Sunset Elopement at Milford Sound
Sunset Elopement at Milford Sound
See a real Sunset Elopement at Milford Sound
Stop what you’re doing and elope in New Zealand! That’s what Laura and John did for their sunset elopement in Milford Sound. This adventurous pair had planned a dream trip to New Zealand in 2020, but we know how that went: it didn’t. Resolute, they planned their trip again for the end of November 2025. This time, they decided to include their dream elopement somewhere along the way. They reached out to me and we made their dream a reality. Laura & John’s epic elopement photos are truly some of my best work – and I’ve been at this 16 years (my business birthday was their exact elopement date!) But the plan was not without its hiccups..
Milford Sound Elopement Vendor Team
Elopement Celebrant – Symbolic Ceremony
Accommodation: Milford Sound Lodge
Cruise of Milford Sound: Southern Discoveries
Planning & Photography – New Zealand Elopements (me!)
Milford Sound Elopement Photos
I’ve always got an eye on the weather. And most weather doesn’t bother me. My cameras are waterproof to an extent, and my outfits pair best with an umbrella shoved down the back of my coat and a stupid sunhat that actually really helps keep the water off. It rained at my last elopement in Tekapo. However, the rain in Fiordland National Park is not to be underestimated. When the forecast was looking like A LOT of constant rain with precipitation expected between 1 and 2 inches in a single day, I knew it was time for backup plan B! Instead of having an early morning ceremony the next day, we shifted to a sunset elopement in Milford Sound the afternoon prior! We had amazing sunset light and colorful clouds for their ceremony.
What to know about a Milford Sound Elopement
If you are considering a Milford Sound Elopement, there are a few things you should know. Firstly, the sandflies are rabid! Sandflies are a tiny biting insect that swarms and shows no mercy, even if you are having the time of your life getting married. I’ll recommend the right bugspray, and it should be applied LIBERALLY. You may be a bit glossy, but it’s worth it for the jaw-dropping view at Milford. Sunset is actually a great time to elope here, because all the day-trip crowds have left the area. As you’ll see, we had the place to ourselves! (Except for the sandflies, which you will also see.)
Fiordland National Park Elopement Photographer
The next day was extremely rainy. Laura and John remarked that we made the right call by shifting their ceremony up a day, even with the bugs! Because it was almost impossible to be outdoors in the pouring rain the next day. But that didn’t stop us! We hopped on Southern Discoveries’ cruise of Milford Sound despite the poncho weather, which we had pre-booked. One of the highlights of eloping in Milford sound is the diversity of the landscape. Incredible mountains meet the sea, creating the fiord. And tumbling into the fiord are dozens of waterfalls, made even more incredible by the rain. We enjoyed seeing fur seals and the rare and elusive TOTAL DORK:
Meet Me
Hi, I’m Lucy! I’m the elopement photographer & all inclusive planner behind New Zealand Elopements. I take your grand idea and make it a reality by connecting you to the right location, plan and adventure for you. I also do hammerhead shark masquerade in my free time.
Let me show you around!
Hundred Falls Elopement Photos
After drying off a bit, we were back out there to complete the rest of their Milford Sound elopement photos in a location that’s only epic when it’s raining: The waterfalls along the Milford road. This spot doesn’t require a hike. The horseshoe-shaped bowl of huge cliffs surround you, as waterfalls stream down every side. It is a place that must be felt with every raindrop on your face. But beware! The cheeky Kea, a dark green alpine parrot, will try to make off with any bit of your rental car that it can peel off. I’m not joking!
See more waterfall elopement locations in New Zealand here. Now, on to their sunset Milford Sound elopement photos!!
Real Milford Sound Elopement
Thank you to my dreamboat couple, Laura and John, for braving ALL the elements and curveballs with me! Adventure buddies for life! I often say that hiring an elopement photographer can seem scary at first. After all, you may be thinking it’s like having a stranger with a camera follow you around all day. Oh boy, no. It is far more like meeting a friend at summer camp. After 15 minutes, you’ve told each other your life story. 2 hours in and you’re bonded for life, helping each other pee in the woods or opening up about your past, sharing pictures of your pets and of course the near-trauma of being rained on for days in a remote fiord. And then you get the best damn photos of you that have ever been taken. Yeah. That’s what’s it’s like.
Want a sunset elopement at Milford Sound?
If you googled ‘fiordland national park elopement photos’ or ‘milford sound elopement photos’ and came here, you’re in the right place! Connecting carefree couples to incredible places is what I do. I photograph, coordinate and plan unique elopements (no cookie cutters here!) for anyone who dreams of eloping in mossy forests, stunning mountain vistas, thundering waterfalls, rugged coasts, and everything in between. I’ll jump in and take away the stress of planning so you can sit back and enjoy the entire experience. I offer full day, 1.5 and 2 day elopement photography & planning packages anywhere in New Zealand, and around the world. See my pricing and packages here and get in touch to make your dream come to life!