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  • Writer: Chaznel Steenkamp
    Chaznel Steenkamp
  • Jun 10, 2025
  • 2 min read

Updated: Aug 24, 2025



A couple on their symbolic elopement day on a snowy mountain top in Hanmer Springs, New Zealand

The story of Guy + Sam's snow Adventure Photoshoot in New Zealand:


Sam and Guy had a traditional wedding with family and friends earlier in 2024, and to celebrate a year of being married they decided to have a snowy adventure photoshoot on top of their family farm mountain, Mt. Paradise, in Mouse Point, just 20 minutes south of Hanmer Springs. They wanted to extend their wedding gallery by dressing up all over again and it was honestly so beautiful!


Earlier in the week there had been weather warnings put in place showcasing a huge snow storm set to hit over the weekend so we secured our plans and set the date for anywhere between Thursday and Sunday, just waiting for the perfect amount of snow to settle.


Finally Friday evening the heavier snow started to fall and Mt. Paradise was coated with a white blanket of snow. It was the perfect time for their snow adventure in New Zealand.

A couple standing on a snowy mountain kissing on their elopement day in New Zealand

Early Saturday morning we met up at the bottom of Mt. Paradise and then we ventured up the mountain stopping off at beautiful scenic spots along the way. First, a mini hill with panoramic views of snow covered mountains and North Canterbury Plains.


The wind started to slow down and the temperature started to settle as we made our way up the mountain. Every moment these two love birds had together you could tell there was a strong connection of love, care and appreciation for each other.


When we got to the top of the mountain they explored in the snow, even having a few slips along the way (note to self: don't wear cowboy boots with no grip in the snow), and then came the beautiful symbolic ceremony. Guy and Sam shared some private words with each other, laughing, enjoying, and being in the moment; removed from distractions.


They decided they wanted to exchange their rings as a symbol of that continual love they have for each other, recommitting their vows to each other and as soon as they did the clouds started to part showcasing the turquoise blue sky that was hiding all along. It was perfectly timed; just magical.


They created memories together, shared endless belly laughs, and had a day they would live to tell forever! We even had a few witnesses (goats and mountain deer) inquisitively watching and intrigued by the humans having an adventure of a lifetime.

Elopement couple standing holding hands and looking the opposite way from each other in the snow in New Zealand

Their intimate day:


Words can only say so much, so I'll leave the images to tell you the rest of the story...



  • Elopement couple four wheel driving up Mt. Paradise in Mouse Point, New Zealand
  • Elopement bride walking up a hill Mt. Paradise in Mouse Point, New Zealand
  • An elopement couple looking and smiling at the camera Mt. Paradise in Mouse Point, New Zealand
  • a wedding couple with their foreheads resting on each other Mt. Paradise in Mouse Point, New Zealand
  • An elopement couple kissing on their elopement day Mt. Paradise in Mouse Point, New Zealand
  • An elopement couple looking at snowy mountains Mt. Paradise in Mouse Point, New Zealand
  • Elopement couple dressed in wedding outfits looking at snowy mountains
  • A close up of a married couple hugging
  • A groom carrying his brides dress
  • An elopement couple walking down a hill Mt. Paradise in Mouse Point, New Zealand
  • Mt. Paradise in Hanmer Springs covered in snow during winter in New Zealand
  • A groom opening a gate to head up Mt. Paradise for their elopement
  • A groom kissing his bride on the forehead while they stand in a field of snow on Mt. Paradise
  • An elopement couple looking at deer on a mountain top
  • A couple embracing each other on their elopement day in New Zealand
  • A couple snuggling on a wintery snowy elopement day in New Zealand
  • A couple spraying a bottle of bubbles on top of a snow covered mountain in New Zealand
  • An elopement couple spraying a bottle of bubbles on Mt. Paradise, New Zealand
  • Elopement symbolic ceremony between a bride and groom on a snow covered mountain in New Zealand
  • A close up of a bridal bouquet
  • A close up of a couple on their elopement day holding their vow booklets
  • A bride reading her vows on their elopement day in New Zealand
  • elopement in New Zealand on a snow capped mountain
  • A groom reading his vows during their elopement ceremony in New Zealand
  • A close up of a bride wearing cowboy boots and holding a large bridal bouquet
  • A groom pushing his brides ring onto her wedding finger
  • A bride pushing her grooms ring onto his wedding finger
  • A couple during their elopement ceremony on top of a snowy mountain in New Zealand
  • A detail shot of an elopement in New Zealand
  • An elopement couple walking across a mountain ridge in New Zealand
  • A couple kissing while standing on a mountain ridge
  • A couple kissing and dipping on a mountain ridge in New Zealand
  • A couple walking down from a mountain covered in snow Mt. Paradise in Mouse Point, New Zealand
  • A groom climbing down a ridge Mt. Paradise in Mouse Point, New Zealand
  • A bride walking on snow in New Zealand
  • A couple on their elopement day walking in snow Mt. Paradise in Mouse Point, New Zealand
  • A couple on their elopement day looking at each other and smiling Mt. Paradise in Mouse Point, New Zealand
  • A couple sharing a kiss on their elopement day in New Zealand
  • A couple hugging on their elopement day in New Zealand
  • A couple walking towards the camera on Mt. Paradise in Mouse Point, New Zealand
  • A groom carrying the train of his brides dress while walking in snow in New Zealand
  • An elopement couple dancing on a snow covered mountain top on Mt. Paradise in Mouse Point, New Zealand
  • A couple twirling on their elopement day in New Zealand
  • A couple looking at each other on their elopement day in New Zealand
  • A couple kissing on their elopement day in New Zealand
  • A couple standing under a veil smiling at each other
  • A couple on their elopement day standing in the snow
  • A bride holding her bouquet looking into the distance
  • A groom standing and looking at his wife
  • A couple hugging on their elopement day in the snow
  • A couple holding hands and looking off opposite ways
  • A closeup of a bride and groom holding hands
  • A bride holding her bouquet in the air
  • A couple standing on the edge of a mountain on their elopement in New Zealand
  • A couple standing on the mountain top
  • A couple kissing on a mountain edge in New Zealand
  • A couple sitting on their toyota hilux on their elopement day up Mt. Paradise in Mouse Point, New Zealand
  • A couple looking at each other standing on a green hill in New Zealand
  • A bride smiling at her husband while sitting in the car
  • A couple walking towards a herd of goats in a field
  • a bride looking at her husband on their elopement day in a field of goats
  • a bride and groom standing in a field of goats
  • A bride smiling at her groom with goats behind them


Want to Elope in New Zealand? Find out more here.


Vendors:


Groom Outfit: Hallensteins

Photographer: Chaznel Photography

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