One of the great things about Queenstown is that it’s pretty much always a good time to get married here. The town enjoys a temperate climate, with average summer temperatures ranging from 17ºc to 30ºc and winter temperatures averaging around -5ºc to 7ºc. However, if you want to get married during the peak winter season between June and August, you’ll need to book well in advance as this is also a busy time of year for weddings.

Summer (December – February)

Summer is definitely a popular time to elope in Queenstown. The weather is at its best, with long days and warm temperatures perfect for outdoorsy types. This is also when the town comes alive, with a host of festivals and events taking place. If you’re planning on getting married during the summer months, it’s a good idea to book your ceremony and reception venues early.

Summer weddings in Queenstown are beautiful and romantic, you can have your wedding ceremony or reception outdoors surrounded by the lush greenery. Take advantage of this by having your ceremony in the late afternoon, when the daylight is at its best and the temperature is a little cooler. You might even get the chance to catch the "magic hour" for your wedding photos without having to rush things!

Follow this with a lovely dinner with friends and loved ones, or an alfresco reception under the stars. Right after your big day, pack a picnic and go for a swim together in some of the great spots around Lake Wakatipu for some intimate time as newlyweds.

Note that you can't expect snow on the mountains during a summer elopement in Queenstown, but don't worry - the town is still incredibly beautiful during this time.

Daylight Hours: Until approx. 9:30pm
Best Time for your Elopement: 5-7pm 

Autumn (March – May)

Autumn is a lovely time to elope in Queenstown. The leaves are turning, the air is crisp, and there’s a certain charm in the air. It’s also a great time to take advantage of Queenstown’s many photo-worthy locations, as the colours of the leaves make for a stunning backdrop.

An autumn elopement in Queenstown offers a wild beauty perfect for couples who love nature. If you're planning on getting married in autumn, consider having your intimate ceremony in one of Queenstown's many stunning private venues. We recommend Thurlby Domain - it's a popular spot for weddings and engagement photos for a reason!

If you’re planning on getting married during autumn, it’s a good idea to book your ceremony and reception venues early. This is a popular time of year for weddings since the weather is ideal (not too hot, not too cold) so you’ll need to jump on it if you want to secure your dream venue. It’s also the perfect time to snuggle up with your new spouse and plan your next adventure together.

Daylight Hours: Before Daylight Savings – until 7:30pm After Daylight Savings Until approx. 5:30pm
Best Time for your Elopement:  Before daylight savings 4-6pm  After daylight savings 3-5

Winter (June – August)

A winter elopement in Queenstown is the stuff of dreams, and it's easy to see why, with its twinkling lights and fairytale-like atmosphere. The town and some of its best wedding and elopement venues are blanketed in snow, making it a truly spectacular place to exchange vows. Not to mention, there are plenty of activities to keep you busy during your stay; think skiing, snowboarding, heli flights with snow landings and more.

Queenstown is the perfect place to elope if you’re looking for an intimate and romantic setting. If you'd prefer, your winter destination wedding can also be held at some of Queenstown's most popular winter activity venues, including The Remarkables Ski Field and Coronet Peak. Early sunsets also make winter a great time for cosy evenings spent indoors with your new spouse.

If you’re planning on getting married during winter, it’s important to book your ceremony and reception venues early. This is yet another busy time for weddings in Queenstown so you’ll need to jump on it if you want to secure your dream venue. It’s also a good idea to have a backup plan in case the weather takes a turn for the worse.

Daylight Hours: Until approx. 5:00pm
Best Time for your Elopement  2-4pm

Spring (September – November)

Queenstown comes alive in spring, with the flowers blooming and the mountains still covered in some snow. It’s the perfect time to elope if you’re looking for a more relaxed setting with a unique backdrop that brings you the best of all seasons.

If you love flowers and baby animals, spring is definitely the best time to elope in Queenstown. Take advantage of this season by incorporating floral elements into your ceremony and reception decor, and let the surroundings speak for themselves. We recommend checking out some of Queenstown's best gardens and parks if you're looking for a memorable venue teeming with life.

Consider an elopement ceremony in which the groomsmen wear light coloured suits and your bridesmaids wear sundresses, to reflect the change in season. Just keep in mind that spring is a popular time of year for tourists so Queenstown will be busy like usual.

Daylight Hours: Before Daylight Savings – until 6:30pm After Daylight Savings Until approx. 8:00pm

Best Time for your Elopement:  Before daylight savings 4-6pm  After day light savings 5-7pm

If you're looking for an intimate and romantic setting to exchange your vows, Queenstown is the perfect place to elope, no matter what the season is. There are plenty of stunning locations to choose from, and the town remains alive throughout the year.

Just be sure to book your venue and suppliers early, as Queenstown is a popular destination not just for weddings and elopements but also for tourists. Check out more reasons to visit Queenstown

If you need extra help with planning your dream day, be sure to get in touch with Queenstown Elopements. Get helpful tips and advice, from finding the perfect venue to designing the little details for your ceremony. We'll be with you every step of the way to ensure that your elopement is everything you've ever wanted and more!