Wilderness Weddings | Mountain Journeys

WILDERNESS WEDDINGS

Do you and your loved one dream of declaring your love for each other in Aotearoa’s mountains?

Would you like a small intimate group of friends or family to join you?

Do you like tramping/hiking?

If yes, yes, yes, then you’ve come to the right place!

Your ceremony with us will not be a quick fly-in to an instagram spot only to be whisked back to civilisation after a quick “I do” and getting a few snaps.

Instead of helicopters, we hike in and have a night camped in the mountains. This provides a much more special experience for you and your partner, together with your group: an exclusive gathering at your own mini “reception” in the hills.

We can look after your safety, your catering, your photography, and your celebrant needs.

Whether you’re wanting a marriage, a civil union, or a vow-renewal, we can help. We’d also be happy to offer a similar trip for special birthdays or other occasions.

How it works:

We get to know each other over a video call so that we can learn what’s special and important for you both, and so you get an idea of who you’re signing up with. If it all sounds good to you, we can then start brainstorming what style of trip and ceremony would suit you best.
Getting good weather is a crucial part of a wilderness ceremony. We improve our chances of this by (a) blocking out four full days in our calendar for the two-day trip, so the start date can be moved 1-2 days if needed; and (b) together we’ll decide on several back-up trip locations in case the forecast for Plan A doesn’t look promising.
You’ll apply for your marriage or civil union licence, then send us a copy once you receive it. (These are usually processed in three days.)
Two more video calls closer to the trip will ensure that the words we use in your ceremony will be just right for you, and that any other special arrangements for your celebration are sorted out. We’ll also give you and your group a detailed list of what you’ll need to bring.
When we meet at the start of the trip, we’ll make sure everyone has the correct clothing and equipment, and we’ll distribute gear to be carried between everyone. That includes high quality tents – including a communal tent for eating, getting changed, etc – as well as cooking equipment and food. (Oh, and one or two special decorations and treats!)
Once on the trip, everything’s organised so you can relax! We’ll stay flexible so we can take advantage of conditions and locations as best as we can. We’ll not only guide your group but will take professional photos of the whole trip, including portraits of you both in the amazing location we’ll be in.

Packages:

Kea – $7,900 for couple + two witnesses

Standard ceremony words from celebrant (your vows can be as personalised as you like)
Photography includes short portrait session post-ceremony
Same location choices as other packages
Outdoor personal clothing/equipment available for hire
Simple but tasty freeze-dried or dehydrated meals, plus small cake and bottle of bubbles
$600 for each additional person up to total group size of 7 people (up to 13 people possible with limited location choices)
Option to turn this into a longer trip if you wish to spend more time in the mountains or go somewhere more remote – additional $550/person/day.

Pīwauwau – $9,790 for couple + two witnesses

Personalised ceremony words from celebrant
Photography includes candid shots during walk in/out, ceremony prep, the ceremony itself (using static camera), a portrait session post-ceremony, and celebrations. Photography will fit around other trip essentials since the photographer is also the guide/chef/celebrant!
Outdoor personal clothing available for you to borrow at no extra cost (please let us know what you need beforehand) and some equipment available to hire
Delicious fresh meals and platters, including a small cake and champagne
$800 for each additional person up to total group size of 7 people (up to 13 people possible with limited location choices)
Porter available to assist with load-carrying (additional $1,200)

Karearea – $15,890 for couple + two witnesses

Highest possible level of care for you and as customised a trip as possible
Personalised ceremony words from celebrant
Dedicated photographer (additional to guide) to capture all stages of the trip and ceremony, and a porter to assist with load-carrying
Extra-comfortable camping equipment provided
Outdoor personal clothing and equipment available for you to borrow at no extra cost (please let us know what you need beforehand)
Amazing food and drinks – you wouldn’t think it possible to dine like this while tramping/hiking!
$1,200 for each additional person up to total group size of 5 people (up to 11 people possible with limited location choices)

Tītipounamu – $5,290 for couple + two witnesses

A one-day option with lunch provided: a ceremony at a location between 2 and 4 hours’ walk each way
Standard ceremony words from celebrant (your vows can be as personalised as you like)
Includes a short portrait photography session
$300 for each additional personal up to a total group size of 7 people (up to 13 people possible with limited location choices)

We would love to learn more about your celebration ideas and how we can help you make them a reality. Get in touch with Rob through our contact page to arrange a time to call, or email rob@mountainjourneys.co.nz.

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