Planning a wedding in New Zealand? Congratulations! 🎉 You’re about to embark on an unforgettable adventure. Whether you’re dreaming of a lakeside ceremony in Queenstown, a vineyard wedding in Marlborough, or a relaxed beach celebration in the Bay of Islands, Aotearoa has it all. But let’s be real—wedding planning can feel like juggling flaming torches while balancing on a unicycle.
Don’t worry—I’ve got your back. This guide is packed with everything you need to know, from choosing the perfect venue to handling legal requirements and budgeting smartly. So, grab a cup of coffee (or a glass of wine, no judgment), and let’s dive in!
Step 1: Start with the Big Picture
Before you get lost in a Pinterest rabbit hole, sit down with your partner and ask:
👉 What’s our dream wedding vibe? (Luxury, boho, beachy, rustic, backyard BBQ?)
👉 How many guests do we want? (Intimate or full-on festival?)
👉 What’s our budget? (Let’s talk numbers—boring but necessary!)
This step will save you from later headaches when you start making real decisions.
Step 2: Budget Like a Pro
Weddings in New Zealand can cost anywhere from NZD $15,000 to $50,000+, depending on the venue, vendors, and size. But before panic sets in, here’s how to keep things under control:
✔️ Prioritize the non-negotiables (photographer, venue, food)
✔️ Get real about your guest list (each person = extra $$$)
✔️ Track everything in a spreadsheet (or use a wedding planning app like Joy)
💡 Insider Tip: Save money by getting married on a weekday or in the off-season (May–September). Vendors often have lower rates!
Step 3: Find Your Dream Venue
New Zealand is basically a real-life postcard, so choosing a venue might be the hardest part. Here are some top picks:
🌿 For Nature Lovers:
Trelawn Place, Queenstown – Overlooking the Shotover River, this spot is perfect for an intimate, scenic wedding.
Boomrock, Wellington – Clifftop views and heart-stopping sunsets. Yes, please!
🍷 For Wine & Dine Lovers:
Mission Estate Winery, Napier – The oldest winery in NZ, perfect for wine-loving couples.
Rippon Vineyard, Wanaka – A vineyard with Lake Wanaka views? Absolute magic!
🏝️ For Beach Vibes:
Kauri Bay Boomrock, Auckland – Private coastal beauty, close to the city.
Orua Beach House, Coromandel – Secluded beach paradise for the ultimate laid-back wedding.
💡 Pro Tip: Book your venue 12–18 months in advance, especially for summer weddings!
Step 4: Assemble Your Dream Team (Vendors)
You wouldn’t climb Mount Cook without a guide, right? Same goes for your wedding! Here’s your A-team:
📷 Photographer – Your wedding photos will last longer than your wedding cake. Choose wisely! (Psst… Check out my work here 😉)
💐 Florist – Blooms that match your vibe and budget.
🎶 Entertainment – DJ, live band, or even a Māori cultural performance for that extra wow-factor.
🎂 Caterer – From a gourmet feast to a food truck—pick what speaks to your hearts (and stomachs).
💡 Money-Saving Hack: Hire local vendors near your venue to avoid travel fees!
Step 5: Get the Legal Stuff Sorted
You can’t say “I do” without the paperwork! Here’s what you need to know:
✅ Marriage License – Apply online here. Costs around $150 NZD.
✅ Celebrant – You need an official celebrant (find one here).
✅ Witnesses – You need two people over 18 to sign your marriage license.
💡 Fun Fact: You can get married literally anywhere in NZ—mountains, beaches, even a Hobbit hole!
Step 6: Invitations & Guest List Drama
Choosing guests is harder than choosing your wedding dress. Keep these in mind:
✔️ Prioritize close family & friends
✔️ Keep venue capacity in mind
✔️ Digital invites = eco-friendly & budget-friendly (try Paperless Post)
💡 Pro Tip: Create a wedding website with all the details to save time answering endless guest questions.
Step 7: Outfits & The Dress Hunt
Shopping for your wedding outfit? Here’s how to slay:
👗 Start early – Some dresses take 6+ months to arrive!
👠 Think comfort – You’ll be wearing it for 8+ hours—make sure you can sit, dance, and breathe.
🎩 Groom’s attire matters too – A sharp suit or a relaxed linen look for a beach wedding? You do you.
💡 Budget Tip: Consider renting a designer dress from Hera Couture or Lend the Label.
Step 8: Make It Uniquely Yours
Your wedding should feel like YOU! Here’s how:
🌍 Cultural elements – Māori traditions, a haka performance, or a tea ceremony? Make it personal.
📜 Handwritten vows – Because nothing beats words from the heart.
🎨 DIY decor – Adds a personal touch and saves $$$.
💡 Fun Idea: Have a “wedding time capsule” where guests leave notes for you to open on your 5-year anniversary.
Step 9: Final Countdown Checklist
🚀 One Month Before: Confirm RSVPs, finalize timeline, write vows.
💍 One Week Before: Beauty treatments, pack wedding emergency kit.
🎊 The Big Day: RELAX & enjoy every second!
💡 Last-Minute Hack: Assign a friend to handle unexpected hiccups—because something always happens!
Your Love Story, Captured Forever 📸
At the end of the day, your wedding is about love, laughter, and unforgettable memories. And guess what? Those memories deserve to be captured beautifully.
Want breathtaking wedding photos that will make you cry happy tears for years to come? Let’s make magic together.
📷 Explore my portfolio: Your Happy Moments
💰 Check out packages: Investment
📩 Let’s chat: Contact me here
Cheers to your best adventure yet! 🥂💍✨
