Lake Pukaki and Mackenzie District: A Slice of New Zealand Paradise. Where Nature's Wonder Meets Romance.


​2025 'Lupin Elopement' dates currently available:
27 November, 1, 2, 4, 11, 17  December 2025

let's celebrate

bringing your wedding vision to life
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JoRizza + Zane from the USA | Lake Pukaki
Romantic - Wild - Peaceful
​elopement packages or marriage celebrant only

Eloping in the breathtaking landscapes of the Mackenzie District doesn't have to be stressful or expensive! With my experience and knowledge from over 300+ weddings, you're in safe hands.

The Mackenzie District is made for love stories.
With its vast skies, sparkling lakes, golden tussocks, and snow-tipped peaks, it’s the perfect place to slow down, breathe it all in, and say yes in a way that feels true to you.

Whether you’re dreaming of an intimate elopement, a ceremony with a handful of loved ones, or an adventure that's big and wild, this region has it all.

Lake Pukaki + Mackenzie District Magic

​Picture this: you’re standing on the shores of Lake Pukaki, its crystal-blue waters glistening behind you, with Aoraki Mt Cook rising tall on the horizon.

​The colour of the glacial water-fed lake shifts with the light: sometimes turquoise, sometimes an icy blue,  or shimmering like a mirror reflecting the sky.
How perfect!

​Lake Pukaki sits over 500 metres above sea level, and stretching nearly 180 kilometres, surrounded by mountains, rolling hills, and vast Mackenzie skies. 

📍If you’re driving from Christchurch to Mt Cook or Queenstown, you’ll pass Lake Pukaki. It’s about a 4-hour drive from Christchurch, making it accessible but still remote enough to feel like you’ve stepped into another world.
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Golden Hour at Lake Alexandrina
The Mackenzie District is dramatic, romantic and truly unforgettable!
​Are you ready to make beautiful memories? 

packages + planning or celebrant only

No Cost Location Ideas
Bride and groom standing on the rocky shoreline of Lake Pukaki with Aoraki Mt Cook snow-capped mountains behind them across the turquoise lake during their intimate Mackenzie District wedding
Vaughan + Emilie at Lake Pukaki

ELOPEMENT Packages (Monday - Thursday) 
  • ONE-HOUR PHOTOGRAPHY + Elopement Celebrant + Planner from $2249*
  • TWO-HOUR PHOTOGRAPHY + Elopement Celebrant + Planner from $2649 - $2849*
ADD Florals, Cupcakes, Elope Platter Box (I will bring)  Hair + makeup, videography, helicopter

DESIGN YOUR OWN Package 
  • available every day of the year

CELEBRANT ONLY
  • Elopement Celebrant  Monday to Thursday (excl public hols), up to 20 guests from $699
  • Wedding Celebrant, every day, unlimited guests $799
*Lake Pukaki's estimated price depends on location
Two brides holding hands and walking joyfully through golden tussock fields with Aoraki Mt Cook’s dramatic mountain backdrop, celebrating a romantic New Zealand elopement.
Amanda + Emma at Mt Cook + Lake Pukaki

ELOPEMENT Packages (Monday - Thursday) 
  • TWO-HOUR PHOTOGRAPHY + Elopement Celebrant + Planner from TBC
  • THREE-HOUR PHOTOGRAPHY + Elopement Celebrant + Planner from TBC​
ADD Florals, Cupcakes, Elope Platter Box (I will bring)  Hair + makeup, videography, helicopter

DESIGN YOUR OWN Package
  • available every day of the year

​CELEBRANT ONLY
  • Elopement Celebrant  Monday to Thursday (excl public hols), up to 4 guests from $850
  • Wedding Celebrant, every day, unlimited guests $950
*MT Cook's  estimated price depends on location
*** All prices shown in New Zealand Dollars and prices are current for weddings held  before 31st December 2026
Same sex Elopement Package Lake Tekapo with Jade Whaley. American couple just married with destination wedding Mackenzie District.
Mel + Larah's Elopement Package with Florals, Cupcakes + Photographer
We are blessed and grateful to have Jade as the wedding celebrant and planner for our elopement.

She has given us a safe space and helped make our day even more special. It was hassle-free from the start and was the perfect wedding we had hoped for!

She made it intimate and personal, even expressed her best wishes through the poem and card she had for us.

