# New Zealand Dream Weddings

> New Zealand's most experienced elopement planner — intimate weddings in the country's most beautiful places, since 1999.

New Zealand Dream Weddings plans elopement weddings in New Zealand's South Island — Queenstown, Wānaka, Lake Tekapo, Mount Cook / Aoraki. Every wedding is planned personally by Donna-Louise Dohi (Donna), the same planner from your first enquiry until your official marriage certificate arrives by courier, since 1999. Weddings are intimate by design: the couple plus up to four guests (6 people in total). Couples come from New Zealand and around the world; Donna handles the legal paperwork, licensing, celebrant, photography and logistics.

## Wedding packages
- [All packages](https://weddingsnewzealand.com/packages/): the full catalogue, filterable by location and wedding type.
- [Earnslaw Burn Heli Wedding](https://weddingsnewzealand.com/packages/earnslaw-burn-heli-wedding/): A helicopter elopement in a hidden valley of cascading waterfalls near Glenorchy — pure New Zealand magic. From $12,000 NZD.
- [The Ledge — Cecil Peak Heli Wedding](https://weddingsnewzealand.com/packages/the-ledge-cecil-peak-heli-wedding/): A dramatic shelf high above Lake Wakatipu, reached by a ten-minute flight — one of Queenstown's most iconic heli landings. From $9,500 NZD.
- [The Remarkables Heli Wedding](https://weddingsnewzealand.com/packages/the-remarkables-heli-wedding/): Exchange your vows high in The Remarkables, surrounded by breathtaking alpine views across Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu. From $9,500 NZD.
- [Queenstown Chapel Wedding](https://weddingsnewzealand.com/packages/queenstown-chapel-wedding/): A beautiful and romantic stone chapel nestled within the luxury grounds of Stoneridge Estate, overlooking Lake Hayes and the Coronet Peak mountain range. From $8,900 NZD.
- [Coromandel Peak Heli Wedding](https://weddingsnewzealand.com/packages/coromandel-peak-heli-wedding/): A ridgeline over Lake Wānaka on the Mt Roy range — among the most beautiful heli landings in New Zealand. From $9,500 NZD.
- [Lookout Hill Heli Wedding, Wānaka](https://weddingsnewzealand.com/packages/wanaka-lookout-hill-wedding/): An exclusive alpine wedding location with breathtaking views across Lake Wānaka. From $9,300 NZD.
- [Tyndall Glacier Elopement, Wānaka](https://weddingsnewzealand.com/packages/tyndall-glacier-elopement/): A true glacier landing on ice and snow, high in the Southern Alps near Wānaka. From $11,500 NZD.
- [Lake Lochnagar Heli Wedding](https://weddingsnewzealand.com/packages/lake-lochnagar-heli-wedding/): A remote alpine lake among the peaks — mirror reflections in summer, a winter wonderland in the cold months. From $11,300 NZD.
- [Lake Wānaka Lakeside Wedding](https://weddingsnewzealand.com/packages/lake-wanaka-lakeside-wedding/): A relaxed, ground-level ceremony on the shore of Lake Wānaka — beautiful and unhurried. From $7,500 NZD.
- [Alta Tarns Helicopter Wedding](https://weddingsnewzealand.com/packages/alta-tarns-helicopter-wedding/): A breathtaking alpine wedding beside crystal-clear mountain tarns overlooking Wānaka and the Southern Alps. From $9,600 NZD.
- [Fog Peak Heli Wedding](https://weddingsnewzealand.com/packages/fog-peak-heli-wedding/): A spectacular alpine wedding location overlooking the Matukituki Valley and the Southern Alps. From $10,500 NZD.
- [Lake Tekapo Lupin Elopement](https://weddingsnewzealand.com/packages/lake-tekapo-lupin-elopement/): A turquoise-lake ceremony framed by the famous summer lupins — one of New Zealand's most magical settings. From $7,500 NZD.
- [Liebig Dome Heli Wedding](https://weddingsnewzealand.com/packages/liebig-dome-heli-wedding/): Exchange your vows surrounded by snow-covered alpine landscapes with breathtaking views across Aoraki / Mt Cook National Park. From $11,000 NZD.
- [Lake Tekapo Lakeside Elopement](https://weddingsnewzealand.com/packages/lake-tekapo-lakeside-elopement/): A relaxed ceremony on the turquoise shore of Lake Tekapo, with an optional aerial upgrade. From $7,500 NZD.
- [Richardson Glacier Heli Wedding](https://weddingsnewzealand.com/packages/richardson-glacier-heli-wedding/): Exchange your vows beside a breathtaking glacier, surrounded by snow-covered peaks in Aoraki / Mt Cook National Park. From $10,600 NZD.
- [Church of the Good Shepherd, Lake Tekapo](https://weddingsnewzealand.com/packages/church-of-the-good-shepherd-lake-tekapo/): Celebrate your marriage in the historic Church of the Good Shepherd, where the world-famous turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo and the breathtaking Southern Alps create an unforgettable setting for your wedding day. From $7,000 NZD.
- [Lake Tekapo Winter Elopement](https://weddingsnewzealand.com/packages/lake-tekapo-winter-elopement/): A peaceful, ground-level winter elopement at Lake Tekapo — snow-capped mountains, crisp alpine air and the turquoise lake. From $7,500 NZD.

