Are your helicopter wedding locations fully approved by the Department of Conservation (DOC)?

Yes. All New Zealand Dream Weddings heli landings and scenic locations are fully approved and permitted by the Department of Conservation (DOC). Every ceremony on private land is also covered by written permission, ensuring your wedding is both legal and environmentally responsible.

Do you hold public liability insurance for DOC and private-land weddings?

Yes. NZDW holds full public liability insurance as required by DOC and private landowners. This protects the environment and ensures every wedding complies with New Zealand’s legal and safety standards.

How do we apply for our New Zealand marriage licence?

You apply online through the New Zealand Department of Internal Affairs (Births, Deaths & Marriages). NZDW provides full guidance for international and New Zealand couples to make the process simple and stress-free.

How long does the marriage licence take to process?

Marriage licences take approximately three working days to process once the application is submitted and the fee is paid. NZDW assists you with every step to ensure it’s completed correctly and on time.

Lake Edge Lake Tekapo Wedding

Lake Tekapo is one of New Zealand’s most iconic alpine destinations, known for its striking turquoise waters, wide open skies, and stunning views of the Southern Alps. In spring and summer the lake sparkles in shades of blue and green, in autumn the golden light softens the hills, and in winter the snow-capped peaks create a breathtaking backdrop.

Marrying at the edge of Lake Tekapo is both romantic and accessible, there is no need for a helicopter, just the simplicity of standing by the water with your celebrant and the one you love. It is a place that feels both grand and intimate, where nature frames your vows in a way that will be remembered forever.

Planning a Lake Tekapo Wedding with Us

For nearly 30 years, New Zealand Dream Weddings has been creating stress-free elopements and weddings in Lake Tekapo for couples from all over the world. With us as your planners, everything is organised: your celebrant, bouquet, photography, and all the paperwork details.

All you need to do is arrive, ready to be married, and let the lake provide your perfect backdrop.

Quick Notes

Location: Lake Tekapo, Canterbury, New Zealand
Access: Ground access (no helicopter needed; heli upgrades available for alpine photos)
Best Time: September – May (no June bookings due to unpredictable weather)

Lake Tekapo wedding package in New Zealand

Signature Package

Fully legal, stress-free and Department of Conservation (DOC)-approved, every detail of your Lake Tekapo elopement planned start to finish.

Expertly planned and coordinated by New Zealand Dream Weddings – Creating New Zealand elopements since 1999

There are no hidden fees in our packages.
All pricing is in New Zealand Dollars (NZ $) and includes GST

(This package is for the couple only – no guests. Pricing can be adjusted for up to four guests on request.)

Professional Wedding Planner
Coordinator on hand to help you on your wedding day
Full wedding day schedule with time frames
Celebrant
2 witnesses required for your legal wedding ceremony
Assistant to help dress into bridal clothes
Wedding ceremony on the shoreline at Lake Tekapo
Total Experience Duration: 3 hours
(This timing begins when your photographer/coordinator arrives at your accommodation – allowing for a short 5–10 minute drive to the lakes edge, up to 1 hour for your ceremony and photos around the lake, plus additional time for portraits and return travel, with a total duration of approximately 3 hours.)
All your legal wedding paperwork that is recognised in your country as a legal wedding – (Marriage Certificate and Apostille/Authentication + postage)
Assistance with lodging your Marriage Licence directly online with the New Zealand Internal Affairs Office. You will be required to pay a one-off fee of NZ$150 directly online. The license will be emailed to you in approximately three working days
Complimentary glass of NZ bubbly to celebrate your wedding
Photography Package – up to 3 hours, including the first look and some photos before departing accommodation, travel to your ceremony location, wedding ceremony and portraits on the lake edge area, plus additional photos at nearby scenic spots before returning to to your accommodation. (includes photographers travel fee)
Your finished images will be delivered in a private online gallery, ready to download, print, and share with family and friends.
Private transport from your Lake Tekapo accommodation to the your wedding ceremony location
Private transport to a scenic location after ceremony for more photos
Private transport returning you to your Lake Tekapo accommodation
Standard-size hand-held posy and matching buttonhole of fresh seasonal flowers

Price from NZD $

6800

Intimate Package

Fully legal, stress-free and Department of Conservation (DOC)-approved, every detail of your Lake Tekapo elopement planned start to finish.

Expertly planned and coordinated by New Zealand Dream Weddings – Creating New Zealand elopements since 1999

There are no hidden fees in our packages.
All pricing is in New Zealand Dollars (NZ $) and includes GST

(This package is for the couple only – no guests. Pricing can be adjusted for up to four guests on request.)

Professional Wedding Planner
Coordinator on hand to help you on your wedding day
Full wedding day schedule with time frames
Celebrant
2 witnesses required for your legal wedding ceremony
Wedding ceremony on the shoreline at Lake Tekapo
Total Experience Duration: 2 hours
(This timing begins when your photographer/coordinator arrives at your accommodation – allowing for a short 5–10 minute drive to the lakes edge, up to 1 hour for your ceremony and photos around the lake, plus additional time for portraits and return travel, with a total duration of approximately 2 hours.)
All your legal wedding paperwork that is recognised in your country as a legal wedding – (Marriage Certificate and Apostille/Authentication + postage)
Assistance with lodging your Marriage Licence directly online with the New Zealand Internal Affairs Office. You will be required to pay a one-off fee of NZ$150 directly online. The license will be emailed to you in approximately three working days
Complimentary glass of NZ bubbly to celebrate your wedding
Photography Package – up to 2 hours, including the first look and some photos before departing accommodation, travel to your ceremony location, wedding ceremony and portraits on the lake edge area, before returning to to your accommodation.
Your finished images will be delivered in a private online gallery, ready to download, print, and share with family and friends.
Private transport from your Lake Tekapo accommodation to the your wedding ceremony location and photos
Private transport returning you to your Lake Tekapo accommodation

Price from NZD $

5887

Additional Options

If you’d like to personalise your Intimate Package, you’re welcome to add any of the following:
- Hair and make-up stylist for one person at your Lake Tekapo accommodation – starting from NZ$550 (includes stylist’s travel fee)
- Standard hand-held posy and matching buttonhole of fresh seasonal flowers – starting from NZ350
Upgrades for both Signature & Intimate Packages:
- Packages can be upgraded with larger or more detailed floral designs
- Videography available on request
- Optional scenic helicopter flight for additional photos – enjoy up to 30 minutes of flight time with one alpine landing at a nearby mountain location in the Tekapo or Mt Cook region. Available on request.

Would you like to book this package or want to know more?

“Perfect day for a perfect wedding. Our marriage in New Zealand was an unforgettable event and was the the best day in our life’s . Thanks to Donna who made our special day so perfect. Everything ran so smoothly and we fully enjoyed our special day without any stress.”

Lisa & Josef (Austria)

John Doe