We are recently engaged and are planning to get married (eloping, sort of) in NZ in May of this year. We are Americans, and I understand there is some paperwork involved.

Although we have seen some great destination wedding sites, we think we would be better off planning on our own (to keep costs down mostly.) So, the first decision would seem to be location. We were hoping to find a nice stone chapel, in the countryside or mountain area. We are fairly open to ideas at this point. I know there is a stone chapel, near Christchurch, I believe, that was specifically constructed for weddings. While it is very lovely, I think we are looking for something less contrived.

Also, I found a lovely officiant in Auckland, who I would hope to use, so a location within driving distance of Auckland would be great. She mentioned a stone chapel, but they would not allow an officiant to do the ceremony.

I realize my post is a little vague, and I do apologize for that, but thought maybe someone would read this and have some great suggestions for us.

Thank you!

Huka Lodge , past Lake Taupo on the North Island.No idea if they allow weddings but it is very luxe .

Have you seen this place? It's a chapel that was built in 1866 - it's near Christchurch though.

http://www.totaltravel.co.nz/link.asp?fid=607027

Or how about Church of the Good Shepherd in Lake Tekapo?

http://www.laketekapountouched.co.nz...=600&h=400

Linda -

I ran across this place some time back when looking for unusual places to stay on the South Island of NZ - they cater for weddings and honeymoons, so you might want to take a peek:

http://www.themudcastle.co.nz/accom.html

Okay, so I'm bored this afternoon...

Here are a few more ideas:

Chapel by the Lake (Lake Hayes, near Queenstown, South Island) - Stoneridge Estate. It seems you can rent the chapel and grounds as a wedding venue without all the extras.

I was just in this area in August - it's gorgeous (vineyards!). In fact, I have a recommendation for a lovely nearby cottage if you're interested.

http://www.totaltravel.co.nz/link.asp?fid=571725

Here's a site with more suggestions in case you haven't run across it yet:

http://www.weddingsnewzealand.com/we...s_churches.htm

Okay, I'll stop now.

Ah yes, as soon as I read your post I thought Lake Tekapo - already mentioned. But more suggestions than that I do not have. You new a New Zealander to chime in because there might be somewhere in Russell (Bay of Islands) for instance. And that's also a lovely spot.