So, you’re planning a wedding in New Zealand? First of all, congratulations! 🎉 Second, let’s talk colors. Choosing a wedding color palette seems simple—until you’re staring at 47 shades of blue, questioning your life choices at 2 AM on Pinterest.
The good news? New Zealand is basically a dream destination where nature does half the work for you. From the moody mountains of Queenstown to the golden beaches of Auckland, your backdrop is already stunning—now, we just need to make sure your color palette complements it (and makes your wedding photos look next-level amazing).
🌿 Step 1: Let New Zealand’s Landscapes Inspire You
Why fight against nature when you can use it to your advantage? Different locations in NZ have their own distinct vibes, so here’s how to match your color palette with the scenery:
🏔 For Mountain & Lake Weddings (Queenstown, Wanaka, Tongariro)
❄️ Best colors: Cool blues, misty greys, crisp whites, and icy silver.
⛰ Perfect for: A sophisticated, modern wedding with a touch of “we just stepped into a fairytale.”
📍 Venue Idea: Stoneridge Estate, Queenstown – epic mountain views, vineyard charm, and a luxury lodge all in one.
🌊 For Beach & Coastal Weddings (Auckland, Bay of Islands)
🏝 Best colors: Sandy beiges, seafoam green, soft peach, and deep navy blue.
🌅 Perfect for: A barefoot-in-the-sand, windswept-romance kind of wedding.
📍 Venue Idea: Kauri Bay Boomrock, Auckland – clifftop views, ocean breeze, and a sunset that does all the decorating for you.
🍇 For Vineyard & Countryside Weddings (Hawke’s Bay, Marlborough, Waikato)
🍷 Best colors: Earthy greens, warm golds, terracotta, and deep burgundy.
🌿 Perfect for: A rustic, romantic wedding with that “we drink wine like we know what we’re doing” vibe.
📍 Venue Idea: Gibbston Valley Winery, Queenstown – sip wine, say vows, repeat.
🌿 For Rainforest & Fiordland Weddings (Milford Sound, Abel Tasman)
🌲 Best colors: Deep emerald, mossy greens, dark browns, and moody greys.
🌫 Perfect for: A magical, enchanted-forest wedding (think: barefoot vows, mist rolling through the trees).
📍 Venue Idea: Fiordland Lodge – because nothing says dramatic romance like getting married in the middle of a fjord.
📅 Step 2: Match Your Colors to the Season
New Zealand’s weather is a little wild (it loves surprises), but each season has its own signature aesthetic.
🌸 Spring (September-November)
🌷 Best colors: Blush pink, lavender, sky blue, and buttercream.
🌿 Why? The country is blooming with cherry blossoms, daffodils, and bright green landscapes.
☀️ Summer (December-February)
🍉 Best colors: Coral, turquoise, lemon yellow, and sunset orange.
🌊 Why? It’s beach season, baby! The long daylight hours make bright, vibrant colors pop.
🍂 Autumn (March-May)
🍁 Best colors: Burnt orange, deep burgundy, mustard yellow, and forest green.
🍷 Why? The vineyards turn golden, the trees in Central Otago explode into fiery reds, and the entire country looks like an Instagram filter.
❄️ Winter (June-August)
❄️ Best colors: Icy blue, silver, charcoal grey, and deep navy.
🏔 Why? Snow-capped mountains, cozy candlelit receptions, and a general hot chocolate + fur coat aesthetic.
🎨 Step 3: Pick a Color Combo That Feels Like YOU
At the end of the day, your wedding colors should reflect your personality. Here are some ready-to-go color combos to make your life easier:
🌿 Boho Chic: Terracotta, rust orange, dusty pink, sage green.
✨ Modern Minimalist: Ivory, charcoal, champagne gold, soft taupe.
💃 Bold & Vibrant: Emerald green, fuchsia, burnt orange, deep plum.
🏖 Soft & Beachy: Sand, seafoam, sky blue, driftwood grey.
Pro Tip: Before committing, grab fabric swatches or paint samples to see how your colors look in natural light.
🏆 Step 4: Think About Photography (Because Your Photos Will Last Forever)
Some colors look amazing in person but meh on camera. Here’s what to keep in mind:
📸 Great for Photos: Deep, rich colors (burgundy, navy, emerald) and soft neutrals (champagne, dusty rose, sage green).
⚠️ Tricky on Camera: Neon colors (they reflect light weirdly) and pale pastels in bright sunlight (they can look washed out).
⭐ Pro Tip: If you want a light color scheme but don’t want washed-out photos, add a pop of contrast—think navy suits against a blush dress or emerald greenery with soft neutrals.
🎤 Step 5: Don’t Stress It – Make It FUN!
At the end of the day, your wedding colors should feel like you. So, if you’re obsessed with neon pink or you dream of an all-black wedding—go for it. The best weddings are the ones that feel authentic, not the ones that follow “the rules.”
And hey, if you want someone to capture those colors in the most magical way possible (ahem, that’s me!), let’s chat!
👉 Check out my portfolio here: Your Happy Moments Blog
👉 Explore my wedding photography packages: Investment
👉 Get in touch & let’s make magic happen: Contact
Can’t wait to help you turn your wedding colors into unforgettable moments! 💛
