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Simple, beautiful,
completely handled.
Nomad Weddings NZ is a Queenstown-based elopement photography and planning company specialising in intimate ground ceremonies across the South Island of New Zealand. The Essentials Package is our entry point: a complete, beautifully handled elopement at three of Queenstown’s most accessible locations. Coronet Peak, Moke Lake, and Lake Johnson are all within 20 minutes of central Queenstown, no helicopter required. For a more elevated ground experience with a permit location, see our Deer Park Heights Package. For a remote mountain summit by helicopter, see our heli-wedding locations.
The three included locations each offer something different. Coronet Peak gives you mountain elevation and open sky without a helicopter. Moke Lake is the most reliably private ground location in the region: a broad alpine basin with water, hills, and clear views in every direction. Lake Johnson is five minutes from the airport, largely unknown to visitors, and works well for portrait sessions close to town.
This package suits couples who want a genuine, complete Queenstown elopement at a straightforward price. No aviation complexity, no additional permit fees for a simple ceremony, and no excess. It is not the right fit for couples whose priority is a remote summit landing, a Lord of the Rings filming location, or a private permit site.
Ground ceremonies carry less weather risk than helicopter packages because there is no aviation dependency. We can proceed on windy and overcast days. Date flexibility is available as an add-on.
- Elopement planning and coordination
- Registered marriage celebrant
- 3.5 hours of wedding photography
- Ground transport for two
- GST inclusive
Essentials vs Deer Park
vs Heli-Wedding.
| Essentials | Deer Park Heights | Heli-Wedding | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starting from | NZ$4,690 | NZ$5,690 | NZ$6,960 |
| Helicopter required | No | No | Yes |
| Elevation | Ground level | ~550m, drive access | 1,200m to 1,900m, fly in |
| Permit required | Typically not required | Yes, approved vendor | Yes, aviation permit |
| Time at location | No set limit | No set limit | ~60 min landing window |
| Weather risk | Low | Low | Higher, pilot makes final call |
| Lord of the Rings location | No | Yes | No |
| Roaming wildlife | No | Yes, deer, donkeys, alpacas | No |
| Guests | 2 included, add-on available | Up to 20 (add-on) | 2 included; more possible, 6 per helicopter |
Your ceremony
location.
Three ground locations are included in the Essentials Package. Each one has its own character. We confirm your location two days before based on conditions and preference.
Coronet Peak
Heli look without flying
Coronet Peak sits at approximately 1,650m above sea level with an open outlook taking in Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu, and the Richardson Range. The elevation gives you the aerial feeling of a heli-wedding without a helicopter. One of the few ground locations in the region where the photography genuinely looks like you flew there.
Accessible by road year-round. In winter the summit road may require 4WD or chains depending on conditions. Summer and autumn offer the most straightforward access.
What your
day looks like.
Times are indicative. We build your schedule around your hair and makeup booking and your preferred location. No helicopter means more flexibility on the day.
Hair and makeup
Your stylist comes to your accommodation. About two hours. We coordinate timing so everything flows from here without rushing. Hair and makeup is an optional add-on.
Collection and drive
We collect you from your accommodation. Your location is confirmed two days before the wedding based on conditions and your preference. Coronet Peak, Moke Lake, and Lake Johnson are all within 20 minutes of central Queenstown.
Ceremony
Your celebrant meets you at the location. The ceremony takes about 15 minutes. Then the rest of your shoot time is yours. Your photographer captures the moments as they happen, unposed and unhurried.
Lakeside photoshoot
Your day continues down to Lake Wakatipu. A different setting, different light, and a change of mood that keeps the shoot feeling fresh. About an hour, then we drop you back at your accommodation.
What you
arrange yourself.
These are the parts most couples enjoy planning. Once your booking is confirmed, we will send personalised recommendations for accommodation, restaurants, and activities in Queenstown.
- Marriage licence (we guide you)
- Your flights to Queenstown
- Accommodation in Queenstown
- Meals and dining
- Wedding rings
- Your outfits
- Honeymoon activities
- Your vows to each other
The marriage licence costs NZ$150 and must be arranged at least three working days before your ceremony. We walk you through the process after booking.
Add-ons
available.
Every package can be extended. Add-on pricing is included with your quote when you enquire.
- 2 wet weather backup dates
- Additional guests: custom quote on enquiry
- Upgrade to Deer Park Heights package: add NZ$1,000
- Wedding videography: ceremony video and 3 to 5 min 4K highlight film
- Bridal hair and makeup
- Seasonal bouquet and buttonhole
- Luxe bouquet and buttonhole
- Night shoot
Wedding
Videography.
Add a 4K highlight film and full ceremony video to any package
From first message
to your wedding day.
Enquiry
Get in touch. Ask anything. We respond within 48 hours. Video calls available.
Consultation
We confirm availability, discuss your vision, and send a tailored quote.
Planning
We coordinate vendors, draft your schedule, and handle the details.
Confirmation
Invoice, service agreement, and 30% deposit to lock in your date. Balance due 7 days before the wedding.
Pre-wedding
Vendor checks, travel confirmation, and a weather call two days before.
Your day
We pick you up. The Nomad Weddings NZ team handles everything. You just show up.
Before you
get in touch.
Why Nomad
Weddings NZ.
We are based in Queenstown. We know the locations, the seasons, and the conditions. When the weather forecast shifts two days before your wedding, we make the call from experience, not from a script.
Planning, celebrant, photography, and transport are coordinated by us. No handoffs between vendors, no coordination overhead for you. One booking covers the whole day.
Most of our couples plan their wedding from overseas. We handle the logistics, the legal requirements, and the location coordination entirely remotely before you land. You arrive with everything already arranged.
Over a decade of Queenstown elopements and weddings. Featured three times in Zexy, Japan's leading bridal publication. Sony Alpha Awards finalist. Couples from more than 40 countries have trusted us with their day.
Check availability
for your date.
Tell us your preferred date and any questions. We confirm availability and send a tailored quote within 48 hours. All enquiries go directly to our Queenstown team.
Packages from NZ$4,690. December and January dates often book 6 to 12 months ahead.
