Charrie & Thomas

A bride and groom exchange vows overlooking lake hawea and the surrounding mountians

Lake Hāwea view wedding

Some weddings are grand, lavish affairs with hundreds of guests and dramatic entrances. And then there are weddings like this one — intimate, effortless, and deeply personal — held at the breathtaking Lake Hawea View Lodge near Wanaka, New Zealand. With European alfresco charm, mountain views that stretch forever, and a whole lot of heart, this micro wedding was a celebration of everything that really matters.

Nestled between Wanaka and Queenstown, Lake Hawea View Lodge is one of those rare venues that feels like a secret. It offers sweeping alpine scenery, golden light, and the kind of peace that only comes from being surrounded by nature. It’s the perfect spot for a destination wedding in New Zealand — especially for couples who want to keep things small, but meaningful.

The day unfolded slowly, beautifully. Guests arrived to the sound of laughter and clinking glasses, the lake shimmering in the distance, the mountains standing tall and still. The couple exchanged vows surrounded by their closest family and friends — and in a twist that had everyone laughing — took tequila shots during the ceremony. It wasn’t just a gimmick. It was them. Joyful. Playful. Present. A moment of pure connection that broke the ice and brought the whole room (or in this case, the whole hillside) together.

After the ceremony, the celebration flowed into a long, sun-drenched outdoor reception. Guests gathered around a single wooden table dressed in linen and soft florals, with European/French Riviera vibes woven into every detail. Picture a long summer dinner in Provence — white wine, olives, family-style sharing plates — but with the rugged beauty of the South Island as the backdrop. This is what makes Wanaka and Queenstown weddings so uniquely magical: the blend of refined taste and wild, untamed beauty.

As speeches began, so did another round of tequila — just enough Dutch courage to help the tears flow and the stories come out. Parents, siblings, lifelong friends shared words that were equal parts hilarious and deeply moving. There were happy tears, laughter that echoed through the hills, and hugs that lingered just a little longer than usual. You could feel the gratitude in every word. This wasn’t just a wedding. It was a reminder of what matters most — love, family, and the people who carry your story.

The beauty of a micro wedding in Wanaka is that nothing feels rushed. There’s space to breathe, to connect, to savour each course and each conversation. This couple chose intention over tradition, and it paid off in every moment — from the emotional ceremony to the golden-hour toasts and the dance floor that sparked to life under a blanket of stars.

It’s weddings like this that make me love what I do. The kind where you don’t need a shot list because the real moments are happening everywhere, all the time. If you’re planning a destination wedding in New Zealand, whether it’s at Lake Hawea View Lodge or anywhere in the Southern Lakes, I’d love to help tell your story. Not just the way it looked — but the way it felt.

A massive thank you to these talented vendors who helped bring their intimate wedding celebration to life…

Planner/stylist - Kirsty Ussher

Venue - Lake Hāwea View

Catering - Raspberry Creek

Hair and Makeup - Louise - The Brides Stylist

Content Creation - Joicy at Wed content

Florals - The Vase Floral Co.

Hire items - Major and Minor

Celebrant - Sophia at Married by Friends

Photography - Nat - Run in the Shadows

Dress - Rue De Seine