Summit vows. Ski field rings. Lakeside promises with just the two of you. I'll marry you anywhere the mountains take us — no fuss, just the moment.
About Joanna
I'm a Wānaka-based celebrant who gets it. You don't want a marquee and a microphone. You want your ceremony at the top of a climb, on a powder day, beside a river no one else knows about.
As a licensed marriage celebrant, I can marry you anywhere in New Zealand — and I genuinely mean anywhere. If you can get there, I can get there. I'll carry my own pack and wear appropriate footwear.
Every ceremony I write is built around you — your story, your style, your place. Whether it's two minutes of vows on a summit or a relaxed afternoon with a handful of your favourite people, I'll make sure it's real, personal and completely yours.
Services
Whether it's just the two of you on a mountaintop or a small group celebrating somewhere special, I have a package to suit.
Simple, legal, done. A short and personal ceremony at your chosen location — no fuss, just the two of you and the words that matter. I take care of all the paperwork.
The full elopement adventure. A completely bespoke ceremony somewhere off the beaten track — summit, ski field, river, ridge. You choose the adventure, I write the words and handle everything else.
Something in between? A small gathering, a backyard ceremony, a celebration with a handful of your favourite people somewhere beautiful. Tell me what you have in mind and we'll make it work.
Everything included
The process
Drop me a message. We'll have a relaxed first chat — by phone, video or a coffee in Wānaka — to see if we click and to hear about your vision.
Once you're happy to go ahead, we confirm the date with a deposit and I get started on the paperwork and your ceremony script.
I write your ceremony and share it with you. We go back and forth until it's exactly right — your story, your words, your tone.
I'll be there early, ready to go. The paperwork is sorted after and registered with BDM — you just enjoy being married.
Questions
Can you really marry us on a mountaintop?
Yes. As a licensed New Zealand celebrant, I can perform your ceremony anywhere in the country. If you can get there and it's safe, we can do it there. I'm comfortable in backcountry environments and will always have a plan for the weather.
How many guests can we have?
As few as zero witnesses (I can source two if needed) and as many as the location allows. For adventure elopements, 2 to 10 is ideal. For small adventure weddings, up to 20 works well. If you have a bigger group in mind, let's chat.
What about the legal bits?
I take care of all the legal paperwork. You'll need to apply for a New Zealand Marriage Licence (I'll guide you through this step by step — it's straightforward) and I handle the registration after the ceremony.
Do we have to write our own vows?
Not at all. I can write vows for you, give you templates to personalise, or help you craft your own from scratch. There's no pressure either way — whatever feels right for you.
How far in advance should we book?
For peak Wānaka dates (summer, public holidays, ski season weekends) as far ahead as possible. For off-peak or flexible dates, a few weeks can be enough. The marriage licence requires a minimum of 3 working days notice, but earlier is always better.
Do you travel outside Wānaka?
Absolutely. I'm based in Wānaka and cover the wider Queenstown-Lakes and Mackenzie regions without extra charge. Further afield I add a travel fee — just ask and I'll give you an honest figure.
Let's talk
Drop me a message with your date, your idea, and whatever else feels relevant. I'll get back to you within 24 hours.
Not sure yet? That's fine too — reach out and we'll figure it out together.