We all know that the happiest day of our lives can also be one of the most stressful. When it comes to planning a wedding, there’s just so much to think about: venues, guest lists, table plans, wine lists, menus...and that’s just for starters. So, it’s no wonder that cutting out all that stress and doing the whole thing with just the happy couple is becoming an increasingly popular option.
For anyone thinking about a stress-free way of saying ‘I do’, an elopement wedding in New Zealand could be the perfect way to enjoy an unforgettable day in one of the world’s most beautiful places, without the traditional hassle that a Big Day can bring. Read on to find out more.
Jump to:
- STEPS TO MAKE IT HAPPEN
- ADVICE ON PLANNING YOUR ELOPEMENT
- WEDDING PACKAGES AT OAKS WELLINGTON
- IN SUMMARY
- FAQs
Steps to make it happen
Once you have made the decision that you prefer this type of wedding, all you have to do is choose the location, and we cannot recommend New Zealand highly enough.
New Zealand is an amazing place to get married, and as luck would have it, the rules make eloping easy! Even so, a bit of planning always helps. Maybe the first consideration is where to say your vows, and in NZ you’re spoilt for choice. Whether you opt for a romantic forest, a windswept beach, or one of NZ’s stunning mountain ranges, there are loads of beautiful, photogenic options to choose from.
The time of year is also important to bear in mind when you’re eloping in NZ. The country is very seasonal: spring is usually mild, summer gets hot, autumn is chilly and winter can get really cold and rainy (especially in the South Island). Also, if you’re planning on having your ceremony outdoors or in a national park, check to see whether you’ll need a permit.
Advice on planning your elopement
After you’ve chosen your ideal location and date to exchange vows, the next step is to find a licensed celebrant: check out the government website for information. You'll need to apply for a New Zealand marriage licence no earlier than three months before your wedding and at least three working days before the big day itself. The good news is that it's all easy to do on-line, just remember to bring the paperwork on the day of the ceremony. Two witnesses are also required to make it all legal; witnesses can be friends, family members, or even kind-looking strangers!
If you’re choosing to elope, you won't have to think about picking a small wedding venue in NZ for your intimate ceremony, so the next step will be thinking about what to wear. If your ceremony is going to be on a beach or in the mountains, consider packing extra layers, comfortable shoes, and perhaps an umbrella. Or something a bit glam if you’re doing it at a swanky hotel. For a bit of inspiration, head to Instagram or Pinterest.
Once you’re back home, you’ll no doubt want to show friends and loved ones pictures of your special day. You could always ask your witnesses to take a few snaps, but if you’re considering hiring a professional photographer, it’s wise to book early to ensure availability.
Once the outfits are sorted, the paperwork done, and the celebrant and witnesses lined up, all that’s left is to double-check you’ve packed the rings and anything else you need to make sure your day to get hitched goes off without a hitch! This includes logistics, in other words travel, where you’ll stay, and a backup plan in case the weather turns.
Luckily, when it comes to accommodation and elopement packages in New Zealand, Oaks Wellington Hotel have got you all covered...
Wedding packages at Oaks Wellington
Right in the heart of Wellington, just steps from the harbour and waterfront, Oaks Wellington Hotel is an incredible spot for a romantic elopement. Known as one of the best wedding venues in Wellington, the hotel offers a special Elopement Package filled with intimate, thoughtful touches to make your big day unforgettable, whatever kind of wedding you’re dreaming of.
A celebration here begins with private access to a stylish executive suite with a balcony where you can take photos, share special moments together, or even hold your ceremony. After you’ve said your vows, you get to relax and enjoy an overnight stay in the same luxurious suite. The welcome includes a glass of sparkling wine, and after the ceremony you have an hour for canapés, whether just the two of you or as a small gathering.
To ensure that everything goes as smoothly as possible, there’s free parking for up to three cars, and the attentive staff are all ready to help with whatever you need to make your day truly unforgettable.
In Summary
When it comes to weddings, the only way to do it is Your Way, so choosing an elopement wedding in New Zealand can be such a good option as the traditional ones. Above all, because it's one of the most effective ways of making sure that your Big Day is stress-free, unique, romantic and unforgettable.
FAQs
What should I pack to elope to NZ?
It depends where you’re eloping to, and what season you’ve chosen. NZ has some extremes of weather, and the climate can be unpredictable, so it’s best to plan carefully, and even on the warmest days, take layers for those chilly evenings.
What paperwork is needed to get married in NZ?
First things first: apply for your Marriage Licence online or at a Registry Office, show you’re free to marry, pick a legal celebrant, and provide your ID, personal details, and where you want the ceremony. Just make sure your licence is approved at least three working days before the wedding.
Can an Australian citizen legally get married in New Zealand?
Definitely! It’s actually really simple. If you’re an Australian citizen, you can legally get married in New Zealand without needing to be a resident. Just apply online for a New Zealand marriage licence at least three working days before your ceremony, pick a registered celebrant, and have two witnesses there. Once you’re married, your union is officially recognized internationally including back in Australia.
What about a U.S. citizen?
Yes, same case as before. The requirements for getting married in New Zealand are the same for all foreign citizens, regardless of whether they are from the U.S., Australia, or any other country.
When is the best time to elope in NZ?
Choosing an elopement wedding in NZ implies thinking about when it’s the best time of the year to do it as the weather can be really tricky, but it really comes down to what you’re looking for. Seasons play a big role in life in New Zealand, so if you’re after a warm, beachy wedding, aim for late spring or summer. If snow-capped mountains in the South Island are more your style, winter’s the time to go. Do a bit of research,but there’re loads of options no matter when you decide to elope.
Who is the best wedding dress designer in NZ?
Just as every wedding is unique, it’s difficult to say which designer is ‘best’, but two renowned NZ designers whose names often come up are Trish Peng and Hera Couture (by Katie Yeung).
