(Everything you need to plan a stress-free New Zealand elopement)
New Zealand Dream Weddings has helped couples elope for nearly 30 years, and the secret to a smooth, beautiful wedding day is simple: clarity + organisation + experience.
This page walks you through the entire process – from your first enquiry through to signing your marriage licence on the mountain.
Every step is clear, calm, and completely supported by me.
Your Elopement Timeline (Step-by-Step)
Step 1 – Your First Enquiry & Planning Call
Once you get in touch, we’ll chat about your ideas, preferred date, location, and any special requests. I’ll guide you toward the best landing, seasonal timing, and practical plan for your day.
What happens here:
You choose your location: heli wedding or ground locationÂ
We choose the right package
I check availability with your celebrant, photographer, videographer & heli team
You receive your personalised confirmation
Step 2 – Booking & Marriage Licence
Once your date is confirmed, you apply for your New Zealand Marriage Licence online.
Important:
Marriage licence takes 3 working days to process
Most couples can be legally ready within 7–8 days
When you receive your PDF, email it to me – I check every detail
Your licence is ready to sign on your wedding day
Step 3 – Getting Ready for Your Day
I’ll send you a simple checklist covering transport, clothing layers, flowers, timing, and optional extras.
I organise for you:
Heli coordination
Crew timing (celebrant, photographer, videographer)
Weather planning
All logistics
Ceremony flow
Your only job is to enjoy the build-up.
Step 4 – Arriving at the Heli Base (or Ground Location)
You’ll meet your pilot and crew, have a safety briefing, and enjoy a few relaxed photos.
The team will weigh you – a normal part of safe helicopter flying.
Ground locations the team will meet with you and you will have a relaxing, intimate wedding ceremony.
Step 5 – Scenic Flight to Your Wedding Location
Your flight may travel over lakes, ridgelines, tussock plains, glaciers, or snowy peaks.
Every landing is selected for safety, and unforgettable beauty.
Step 6 – Your Ceremony
Your celebrant performs a heartfelt, legally recognised ceremony.
This includes:
The required legal words
Your legally required vows
Signing your marriage licence with two witnesses
(I provide witnesses at no cost if you’re eloping alone)
Once the licence is signed – you are legally married in New Zealand.
Step 7 – Photography Time
Your photographer captures natural, emotional images of your day – no rushing, no pressure, just gorgeous moments in iconic landscapes.
Step 8 – Return Flight (Optional Second Landing)
Fly back to the base or enjoy a second landing for even more photographs.
Step 9 – After Your Wedding
Your celebrant submits your paperwork to Births, Deaths & Marriages.
Once registered, I will order your marriage certificate and Apostilles/Authentications that is required for your country. This will be couriered to you. Â
Your Essential Elopement Checklist
What You Do
Choose your package
Apply for your marriage licence on line (3 working days processing)Â
Email your licence PDF to Donna
Plan your outfits
Confirm your travel & accommodation
Let Donna know if you’d like any extras (video, second landing, bouquet, extended photos)
What Donna Takes Care Of
Booking your hair & makeup
Booking your flowers
Booking optional extras (video, second landing, extended photography)
Coordinating the helicopter company
Confirming flight times
Checking weather forecasts & managing safe alternatives
Preparing your full wedding day timeline
Organising your celebrant, photographer & videographer
Providing witnesses if needed (no extra cost)
Ensuring your marriage licence is correct & ready
Managing all legal, safety & logistics
Advising on clothing layers, footwear & seasonal weather
Offering recommendations for accommodation & travel
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How Far in Advance Do You Need to Plan?
You do not need months of planning.
I can organise your entire elopement – heli, crew, flowers, planning, permits, and logistics –Â within 24 hours, once you choose your date. (dependant on availability).Â
The only fixed time needed is the marriage licence (3 working days).
So most couples can marry legally within 7-8 days of first contacting me.
Certain locations, like the Lake Tekapo Lupin Wedding, have short seasonal windows.
Ready to Plan Your Elopement?
I’m here to make everything simple, beautiful, and completely stress-free.
Send through your date and ideas – I’ll reply personally with availability and options.Â