A Most Memorable Elopement!

Imagine you want to plan an elopement to remember. Naturally, you'd want stunning scenery. Maybe throw in a sunset to make everything more special. That was all in this elopement's plan. But there are other ways to make things very memorable too, as Toni and Robert (and we) discovered during their Elope West Coast NZ elopement.

Step 1. Lose her ring.

Ah, yes. Nothing like scouring the beach for a ring that WAS on your finger but now, and who knows how long for, isn't! Not a memory we wish on anyone, but it happened this day. Photos while walking to the sea stacks for the ceremony were suddenly put on hold as we all were diverted to being beachcombers, searching frantically for the ring.

Step 2. Find her ring!

Yes! About 15 minutes later, lying in the pebbles and sand, there it was! What a relief! What a joy! Onward we went for the ceremony. Due to some lost time, we wouldn't be able to get all the way to the stacks in time for sunset, so we started looking for a gorgeous spot along the way to stop. The beauty of Motukiekie beach is how it changes from tide to tide. Every couple that elopes here has such a different experience of the beach and place they choose to say 'I Do' - and that makes each elopement so beautifully individual. We found a beautiful rocky shelf that jutted out into the sea. With the waves lapping, it almost felt like we were standing on the water. This is it!

Step 3. Lose his ring.

As they found their best spot to stand, with a little splash, it dropped from Toni's hand into the water. No! This is not a puddle we're talking about. It's the ocean. With a tide and waves.

Step 4. Find his ring!

Robert nearly dove into the water, plunging his arm in and feeling around for his ring. And after a few very long seconds, he did!

Step 5. Sunset on cue in paradise.

The ceremony was intimate and personal, and the location was perfect. And right on cue, as they had their first kiss as husband and wife, the setting sun's beams enveloped them. You couldn't script this better for a Hollywood movie.

So that's what makes a memorable elopement! Enjoy the evidence below!

This kiss-stop was where her ring was found!

What a dramatic place for a ceremony! And yes, this is where the other ring was accidentally dropped into - and rescued from the water!

Personal vows in the golden light.

First kiss at sunset!

Happily ever after! What a memorable elopement!

Toni and Robert said:

We had the most beautiful ceremony at Motukiekie Beach with Elope West Coast. Gen and Shirley were absolutely amazing—so kind, professional, and incredibly flexible with us as we had to change dates and plan everything quite last-minute. The location itself is simply stunning, and Shirley's photos and creative style captured it all so perfectly—we’ll treasure them forever. Gen’s words during the ceremony, along with her warmth and genuine care, made the day even more special and emotional. We were able to turn up on the day without a single worry or bit of stress and just enjoy every moment. We can’t thank you both enough!