## Locations
- [Queenstown](https://weddingsnewzealand.com/locations/queenstown/): New Zealand's most spectacular alpine playground — dramatic peaks, deep blue lakes, and private helicopter landings all to yourselves.
- [Wānaka](https://weddingsnewzealand.com/locations/wanaka/): Queenstown's quieter neighbour — a serene lake, open alpine landscapes, and some of New Zealand's most beautiful helicopter landings.
- [Lake Tekapo](https://weddingsnewzealand.com/locations/lake-tekapo/): A famously turquoise lake framed by lupins in summer and some of the clearest night skies on earth.
- [Mount Cook / Aoraki](https://weddingsnewzealand.com/locations/mount-cook/): New Zealand's highest mountain — glaciers, alpine valleys and a sense of scale that takes your breath away.

## Wedding types
- [Helicopter & Mountain Weddings](https://weddingsnewzealand.com/wedding-types/helicopter-wedding/): Fly to a private mountain top or glacier and marry with the whole of the Southern Alps to yourselves.
- [Snow Weddings](https://weddingsnewzealand.com/wedding-types/snow-wedding/): Exchange vows in a hush of white — snow-dusted peaks, crisp air, and a landscape made for winter romance.
- [Lakeside](https://weddingsnewzealand.com/wedding-types/lakeside-wedding/): Still water, mountain reflections and soft light — a gentle, romantic setting for your vows.
- [Chapel & Church Weddings](https://weddingsnewzealand.com/wedding-types/church-wedding/): For couples who'd love a traditional touch — a historic little chapel in an unforgettable setting.

## Planning guides
- [How to Elope in New Zealand](https://weddingsnewzealand.com/how-to-elope-in-new-zealand/): A simple, complete guide to eloping in New Zealand — the steps, the legal requirements, the best locations and how a planner makes it effortless.
- [Legal Requirements to Marry in New Zealand](https://weddingsnewzealand.com/legal-requirements/): What you need to legally marry in New Zealand — marriage licence cost and timing, witnesses, visas (NZeTA) for visitors, and whether your marriage is recognised back home.
- [The Best Time of Year to Elope in New Zealand](https://weddingsnewzealand.com/best-time-to-elope/): When to elope in New Zealand — season by season. Summer sun, autumn gold, winter snow and the famous Lake Tekapo lupins, explained by a planner of nearly 30 years.
- [Choosing Your Elopement Location](https://weddingsnewzealand.com/choosing-your-elopement-location/): How to choose between Queenstown, Wānaka, Lake Tekapo and Mount Cook for your New Zealand elopement — the feel of each, and what suits you best.
- [What It Costs to Elope in New Zealand](https://weddingsnewzealand.com/costs/): An honest guide to the cost of eloping in New Zealand — what shapes the price, what's included in a package, and how to plan a wedding that suits your budget.
- [Elopement Timeline & Checklist](https://weddingsnewzealand.com/elopement-timeline-checklist/): A simple timeline for planning your New Zealand elopement — from first enquiry to marriage certificate — plus a clear checklist of what you do and what I take care of.
- [Heli Weddings Explained](https://weddingsnewzealand.com/heli-weddings-explained/): How a helicopter wedding in New Zealand works — the flight, the ceremony, safety and weather, what to wear, and how many people can come. Explained step by step.
- [Permits, Insurance & Environmental Responsibility](https://weddingsnewzealand.com/permits-insurance-environmental-responsibility/): How elopement permits work in New Zealand — DOC concessions, public liability insurance and leave-no-trace care. Why it matters that your planner is properly certified.
- [FAQs for Couples Travelling from Overseas](https://weddingsnewzealand.com/faqs-for-overseas-couples/): Answers for couples travelling to New Zealand to marry — legality, booking windows, payments from abroad, visas, witnesses and whether your marriage counts back home.
- [Accommodation & Local Travel](https://weddingsnewzealand.com/accommodation-local-travel/): Where to stay and how to get around for your New Zealand elopement — Queenstown, Wānaka, Lake Tekapo and Mount Cook, plus driving tips for visitors.
- [Elopement vs Traditional Wedding](https://weddingsnewzealand.com/elopement-vs-traditional-wedding/): Elopement or traditional wedding? The difference, the feeling, and why so many couples choose an intimate New Zealand elopement instead of a big day.

