Celebrate Your Day, Free from Expectations
Your wedding day is one of the most important moments in your life, and it should reflect who you are as a couple. Whether you're planning an adventurous mountaintop elopement with your dog or an intimate ceremony in your backyard with your closest friends, I'm here to support your vision every step of the way.
Inclusive, authentic photography for ÅŒtautahi Christchurch and beyond
Intimate Elopements & Weddings for Unique Love Stories
Your special day deserves to be captured authentically, with a photographer who understands and respects your vision.
Hi cuties! I’m River, a queer photographer based in Ōtautahi Christchurch and available worldwide. I'm dedicated to capturing marriage celebrations for non-traditional couples and lovers who value authenticity over expectations. Whether you’re exchanging vows with a handful of loved ones or planning a bold, intimate adventure, I’m here to document your day in a way that feels true to you!
Remembered through the perfect blend of candid moments, timeless poses, and every detail in-between.
I specialize in blending candid, unposed moments with traditional posed shots to create a complete story of your love. I’ll get a mix of styles so that you have plenty of photos to choose from when it comes time to download your gallery.
Plus, I'll get a range of detail and landscape shots to complete the picture of your day.
And don't worry, I'll guide and prompt you when it comes time to do group photos or get a few special ones of you and your new spouse. While you're celebrating, I'll stay out of the way so you can enjoy every moment and feel confident knowing I'm capturing all your best angles.
Your love story:
What to Expect
- Personalized Experience: Every wedding is unique, and I tailor my approach so that your desires are fulfilled. I’ll make sure all your questions are answered so that you can relax on your big day.
- Inclusive and Affirming: As someone who values and respects all identities, I create a safe space for you to celebrate your love. You won’t have to worry about a photographer getting your pronouns wrong or asking you to pose in a way you aren’t comfortable with.
- Documenting Your Day: From the big moments to the tiny details, I’ll be there to capture your story authentically. I’ll get a variety of shots so that you have classic poses and fun candids to choose from when it comes time to download and print your hand-edited gallery.
"The organisation was so so appreciated so we could relive each moment"
Thank you thank you thank you! We love them! The organisation was so so appreciated so we could relive each moment and work out what our faces were about 😂 Also, really loved that you captured the engraving on our rings and the scenery! Amidst the flurry, I missed seeing the beauty all around us! Again, thank you for being with us on our special day! We are so lucky to have had the perspective of two spectacular humans xoxoxoxo
- A & F
"They took photos that made me squeal with amazement"
I cannot recommend River enough, they are a delight to work with and deliver the most beautiful high quality images. I booked them for two events within a couple of weeks and both times they took photos that made me squeal with amazement. 100/10 will book River again (and again and again!)
- Georgie
Elopement & Wedding Pricing Details
Your elopement or small wedding is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and I believe in capturing it in a way that’s meaningful and tailored to you. Below, you’ll find a range of customizable packages with average prices.
Think of these as a jumping-off point. Together, we'll craft a day of celebration that suits your distinct vision and needs.
Whether you're planning a quick, intimate ceremony or a full-day adventure, I will ensure every moment is beautifully preserved.
Unforgettable day
The ultimate experience! Take your time with 5-8 hours of coverage, which can be split however you'd like in 1 or 2 locations. Make sure no one is left out by inviting up to 55 guests. I'll be there to capture every moment of celebration, plus a complimentary video of your vows and any speeches from loved ones. This package also includes a beautiful hand-crafted photo album that you can flip through and treasure for years to come.
$3200
Heartfelt Celebration
Celebrate your marriage with up to 35 guests. We'll have plenty of time to capture all the fun, tenderness, and joy with 3-5 hours together. In addition to beautiful images, I'll also include a complimentary video of your vows and any speeches from loved ones.
$1800
Planning a simple ceremony? Gather up to 25 guests and celebrate your love in an intimate way. I'll provide 2-3 hours of photography. You can choose to add on a video of your vows and any speeches from loved ones. Perfect for backyard weddings or courthouse marriages.
Intimate Moment
$1100
Unforgettable day
Celebrate with all your besties for a joy-filled experience! We’ll have 5-8 hours which can be spent in a variety of ways together with up to 25 guests. There will be plenty of time to capture every tender, joyful, and silly moment between you and your loved ones, including a complimentary video of your vows and any speeches. This package also includes a beautiful hand-made photo album. Crafted by an artisan from local materials, you 'll be able to treasure this physical reminder of your love forever.
Adventuring Party
Looking to keep it intimate, but can’t imagine celebrating without your closest loved ones? Share your special day with up to 12 guests. A flexible 3-5 hours of photography in up to 2 locations ensures that you'll have plenty of time for fun and intimate moments. I’ll capture every moment of your day, including a complimentary video of your vows!
$1300
Enjoy a heartfelt and intimate elopement with just you and your partner(s), so you can focus on the most important part of your love story: you! During our 1-2 hours together, I’ll capture every precious moment, so that you have memories to cherish forever. You have the option to add on video coverage of your vows if you want to relive your ceremony.
Just for Us
$800
$2400
Want me to come to you?
$800 flat fee for travel anywhere in New Zealand. International bookings, please inquire directly.
All Packages: After I hand-edit your photos, I’ll send a curated album via an online gallery, where you can order prints directly from my professional lab and easily share with your friends and family. You won't have to worry about picking photos or paying for downloads: the full album is included for you to enjoy.
Prices above are for celebrations in ÅŒtautahi Christchurch (or my current "home base" location when I'm traveling) + 25km included travel.
choose wedding or elopement above to view package details
an elopement!
a wedding!
I'm planning . . .
In their words
How it works
01
Initial Consultation
We’ll start with a conversation to understand your vision, style, and the details that matter most to you. I want to make sure that we’re a good fit, and that I’ll be able to provide everything you're dreaming of!
02
Personalized Planning & Prep
Together, we'll map out the key moments and unique elements of your day to ensure you can relax and enjoy your wedding while I capture everything. After our consultation, I'll take all the details I've gathered and prepare a customized guide with a timeline so that you feel prepared and organized. I'm always available to chat if anything comes up as your special day gets closer.
03
Time to get hitched!
Relax and have fun while I capture every moment of your celebration! I'll guide and prompt you as needed, and give you space to be yourselves too. Rest assured that you can be present for every moment while the details are taken care of for you. I’ll be there to record the big moments and all the in-between sweetness.
Reliving your day
04
2-4 weeks (depending on time of year) after your wedding, you’ll receive a curated gallery of hand-edited photos, organized by moment for easy navigation. You can make a selection of your favorites to download, or print straight from my professional lab. It’s easy to share with family and friends so that they can order their favorites too. With Unforgettable Day packages, I'll prepare a hand-made photo book for you to enjoy for years to come.
Oh Hey, Lovers!
I'm River.
In addition to being an enthusiastic photographer, I’m also a queer artist, nature nerd, lover of community building, bookworm, and aspiring author. My given family and chosen family alike are the most important thing in my life, and I’m a total romantic who adores getting to capture other people’s love stories! 🩷
