Wedding location

Queenstown

New Zealand's most spectacular alpine playground — dramatic peaks, deep blue lakes, and private helicopter landings all to yourselves.

Queenstown — location in New Zealand
Queenstown
Best seasonYear-round — summer for long evenings, winter for snow
Getting there10 minutes from Queenstown Airport; direct flights from Australia
Group sizeUp to 4 guests
Helicopter accessPrivate alpine landings

Why couples choose Queenstown

Queenstown has been drawing couples for as long as I’ve been planning weddings here — and that’s since 1999. It’s easy to see why. Snow-dusted mountains rise straight out of a deep blue lake, and within minutes you can be standing somewhere that feels like the top of the world, with barely another soul in sight.

It’s also wonderfully simple to reach, with direct flights from Australia and a short drive from the airport. You can step off the plane and be at your wedding spot the same day.

Ceremonies by helicopter

Queenstown is where helicopter weddings truly come into their own. I work with trusted local helicopter operators to fly couples to spectacular private mountain locations that simply can’t be reached any other way. Popular helicopter ceremony locations from Queenstown include:

  • The Ledge on Cecil Peak — a dramatic shelf high above Lake Wakatipu.
  • The Remarkables — the ridgeline that gives Queenstown its unmistakable skyline.
  • Earnslaw Burn — surrounded by towering cliffs, waterfalls and hanging glaciers.

Looking for something different? It’s also possible to fly from Queenstown to other spectacular mountain locations, including Coromandel Peak, Lochnagar, and Tyndall Glacier. If one of these locations interests you, simply get in touch and I’ll be happy to explain the options available from Queenstown.

On the ground

Not every Queenstown wedding needs a helicopter. The much-loved Chapel by the Lake, set in the luxury gardens of Stoneridge Estate overlooking Lake Hayes, offers an intimate indoor ceremony, while quiet coves along Lake Wakatipu are every bit as beautiful from the shoreline.

How the day flows

Hair and makeup at your accommodation, a short journey to your ceremony, your vows, photography in that extraordinary light, and home again to celebrate. I plan every moment personally and make sure the day runs smoothly.

What your wedding day can look like

There’s no rushing your day. I plan it at a gentle pace, with room to get ready, travel to your ceremony, exchange your vows and take photographs afterwards. Most Queenstown elopements begin with preparation at your accommodation, then a short drive to your helicopter base or ceremony spot. Once you’ve married, there’s time to soak in the landscape and capture it before heading back — all within a clear, confirmed timeline, so the day flows naturally from start to finish.

Frequently asked questions

Can you get married on a mountain top in Queenstown?

Yes — this is one of my favourite ways to marry in Queenstown. We fly you by helicopter to a private alpine spot such as The Ledge on Cecil Peak, where you exchange vows with only your celebrant and photographer present. I arrange the flight, the permits and every detail.

Is Queenstown or Wānaka better for an elopement?

Both are beautiful and only an hour apart. Queenstown is grander and more dramatic, with the widest choice of helicopter landings and the easiest access by air. Wānaka is quieter and more relaxed. Tell me the feeling you're after and I'll help you choose.

What is the best time of year to elope in Queenstown?

Queenstown is wonderful for most of the year — summer brings long, warm evenings; autumn turns golden; and the peaks are snow-capped in winter. I'll match your date to the light and weather you're hoping for.

With love, from New Zealand

Dreaming of a Queenstown wedding?

Tell me your story and what you have in mind. I’ll personally guide you every step of the way — the same as I have for couples from around the world since 1999.

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