Weddings
Queenstown is New Zealand’s premier tourist destination and the stunning views around Lake Whakatipu and the surrounding region is a perfect backdrop for your wedding.
The parish understands that weddings are highly personal and sacred occasions. We’re committed to providing you with the very best service and we will do our utmost to deliver.
Because we are a faith-based community the ceremony will (and must by law) be faith-based, but we seek to ensure that all feel welcome and comfortable with the level of faith-reference incorporated into the ceremony.
St Peter’s
Situated in the heart of Queenstown, marriages have been celebrated at this historic stone church for over 150 years. Seating approximately 120 people, with magnificent stained-glass windows and landscaped gardens, it is greatly loved by both the local community and the 2 million+ visitors who come through Queenstown every year.
St Paul’s
A category 1 NZ Historic Places Trust church, St Paul’s seats approximately 70 people and was built in 1871 during the gold mining rush. It’s size makes it an intimate setting for weddings. With a modern stained glass window above the altar depicting the trees, hills and valleys of the area and the gold from which the town sprang. It is a very peaceful place with little traffic and plenty of parking.
Marriage Services
The churches of the Anglican Parish of Whakatipu follow normal Anglican marriage practice. We use one of the three different marriage services in the NZ Anglican Prayer Book. Because these are Christian marriage services, they are presided over (by law) by an ordained Anglican Priest.
Normally, we expect that one of the couple should be baptised. Secular marriage celebrants are not permitted to preside at marriage services in our Churches. Clergy of other recognised denominations are welcome to preside by arrangement.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a wedding service cost?
The basic fee is $1600(incl. GST) and includes guidance and planning of the service, the use of the church and facilities, as well as the services of our priest.
Are there restrictions on when a wedding can be booked?
You may book your wedding for any day of the week, with the exception of Sunday morning, Christmas Day, and Holy Week (the week before Easter). We do suggest you make any bookings well in advance particularly for St Peter’s in Queenstown.
Do I have any say about the ceremony?
The services are based on the NZ Anglican services. There is flexibility in the choice of prayers, readings, music and other elements. You may have a Nuptial Mass, Candle Lighting, or other special features you would like to include. These can be discussed with the presiding priest when arranging the wedding. Both secular and religious readings can be used during the ceremony. Your wedding ceremony usually takes about 35 minutes. If you need more time please discuss when booking.
What decorations can I use?
For fresh flower arrangements we recommend contacting any local florist in Queenstown and request they coordinate with the Church. There is a Parish flower coordinator for the St Paul’s Church in Arrowtown. We also have some lovely artificial flower arrangements in the Church.
Our candlesticks are placed on the altar and lit during wedding ceremonies. You are welcome to tie ribbon or flowers to the ends of the pews (seats), however, please do not use Sellotape or Bluetack to secure them, as it can damage the wood.
What about music?
We are happy to help plan music for your ceremony. Usually you would have music for a processional (bride walking down the aisle), the signing of the register and the recessional (the bridal couple leaving the church).
Recorded music is also acceptable, subject to discussion with the priest. One or more suitable hymns are sometimes sung at a Marriage Service.
Can photographs be taken in the church?
Guests are very welcome to take photos unless requested not to do so by the couple.
Photographers and video camera operators should speak to the officiating minister before the service. This is a courtesy to both the minister and the bridal party. Photographers must make their own parking arrangements and may not park on the grounds of St Peter’s Church
Are there restrictions on when a wedding can be booked?
You may book your wedding for any day of the week, with the exception of Sunday morning, Christmas Day, and Holy Week (the week before Easter). We do suggest you make any bookings well in advance particularly for St Peter’s in Queenstown.
Can confetti be used?
Fresh or dried rose petals are an acceptable alternative for confetti on the grass areas only. Confetti, Rice and Paper Bombs are not allowed. Bubbles are also an option.