Wānaka & Beyond · Adventure Elopements

Your ceremony,
your adventure.

Find somewhere that feels like you. I'll show up ready to make it official.

Get in touch See how it works
Summit ceremonies Ski field vows Lakeside elopements Mountain bike trails Alpine hikes Wild swims Just the two of you
Jo Guest, Somewhere Wild Celebrant, Wanaka

About Jo

I live for the outdoors too.

I've spent 20 years getting people outdoors in Wānaka. Organising events, building communities, teaching people.

I became a celebrant because I wanted to do for couples what the outdoors does for everyone: strip away the noise, find the thing that actually matters, and make it memorable.

I know these mountains, trails and lakes better than most. I've run events on them, ridden them, walked them in all weather. So when you say you want to get married somewhere off the map, I'm not just saying yes to be helpful. I genuinely mean it.

I'll write you a ceremony that sounds like you, not like a ceremony. And I'll show up in good boots.

Any
Location in NZ
2–20
Ideal guest range
100%
Bespoke ceremonies
0
Generic scripts

Services

Pick your adventure

Whether it's just the two of you on a mountaintop or a small group celebrating somewhere special, I have a package to suit.

⚡

The Quickie

Simple, legal, done. A short and personal ceremony at your chosen location. No fuss, just the two of you and the words that matter. I take care of all the paperwork.

From $500, quick, legal, personal
⛰

The Great Escape

The full elopement adventure. A completely bespoke ceremony somewhere off the beaten track. Summit, ski field, forest, river, ridge. You choose the adventure, I write the words and handle everything else.

From $900, ideal for 2 to 10 people
🌿

Made to Measure

Something in between? A small gathering, a backyard ceremony, a celebration with a handful of your favourite people somewhere beautiful. Tell me what you have in mind and we'll make it work.

Let's chat

Everything included

Initial chat to see if we're a good fit
Fully bespoke ceremony script
Help writing your own vows (or examples to choose from)
Marriage licence guidance and all legal paperwork
Rehearsal (at your location where possible)
Unlimited revisions to your script
BDM registration after the ceremony
Local knowledge & location suggestions
Wanaka mountains at sunrise

The process

Simple from start to summit

1

Say hello

Drop me a message. We'll have a relaxed first chat, by phone, video or a coffee in Wānaka, to see if we click and to hear about your vision.

2

Lock it in

Once you're happy to go ahead, we confirm the date with a deposit and I get started on the paperwork and your ceremony script.

3

Shape the words

I write your ceremony and share it with you. We go back and forth until it's exactly right. Your story, your words, your tone.

4

Show up & marry

I'll be there early, ready to go. The paperwork is sorted after and registered with BDM. You just enjoy being married.

Questions

Things people usually ask

Can you really marry us on a mountaintop?

Yes. As a licensed New Zealand celebrant, I can perform your ceremony anywhere in the country. If you can get there and it's safe, we can do it there. I'm comfortable in backcountry environments and will always have a plan for the weather.

How many guests can we have?

As few as zero witnesses (I can source two if needed) and as many as the location allows. For adventure elopements, 2 to 10 is ideal. For small adventure weddings, up to 20 works well. If you have a bigger group in mind, let's chat.

What about the legal bits?

I take care of all the legal paperwork. You'll need to apply for a New Zealand Marriage Licence (I'll guide you through this step by step, it's straightforward) and I handle the registration after the ceremony.

Do we have to write our own vows?

Not at all. I can write vows for you, give you templates to personalise, or help you craft your own from scratch. There's no pressure either way. Whatever feels right for you.

How far in advance should we book?

For peak Wānaka dates (summer, public holidays, ski season weekends) as far ahead as possible. For off-peak or flexible dates, a few weeks can be enough. The marriage licence requires a minimum of 3 working days notice, but earlier is always better.

Do you travel outside Wānaka?

Absolutely. I'm based in Wānaka and cover the wider Queenstown-Lakes and Mackenzie regions without extra charge. Further afield I add a travel fee, just ask and I'll give you an honest figure.

Let's talk

Tell me about your adventure

Drop me a message with your date, your idea, and whatever else feels relevant. I'll get back to you within 24 hours.

Not sure yet? That's fine too. Reach out and we'll figure it out together.

hello@somewherewild.co.nz 021 253 8213 Based in Wānaka, New Zealand