A wedding ceremony held in a special or scenic location away from the your hometown — and New Zealand is one of the most sought-after destinations in the world for this kind of wedding. For international couples, a destination wedding in Aotearoa blends breathtaking landscapes with a relaxed, welcoming culture. For local couples, it’s a chance to turn your wedding into a mini getaway with your closest family and friends. Here are a few of the most iconic New Zealand locations, and my personal favourites:

• Queenstown & Wanaka – dramatic mountains and lakes
• Rotorua & Taupō – geothermal landscapes and forest lodges
• Auckland’s West Coast – black-sand beaches and rugged cliffs
• Bay of Islands – subtropical beaches and island views
• Fiordland & Milford Sound – cinematic fjords and waterfalls
• Hawke’s Bay & Marlborough – vineyards and wineries