Thank you, Jade, for all your help and guidance. 
​
Mel + Lara |  Australia

elopement packages or celebrant only

*** All prices shown in New Zealand Dollars and prices are current for weddings held  before 31st December 2026
ELOPEMENT Packages (Monday - Thursday) 
  • ONE-HOUR PHOTOGRAPHY + Elopement Celebrant + Planner from $2249*
  • TWO-HOUR PHOTOGRAPHY + Elopement Celebrant + Planner from $2649 - $2849

DESIGN YOUR OWN Package  available every day of the year

​CELEBRANT ONLY
  • Elopement Celebrant  Monday to Thursday (excl public hols), up to 20 guests $699
  • Wedding Celebrant, every day, unlimited guests $799
  • Wedding Celebrant + MC every day $1399
Lake Tekapo Wedding celebrant Jade Whaley signing the marriage licence at Morelea Lakeside in New Zealand. Lake in background with snowcapped mountains.
Making it legal - signing the paperwork | Photography Chaznel Steenkamp Photography

paid accomodation recommendations

Paid Accomodation Location Ideas
Here are two popular venues ( with accommodation)  that couples (and vendors) love.
​You will need to check availability, confirm costs and book and pay directly through their website. 
Smiling bride and groom with children at Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat, with Lake Pukaki and Aoraki Mt Cook in the distance, celebrating a NZ luxury resort wedding.
Ben + Mary at Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat
A couple just married on the sweeping high-country landscapes of Braemar Station, with panoramic views over Lake Pukaki, Aoraki Mt Cook and the Southern Alps, creating a breathtaking Mackenzie District wedding setting.
Erin + Tamati at Braemar Station

mackenzie Lupins

Bride and groom holding hands lakeside at Lake Tekapo with lupins in bloom, a romantic elopement in the Mackenzie District.
Congratulations Oner + Hazel
The Mackenzie District bursts into colour mid/late November to very early January thanks to its lupins, which range from deep purples and blues to soft pinks and whites.

These wildflowers create beautiful backdrops for your elopement or intimate wedding.

You’ll find them sprinkled across Twizel, Lake Pukaki, Lake Tekapo, the Lindis Pass, and other riverbeds throughout the district.

Planning your wedding around lupin season? Don’t wait too long, we book up quickly. 
​
Reach out now to secure your Mackenzie lupin elopement package.

Optional Add-ons

If you want more sparkle, I have some amazing vendors who can join the party

Blooming Love

Elegant fresh flower wedding bouquet with white flowers, green leaves, and a striking protea for Lake pukaki Elopment .
Hazel's wedding bouquet as part of their elopement package
🌸  Fresh Florals 
A bouquet can say so much. Whether you want something wild and whimsical or sweet and simple,

​I'll organise seasonal bouquets and/or buttonholes just for you.
  • Fresh flowers from trusted local florists
  • Bouquets (small or large) and buttonholes are available
  • I'll bring them to your ceremony, no  extra running around for you
The photo shown is from Hazel + Oners' elopement; your florals will be uniquely yours.

Sweet Love

Just married, wedding couple holding their elopement cupcakes at Lake Tekapo after destination wedding package
Hazel + Oner's Elopement Cupcakes
🧁 Designer Cupcakes
Treat yourselves (and maybe your guests) to something gorgeous and delicious.
  • Cupcakes are crafted with love by a professional baker 
  • Flavours and designs are a surprise from the baker- each one is a little masterpiece
  • Perfect for a mini celebration after your ceremony
Each cupcake batch is bespoke - these were for Oner and Hazel's September elopement  

** No Gluten-free option. Not available on Mondays
Photography Credits on this page:  Chris Stanley, Laura Johns, Lavender Turner, Beth Lamborne, Agnes Grace, Kate Baron  

let's connect
For more information about my packages and celebrant services, please fill out this form.

​Please complete all the questions to let me know the date(s) you have in mind.

Contact Information
E:  [email protected] 
T: 027 251 9300
A: Queen Street, Timaru, South Canterbury
Newly married couple standing in lupins at Lake Tekapo, New Zealand.
Ana and Felipe's Lupin Love in December at Lake Tekapo. Their package for the couple and six guests included a private venue, a two-course meal, and two hours of photography. I was the celebrant, planner, and coordinator.