Weddings are such incredible days! It's a once in a lifetime opportunity to spend a day celebrating your marriage surrounded by all your closest loved ones. It's always such an honour to be a part of your day, documenting every little moment that happens.


Weddings are wonderfully unique, reflecting all the personal touches of the awesome couple. Wedding days are filled with so many incredible emotions that you'll want to bottle up and cherish forever. That's why I'm all about snapping those magical moments so you can be taken right back to your big day!


My approach to wedding photography is relaxed and predominantly documentary. I'm all about catching those natural, real-life moments as they happen. Emotions, connections, and all the good stuff – that's what I love freezing those moments in time!


Check out some of the gorgeous weddings that I've had the huge privilege of photographing!

A bride and groom gaze at a scenic mountain landscape overlooking Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown in black and white photography.
A newly married wedding couple walks through scenic mountain landscapes overlooking pristine Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown, New Zealand.
A black and white wedding photo captured on a hilltop overlooking Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown.

Planning your wedding in Queenstown or Wanaka?


Kia ora, I’m Claire — a Queenstown-based wedding photographer capturing honest, joy-filled moments as they naturally unfold.


If you’re planning a wedding in Queenstown or Wanaka, you’ve chosen somewhere truly incredible — and my approach is all about letting you experience and enjoy it fully, whilst I candidly capture all those special moments.


I’ll gently guide you when needed, but mostly I’ll step back and document everything as it happens — so your photos feel effortless, emotional, and completely true to you.


Black and white photo of a smiling bride in off-shoulder gown embracing groom in tuxedo, veil flowing in the wind.
black and white photo of two adorable flower girls before the wedding ceremony
Elegant bride in white silk dress with lace veil poses in sunlit room with classic architectural details.
Wedding couple embraces on rocky shoreline with misty mountain and ocean backdrop.
A close-up portrait of a bride wearing a delicate veil and red lipstick.
A bride and groom stand together on a hilltop overlooking rolling green mountains on their wedding day.
Wedding details flatlay with white shoes, burgundy flowers, and handwritten note card on dark textured surface.
A bride in a white wedding dress with a delicate veil stands silhouetted against a dark background.
Bride and groom posing beside a classic white vintage car decorated with ribbon on their wedding day.
Two silhouettes stand on a coastal cliff at sunset while a veil flows dramatically in the ocean breeze.

New Zealand's most iconic wedding destinations


Queenstown and Wanaka are two of the most breathtaking places to get married in New Zealand — known for their dramatic mountain ranges, crystal-clear lakes, and ever-changing light.


From the buzz of Queenstown to the slower, more tranquil Wanaka, each offers something completely unique — whether you're planning a lakeside ceremony, a mountain-top elopement, or a relaxed celebration surrounded by your favourite people.

Two flower girls in white dresses look out over Lake Wakatipu from Rendezvous Heritage Hotel, Queenstown wedding venue, New Zealand.
Two flower girls in white dresses look out over Lake Wakatipu from Rendezvous Heritage Hotel, Queenstown wedding venue, New Zealand.

Planning a Queenstown wedding?


Queenstown is one of New Zealand’s most iconic wedding destinations — perfect for couples wanting a mix of adventure and elegance.


I’ve had the pleasure of capturing weddings at places like Rendezvous Heritage Hotel, with its stunning ceremony spot overlooking Lake Wakatipu, as well as intimate back garden weddings. There's also iconic vineyard Queenstown wedding venues like The Winehouse.


From lakeside ceremonies to mountain backdrops, I’ll help you find the best light, the right setting, and a timeline that allows you to truly enjoy the day as it unfolds.

A collection of pink and white carnations with delicate petals arranged in a decorative display.
Black and white sequence of a bride in a flowing veil laughing joyfully during an outdoor wedding photoshoot.
A couple in wedding attire walks together on a wooded path surrounded by green trees and dappled sunlight.
Wedding party members dance and celebrate together on a rustic wooden deck during an outdoor reception.
An artistic black and white portrait captured through a small mirror reflection.
A wedding party in white and brown attire poses together on a tree-lined path during an outdoor ceremony.
Black and white photo series showing a couple in white outfits sharing intimate moments during an outdoor photoshoot.
Couple in wedding attire walking along scenic mountain path with rolling hills and cloudy sky in background.
Wedding party members sit casually on stone steps in a garden setting, creating a relaxed group photo moment.

