Lord of the Rings Wedding Locations in New Zealand
Having a Lord of the Rings Wedding or Elopement
The best place to have a Lord of the Rings wedding or elopement is definitely in New Zealand, where the movies were filmed! There are dozens of filming locations all around New Zealand. In this guide I’ll narrow down the options for you to the most scenic, so you can marry your Sam, your Arwen, or your Aragorn with the best view. From the easy to access Hobbiton to the helicopter-access only alps of the South Island, there will be options for everyone who wants to elope here. Most Lord of the Rings wedding locations in New Zealand won’t be suitable for large groups, so this guide is most helpful for those looking to elope (no guests) or have a small handful of close besties.
Traveling to New Zealand for a LOTR wedding
Planning a trip to New Zealand is a big deal – but you don’t have to make it complicated! Visitors are allowed to marry in New Zealand, same-sex marriage is legal, and I’ve written a thorough guide to how to elope in New Zealand here. Pack your elf ears, a cloak, and the one ring, (actually two is better) and you’re ready! I recommend the Lord of the Rings Location guidebook by Ian Brodie and a solid map.
A note about LOTR filming locations
Many filming locations for the Lord of the Rings involved lifelike sets and staging that no longer exist. The gates of Moria, Minas Tirith, Helms Deep, Meduseld, the tree that the hobbits hide under to escape the Nazgul – are all fabricated either with props or digital enhancement after filming. Don’t be disappointed, I promise you will feel the magic of Middle Earth when you visit, even if it doesn’t appear identical.
This meme absolutely sends me.
about me
Hi, I’m Lucy! I live in Waikato, New Zealand, near the Shire and Weathertop
I’m a nerdy elopement photographer and planner based in the Shire. I create one of a kind dream-date style elopements for couples who want to destroy or exchange the One Ring.
My favorite character from Lord of the Rings is Radagast. His love for mushrooms and sleigh of rabbits is THE dream. My gender is Thranduil.
Best Lord of the Rings Wedding Locations
How to get Married at Hobbiton – The Shire
This is the quintessential Lord of the Rings wedding location in New Zealand. The Hobbiton film set is where they filmed the Shire in both the Lord of the Rings and the Hobbit trilogies. Sold-out tours run constantly through the attraction, so it is not possible to marry here without hiring the venue. But it is possible to hire the Hobbiton movie set for your small wedding or elopement. If you have 11 or fewer people in your party, including your photographer, you can choose an elopement package that allow you to have your ceremony and take photos around the set. There are two sites for ceremonies and they are both wonderful. You can learn more about Hobbiton weddings on their full pdf here.
Cost: $4000nzd for just elopement or photoshoot, larger weddings and receptions at the Green Dragon are an additional $5,000 to $10,000 depending on the season.
Location: North Island, Matamata
Courtesy of Nelson Helicopters 
Courtesy of Nelson Helicopters
Lord of the Rings Helicopter Elopement at Mt Olympus / Escape from Moria & South of Rivendell Wedding Locations
The very company that chartered the film crew to remote locations in Kahurangi National Park offers helicopter tours and even landings for weddings/elopements. Nelson Helicopters should be high on your list of Lord of the Rings Wedding locations. This is where the Fellowship emerged after the perils of Moria, where Sam cries after losing Gandalf and Merry and Pippin practice their swordplay. Board a helicopter in Nelson, NZ, at the top of the South Island, for an unforgettable LOTR tour and landing at the white rocks of Mt Owen, (Dimrill Dale and Escape from Moria) and Mt Olympus (South of Rivendell). Weights limits may apply, champagne and beach landings are also available.
Cost: Between $4,000 and $6,000nzd for the flight tour.
Location: South Island, Nelson
“Not all who wander are lost..”
-J.R.r.Tolkein
Photo by Shellie Evans Photography
Edoras / Mt Sunday Elopement Location for Lord of the Rings Fans
The infamous site of Edoras, capitol of Rohan, was filmed in the gorgeous southern Alps of the South Island overlooking Mt. Sunday. The viewpoint is easily accessible for those seeking a Lord of the Rings Wedding Location without breaking a sweat.
Cost: Free
Location: South Island, central mountains
Isengard 
Lothlorien / Amon Hen
Lothlorien Lord of the Rings Wedding Location / Glenorchy & Paradise New Zealand
One of the most magical areas of New Zealand is a concentrated hotspot for Lord of the Rings filming locations. Here at the North end of lake Wakatipu, you’ll find Isengard, Amon Hen and Lothlorien. The mossy forests of Amon Hen (where Merry and Pippin were captured by orcs) are a lush, greenery-filled woodland straight out of a storybook. We should lay some flowers for Boromir before we leave. The mountain views surrounding Lothlorien will leave nothing to be desired. Isengard, (where they’re taking the hobbits) is a huge area in the braided delta of the Dart River.
