Today we chat with Canadian-born Photographer Kate Roberge as she shares her top 5 dreamy locations for intimate elopements, around the serene, mountainscape destination of Queenstown. Cultivating connection and authentic, honest moments for those in love, she’s an expert in her field and we are excited to have Kate as a guest writer sharing her top tips for saying ‘I Do’ in the magical Central Otago.
With images steeped in raw beauty and picturesque landscapes, be swept away by Kate’s top 5 spots to elope below…
As I’m sure you know by now, Queenstown is one hell of a place. The landscapes this small slice of the world holds has some of the more gorgeous views you’ll ever see in a 200km radius. Because of that.. picking a spot for your elopement can be almost impossible. That’s why, I’ve looked through all of my past elopements and come up with the top 5 places that are both easy to get to and absolutely beautiful!
1. Moke Lake
If you’re looking for a spot to say your ‘I do’s’ that is secluded, wild, and has rolling hills, Moke lake should be the place you look into. Being only a 20 minute drive away from the main centre of Queenstown, it’s super easy to get to, and is a lot more private than most lake side options in Queenstown. The views you’ll get here are truly 360, and the lake is surrounded in mountains, long grassy fields and sometimes if you’re lucky horses!
2. Coronet Peak
Coronet Peak looks over Dalefeild, down to Arrowtown and across to the Remarakbles, with Wakatipu Lake peaking out from another angle… you aren’t going to run out of views any time soon with this spot! Skippers Canyon is easily accessible (third photo down) and during the winter you can live your full winter wonderland fantasies at the top of the mountain only a 20-minute drive up! During the rest of the year, Coronet is covered in tussocks and long grass, making it look super velvety and wild amongst the Queenstown landscape. Coronet is just 10 minutes out of town and paved all the way up. It’s one of my favourite spots if you’re looking to bring family and friends along to your ceremony, as it isn’t too hard to get to the ceremony spots I love, and there is plenty of parking!
3. Jacks Point
The perfect blend of mountains and lake views. Jacks Point is private, expansive, and has some of the most epic sunsets I’ve ever seen in my life. If you’re down for a bit of a walk, this is the place to go. I’m absolutely stunned by this location every time I get to shoot an elopement there, and honestly so is every couple I get to bring along with me. Jacks Point is 30 minutes from the middle of town, and a spot most tourists don’t have on their list when they are planning to come to Queenstown. This spot is definitely one to bring sensible shoes to as there is a bit of a walk to get to the final spot, but with the long grass hiding your feet, and the views you’re rewarded with, the bit of effort is definitely worth it!
4. Rees Valley
An hour away from Queenstown, at the end of the road, you’ll find Glenorchy. If the views from the drive weren’t enough to overwhelm you, once you head into the Rees Valley, you’ll be breathless. If you’re looking for a location that looks right out of Lord of The Rings for your New Zealand elopement, Rees Valley should be the place you focus your intentions on.. not just because it was actually in the movie, but because the views look like a green screen when you get there… it’s honestly just so perfect it doesn’t even look real. Since it’s private land, there is a small fee to head here, but trust me, it’s so worth it!
5. Coromandel Peak
This one is technically not in Queenstown but is able to be reached by helicopter lifting off from the Queenstown Airport. The peak is sometimes called “Roy’s Peak” but where you land is actually a better view than that… if you can even imagine it getting better. It looks straight down Lake Wanaka, and out towards Mount Aspiring Nation Park, there is no angle on this peak that isn’t amazing. This spot is 100% private, only reachable by helicopter, and is perfect for couples looking for that out-of-this-world feel on their elopement wedding day.
It’s hard to imagine that these are only 5 of the most epic landscapes in Queenstown… honestly if I wanted to, I could write a full book on the topic, each page with a new location and reason why it’s gorgeous. To save you some time, I’ll leave it here at five, but if you’re looking for something different for your elopement in Queenstown, please let me know, there is a spot for everyone here, and there is no lack of amazing views!
Words & Images by Kate Roberge
Want to read more insights into planning a wedding in Queenstown, New Zealand, or tips on how to nail your bridal portraits?! Check out Kate’s Journal here, and make sure you follow her on Instagram at @katerobergephotography
You can also find Kate over on our Wild Hearts Vendor Collection here. And dream a little more on the blog with the beautiful Winehouse Wedding of ROSA + NICK, here.
Stay tuned for next time as we chat with Kate about how to plan an elopement in a month – a perfect one for all of those spontaneous romantics out there!
