesmaids flowers, dresses, hair and makeup, you could have an epic custom floral installation. Instead of drinks for 80 people, you could have the dress or suit of your dreams.

#4. No Guest list!

Not having to choose a guest list can relieve one of the biggest headaches many couples face. The delicate dance of who to invite (and who not to invite!) is completely gone when it’s just the two of you.

Where should we elope in New Zealand?

Choosing where to elope in New Zealand is probably one of the first decisions you’ll want to make. If you’re not local (or even if you are) this can be a tricky one.

Leaning on the expertise of your vendors will go a long way, and your photographer is one of the best people to ask about this.

How to choose an elopement location.

Here are some of the biggest considerations when choosing your elopement location:

#1. Your Personal Style

Think about what kind of vibe would suit you as a couple. Are you a metropolitan couple who would suit a private room at a fancy restaurant, or are clifftops and sweeping scenery more your style? Are you going casual and relaxed in your outfits, or are you dressing to the nines? Are you an adventure couple who want to go off the beaten track, or is hiking on your wedding day your idea of torture?

#2. Consider a quiet location

This is a big one. If you’re getting married in a public space, like the beach or a forest, you’re going to be contending with members of the public. While most people in New Zealand are very respectful when they see a wedding in progress, there’s always the possibility of drawing a crowd, or having that one guy in the background in his speedos with his speaker blaring. Choosing a quiet spot, will mean your attention can be fully on each other and you can be as in the moment as possible. This might mean finding a quiet corner at your location, choosing a weekday rather than a weekend, and going for more out of the way locations.

Hiring a private venue will also guarantee having no interruptions. Some Auckland venues offer elopement packages, however you can also consider getting married at private accommodation (check out canopycamping.co.nz for some of the most picturesque, off-grid options New Zealand has to offer).

#3. Lighting and timing are key

Even the most stunning location has times of day that are going to look better than others. Avoiding the middle of the day, especially in summer will mean you’re in a more comfortable temperature, but you’ll also likely be in much more interesting and flattering light the later (or earlier!) you go. Sunrise and Sunset are spectacular times of day, that will add an extra layer of magic to your ceremony. Bonus tip: If you’re wanting to include the beach as a location for your day – check the tides in advance for your location. A high tide might mean limited beach access, and low tide might give mudflat vibes.

#4. Think about what you want to do for the rest of the day.

The actual getting married part of the day will only be a small percentage of your wedding day. Plan ahead for something you’re both excited about. Pack a picnic. Book a boat cruise. Invest in experiences that will give you amazing memories to look back on when you remember your wedding day.

Ty and Wendy got married at Glenworth Valley in New South Wales. After their ceremony they spent the day wandering amongst the horses before coming back to their ceremony spot for a sunset picnic.

What is the downside of elopement?

The risk of hurting feelings when people aren’t invited is a concern for lots of couples. Just remember – you’re probably not going to please everyone anyway, so you may as well have the celebration you want. If you have the capacity for it and want to acknowledge some special people, you can always have a smaller celebration later on.

Can you help me plan my elopement?

Absolutely! All of our elopement packages include access to our wedding obsessed, adventure focused, industry connected database (aka our brains). We’re happy to recommend vendors who we think will be a good fit for your style and personality. We’ll also research, plan and suggest locations that tick all your boxes.

Do you offer an all-inclusive elopement package?

Honestly, we have toyed with this idea, but ultimately we want you to work with the vendors that suit you best. Every elopement is unique, so we would much rather help connect you with other elopement experts, but only after we know what it is you want. We believe that couples should be able to choose every aspect of their day, but we’re more than happy to make suggestions to get you started.

Do I really need a photographer AND a videographer for just the two of us?

You can book us for just photography or just videography, but we think that having both a photographer and videographer for your elopement has some huge advantages.

Family and friends can be a part of your day – without having to be a part of your day 😉 Being able to share some of the magic moments with them after the fact can be a great way for them to feel included.

We often relive our core memories through the telling of stories with others. Without a large guest list to share these memories with, having photos and film of your day can help keep your memories of your wedding day alive.

Logistically, we are aware that eloping couples often don’t want a big production in order to capture their day. We pride ourselves on being able to capture intimate moments without intruding upon them. We want to protect your wedding experience and not just create some nice imagery for you.

How much does elopement photography cost?

Like all other aspects of photography – elopement photographer rates can vary greatly, with photographer experience being the biggest determining factor in how much you can expect to pay.

Generally (but not always) elopements require less hours of coverage on the day, and if you can plan your wedding for a weekday rather than a peak Friday, Saturday or Sunday, you’ll probably find more flexibility in packages.

Keep in mind, that without a venue planner or co-ordinator, an experienced elopement photographer and videographer will often take on much of this role and help you plan your day, so hours on the day vs time spent preparing often balance out with an elopement vs a big venue wedding.

At Perspectives Photo + Cinema our rates start at $2800 for photography only and $2800 for cinema.