Your Guide to the Average Wedding Cost NZ From a Photographer's Perspective
Let us talk about the big question on everyone's mind when planning a wedding in New Zealand: "How much is this actually going to cost me?" Currently, the average wedding in NZ is sitting around the NZ$35,000 mark. But that number is a bit of a moving target these days.
What a New Zealand Wedding Actually Costs
Getting your head around the finances is the first, and arguably most important, step in planning. Think of your budget less as a set of rules and more as a roadmap.
Detailed Cost Breakdown
- Venue Hire: NZ$5,000 to $15,000+
- Catering (per person): NZ$60 to $150+
- Photography: NZ$4,000 to $7,000
- Videography: NZ$4,000 to $7,000
- Wedding Attire: NZ$2,000 to $6,000+
- Florals and Styling: NZ$1,000 to $3,000+
- Entertainment: NZ$1,500 (DJ) to $4,000+ (Band)
- Rings: NZ$500 to $5,000+
- Cake: NZ$300 to $800+
Sample Budgets
### Intimate Affair: 50 Guests, NZ$20,000 Venue and catering 45%, Photography 20%, Attire 15%, Florals 5%, Entertainment 5%, Extras 5%, Contingency 5%
### Classic Kiwi Wedding: 80 Guests, NZ$45,000 Venue and catering 45%, Photo and video 20%, Attire 10%, Entertainment 8%, Florals 7%, Extras 5%, Contingency 5%
### Grand Celebration: 120+ Guests, NZ$80,000 Venue and catering 50%, Photo and video 15%, Styling 15%, Entertainment 10%, Attire 5%, Contingency 5%
Why Photography Is Worth the Investment
Long after the cake is gone and the dress is stored away, your wedding photos are one of the only things you have left to hold onto. They are the real, tangible story of your day, becoming more precious with every passing year.
Planning your budget? Contact me to discuss photography packages for your Wellington wedding.