Wedding package
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.
Marry in the Church of the Good Shepherd
For couples dreaming of a traditional Christian wedding, the Church of the Good Shepherd offers one of New Zealand’s most iconic and memorable places to marry. Built in 1935 from local stone and overlooking the world-famous turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo, this beautiful church has welcomed couples from around the world for generations.
The Church of the Good Shepherd is an active Christian church and continues to serve its local community. Wedding ceremonies are conducted by the church’s ministers, with all church bookings, ceremony times and church fees arranged directly through the Church Office. Their team will guide you through the church’s booking process and requirements.
Once your church booking has been confirmed, I’ll coordinate every other aspect of your wedding day. I’ll work closely with your photographer, florist, hair and makeup artist, create your personalised wedding day schedule, and liaise with the Church Office so everything comes together seamlessly. My role is to ensure you can simply relax and enjoy one of New Zealand’s most iconic places to marry.
What your day looks like
Your wedding day begins with a relaxed morning at your Lake Tekapo accommodation while your hair and makeup artist comes to you. As you get ready, your photographer captures the special details of your day, from your wedding attire and flowers to those quiet moments before your ceremony.
Once you’re ready, you’ll make your way to the Church of the Good Shepherd for your intimate Christian wedding ceremony. During your booked ceremony time, the church grounds are closed to visitors, allowing your ceremony to take place respectfully and without interruption.
Following your ceremony, you’ll spend time with your photographer around the beautiful church grounds and nearby Lake Tekapo lakeshore. With the historic stone church, the turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo and the stunning mountain backdrop, there are wonderful opportunities to create timeless wedding photographs before continuing your celebration together.
The pace of the day is relaxed and unhurried, allowing you time to enjoy this remarkable location and celebrate your marriage in one of New Zealand’s most treasured churches.
Your personalised proposal will confirm your chosen package, optional extras and final pricing.
A glimpse of the day
Frequently asked questions
What are the requirements to marry at the church?
The Church of the Good Shepherd requires a Christian ceremony conducted by an ordained minister, and both the church and the minister are booked directly through the Church Office, subject to availability. I'll guide you through the process and confirm what's possible for your date.
What does the package cost?
The Church of the Good Shepherd package starts from NZ$7,000, with everything listed included — photography, flowers, hair and makeup, and my guidance booking the church. Your personal proposal confirms the exact figure for your date.
Will we have privacy during the ceremony?
Yes — the church gates are closed to visitors during your ceremony, so the chapel and its lakefront setting are yours. Photography inside the church is permitted during the service.
What if the weather is poor?
The church ceremony goes ahead regardless — that's the beauty of a stone chapel. We simply adjust the outdoor photography locations around the conditions. I'd also suggest staying in Tekapo the night before, so the morning is unhurried.
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Lake Tekapo Lakeside Elopement
A relaxed ceremony on the turquoise shore of Lake Tekapo, with an optional aerial upgrade.
With love, from New Zealand
Ready to plan your Church of the Good Shepherd, Lake Tekapo?
Tell me your story and what you have in mind. I’ll personally guide you every step of the way — the same as I have for couples from around the world since 1999.
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