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.

Lakeside Wanaka Elopement – Lake & Mountains

Wanaka’s Tranquil Lakeside Escape

Peaceful, scenic, and deeply romantic, Lake Wanaka is perfect for couples wanting a breathtaking New Zealand elopement without needing a helicopter. Surrounded by golden hills and alpine peaks, the lake’s calm beauty creates an effortless sense of serenity for your wedding day.

What It Feels Like to Say “I Do” Here

Imagine exchanging vows on the lakeshore as sunlight dances across the water. Wanaka’s charm is simple yet cinematic, a place where love feels grounded, natural, and unhurried. Every moment is beautifully captured by your photographer, with nature as your witness.

Location

Lake Wanaka sits in the heart of Central Otago on New Zealand’s South Island, about an hour’s drive from Queenstown through some of the country’s most scenic landscapes. It’s easily accessible yet feels worlds away from the everyday, offering a relaxed atmosphere and iconic alpine views.

Best Time of Year for a Lake Wanaka Elopement

Summer (Dec–Mar): Long golden evenings, warm air, calm lake reflections.
Autumn (Apr–May): Rich colours, soft light, peaceful ambience.
Winter (Jul–Aug): Snow-capped mountains and crisp alpine air.
Spring (Sep–Nov): Fresh greens, blossoms, and clear alpine light.

Please note: We do not coordinate weddings in June, due to unpredictable weather and reduced operator availability.

Wanaka offers year-round beauty, but the most popular months are October to April for the best weather and daylight.

What Your Day Looks Like

Lakeside ceremony with your celebrant and photographer.

Gentle, scenic photo session by the lake and nearby lookouts.
Optional helicopter upgrade for extended alpine photography.
Champagne toast by the water to celebrate your new journey together.

Planning Your Wanaka Wedding with Us

With nearly 30 years of experience planning elopements across New Zealand, New Zealand Dream Weddings makes everything effortless.
We handle every detail, the legal paperwork, timeline, local vendors, and permits, so you can simply arrive, relax, and enjoy a day that feels personal and perfectly you.

Quick Notes for Wanaka

Location: Lake Wanaka, South Island, New Zealand
Accessibility: Easy ground access, no helicopter required
Ideal for: Scenic, relaxed elopements with natural backdrops
Best season: October – April ( no June weddings )
Optional extras: Helicopter add-on, extended photography session.

Ready to Begin?

Every Wanaka wedding is designed to reflect your story and your love for New Zealand’s landscape.
If you’d like to learn more, please reach out, I’d love to help you create your perfect lakeside elopement.

What's Included

This wedding package has been designed as an elopement package for a couple with no guests.

There are no hidden fees in our package. Package price includes GST.

All NZDW heli landings and scenic locations are fully approved and permitted by the Government’s Department of Conservation (DOC), ensuring your wedding is planned in legal, protected areas.

All packages are flexible and can be adjusted to suit your requirements.

Full planning and coordination with Donna-Louise
On-the-day wedding coordinator
An assistant to help you into your bridal clothes
Full wedding day schedule and timeline
Fully registered New Zealand celebrant
Two witnesses required for signing your marriage license on the day
Wedding ceremony on the shore of the lake
All legal paperwork:
– Includes Marriage Certificate plus Apostille and postage to your home country
– Assistance with your Marriage License application (you pay a one-off NZ$150 directly online to Internal Affairs)
Hair and makeup styling for the bride:
– Perfect for soft down styles or simple up-dos
– Styling completed at your Lake Tekapo accommodation
– Stylist’s travel fee
– More detailed styles are priced accordingly
Bouquet and boutonniere:
– Flowers are priced at a seasonal standard bouquet. Please let me know if you’d like a larger bouquet, and we can adjust the price.
– One bride’s bouquet (seasonal fresh flowers)
– One boutonniere
A complimentary glass of New Zealand bubbly to celebrate
Photography package – up to 3 hours coverage, including:
– Getting ready/first look at your accommodation
– Ceremony
– Photos after the ceremony
– Additional photos at at another location within the region
– Includes travel fee
– All images provided in a private online gallery to download, print, and share
Private return transport – couple only
– From your Lake Wanaka accommodation to the ceremony location
– From the ceremony location to another photo shoot location
– From the photo shoot location back to your Lake Wanaka accommodation

Additional Options

• Videography
– Full ceremony video plus 2-3 minute highlight video:
– Pricing on Request
Helicopter Flights – stunning locations to add on for extended photo shoots. Pricing on request.

Starting from $6300

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

About Donna Louise

I’m Donna-Louise, founder of New Zealand Dream Weddings. For nearly 30 years, I’ve helped couples from around the world elope or celebrate intimate weddings in some of New Zealand’s most stunning and private locations. As an experienced elopement specialist, I focus on small, heartfelt ceremonies, making each day feel personal, stress-free, and truly meaningful.

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Get in touch – your dream starts here!

Serving couples from New Zealand and around the world.