Beach Wedding Ceremonies

It’s no surprise that New Zealanders love the beach; we are surrounded by breathtaking bays and spectacular coastlines that provide a backdrop unequalled by any man-made location.

The colours of the land and seascape and the unique geographic formations of its coastline give a beach wedding a distinct New Zealand flavour. The freedom of the great outdoors and the relaxed, informal atmosphere of a beach wedding reflect our way of life, and suit the style and personalities of many Kiwi couples. And even if you don’t choose to have your wedding ceremony at the beach, it’s a great photo location. Include iconic coastlines and recognizable island outlines in your photos to add a touch of Aotearoa to even the most formal of weddings.

If you can’t get to the coast, New Zealand has some of the most beautiful lakes in the world that offer an ideal alternative to a beach wedding. Imagine the crisp, clear water of a lake set against a magnificent mountain backdrop….bliss.

Tips for beach weddings

• It’s a good idea to hold your ceremony on a sheltered spot on the beach. Strong winds can be just as uncomfortable as rain, and will carry away the voices of the celebrant, bride and groom. You also don’t want your guests to be staring into bright sunlight or for them to become too hot.
• Think about the accessibility or your spot. Is it easy to get to and does it have sufficient parking? Neither the wedding party nor the guests will want to trek too far or deal with obstacles, such as steep rocks or locked gates. Also, make sure there are toilet facilities nearby.
• Check with the local council if you need a permit to marry at your location of choice, and ask if alcohol is allowed, or if the beach is being used that day.
• Provide seating for guests who may need it, plus a table for signing the register.
• Check the tides. A low tide can leave a residue or smell, and a high tide may bring a rogue wave to dampen your ceremony. An ebb, or outgoing tide is a good choice because the surf is usually quieter as it works it way out.
• A beach breeze is refreshing but can cause havoc to flowers and decorations. Keep everything simple and well anchored!
• If it’s sandfly season think about providing insect repellent for guests. Some extra tubes of sunscreen won’t go astray either!
• Always have a back-up plan. Hire a covered venue for the ceremony just in case the elements aren’t on your side and your beach plans have to be abandoned. The last thing you want is to have your guests running for cover and your carefully curled hair going limp. Your secondary location needs to be near the first so that guests can be easily diverted to the new venue at the last minute.