Eloping at Alta Lakes, Wanaka: An Intimate Escape into Alpine Magic

If you’re looking for a remote, breathtaking, and wildly romantic place to say “I do,” Alta Lakes in Wanaka might just be your dream come true.

Tucked high in the Southern Alps, surrounded by untouched beauty and alpine silence, Alta Lakes feels like stepping into another world—just the two of you, the mountains, and the moment.

Here’s what makes an elopement at Alta Lakes so unforgettable, and how to plan your perfect day up there.

What Makes Alta Lakes So Special?

Alta Lakes sits in a remote, private alpine basin above Treble Cone, overlooking sweeping ridgelines and snow-dusted peaks. It’s a location few people ever see—and that’s exactly the magic of it.

With mirror-like alpine lakes, golden tussocks, and silence broken only by the wind, it’s a place that strips everything back to what really matters: your connection, your vows, and the adventure you’re on together.

How to Get There

This isn’t your average drive-up location—Alta Lakes is only accessible by helicopter, which makes the experience even more surreal.

Flying in over Lake Wanaka and up into the high country is an experience in itself. From the air, you see the land shift beneath you—lakes, valleys, peaks—and then suddenly, you land in this untouched alpine haven where time seems to pause.

💡 Bonus: The helicopter ride is incredibly photogenic too, and we can often land at a second location for variety in your elopement gallery.

Best Time of Year to Elope at Alta Lakes

• Summer (Dec–Feb): Lush alpine greens, wildflowers, clear skies, and warm temperatures

• Autumn (Mar–May): Crisp air, golden tones, fewer sandflies, and a moody vibe

• Winter (Jun–Aug): Snow-covered peaks, dramatic skies—stunning, but you’ll need layers!

• Spring (Sep–Nov): A mix of snowmelt, new growth, and soft light

Every season has its charm—your photographer (me!) can help you choose the perfect time for the light, colour, and conditions you love most.

Eloping in Wanaka

There’s something undeniably magical about elopements—the quiet kind of magic that doesn’t need an audience to feel real. In a world that often places value on grandeur and spectacle, eloping is a brave return to simplicity, to intimacy, and to love in its rawest, most authentic form.

Elopements strip away the noise and pressure of tradition, creating space for couples to be fully present with each other. Without the long guest lists, timelines, and expectations, the focus shifts to what truly matters: two people, in love, choosing each other .

Eloping is not about running away; it’s about running toward something—toward freedom, toward meaning, toward love that is yours alone.

There is beauty in that boldness. Beauty in the honesty. And beauty in the beginning of a marriage that starts, not with a spectacle, but with soul.

Get married in Wanaka

Wānaka isn’t just a place—it’s a feeling. A sense of stillness, wonder, and breathtaking beauty that settles into your soul the moment you arrive. Tucked into the heart of New Zealand’s South Island, this alpine gem is the perfect backdrop for a love story that’s anything but ordinary.

Imagine saying your vows beside the shimmering lake framed by snow-capped peaks and golden tussock-covered hills. Whether you’re dreaming of an adventurous elopement on a mountaintop, an intimate lakeside ceremony, or a relaxed celebration under the open sky, Wānaka offers a canvas that’s both dramatic and deeply serene.

The beauty here is wild, untamed, and honest—much like love itself. And beyond the views, there’s a warmth in the community, a pace that invites you to slow down, and a sense of connection that makes every moment feel intentional.

Wānaka is not just where you get married. It’s where you begin—surrounded by nature, grounded in meaning, and entirely present with the one you love.

How to legally elope in Wanaka

Dreaming of eloping in the breathtaking landscapes of Queenstown and Wanaka? While elopements feel spontaneous and wild, there are still a few legal boxes to tick before you can officially call yourselves married.

We can help with all your elopement planning including the legal stuff but here is a step-by-step guide to help you legally elope in New Zealand—stress-free.

1. Apply for a Marriage Licence

To legally marry in New Zealand, you need to apply for a marriage licence at least 3 working days before your ceremony. You can apply online or in person if you're already in the country.

What you’ll need:

• Full names and details for both partners

• ID (passport or birth certificate if local)

• The date and location of your ceremony

• The name of your registered celebrant

💡 Pro tip: You don’t need the exact GPS coordinates—just a general location like “Lake Wanaka Foreshore” or “Mt Roy Summit.”

Here’s the official link to apply:
👉 https://marriages.services.govt.nz

2. Choose a Registered Celebrant (or let us choose one for you)

Only registered celebrants can legally marry you in New Zealand. The good news? There are lots of wonderful celebrants who specialise in elopements and are happy to hike or helicopter with you to your ceremony location.

Your celebrant will also guide you through your vows, legal wording, and what paperwork needs to be signed on the day.

3. Bring Two Witnesses

To make it official, you’ll need two witnesses present at your ceremony who are old enough to understand what’s happening (usually 18+). They don’t need to be NZ residents or know you personally.

What if you’re truly eloping just the two of you? No problem!
Your photographer and videographer (or even a pilot or guide) can often act as your witnesses—this happens all the time with intimate elopements.

4. Sign the Paperwork

On your elopement day, your celebrant will bring the legal documents:

• The Copy of Particulars of Marriage

• The Marriage Licence

You, your partner, your two witnesses, and your celebrant will sign the papers—usually right after your vows.

💡 Don’t worry, this doesn’t take long!

5. Receive Your Marriage Certificate

After the ceremony, your celebrant will submit your paperwork to the New Zealand government. You can then order your official Marriage Certificate online—it usually arrives within 2–3 weeks.

This certificate is what you’ll need to:

• Change your last name (if you choose to)

• Prove your marriage legally anywhere in the world

Bonus Tips for a Smooth Legal Elopement

• International couples are absolutely welcome to marry in NZ—no residency required.

• Be mindful of the weather and travel logistics. If you’re heading into alpine or remote locations, have a backup plan in case of flight cancellations or closures.

• Don’t forget your vows and rings (they’re not legally required, but they make it feel real!).

Final Thoughts

Eloping in New Zealand is an unforgettable way to marry—wild and beautiful. And once the paperwork is handled, you’re free to focus on what really matters: being present with your person in one of the most magical places on Earth.

If you’re looking for a photographer who can guide you through the elopement journey (and act as a witness too!), I’d love to help.

Let’s create a day that’s not just legal—but legendary.

Intimate wedding in Wanaka

When you choose to elope, you're choosing something deeply personal—an experience that reflects who you are as a couple without the pressure, expectation, or performance of a traditional wedding. And as your elopement photographer, I’m not just there to take pretty photos—I’m there to tell your story, authentically and intimately with a mix of reportage (or documentary style images) and editorial (magazine style) pictures that capture your day and frame your story visually.

Because your elopement is so much more than a photo shoot. It’s a day filled with emotion, anticipation, connection, and unscripted moments that deserve to be remembered for how they felt, not just how they looked.