A New Zealand Elopement Full of Incredible Views (and a Big Surprise)

Lin & Hai

newlyweds kissing under a veil in the mountains during their New Zealand Elopement.

There’s something so special about getting to document not just a couple’s love story, but an entire chapter of their journey. Not just the major milestones, but the in-between moments that make up their story. That’s exactly what this New Zealand elopement felt like. It was a love story, an adventure, and a new beginning all wrapped into one.

The Couple and Their Decision to Plan an Elopement in New Zealand

When Lin and Hai reached out to us two years ago, none of us knew where life was going to take us or where they would end up eloping.

On our first call together, I (Henry) shared a few location ideas with them, and they decided to go all in on an elopement in New Zealand, a location none of us had ever gotten to experience before.

Fast-forward two years, and we got to spend two incredible days exploring multiple locations all over the South Island.

Lin and Hai’s Multi-Day New Zealand Elopement Adventure

Something a lot of people might not realize about New Zealand is that while this country might look like a small island, the views here are actually quite spread out.

Lin and Hai wanted to soak in as much beauty as they could during their New Zealand elopement, so we planned a multi-day elopement itinerary, with rest time in between to make the most of their experience.

Day One: A Helicopter Elopement Adventure and a Mt Cook Ceremony

We started day one of their New Zealand elopement bright and early at their Airbnb in Wanaka. Before getting into their wedding attire, Lin and Hai made a video call home to say hello to their child and let them know that “Mom and Dad are getting married today”.

Afterward, we took some fun photos on the deck with a custom wedding magazine they’d made, before changing into their wedding outfits for their first look. From there, we packed up and headed to the helicopter field for their helicopter adventure to a high alpine viewpoint above Lake Wanaka.

While this first location is one of the more popular locations in New Zealand, it’s easy to see why. With panoramic views in every direction, the views here are absolutely incredible! But on top of being a beautiful backdrop for Lin and Hai’s elopement photos, the couple had something else planned for this location. During the planning process, they shared with me that they were expecting and they wanted this location to be where they took photos to share their pregnancy announcement and gender reveal! So, on top of the world, we celebrated their love and the little one they were getting ready to bring into the world.

The day wasn’t over yet though. From there, we headed back down, packed up, and made the 3-hour drive to Aoraki/Mt. Cook National Park for their sunset ceremony, where we witnessed the most stunning alpenglow.

Day Two: A Journey to Milford Sound

After taking a rest day, we all met back up for day two of their New Zealand elopement, but this time we headed south to Milford Sound – the place that had inspired this whole elopement journey in the first place.

We explored the fjordland trails, listened to the waves roll against the shore, and ended their New Zealand elopement with an unforgettable adventure at an unforgettable location.

Henry’s Elopement Tip: What You Should Know About Planning an Elopement in New Zealand

There are so many reasons to consider an elopement in New Zealand, especially on the South Island. From helicopter adventures on mountain peaks to the towering, misty cliffs of Milford Sound, this country offers some of the most incredible landscapes we have ever seen.

If you are planning on eloping in New Zealand, the best way to get around the island is by car. However, it can take several hours to get from one location to another. If you want to experience the best this country has to offer, we recommend planning a multi-day experience with rest time built into each day. This allows you to soak in the experience without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.

Even if you’ve never been to New Zealand before, don’t worry. As your New Zealand elopement photographers (or photographers for anywhere else in the world, for that matter), we will help you create an elopement timeline based on what you want to include in your elopement, while also making sure there is enough time for you to slow down and fully enjoy the experience.

Want to learn more about planning a multi-day elopement itinerary? Check out our timeline planning guide below!

A Complete Guide to Planning Your Elopement Timeline

My husband who normally hates taking photos told me he actually had a lot of fun and really enjoyed the time. We both felt that he is not just a photographer we hire. He is our friend.

I was very picky about finding my photographer. Something unique about Henry attracted me to send the very first inquiry email. And I’m so glad I did. Early in our wedding planning I was hoping to find someone who is creative and supportive of my vision, able to turn my vision into a memorable experience and photos that I could look back and relive those experiences years after. I’m so lucky to find Henry and he definitely exceeded my expectations.

In the early process, I had trouble finding the location. Henry took the time to listen to me and asked me about my vision, then gave me suggestions as well as his reasoning behind it. Never in a million years I think I would go to New Zealand to get married there (one of the two locations that Henry suggested). But that was the best choice I made. It was a perfect location for my dream wedding. He provided so many resources throughout the process. He Periodically followed up with us to make sure things were moving in the right direction. My husband and myself are the definition of procrastinator so this is extremely helpful. Because we had multiple meetings and many emails back and forth, it really helped us to bond with Henry and feel relaxed on our wedding day. My husband always smiles awkwardly in front of the camera and turns into someone else but somehow Henry was able to capture his true genuine smile! My husband who normally hates taking photos told me he actually had a lot of fun and really enjoyed the time. We both felt that he is not just a photographer we hire. He is our friend.

When we saw the sneak peaks, it exceeded our expectations. Besides the photos, Henry is a great human being. He surprised us multiple times with his thoughtfulness. One in particular, the day before our adventure day to Milford sound. He did location scouting and found out that the tunnel closed at 8PM. He saved us from getting stuck there and made sure our day went smoothly.

Henry’s passion for photography definitely reflects on his work. He creates art not just photos. Henry himself is cheerful, thoughtful, and a very warm person. I would recommend him 10000%. You will not regret your decision!!!!