## Advice articles
- [All advice articles](https://weddingsnewzealand.com/advice/): straight answers to the questions couples ask about eloping in New Zealand. Overview of both sections at https://weddingsnewzealand.com/blog/.
- [What It Really Costs to Elope in New Zealand](https://weddingsnewzealand.com/blog/what-it-really-costs-to-elope-in-new-zealand/): What eloping in New Zealand really costs — typical NZ$7,000–15,000+ range, what shapes the price, hidden costs couples forget, and where to spend.
- [Elopement Guest Limits: Why I Keep Weddings Small](https://weddingsnewzealand.com/blog/elopement-guest-limits-why-nzdw-keeps-weddings-small/): Why New Zealand Dream Weddings elopements are limited to six people — you and up to four guests — covering DOC permits, helicopters and experience.
- [Do You Need an Apostille for Your New Zealand Marriage Certificate?](https://weddingsnewzealand.com/blog/do-you-need-an-apostille-for-your-new-zealand-marriage-certificate/): When you need an apostille or authentication for a New Zealand marriage certificate, which countries ask for one, and how and when it's arranged.
- [How Long Does It Take to Get Married in New Zealand?](https://weddingsnewzealand.com/blog/how-long-does-it-take-to-get-married-in-new-zealand/): How long it takes to get married in New Zealand — the 3 working day licence minimum, the 3 month validity, and how a wedding can happen in about 10 days.
- [What Happens After You Get Married in New Zealand?](https://weddingsnewzealand.com/blog/what-happens-after-you-get-married-in-new-zealand/): What happens after a New Zealand wedding — signing the copy of particulars, what your celebrant lodges, when your official marriage certificate arrives, and whether you need an apostille.
- [Who Plans Your New Zealand Elopement with New Zealand Dream Weddings?](https://weddingsnewzealand.com/blog/who-plans-your-new-zealand-elopement-with-new-zealand-dream-weddings/): Meet Donna, the one planner behind every New Zealand Dream Weddings elopement since 1999 — what she takes care of, and how heli-wedding weather calls work.
- [Booking Your New Zealand Elopement Direct — What to Know](https://weddingsnewzealand.com/blog/planning-your-elopement-from-overseas-heres-what-to-know-about-booking-direct/): Why booking your New Zealand elopement directly with your planner means clearer communication, no hidden markups, and one person guiding you start to finish.
- [What Happens If Your Helicopter Can't Fly on Your Wedding Day?](https://weddingsnewzealand.com/blog/what-happens-if-your-helicopter-cant-fly-on-your-wedding-day/): Who decides whether a wedding helicopter flies in New Zealand, why the call is made 30 minutes before departure, what the alternatives are, and what happens to the helicopter part of your package.
- [Mixed-Culture Elopements in Lake Tekapo, New Zealand](https://weddingsnewzealand.com/blog/mixed-culture-elopements-in-lake-tekapo-new-zealand/): Planning a mixed-culture elopement at Lake Tekapo — how I help couples blend traditions, languages and family expectations into one calm, thoughtful day.
- [What It Actually Feels Like to Elope in New Zealand (From Start to Finish)](https://weddingsnewzealand.com/blog/what-it-actually-feels-like-to-elope-in-new-zealand-from-start-to-finish/): A walk through a New Zealand elopement day as couples actually experience it — the calm morning, the ceremony, and the quiet moment after the vows.
- [What Most Couples Get Wrong About Eloping in New Zealand](https://weddingsnewzealand.com/blog/what-most-couples-get-wrong-about-eloping-in-new-zealand/): The most common misconceptions about eloping in New Zealand — from thinking it's unplanned to underestimating the weather — and what to do instead.
- [What Is a Wedding Planner's Job?](https://weddingsnewzealand.com/blog/what-is-a-wedding-planners-job/): What a wedding planner actually does — timelines, DOC concessions, safety planning and the invisible work — plus how a planner differs from a coordinator.

