Vegas-Style Weddings Have Arrived in Wānaka

A little bit Vegas, a little bit retro, and very Wānaka. Meet Alpine Altar, a new way to get married in the Cardrona Valley for couples who want all the style and none of the planning overload.

Set inside a tiny historic chapel, Alpine Altar takes the idea of the quick-fire Vegas wedding and gives it a beautifully styled New Zealand twist. Think intimate ceremony, bold interiors, statement florals, cake, cocktails and a seriously good crew of local wedding vendors already waiting for you.

The best part? You simply book your one-hour wedding slot online.

How Alpine Altar Works

Alpine Altar runs on selected dates throughout the year, with couples choosing a set ceremony time and bringing up to 10 of their favourite people along for the ride.

Waiting at the chapel is Siobháin the Celebrant, sequinned jumpsuit very much encouraged, Nat from Run in the Shadows behind the camera, and Sera from Something Borrowed taking care of the planning, styling and hosting.

For $4,800, the package includes the fully styled chapel, a short and sweet ceremony, photography with up to 50 images, planning in the lead-up and space for up to 10 guests.

Couples can also add an Alpine Altar signature cake by White Rabbit Cakes and content creation by Bowden Studio.

Experiences Over Logistics

Alpine Altar was dreamed up by local wedding professionals who saw a growing group of couples wanting something beautiful and memorable without spending months planning every detail.

Everything is already done for you. The space is styled. The celebrant is booked. The photographer is ready. And because the ceremony takes place indoors, there’s no obsessively refreshing the Wānaka weather forecast in the week before.

Choose your date. Choose your time. Turn up. Get married.

Simple, intimate and a whole lot cooler than a trip to the registry office.

SMD Loves

The styling is where this one really comes alive. Powder blue draping against oversized deep red sculptural florals, retro red and blue taper candles, a cherry-covered blue cake and the bride’s purple platforms give the whole setup a playful, slightly surreal feel.

We also love that Alpine Altar offers something genuinely different for couples who don’t necessarily want a traditional elopement or a full-scale wedding. It’s small, stylish, personality-packed and designed to make getting married feel fun.

Upcoming Alpine Altar dates:
13–14 November 2026
7–8 May 2027