An Autumn Elopement at Coromandel Peak & Mt Hyde — Isabella & Colten

When Isabella and Colten contacted us about their elopement, they knew one thing for certain: they wanted autumn light, mountain colour, and someone with local knowledge to handle the details as they were travelling from the US to New Zealand. They found us the way a lot of our couples do these days — through Reddit, where real people share real experiences.

They chose our Simple is Beautiful package — two helicopter landings, a celebrant, photography and everything taken care of. Simple in the best possible way.

Coromandel Peak, Dressed for Autumn

Their first landing was Coromandel Peak, one of the most iconic spots above Lake Wānaka, and on this particular day, it was nothing short of dramatic. The sky had that heavy, grey autumn quality — layered cloud sitting low over the ranges, soft and moody, making the golden tussock glow even brighter against it.

Celebrant Sarah Noble officiated their ceremony up on the peak, and if you’ve ever stood up there in still autumn air with the world stretched out below you, you’ll understand why people travel halfway around the globe to say their vows in a place like that.

A Snow Surprise on Mt Hyde

For their second landing, photographer Scott made a call — instead of the originally planned Vanguard Peak, he spotted the right light and conditions on Mt Hyde and took them there instead. A remote, snow-covered summit with fresh powder. These days are what makes our helicopter elopements a little different. We’re not afraid to be spontaneous and to land somewhere extraordinary not expected.

It’s fair to say it was a good call.

The Day-After Delivery

We offer a ceremony video as an optional extra you can add to any package. Scott also captured video of Isabella and Colten’s ceremony — full audio, vows, the whole thing. It’s hugely popular to add as something to share with family back home but without the need to add any extra videographers getting in the way. You can keep all the intimacy of a tiny group consisting of just a couple, celebrant, Scott and the pilot on a mountain.

The next morning, Isabella and Colten had their edited ceremony video and a set of sneak peek photos waiting in their inbox. All ready to share with family and friends who couldn’t be there in person, but who got to watch it unfold anyway.

For the Couples Who Want It All Taken Care Of

Isabella and Colten came to New Zealand from the other side of the world with a clear idea and a willingness to trust us with the details. What they got was an autumn elopement that exceeded everything they’d hoped for — moody peaks, golden colour, a snow landing they didn’t see coming, and a ceremony that was entirely, completely theirs.

If you’re thinking about eloping in New Zealand — whether you’re local or travelling from abroad — we’d love to help you make it happen.