Free elopement venues around Tauranga
If you are having a small wedding e.g. intimate or elopement style, there are some beautiful spots around Tauranga and Bay of Plenty to have your ceremony, and they cost nothing at all. I consider myself extremely lucky to be a celebrant in such a beautiful part of New Zealand. Here are some of my favourites:
Redwoods – Whakarewarewa Forest, Rotorua
If you would like to marry in a forest you could use McLaren Falls Park near Tauranga, or the stunningly beautiful Redwoods Park in Rotorua. There is a really special feeling in that forest where all the sounds of the city disappear and you just hear the people near you. If it’s a tiny elopement, there’s no need to make a booking - just walk to a quiet spot and get hitched. For bigger ceremonies, you should call the visitor centre.
TOP TIP: be sure to do the treetop walk while you are there.
Beaches
There are literally miles (or kilometres!) of beaches in this area. It’s easy to find a quiet spot to hold the ceremony. I like to have fun with a garden rake before the ceremony, making a heart shape in the sand.
I have married people on the beaches at Waihi, Bowentown, Tauranga, Mt Maunganui and Pukehina. They have all been fantastic. Sometimes I take my wrought iron signing table, but at other times where there has only been the couple, the two witnesses and myself, we have sat on a large driftwood log to sign the marriage license.
Kulim Park, Tauranga
I often suggest Kulim Park to couples who want a pretty ceremony area before going elsewhere for the reception. You can get married with your toes in the sand or stand on a concrete path, shaped like the letter T, built in the water. It’s an absolutely beautiful backdrop with Mt Maunganui and the harbour right behind you. There is no cost for using the park, but it is a good idea to fill in the online form with Tauranga City Council, letting them know you plan to have a wedding there.
TOP TIP: look at the tide chart so your wedding is timed for the full tide.
Yatton Park
Yatton Park is a gem of a place for weddings. You can be married on the lawn, under trees or by the pond. I recommend you book in with the city council for this venue, in case others are planning to marry there at the same time. Your dog is welcome there too.
TOP TIP: you can use the communal BBQ’s after the ceremony if you want a low-key shared meal to celebrate.
Moturiki Island
If your guests are able to climb a hill using a clearly marked path, Moturiki Island is a stunning place to get married with the ocean and Mt Maunganui in the background. It’s not truly an island - you can walk across a beach to get to it. This couple took the archway up in three pieces, their friend made an aisle with shells, and I took my speaker for the microphone and music as well.
What a magical place to tie the knot.
TOP TIP: If it’s too difficult to get everyone up to the top of the hill, it’s still a beautiful venue if you use the grassed area at the base of the hill.
If you love these ideas, contact me and I’ll happily marry you there, or at any address you choose.
@celebrantdebbie
