Getting Married in Christchurch: Your Ultimate Wedding Guide
Planning your wedding in Christchurch, New Zealand, means combining breathtaking natural scenery with elegant venues and world-class photography. From romantic gardens to dramatic coastal cliffs, Christchurch and the wider Canterbury region offer couples a wide variety of stunning backdrops for their big day.
As a wedding photographer based in Christchurch, I’ve captured love stories across gardens, vineyards, beaches, and mountains. Here’s your complete guide to planning the perfect Christchurch wedding.
Why Choose Christchurch for Your Wedding?
Christchurch is known as the “Garden City,” and it lives up to its name. Couples can enjoy:
Romantic gardens and parks – perfect for ceremonies and photos.
Historic homesteads and venues – full of charm and character.
Dramatic landscapes – from Port Hills to the Canterbury high country.
Accessibility – only minutes from the city to beaches, rivers, and mountain views.
This mix of natural beauty and convenience makes Christchurch one of New Zealand’s top wedding destinations.
Top Wedding Venues in Christchurch & Canterbury
Whether you dream of a garden ceremony, a rustic barn, or a seaside celebration, Christchurch has it all. Some of the most popular venues include:
Mona Vale – a historic homestead surrounded by rose gardens and waterways.
Christchurch Botanic Gardens – lush greenery and floral displays in the heart of the city.
Halswell Quarry – rustic stone walls mixed with landscaped gardens.
Waipuna Estate – stunning hilltop views over Canterbury.
Pemberton Gardens – elegant grounds designed for weddings and events.
Gore Bay – dramatic cliffs and golden sands for coastal lovers.
Best Wedding Photo Locations in Christchurch
Even if your ceremony is indoors, photos are what preserve the magic of your day. Some of my favorite photo locations for couples are:
Port Hills – panoramic views over Christchurch and Lyttelton Harbour, especially at sunset.
Godley Head – epic clifftop backdrops with the Pacific Ocean behind you.
Spencer Park Beach – soft sand and sea breeze for relaxed, barefoot portraits.
Abberley Park – cozy, romantic gardens tucked away in the city.
Castle Hill – limestone boulders in the Canterbury high country, dramatic and cinematic.
Godley Head & Taylors Mistake
Why Hire a Christchurch Wedding Photographer?
Your wedding is one of the most important days of your life, and professional photography ensures every detail is captured. As a Christchurch-based wedding photographer, I offer:
Flexible coverage (from 3 to 10 hours).
Minimum of 50+ hand-edited photos per hour.
Sneak peeks within 48–72 hours.
Full gallery delivered in 4 weeks.
High-resolution & web-ready files for printing and sharing.
Complimentary engagement shoot for full-day bookings.
I also provide a custom Outfit Guide and a behind-the-scenes video with every session, so your experience feels fun, effortless, and unforgettable.
✨ SO!
Christchurch is a dream wedding destination, combining natural beauty, historic charm, and modern convenience. Whether you imagine exchanging vows in a blooming garden, on a windswept beach, or under mountain peaks, this city has a location for every love story.
If you’re planning your wedding in Christchurch or Canterbury, I’d love to capture your day. Together, we can create timeless photos that will remind you of the joy, laughter, and love you felt.
📩 Message me today to check availability for your wedding date.
With love,
Kate Kish – Christchurch Wedding Photographer