## Journal (Heart & Truth)
- [All journal entries](https://weddingsnewzealand.com/journal/): Donna's personal reflections on nearly 30 years of planning New Zealand elopements. Dated essays, newest first.
- [From Fax Machines to Instagram: How New Zealand Weddings Have Changed Since I Started in 1999](https://weddingsnewzealand.com/journal/from-fax-machines-to-instagram-how-new-zealand-weddings-have-changed-since-i-started-in-1999/): From Skype calls and simple websites to social media, AI and modern technology, the wedding industry has changed dramatically since I started in 1999.
- [You Don’t Need a Helicopter to Have an Epic Elopement](https://weddingsnewzealand.com/journal/you-dont-need-a-helicopter-to-have-an-epic-elopement/): Not every epic elopement needs a helicopter. Some of the most unforgettable wedding days happen quietly beside lakes, mountains, and still water.
- [What Years of Wedding Planning Quietly Teach You](https://weddingsnewzealand.com/journal/the-older-i-get-the-quieter-my-confidence-has-become/): A personal reflection from a wedding planner on quiet confidence, experience, and what nearly 30 years beside couples has quietly taught me.
- [Why Lake Tekapo Is Beautiful for Elopements in New Zealand All Year Round](https://weddingsnewzealand.com/journal/why-lake-tekapo-is-beautiful-for-elopements-all-year-round/): A personal reflection on why Lake Tekapo remains one of New Zealand’s most breathtaking elopement locations year-round – from turquoise water and winter snow…
- [When Someone Important Isn’t There on Your Elopement Day](https://weddingsnewzealand.com/journal/when-someone-important-isnt-there-on-your-elopement-day/): Some couples feel a quiet absence on their elopement day when someone important cannot be there beside them.
- [Nearly 30 Years Later, I’m Still Addicted to Love Stories](https://weddingsnewzealand.com/journal/nearly-30-years-later-im-still-addicted-to-love-stories/): Sometimes people assume that after nearly 30 years of planning weddings, the excitement must fade a little. But it hasn’t.
- [The Moment You Realise a Big Wedding Isn’t Right for You](https://weddingsnewzealand.com/journal/the-moment-you-realise-a-big-wedding-isnt-right-for-you/): A quiet shift many couples experience – when a big wedding no longer feels right, and something simpler begins to feel like home.
- [There’s a quiet moment before everything begins](https://weddingsnewzealand.com/journal/theres-a-quiet-moment-before-everything-begins/): What a wedding day actually feels like – a calm, honest reflection from nearly 30 years of real wedding experience in New Zealand.
- [Standing Beneath Aoraki Mount Cook](https://weddingsnewzealand.com/journal/standing-beneath-aoraki-mount-cook/): Some places are beautiful, but others carry something deeper.
- [Professionalism Is What Protects You](https://weddingsnewzealand.com/journal/professionalism-is-what-protects-you/): Professionalism in the wedding industry is not just about presentation – it is about protection, accountability, and safeguarding your day from unnecessary…
- [What Nearly 30 Years in This Industry Has Taught Me](https://weddingsnewzealand.com/journal/what-nearly-30-years-in-this-industry-has-taught-me/): Nearly 30 years in the wedding industry has taught me that experience is not about trends – it is about perspective, preparation, and quiet steadiness.
- [Why Longevity Matters in the Wedding Industry](https://weddingsnewzealand.com/journal/why-longevity-matters-in-the-wedding-industry/): Longevity in the wedding industry is not about trends or visibility – it is about stability, regulatory knowledge, and reducing risk for couples.
- [Sitting with the Rain](https://weddingsnewzealand.com/journal/sitting-with-the-rain/): Recovery has slowed me down enough to sit quietly with my thoughts.
- [Why I Plan Weddings the Way I Do](https://weddingsnewzealand.com/journal/why-i-plan-weddings-the-way-i-do/): Wedding planning, for me, has never been about styling or spectacle.
