Located in the southwestern corner of the Pacific Ocean, this small but beautiful country offers couples a spectacular backdrop for their wedding ceremony. From active volcanoes, boiling geysers, and lush rainforests, to beautiful mountain tops and icy glaciers, New Zealand has something for everyone to enjoy. Its contrasting scenery and small size allows couples the freedom of experiencing a wide variety of climates in a matter of only a few days drive.

With a population of only 3.5 million, New Zealand has large areas of uninhabited wilderness and spectacular scenery. English is universally spoken but Maori has also been an official language since the late 1980s. The currency is the New Zealand Dollar, which is worth around 42 cents to the U.S. dollar. This means that you will get good value for your money while planning your wedding.

New Zealand is famous for their friendly and safe atmosphere. Most people will experience very little culture shock and acclimate to the environment and time difference within a few days. New Zealand is in the Southern Hemisphere, so the seasons are the reverse of those in the Northern Hemisphere. Summer is December to February while winter is June to August. The average summer temperature is 22° Celsius (72° Fahrenheit), and the average winter temperature is 9° Celsius (48° Fahrenheit).

Since New Zealand is a modern country, the wedding community is extremely progressive. All current wedding fashions and trends are readily available for couples to enjoy. Auckland is the city of choice for many couples planning modern weddings, while the rustic settings of Lake Wakatipu will entice any outdoor lover.

The amazing scenery is one obvious reason why many couples find this country to be the ideal wedding location, but its friendliness and ease of marriage for foreign couples definitely adds to the appeal of this choice destination.

For couples looking to elope privately or celebrate with a few guests, planning your wedding through the internet is a very viable option. Many New Zealand consultants offer on-line specials and packages for couples seeking an intimate wedding. If you plan on inviting many guests and have developed a significant wedding vision, we recommend hiring a consultant in your area that specializes in destination weddings.

This article was contributed by Karen Hohlen.