The landscape and serenity of the Mackenzie district lends itself to special weddings in spectacular locations. There are many wedding locations to choose from, including beautiful churches, lovely gardens, windswept tussocklands and spectacular glaciers.

The most popular wedding venue in the Aoraki / Mount Cook Mackenzie district is the Church of the Good Shepherd, on the shores of Lake Tekapo. Built in 1935, the pretty stone chapel has awe inspiring views of Lake Tekapo from its altar window. The church seats up to 60 people and is available only for interdenominational Christian weddings and blessings, conducted by a licensed clergy.

Civil ceremonies can be held in many spectacular locations including on top of a glacier in Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park. Transported by helicopter or snowplane, with or without a wedding party, your celebrant can marry you in a pristine environment on top of the world.

There are a number of individuals and companies that are able to assist you in planning your dream wedding in this spectacular part of the world. Please select from wedding planners, hairdressers, make-up experts, florists and venues below.

The Wedding Company

The Wedding Company specialises in New Zealand weddings for couples from around the globe. They specialise in weddings at Lake Tekapo and Aoraki / Mount Cook.

New Zealand Dream Weddings

Donna Dohi is an internationally renowned wedding planner and can take the stress out of your wedding.

Jenny Rayne

Based at Lake Tekapo, Jenny loves to help create an individual memory for couples choosing to marry in a truly unique and special location. Talk with Jenny about available ceremonies or create your own words to express your love for each other.

Telephone: +64 3 680 6607
Email: jenny@laketekapoweddings.co.nz

Glenys Marshall

A local marriage celebrant available for weddings in Twizel, Lake Pukaki and Aoraki / Mount Cook.

Telephone: +64 3 435 0896
Email: lake.pukaki@xtra.co.nz

Simply Inspired Wedding Photography

Bev Bell of Simply Inspired specialises in outdoor weddings in this incredible place called the Mackenzie. Bev will capture the love and joy of your special day. Based in Fairlie, she is available to travel to all our unique locations and offers a fun, relaxed day with professional photos at an affordable price.

High Country Images

Michele Allan has awesome people skills and has been a professional photographer since an early age, raised in a family business totally involved in the art of portrait and wedding photography. Michele’s love of the Mackenzie region and joy in sharing it with others gives her the opportunity to capture special images for each couple.

Donna Dohi Photography

Donna combines traditional skill and modern technology to create a storybook of treasured moments of your special day.

She is able to build personal relationships with each couple. This allows her to unobtrusively capture spontaneous defining moments with a unique combination of skills and sensitivity. Telling the story as you lived and dreamed it to be.

Stu Jackson Photography

Telephone: +64 274 342 372
Email: stu@photographs.co.nz

Image Works

Marilyn (hair stylist) and Helen (makeup artist) are both very experienced in their individual fields and welcome you to our studios, Marilyn in Lake Tekapo and Helen in Fairlie.

They also offer a mobile service throughout the Mackenzie and Aoraki / Mount Cook area.

Ruth Orange Floral Design

Ruth is available to design your chosen traditional or contemporary bridal bouquet, flowers for the bridesmaids, corsages and/or buttonholes. The floral designs for the church and reception venue can be prepared and transported to Lake Tekapo or alternatively Ruth is happy to travel to Tekapo to design them in situ.

The Old Mountaineers Cafe

In Mount Cook Village - suitable for wedding receptions (restaurant is closed so venue is private).

Opawa Homestead

Near Fairlie - large historic homestead offering a great venue for a garden wedding - catering and accommodation are available.

Eat Deli and Bar

Modern deli/restaurant and bar in Fairlie. Has a large mezzanine floor and balcony (seats up to 50) available for private functions or the entire venue may be hired out for a function for up to 110 people. Menus can be tailored to client's wishes. Bright, fresh and modern decor with a sophisticated yet casual feel.

Lake Ohau Lodge

With 62 rooms, a restaurant, and a fantastic location on the shores of Lake Ohau, this is a great venue for a smoothly run event.

Up to 85 people can be seated in the restaurant, and the team at the lodge can help to arrange a JP to preside over the wedding ceremony. Drinks, nibbles and a choice of mains and desserts are available and there is no venue charge. A band or music can be arranged for after the ceremony so that guests can dance the night away.

Mount Cook Ski Planes

The only flightseeing company able to land within the Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park, so the only company able to take you to your dream wedding on the Tasman Glacier.

Tekapo Helicopters

Tekapo Helicopters provides transportation for weddings - especially up to the mountains.

Air Canterbury

Private charter flights from Christchurch to Mount Cook - perfect for transporting guests to the wedding or for a luxurious start to an elopement!

Southern Alps Guiding

Experienced guides can take you into the heart of the Tasman Glacier for a special outdoor wedding.

The Helicopter Line (Mount Cook)

Private helicopter charters to out of the way wedding locations.