- [Why I Chose a Certain Kind of Photographer](https://weddingsnewzealand.com/journal/why-i-chose-a-certain-kind-of-photographer/): Over time, I’ve learned that the most meaningful photographs are often taken when no one is trying to create them.
- [The Day I Stopped Explaining Weddings](https://weddingsnewzealand.com/journal/the-day-i-stopped-explaining-weddings/): There comes a point where you stop explaining weddings – and start simply holding space for them.
- [When an Inquiry Arrives](https://weddingsnewzealand.com/journal/when-an-inquiry-arrives/): When an inquiry arrives, I don’t see a booking – I see two people taking a quiet step toward something meaningful.
- [When Something Arrives Already Decided](https://weddingsnewzealand.com/journal/when-something-arrives-already-decided/): This is about why I stepped away from working with wedding agents, and chose to work directly with couples instead.
- [Why Eloping Isn’t About Running Away (And Never Has Been)](https://weddingsnewzealand.com/journal/why-eloping-isnt-about-running-away-and-never-has-been/): Eloping isn’t about escaping or running away. It’s about choosing presence, intention, and a quieter way to begin a marriage.
- [It’s 2026 – and Some Things Still Matter](https://weddingsnewzealand.com/journal/its-2026-and-some-things-still-matter/): A wedding isn’t just a date in a calendar or a service on an invoice.
- [Why I Still Love Wedding Planning – and What Each Couple Means to Me](https://weddingsnewzealand.com/journal/why-i-still-love-wedding-planning-and-what-each-couple-means-to-me/): Why I still love planning weddings – Donna Dohi
- [Where My Ancestors Stand With Me](https://weddingsnewzealand.com/journal/where-my-ancestors-stand-with-me/): A reflection on heritage, memory, and the quiet presence of ancestors in the places we stand.
- [The Spaces Between Then and Now](https://weddingsnewzealand.com/journal/the-spaces-between-then-and-now/): Looking back through old wedding photographs reminded me why I began – not for perfection or profit, but for the quiet joy of capturing love as it truly is.
- [Why I Still Believe in Eloping for Love](https://weddingsnewzealand.com/journal/why-i-still-believe-in-eloping-for-love/): Every so often, I still find myself missing the days behind the camera, the breeze, the sound of the helicopter, the quiet power of love.
- [The Beginning of Heart & Truth](https://weddingsnewzealand.com/journal/the-beginning-of-heart-truth/): Elopement Journal NZ has found its own voice – a quiet, heartfelt space where the real stories behind New Zealand elopements can breathe.
- [I Plan for Love](https://weddingsnewzealand.com/journal/i-plan-for-love/): A poem from the heart about why I plan weddings, not for perfection, but for love, calm, and moments that stay.
- [Why New Zealand Is the World’s Most Magical Place to Elope](https://weddingsnewzealand.com/journal/why-new-zealand-is-the-worlds-most-magical-place-to-elope/): Discover why couples choose New Zealand for their elopement – wild beauty, effortless planning, and heartfelt celebrations with New Zealand Dream Weddings.
- [Why I Don’t Believe in “Perfect” Weddings Anymore](https://weddingsnewzealand.com/journal/why-i-dont-believe-in-perfect-weddings-anymore/): After nearly 30 years planning weddings, I’ve learned that perfection isn’t the goal, peace is. Real love isn’t polished; it’s alive.
- [The Day the Ocean Got Me](https://weddingsnewzealand.com/journal/the-day-the-ocean-got-me/): One of my funniest memories as a wedding planner, a beach, a couple in love, and one wave that reminded me nature always has the last word

## About & contact
- [About Donna](https://weddingsnewzealand.com/about/): planning New Zealand elopements since 1999.
- [Elope With Us (contact)](https://weddingsnewzealand.com/contact/)
- Phone: +64 27 201 2955
- Email: donna@weddingsnewzealand.com
- Based in Queenstown, New Zealand. Service areas: Queenstown, Wānaka, Lake Tekapo, Mount Cook / Aoraki, New Zealand.