Cost: Free
Location: South Island, near Queenstown
Lord of the Rings Wedding Location: Mordor, Mt Doom / Mt Ngaruhoe
Throw tradition in the fire of Mordor! Tongariro National Park in central North Island is home to the famed Tongaririo Crossing (Plains of Gorgoroth), Whakapapa ski field (Mordor) and of course Mt Doom itself, whose real name is Mt. Ngaruhoe. This area is rugged, with barely any foliage and jagged rocks. One does not simply walk into Tongariro – you will need to be prepared to face the elements in this area get ready for lots of uphill hiking. Head to Iwikau village at the end of the road to visit the rocky point where Isildur cut the ring from Sauron’s hand. Further out, go up Okahuna Mountain scenic drive to Mangawhero falls to visit the area Gollum’s pool.
Cost: Free
Location: North Island, central area
Quote from a real Hobbit..
“New Zealand is gorgeous! I don’t think that there’s anywhere else we could have filmed this movie. Every element of middle-earth is contained in New Zealand. It’s perfect. Mountains, woods, marshes, desert areas, rolling hills and the sea. Everything, in fact, described in The Lord of the Rings.“
-Elijah Wood
Minas Tirith Location / Aoraki Mt Cook National Park, New Zealand
This iconic location in Return of the King can’t be beat. This Lord of the Rings wedding location is surrounded by epic mountains in every direction, with the nearby glacial lakes filled with icebergs. This makes a great free elopement location where you can hear Shadowfax in the wind.
Cost: Free
Location: South Island, Aoraki National Park
“New Zealand is the ideal place to shoot these films. The land mass is so young, so savage, so untamed and unruly, all of which make it so special.”
-Cate Blanchett
Alta Lake, Queenstown
A long winding drive up into the mountains is the perfect start to an adventure. And Alta lake is a stunning backdrop for it! Dimrill Dale scenes were filmed here and this lake represents Mirrormere, a lake sacred to the Dwarves and the source of the Silverlode river.
Cost: Free
Location: South Island, near Queenstown
Deer Park Heights, Queenstown
Seven great filming locations are within the park known as Deer Park Heights just outside of Queenstown. You must use one of their elopement bookings to elope here, and the views are oh-so-gorgeous! Just don’t kick a helmet too hard, if you know what I mean.
Cost: $1000nzd
Location: South Island, near Queenstown
I’m a Lord of the Rings Elopement Photographer in New Zealand
I plan dream elopements
So you don’t have to. Combine your honeymoon and your elopement for an unforgettable trip for less than half the cost of a traditional wedding.
I’ll show you the way
I know all the best spots, and my custom map of Lord of the Rings wedding locations will be at your fingertips.
I photograph elopements
And I’m not afraid to say I’m the best at it. With over 250 awards and 15 years of experience, your photos will be the best of the best.
See my LOTR elopement packages
I offer one of a kind LOTR elopement photography & planning, anywhere in New Zealand. Starting at $4500usd / $7500nzd.
How to have a Lord of the Rings themed wedding or elopement
You’re already in the right place, and you’re looking for a few special touches to make your elopement more.. magical. Here are some of my Lord of the rings wedding ideas to make your wedding day more middle earthy, without going into the territory of cosplay or costumes.
- Ask your celebrant to dress up as Gandalf.
- Braid your hair (or beard!)
- Eat like a hobbit: plan a feast and at least two breakfasts.
- Watch the movies on the plane to New Zealand
- Wear your ring around your neck during the days before your ceremony
- Listen to the LOTR soundtrack while getting ready
- Carry a staff, small sword, cloak, and use elven pins or ear-tips to add flair
- Read The Hobbit to each other while cozied up
- Weave the best lines into your vows
- Recreate some famous movie scenes
- Wear a dress with bell sleeves and head jewelry
Two men’s Lord of the Rings elopement
These gentlemen eloped with a nod to their fandom of Lord of the Rings. They had a symbolic ceremony, and I made them a contract to mimic the Deed of Contract signed between the fellowship, including lines about the binding of rings and ending with the line, “We have the honor to remain each other’s deeply”, a line from the books. They signed their names on the contract and sealed it with melted wax. The two men wore semi-casual elopement outfits with leather cuffs, a waistcoat and suspenders and went barefoot at the shore of a mountain lake. It was a Lord of the Rings elopement, without any pretentiousness.
