Meaningful Lake Tekapo Elopement in New Zealand

Friends, I am absolutely *beyond* excited to share this Lake Tekapo elopement with you. This was a very special elopement to photograph. And while the scenery was amazing, the day fun and chill, the reason this day was so significant was the people. Because K + S are two extremely dear friends of mine. I’ve talked a bunch about why New Zealand is so special to me, and the life changing road trip I took back in 2017 with Rob, and two friends, one of whom was Karl. The Peak Existence origin trip!! We’ve been friends for 15 years so to get to be their witness, photographer, and general wearer of many hats (as I am for all my elopements) was an experience unlike any other. 

Every elopement is special and dear to me. Truly. But the magnitude of the honor and responsibility of doing K + S’s day justice was a living, tangible thing in my chest in the days leading up to their elopement. I was SO excited and also SO nervous. 😂 

But like a friend who knew the importance of the occasion, New Zealand gifted us the perfect day. The weather on New Zealand can be pretty variable (lol, island weather) and pair that with being right next to the Southern Alps, you never know what you’re going to get. But this day was blue and perfect. I did some shuffling as K and S took turns getting ready. Them we set up the first look, S excitedly clutching my arm as we approached K. I always love a first look- but being along for the ride and privy to details about each of their attire, knowing the level of stoke, and being good friends- did I get teary? Maybe.

There are two lakes at the base of Mt Cook- Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki, and that was where we were to spend the bulk of our day. We bounced along a dirt road (perfect, because K + S love offloading, so this was a little nod to that pastime) and stopped at a viewpoints along the incredible turquoise lake. We pause for K to make a bouquet for S out of lupines. A note on this- almost all the time bouquet picking, trampling, sitting amongst, etc, is a HUGE leave no trace no-no, and one I am quite a stickler about. But! Lupines, famed for growing along the shores of Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki (and elsewhere, too) are actually an invasive species in NZ, known for choking stream beds and clogging shorelines. So while beautiful, they are a nuisance, so in this *extremely specific scenario* picking flowers, sitting amongst the flowers, etc, is all totally fine. K diligently picked the best flowers, asking S which were her favorites. Then we arrived at our final spot. K + S had a quick and windy picnic, then explored the shores of a braided river, skipping stones, touching the water, and watching all the birds soar around.

We took some (super) dreamy sunset portraits, and then? Private vows as the sun slipped behind the mountains and the wind quieted. We ended the day just as the last sliver of pink light crested the peak of Mt. Cook.

In true NZ fashion, an absolute peak existence day. I won’t ever forget it. K + S? Being a part of your adventure was the true privilege of a lifetime.

Love this Lake Tekapo elopement? Check out my full guide on how to elope in New Zealand for more inspo and advice 🙂