Dreaming of a Wanaka wedding?


Wanaka offers a quieter, more relaxed alternative to Queenstown — with just as much beauty.


I’ve photographed weddings at The Lookout Lodge, a stunning private venue with incredible mountain views, and there are so many beautiful venues to choose from like Rippon Hall and Dublin Bay.


If you're drawn to something more intimate, peaceful, and personal, Wanaka is the perfect setting.


Check out this gorgeous wedding I captured at The Lookout Lodge, Wanaka.

A black and white panoramic wedding photo series showing a couple with scenic Queenstown mountain landscapes.

Unforgettable elopement locations


If you're planning something more intimate or adventurous, Queenstown and Wanaka offer some truly unforgettable options.


From lakeside spots like Moke Lake and Jacks Point to breathtaking mountain locations like Coronet Peak, there’s no shortage of incredible places to say your vows.


For something truly unforgettable, helicopter-access locations like Coromandel Peak or Cecil Peak offer an experience that’s as special as the views themselves.

Wedding couple poses on scenic mountain ridge with rolling green hills and dramatic landscape views in background.
Black and white sequence of intimate mother and child moments showing tender bonding and affection.
A wedding party in formal attire gathers outdoors near a vintage car on a summer day.
A black and white photo collage showing close-up profile shots of someone laughing and smiling.
Bride in white gown and groom in tuxedo share intimate moment during indoor wedding photoshoot.
A romantic black and white series of wedding photos showing tender kisses between a couple under a flowing veil.
A wedding party walks and laughs together along a tree-lined path on a sunny day.

My approach


Your wedding day isn’t a photoshoot — it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience.


I take a documentary-style approach, focusing on real moments as they happen. I’ll offer gentle direction when needed, but never in a way that feels forced or staged.


The result is a gallery that reflects not just how your day looked — but how it felt.

Black and white portrait of a young woman holding a white rose, gazing thoughtfully in an outdoor setting.

What it’s like to work with me...


From the moment you enquire, you'll have my help to plan the most incredible day.


I’ll help you plan your timeline around the best light, suggest beautiful locations, and guide you in a way that always feels natural — so you can stay present and enjoy every moment.


Black and white photo of a smiling bride in off-shoulder gown embracing groom in tuxedo, veil flowing in the wind.
A black and white wedding photo showing a couple with a flowing veil caught in the wind against a rustic backdrop.
A bride in a flowing white wedding gown poses on a gravel path surrounded by lush tropical greenery.
A romantic black and white wedding photo showing a couple under a flowing veil in an intimate moment.
bridal party posing with their bouquets
Groom and his best man getting ready for the wedding ceremony
bride admires her and her bridesmaids wedding dresses

Queenstown and Wanaka wedding photography packages


Full day wedding photography collections start from $4,000 NZD and elopement coverage from $2,000 NZD.


Each collection includes a gallery filled with beautifully edited, high-resolution images and a relaxed, supportive experience from start to finish.


Click here for more pricing details or get in touch — I’d love to hear what you’re planning.

An outdoor wedding ceremony set up with mountain peaks and Lake Wakatipu in the background at Rendezvous Heritage Hotel, Queenstown, NZ.

Planning your wedding in Queenstown or Wanaka?


I’d love to hear all about your plans and what you’re dreaming up.


👉 Enquire now for 2026 & 2027 availability

What's The Process?

Enquire

Enquire and we'll chat over email and call to discuss your plans and what you'd like from your photos. To secure your date, sign a contract, pay a deposit and you're all booked in!


step 01

Planning

I'll be with you every step of the way to answer any questions, help and guide you through your wedding and timeline planning process.


Step 02

Your big day!

Your wedding day, no matter how big or small will be one of the most memorable days of your life! This day is all about you two and enjoying every precious moment of it.


step 03

Your Photos

You'll recieve your first previews within a week, with some of the highlights from the day. A full gallery will follow 2 months after. You will be able to download, save and share or order prints straight from your gallery.


step 04

An intimate wedding ceremony set up for a backyard Queenstown wedding with scenic mountain backdrop.
White chairs arranged in rows for an outdoor intimate Queenstown wedding ceremony with mountains  in the background.

How much does it cost?

Diamond

Perfect for couples who want the full story of their day captured!

