Your Complete Guide to Eloping in Auckland

Why Elope: The Intimate Choice for the Adventurous and Free

Weddings are often seen as grand affairs, filled with hundreds of guests, elaborate decorations, and months of planning. But for some couples, the idea of a big wedding simply doesn't resonate. Instead, they opt for a more intimate and meaningful celebration: eloping. Eloping allows couples to write their own narrative, focussing on their love and commitment to each other, without the stress and pressure that a traditional wedding can bring. If you're considering eloping, Auckland, New Zealand, offers the perfect blend of natural beauty, romance, adventure, and city comforts for your special day.

Maori Bay at Muriwai Beach

Why Auckland: Where Romance Meets Adventure

Known as the "City of Sails," Auckland boasts breathtaking natural beauty, from its pristine beaches to lush forests and volcanic landscapes. It offers a perfect backdrop for a romantic elopement. Auckland's vibrant culture, diverse culinary scene, and abundance of activities also make it an ideal destination for couples looking to combine their wedding with an unforgettable getaway. Not to forget that it has the country’s main international airport!

Does it have to be just the two of us?

Eloping typically involves only the couple themselves, but you could invite a small number of close family members or friends. Ultimately, the decision of who to invite is entirely up to the couple and should reflect their desires for their special day. The most important thing is that you're both present, fully immersed in the moment, and ready to embark on this journey together.

You might also have a celebrant and of course, a photographer to capture it all!

The Keyhole at Piha Beach

How I can help you

As an experienced local wedding and elopement photographer, I’ll guide you through crafting your elopement - from location scouting, putting you in touch with vendors, creating the timeline of your day so we get the light hitting just right, to capturing all the emotions throughout your day in breathtaking nature, so you can soak it all in as it happens…and then re-live it over and over. Ready to get started?

How: Planning Your Dream Elopement

Here are the absolute basic essentials for an elopement:

Legal Steps: Before you elope, it's important to take care of the legal requirements. Make sure to obtain a marriage license from the New Zealand government ahead of time, and familiarise yourself with the necessary paperwork. Note: A New Zealand marriage license is official all over the world, with only a couple of countries requiring a few extra details. Alternatively, you could get married officially in your own country, and save the exchanging of vows for your elopement.

Choosing a Location: Auckland offers an array of stunning locations for your elopement ceremony. Whether you prefer a scenic beach, a lush park, or a majestic mountaintop, take the time to explore different options and choose the one that speaks to your hearts.

Book a Photographer: Capturing the magic of your elopement is essential, so be sure to hire a photographer who can document every moment of your special day. Look for someone whose style resonates with you, who has experience shooting elopements in Auckland, and whose company you think you’ll enjoy! After all, they will be one of very few at your elopement! Click here for what I include in an elopement package.

Find a Celebrant: If you want to be legally married in New Zealand, you’ll need a marriage celebrant. You don’t need one if you will already be legally married in your home country, but may still choose to have one for it to feel more ceremonial.

Writing Your Vows: Talk to each other about what kind of vows you want to exchange. Do you want to stick close to the beautiful words of classic wedding vows, or personalised vows to reflect your relationship? These words will mark the beginning of a new chapter in your relationship, so be sure to take time to reflect on the words regardless.

Location Options: A Paradise for Romance

From rugged coastlines to lush rainforests, Auckland boasts an array of unforgettable locations for your elopement ceremony. Here are just a few options to consider:

Piha Beach: Famous for its black sand and dramatic cliffs, Piha Beach offers a breathtaking backdrop for a romantic beach elopement.

Deer Valley: Nestled in the beautiful Hunua Ranges, this is the perfect venue for rustic, elegant and intimate weddings. With majestic deer dotted through their paddocks, they also have a luxury B&B suite for getting ready or for your first night as newlyweds.

Waiheke Island: Just a short ferry ride from Auckland, Waiheke Island is renowned for its vineyards, beaches, and stunning views, making it the perfect destination for a luxurious elopement.

Waitakere Ranges: If you're seeking a more secluded and intimate setting, the Waitakere Ranges provide a peaceful escape amidst native bush and waterfalls.

Accomodation

While I would recommend booking accomodation after you’ve decided on your elopement location, the great thing about Auckland is that breathtaking views are not too far a drive from accommodation options. From cute AirBnBs to luxury hotels, you’re not short on choices!

What to Wear

Opt for attire that reflects your personal style and the vibe of your elopement. Consider the season and the landscape. Different fabrics can complement the environment and also add fun movement in the photos or video!

Makeup and Hair

Choose a makeup and hair look that makes you feel confident and beautiful. Whether you prefer a natural, dewy look or something more glamorous, hiring a professional makeup artist and hairstylist can help you feel your best on your special day.

What an Elopement Day Might Look Like With Me

• Getting ready

  I’ll meet you guys at your accomodation and take photos as you get ready, to help tell the whole story of your day - the excitement, the nerves, the anticipation!!

• First look

  Totally optional, but logistically it will probably make sense to have a “first look” before we travel to the ceremony location. This is all about capturing his reaction to seeing you in your outfit for the first time!

• En route

  Depending on the location I may or may not be your personal chauffeur, or you could choose to hire separate transport. It may also be that your accomodation is on location. Whatever the case, I’ll be there to capture you on your way to the ceremony.

• “I do”

  The moment we’ve been planning for! Maybe you have a few of your nearest and dearest, or maybe it’s just the two of you - I’ll be there to document aallllll the emotions so you can be fully present in the moment.

• Ending the ceremony…

  Pop the champagne or the planet-friendly confetti…or take a dive into the ocean! Have a think about how you want to mark the end of your ceremony, the beginning of being Mr & Mrs.

• And on to the adventuring!

  This is where we go off together for adventuring and couples photos. You’ll be immersed in nature, drenched in love, soaking it all up while we create art for you to cherish forever (and to share with loved ones back home!)

• Feast for two

  Generally this is where I say my goodbyes and leave the two of you to enjoy the rest of your getaway!

Restaurant Recommendations

After exchanging vows, treat yourselves to a romantic dinner at one of Auckland's top restaurants. Some recommendations include:

• The Sugar Club: Located atop the iconic Sky Tower, The Sugar Club offers panoramic views of the city and exquisite fine dining.

• Sidart: This award-winning restaurant in Ponsonby showcases innovative New Zealand cuisine in an elegant setting, perfect for a celebratory meal.

Other Local Experiences to Add to Your Day

In addition to your elopement ceremony, Auckland offers a plethora of unique experiences to enhance your special day. Consider adding some of the following activities to your itinerary:

Wine Tasting: Explore Auckland's world-class vineyards and indulge in a wine tasting experience to celebrate your love in style.

Hiking: Embark on a scenic hike through one of Auckland's many trails and immerse yourselves in the beauty of New Zealand's natural landscapes.

Sailing Cruise: Set sail on the sparkling waters of Auckland Harbour and enjoy a romantic sunset cruise aboard a luxurious yacht.

Now what?

If eloping in Auckland’s breathtaking nature is how you want to start your marriage, get in touch so we can design an elopement package just for you! I can’t wait to help craft your day, and be there to capture your love story.