Queenstown is beautiful wherever you look, from crystal-clear lakes to snow-capped mountains to valleys full of wildflowers. If you are looking for engagement photo locations with a stunning backdrop, Queenstown is unmatched.
As a wedding photographer, I know how important it is to find an engagement location that you not only love but that you feel represents you and your partner – whether that’s a backdrop with mountains because you both have a sense of wanderlust or a secluded forest because you both love nature and are drawn to a quiet, intimate place.
So, if you are still looking for that place, let’s dive into more about why you should take your engagement photos in Queenstown and my top recommendations for photoshoot locations.
Why You Should Take Engagement Photos in Queenstown
If you want your engagement photos to capture a sense of adventure and include jaw-dropping, epic views, and lots of different vibrant colours then Queenstown sounds just like the destination you are looking for.
Queenstown is renowned for its natural beauty – it’s known as New Zealand’s most popular town – and for good reason!
You could take your engagement photos surrounded by snow-capped peaks and rivers, or if you’re a fan of Lord of the Rings, you could take your engagement photos at some of the filming locations, such as Lake Wakatipu or Kawarau River & Kawarau Gorge. You could even take engagement photos with a helicopter surrounded by panoramic views.
Queenstown offers a one-of-a-kind engagement experience and promises beautiful photos no matter where you choose.
You can also celebrate your engagement here in so many different ways. If, after your engagement session, you want to go to a famous winery, you can! Or perhaps you both want to embark on an adventure together, such as a jet boat ride on one of the iconic lakes, paragliding, or even skydiving. After all, Queenstown refers to itself as the adventure capital of the world!
Best Time of Year for Engagement Photos in Queenstown
Each season offers something unique and different, depending on what you’re looking for—Queenstown has something for everyone to fall in love with.
Fall
Fall is from March to May. This is the perfect time for your engagement photos if you want photos with vibrant, colorful fall foliage and golden landscapes as your backdrop. The weather is also beautiful this time of year. It’s perfect for an outdoor session with some layers as it gets a bit chillier.
Winter
Winter is from June – August and promises snow so if you want dreamy winter wonderland engagement photos on top of a mountain then this is your season. You can also take your photos with a gorgeous sunrise and the enchanting alpine landscapes surrounding you.
Spring
Spring here is stunning and is from September – November! You’ll still find snow on the mountains, cherry blossoms, lush, green pastures, and more. You’ll also spot fresh, spring buds and blooming landscapes.
Summer
Summer is from December to February and brings with it plenty of sunshine and beautiful weather. During this time of the year, you can enjoy the fresh alpine air and the longer sunny days – which are great for an evening sunset session.
Top Locations for Engagement Photos in Queenstown
Cecil Peak
Cecil Peak is the closest peak directly across Lake Wakatipu and offers dramatic rugged cliffs, snowy peaks, lake views, meadows, and more. Everywhere you look, there’s something new and breathtaking to take in.
You can even take a helicopter ride up here, which not only creates an unforgettable memory but the ride promises scenic, epic views that you and your partner will love.
Coronet Peak
Coronet Peak is in the heart of Queenstown, and you can get here by car. It’s another destination with panoramic, stunning views and is surrounded by verdant, green valleys, crystal clear water, and mountain peaks – you and your partner will both feel like you’re on top of the world here – both literally and figuratively.
Skippers Canyon
Skippers Canyon is another location that boasts beauty and adventure. You will have vast mountain and valley views all while surrounded by untouched nature. Skippers Canyon is one of Queenstown’s best-kept secrets and is around 25 minutes away from Queenstown.
Lake Wakatipu
Lake? Scenic viewpoints? Mountain views? Check, check, and check – Lake Wakatipu has it all. This lake is mesmerizing and a gem of Queenstown. It’s shaped like a cartoon lightning bolt and is framed by mighty, snow-capped mountains. It’s ideal for your engagement photos if you want to take your pictures in a location that is both dramatic mixed with serene beauty.
Shotover River
Shotover River is the spot for a romantic, lakeside photo session. Here you’ll find lots of beautiful colours, nature, mountains, and a bridge that’s a perfect spot for some of your photos.
Moke Lake
Moke Lake is 20 – 30 minutes away from Queenstown and has a serene, reflective lake and is surrounded by tussock-clad peaks and provides a dreamy backdrop for your photos.
Routeburn Track
Routeburn Track is just 1 hour away from Queenstown and there’s lots of forest around the area, tall mountains, and a charming river.
Glenorchy
In so many pictures of New Zealand, there’s one thing that you see over and over again – lupin!
In Glenorchy, if you’re lucky and you come during lupin season, you can have these beautiful flowers as the backdrop for your photos. You can also take some pictures next to the riverside, on a dock that leads out to the water, next to the famous Glenorchy red shed, or in another scenic spot – there’s plenty to choose from.
Now You Know Where the Best Queenstown Engagement Photo Locations
Hopefully, this guide gave you a better idea of some of the amazing Queenstown engagement photo locations.
An engagement photo session in Queenstown will be a dreamy, romantic experience and will leave you with memories that you’ll cherish forever. As I mentioned earlier you can’t go wrong with any location you choose for your photos here because everywhere you go is beautiful and each spot has its own unique charm.
And, if you are still looking for the perfect photographer to take your engagement photos, I’d love to chat – I can help you find a location that you’ll love. You can click here to learn more about my photography services or head over here to get in touch!
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