Up to 10 hours coverage
Typically from getting ready to first dance
Minimum 700 beautifully edited photos
Online gallery to view, download + share


$4,500

Silver

Ideal for couples who want all the key moments, without the extras.

Up to 8 hours coverage
Typically from ceremony to dance floor
Minimum 500 beautifully edited images
Online gallery to view, download + share


$4,000

Elopements

For couples ditching tradition and doing it your way!

Heading into the mountains or the coast to get married just the two of you?

Or having a micro wedding with just your nearest and dearest? I'd love to capture it for you!
​
Get in touch to discuss


From $2,000

Content Creation

iPhone photos and videos captured throughout your wedding day
All content shared with you within 48 hours
Edited social media highlight reel created and shared with one week


from $750

Engagement Shoot

Celebrate this incredibly special chapter of your life with an engagement or a pre wedding photoshoot!

Minimum of 50 photos delivered to you through an online gallery


$500

A romantic wedding couple embraces on a beach at sunset as the bride's veil flows dramatically in the wind.
A couple in wedding attire walks along a scenic mountain ridge with rolling hills stretching into the distance.
A joyful wedding couple shares an intimate moment on a cloudy beach as the bride's veil flows in the wind.
Bridesmaids in matching sage green dresses react with joy on a wooden deck overlooking a scenic countryside view.
A bride in a white wedding dress walks gracefully down a shadowy corridor holding a delicate bouquet of white flowers.
A series of romantic dance poses captured in black and white against a rolling hillside landscape.
Black and white portrait of bride and groom sharing intimate moment by seaside.
A romantic black and white photo series shows a couple embracing and dancing together on a cloudy day outdoors.
A tender embrace shared between two people wearing white outfits outdoors on a summer day.
Wedding couple walking along scenic mountain ridge trail with rolling green hills in background.

FAQ

What area do you cover?

I'm based in Queenstown and cover weddings all over beautiful Aotearoa, New Zealand.

From Auckland to Queenstown and everything in between, I love exploring every incredible corner of this country, capturing gorgeous elopements and weddings.

Do you charge for travel?

Travel within an hour of Queenstown is included. For bookings outside of this area, travel charges may apply.

If I need to charge additional travel, I will always be clear and upfront when you enquire.

What if we want to do something extreme for our elopement?

The more extreme, the better in my eyes! Get in touch and tell me your vision, we will make it happen! I love any excuse to don my hiking boots and take on the elements.

How and when will we receive our images?

Editing each individual photo takes a lot of love and time and isn't something that I like to rush. You will receive your sneak peeks within 1 week and your full gallery within 8 weeks.

All your images will be returned to you through an online gallery. From here you can download, share and print your images to your hearts content!

Will we need to pose?

Not if you don’t want to! My style is predominantly documentary style with the occasional minor adjustments just to help ensure you’ll get photos that you’ll look back on and love.

It’s all about capturing those natural moments, the giggles, and tears, the unstaged natural magic of a wedding day. If you really would like completely natural shots with absolutely no posing or prompting, then that’s exactly what we will do. It's all about you guys and how you would like your day to be captured.

None of the above packages suit me

No worries at all, get in touch and we can discuss your individual needs and I'll get back to you with a quote.

Do you cover weddings outside of New Zealand?

Yes! Please get in touch, I love to travel and regularly travel to the UK & Europe and have also travelled to Fiji to capture destination weddings.

Do you offer content creation?

Yes! I'm thrilled to now also be offering content creation! Capturing all those wonderful moments from your wedding day, ready for you to share with friends and family online immediately!

Do you have a question?

If you have any questions that I’ve not answered here, please get in touch: claireriversphotography@outlook.com

Would you like to see more?

Check out these wedding blogs from some of my wonderful weddings!

Sabrina & Giles

Devon Manor house wedding

 

Gabby & Nic

Lookout lodge - Wanaka

 

 

Rachel & Patrick

Somerset Barn Wedding

 

like what you see?


Let's chat!


I would love to hear from you! Please use the button below to enquire and check my availability.


Let's chat all about your wedding plans and see if I'm the right fit for your big day!

A candid black and white moment of laughter between newlyweds.
A couple in pastel wedding attire poses with a bouquet on their special day.

Let’s get you booked in!

Covering weddings and elopements across Aotearoa

Get in touch