new zealand is known to be the adventure capital of the world so why not plan your adventure elopement here.
New Zealand is a beautiful country with no shortage of one of a kind options for your elopement. From stunning mountains with alpine lakes to pristine coastal beaches, eloping here is an unforgettable experience.Let me help you plan and photograph an elopement of your dreams.
...where you're encouraged to create the most memorable and authentic experience doing something that truly makes you both happy.
Instead of planning a big wedding and spending money on things that aren't of value to you or following outdated traditions or being the center of attention for the whole day, why not elope in New Zealand, where you can be fully present with the one you want to spend the rest of your life with.
Now let's plan the most amazing elopement experience!
The dictionary definition of “Elopement": says to run away secretly in order to get married. But even the good old dictionary is realising that there is no need for the secrets and that eloping now is more of “a small destination wedding”.
Eloping allows you to create a wedding day experience that is truly authentic to you two.
The best part about
You can truly make your elopement day exactly what you want.
There are no pre-set "traditional wedding" schedules or timelines that you have to listen to. With my help, we can make a plan for your day that meets all your wildest dreams of eloping in New Zealand.
We can go anywhere from four-wheel driving up mountain passes and crossing river beds to hiking up to alpine huts, watching the Milky Way overhead then waking up to watch the sunrise over the mountain tops. Or maybe you would prefer to start the day at the beach surfing then in the afternoon head up the mountains to go snowboarding.
Don’t worry if you're not up for hiking. There are so many other ways to celebrate your elopement. Take a helicopter ride to mountain peaks with alpine lakes. Stay at a beautiful accommodation where you could wake up with a crackling fire or in the summer time by the glacier-fed lakes. Go skiing or snowboarding and say your vows on the slopes.
The options for eloping in New Zealand are endless.
Home base
One of the most beautiful places to elope in New Zealand is Wānaka (pronounced wo-nuh-kuh).
Wānaka is a resort town surrounded by mountains with a beautiful lake near Mount Aspiring National Park. It is just over an hour’s drive from Queenstown, New Zealand, the adventure capital of the world.
Wānaka is the more relaxed sister to Queenstown, with year round opportunities to get out and enjoy the epic landscapes while also providing that true Kiwi feel.
Having lived in Japan, Colorado, and now Wānaka, I can confidently say that Wānaka offers something truly unique. While Colorado’s towering peaks and Japan’s snow-covered ranges are awe-inspiring, Wānaka brings together the best of both worlds with a combination of rugged mountains, serene lakes, and vast untouched wilderness. The landscapes here are raw and dramatic, yet the accessibility to this natural beauty is unmatched. There’s a certain peacefulness in Wānaka’s charm that sets it apart—offering couples an immersive, tranquil experience in nature that feels both expansive and intimate.
Come and enjoy this beautiful town for your elopement, where every corner reveals a new breathtaking view that feels like it belongs to you alone.
Wanaka elopement packages start at $3,200 nzd
Contact me today to start planning
Here for the Adventure...
There are endless adventures to be had here in New Zealand, and I’m all about making your elopement day an unforgettable story. Whether you dream of hiking to a mountaintop for sunrise, exploring hidden waterfalls, taking a helicopter to a remote alpine location, or simply enjoying a quiet moment by a secluded lake, I’m ready to join you on whatever adventure you have in mind. Think of me as your easygoing third wheel, always down for the journey. No location is too far or too remote, and no idea is too wild. If you can dream it, I’m here to help make it happen. My goal is to capture the essence of your love in the most epic, beautiful places this country has to offer, while making sure you’re comfortable, relaxed, and having the best time along the way.
Planning Support...
As a local, I have firsthand knowledge of Wānaka and its hidden gems, so I can explore and hand-pick the perfect locations that fit your vision. Whether it's finding the dreamiest mountain backdrop, a secluded lakeside spot, or a magical alpine forest, I’ll do the legwork so you don’t have to. I’ll also connect you with trusted local vendors—from florists to celebrants—ensuring your day is filled with the best New Zealand has to offer. Together, we’ll create a seamless timeline that captures everything you want, so all you need to do is show up and enjoy your adventure. Let me handle the details so your elopement can be stress-free, intimate, and exactly how you’ve always imagined it.
Creating Lasting Memories...
My photography style is documentary, meaning I focus on capturing authentic, unscripted moments as they naturally unfold. I understand that being in front of the camera can feel awkward, but I’m here to make it comfortable for you. I won’t be directing every move or asking for stiff poses—instead, I’ll guide you when needed and let the moments flow, so you can just enjoy each other and the day. This approach allows me to capture the real emotions, the laughter, the quiet moments, and everything in between, so when you look back at your photos, they’ll feel genuine and full of the memories you made together. Years from now, you’ll be able to relive your day exactly as it happened.
Hi I'm Kara
A little about me
Your Wānaka Elopement Photographer who shares your passion for the mountains and fully supports your decision to have a wedding day that feels authentic to you. I am here to champion your decision to follow your own path and create an experience that will fill all your wildest New Zealand dreams. Your love is unique, and your wedding day should be a celebration of that uniqueness.
I share a love for the mountains, that’s what brought me to this beautiful part of the world. I have lived in Colorado, Japan and New Zealand all to be closer to the mountains. I feel happiest and the most myself when I am out adventuring. You will often find me with my camera in hand taking photos of the beautiful New Zealand landscapes around me and often staying up way too late to take photos of the stars.
To know more about me click here
Focus on just the two of you and what makes you smile and laugh.
Be truly present and remember every moment of your special day without the stress and pressure
Find peace and enjoyment out in nature where you feel most like yourselves
Do what feels right and not worrying about pleasing everyone around you
Take in all of the beauty of New Zealand’s landscapes around you
for planning your dream elopement
so let's plan...
… a wedding day where you’re encouraged to create the most memorable and authentic experience and able to be truly present, to experience pure joy with the one you love..
Have something in mind that I’ve not mentioned above? Reach out and we can discuss what is possible.
Have something in mind that I’ve not mentioned above? Reach out and we can discuss what is possible.
I want to make sure that you have the most amazing elopement experience in New Zealand and that you have photos that capture all of the memories throughout the whole experience so that you're able to bring those home and show your family and friends of the amazing time that you had.
Let's make your New Zealand elopement dreams come true.
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