Love and marriage New Zealand-style is on the up and up, if weddings at Aoraki Mount Cook are anything to go by.
The iconic Hermitage Hotel, one of New Zealand’s most romantic retreats, has reported its busiest wedding season ever, hosting a record 11 weddings this summer with 13 still to go before the end of the year.
Hotel wedding planner Nyree Schaar (pronounced Ngaire Shaar) and marriage celebrant/Hermitage General Manager Denis Callesen, believe the 60 percent increase is due to ‘destination’ weddings becoming more popular, particularly amongst British and American couples.
“The natural beauty, isolation and versatility of locations within the Aoraki Mount Cook National Park and World Heritage Area give weddings here the real wow factor, whether they’re casual, formal, traditional or adventurous,” says Mr Callesen.
“Panoramic views of lakes, rivers, glaciers, icebergs, Mount Cook and the Southern Alps mean couples can choose their dream wedding backdrop to make their day a truly unique and memorable experience.
“The beauty and serenity of the locations add a quiet reflective atmosphere, making ceremonies all the more intimate and special.
“Quite a lot of the couples come by themselves to escape the pressure of families, social responsibilities and the cost of a big wedding. Flights and landing locations for helicopter-assisted weddings are obviously weather dependent but if there are delays couples seem happy to stay, soak up their surroundings and enjoy a bit more romance.”
Some of the most popular ceremony locations at Aoraki Mount Cook are:
· Helicopter up to Liebig Dome (pronounced Lee big) (7600ft) at the edge of Aoraki Mount Cook National Park looking back to Aoraki Mount Cook. Rated 17th best wedding location in the world according to UK newspaper The Independent
· Fly by ski-plane to marry in the snow or on the Tasman Glacier
· On the shores of Lake Pukaki with its beautiful turquoise waters and Aoraki Mount Cook towering in the background
· Blue Lakes Shelter, a quaint stone building nestled in the Tasman Valley
· Braemar Dome (6,600ft overlooking Lakes Pukaki and Tekapo)
· On the lawn in front of the historic Hermitage hotel with Aoraki Mount Cook as a backdrop
· The Hermitage Snowline Bar with its roaring open fire and comfy leather chairs
Because of its range of venues, restaurants, accommodation and activities, The Hermitage caters for weddings or receptions of all sizes, from an intimate ceremony for two to a function with up to 300 family and friends. A dedicated wedding team takes care of every detail.
Couples can bring in their own celebrant (which may require a Department of Conservation concession) or use Mr Callesen who has officiated at more than 200 hundred weddings during the last 10 years and donates all fees to the local school.
“Living in a remote location means that the children of Aoraki Mount Cook Village sometimes miss out on opportunities their more urban peers enjoy. However this year, through donations and fundraising, the kids are going on an action-packed field trip to Wellington,” he says.
Another reason why couples choose to get married at Aoraki Mount Cook is the diverse range of activities they can offer their guests pre or post-wedding. These include the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre with 3D movie, planetarium and museum, Tasman Lake/Glacier boat trips, scenic flights, glacier landings, hiking and mountaineering, heli-biking, fishing, and amazing local food and wine.
For those with a celestial interest, the region’s also the best place in New Zealand for stargazing because of its brilliantly clear night sky and lack of light pollution.
Couples can find out more about weddings at The Hermitage or within Aoraki Mount Cook National Park by visiting www.hermitage.co.nz.
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