What to Book First When Planning a Queenstown Wedding

Just Engaged? Here’s Where to Start planning

By Krista May Weddings – Queenstown Wedding Photographer

What to Book First When Planning a Queenstown Wedding

What to Book First When Planning a Queenstown Wedding

Just Engaged? Here’s Where to Start

Congratulations! You’re officially engaged and probably asking:
“What do we actually book first?”
You might have been dreaming of your wedding forever but never thought about the actual logistics of it.

If you’re planning a wedding in Queenstown, one of New Zealand’s most stunning destination wedding spots, it can feel a little overwhelming. You’re not alone! As a local Queenstown wedding photographer, I’ve worked with countless couples (both locals and destination lovers), and I know exactly how to help you plan your dream day, step by step.

Queenstown wedding photographer

Queenstown Wedding Booking Order:
What to Do First

1. Set Your Budget 💸

It’s not the most glamorous task, but knowing your overall budget will guide everything else.
Photographers, venues, and planners book fast in Queenstown, budget at least 10–15% for photography alone.

2. Choose a Season or Date 📅

In Queenstown, seasons matter:

• Summer (Dec–Feb): Long daylight, warm tones, popular with tourists
• Autumn (Mar–May): Stunning colours, golden light, quieter
• Winter (Jun–Aug): Snowy peaks, elopements, indoor venues shine
• Spring (Sep–Nov): Blossoms, fresh green landscapes

If you’re aiming for epic golden hour portraits, chat with your photographer about sunset timing!

Queenstown wedding photographer

3. Book Your Queenstown Wedding Venue 

Top Queenstown venues like Stoneridge Estate, The Winehouse, Trelawn Place, and Kinross often book out 12–18 months in advance.

Your venue sets your style, guest count, and often influences your timeline. Lock this in early!

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4. Secure Your Queenstown Wedding Photographer (Hint: Me!)

Photographers in Queenstown book out fast, especially for summer and autumn weekends. If you’re dreaming of cinematic, emotional storytelling in epic mountain light, don’t wait.

Pro Tip: A good photographer (like me) also helps with:

• Timeline planning
• Location scouting
• Lighting strategy for portraits
• Keeping your day running smoothly

5. Lock in Your Core Vendors

After venue + photographer, secure your dream team:

• Wedding planner (or day-of coordinator)
• Celebrant
• Videographer
• Hair & makeup artists
• Catering (if not included with your venue)
• Music (DJ/band/acoustic duo)

Queenstown is a boutique vendor scene, get in early to avoid disappointment.

6. Send Save-the-Dates 

This is especially important for destination weddings. Many guests will need to arrange flights, accommodation, and time off.

7. Buy Your Dress or Suit 

Many designers have 6–9 month production times. Don’t forget to factor in shipping and alterations.

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8. Finalise the Fun Detail

Once your big-ticket items are booked, it’s time to lock in the extras:

• Florist
• Stationery & signage
• Transportation (especially for mountain top or heli weddings!)
• Rentals (chairs, arbour, tableware)
• Cake
• Timeline (built with your photographer’s help)

From a Queenstown Wedding Photographer’s POV

As someone who’s shot elopements on mountaintops and full-day weddings in vineyards, I can tell you that timing is everything. Queenstown’s ever-changing light and landscapes mean your day needs to be planned intentionally around the sun. I know that sounds silly but you put so much time, effort, money and thoughts into your day and your photos are one of the only tangible things you take away for it. Let your photographer work their magic and trust them on lighting recommendations.

Need help building your timeline? I do this for all my couples, with golden hour in mind. Here’s a recent blog laying out a how I think a wedding timeline should go to account for the best light and to make the most out of your day.

FAQ: Planning a Queenstown Wedding

Can I plan a Queenstown wedding in under 6 months?

Yes, if you’re flexible! Consider weekdays or shoulder seasons, and focus on booking your core vendors ASAP.

Should I book the venue or the photographer first?

Venue usually comes first, but if you’ve got your heart set on a specific Queenstown wedding photographer, check their availability first (seriously, we book quickly).

Planning your Queenstown wedding shouldn’t feel overwhelming. I’m here to help you not only capture it beautifully, but to make the entire journey smooth and joy-filled.