An Autumn Elopement at Lake Lochnagar and Harris Ranges

May is one of our favourite months for a Queenstown elopement, and Amanda and Kori’s day is a good example of why. The sun is low, the light is soft and golden all day, and the high peaks sometimes pick up their first dusting of winter snow while the valleys are still holding onto autumn colour. This one had all three — a picturesque alpine lake, snow-capped mountains, and golden tussocks.

Lake Lochnagar: The First Landing

Lake Lochnagar was the obvious pick for the ceremony landing. It’s one of the larger alpine lakes we can land at, part of the Fiordland National Park. In low spring light it turns a deep shade of blue — the kind of colour that looks photoshopped until you’ve stood in front of it. Snow on the surrounding peaks framed the water, with the golden tussock grasses running down to the shoreline doing a lot of the work contrast-wise. Amanda and Kori said their vows here with Soph from Married by Friends as their celebrant, then took some time to just stand in it (with a few pretty pictures) before flying on.

A Second Landing, Just for the Snow

Their second landing was set to be Vanguard Peak but all the best plans should be ready to tossed out the window. Scott (our photographer) wanted to make the most of fresh powdery snow from an Autumn dusting just the day before. After a bit of flying they landed somewhere remote and completely off the beaten path in the Harris Ranges to cut some fresh tracks. Autumn snow in Queenstown is unpredictable — it can melt in a day — so when it’s there, it’s worth chasing. The result was a second set of photos with proper snow underfoot, a noticeably colder light, and a different mood entirely from the lake.

The Look

Flowers came from The Flower Room, and Christie at Tussock Hair and Makeup handled hair and makeup. Simple, well done, and exactly what you want when the backdrop is doing most of the talking.

Why We Love a May Elopement

If you’re on the fence about when to elope in Queenstown, go for Autumn! Everyone thinks about midwinter snow or peak-summer light, but May and April sits in between — low soft sunlight for most of the day, golden tussock still hanging on, fresh brisk air and if you’re lucky a chance of fresh snow on the tops without the cold temperatures that come later in winter. Amanda and Kori’s day used all of it: blue water, gold grass, white peaks, in one afternoon.

I just wanted to take a moment to sincerely thank all of you for making our wedding day so incredibly perfect. From start to finish, everything felt seamless, thoughtful, and truly magical.

My hair and makeup were absolutely amazing—I felt so beautiful and completely myself. The ceremony was beyond special, and the way our officiant brought everything together made it so meaningful and unforgettable. And the photos… I’m honestly blown away. They are more beautiful than I ever could have dreamed, and I will treasure them forever.

What meant the most to me was how completely stress-free the entire day felt. I was able to be fully present, soak in every moment, and just enjoy marrying the love of my life. That is such a gift, and it’s all because of the care, detail, and heart you put into everything.

Thank you for creating a day that was truly perfect in every way. We will never forget it.

– Amanda and Kori