Planning a wedding in Dunedin is an exciting journey, and the best wedding planners in Dunedin deliver expert coordination, styling, and full planning services to create seamless celebrations in this scenic city. These professionals leverage local venue knowledge and vendor networks to handle every detail, allowing couples to focus on enjoying their day. Standout firms like Nicholls & Co and Encore Events exemplify the personalised approach available locally.
1Nicholls & Co
Nicholls & Co is an award-winning wedding planning, styling and hire company based in Dunedin, specialising in creating beautifully designed weddings that feel seamless, personal and unforgettable. The team works closely with couples across Otago and Southland to deliver tailored experiences for farm weddings, vineyard celebrations and marquee events. Their hands-on approach ensures every detail reflects the couple’s vision while minimising stress.
Services
- Full wedding planning
- On-the-day coordination
- Wedding styling and design
- Wedding hire including furniture, decor, lighting and bars
Highlights
- Award-winning wedding planning and styling company based in Dunedin
- Founded by Rachel and Josh Nicholls with a dedicated team of planners, stylists and coordinators
- Specialises in Otago and Southland weddings at venues including Lochend Woolshed and private properties
- Offers bespoke styling services and an extensive inventory of hire items
Location & Contact
Name: Nicholls & Co
Address: Dunedin
Website: www.nichollsandco.com
2Encore Events
Encore Events is a Dunedin-based wedding and event planning company that focuses on creating signature celebrations while minimising stress for couples, families and guests. Led by Leah Stevens and her team, they handle weddings, social events and corporate functions with professional coordination, styling and hire services across Otago and Central Otago. Their approach ensures every detail is thoughtfully managed so clients can relax and enjoy the occasion.
Services
- Wedding planning and coordination
- Event styling and design
- Wedding and event hire
- Signature event creation for weddings and social occasions
Highlights
- Led by Leah Stevens with a professional team experienced in Otago events
- Focus on minimising stress through expert management of all details
- Serves Dunedin, Otago and Central Otago with tailored packages
- Specialises in weddings, social soirees and corporate meetings
Location & Contact
Name: Encore Events
Address: Dunedin Central City
Phone: 027 386 3693
Website: encoreevents.co.nz
3Meadow Creative
Meadow Creative is Dunedin’s premier event and wedding styling and planning business, dedicated to creating unforgettable celebrations across the lower South Island. The team brings creative vision and practical expertise to weddings and events, helping clients achieve cohesive, personal designs that stand out. Their local focus ensures seamless execution in Dunedin and surrounding areas including Central Otago and Southland.
Services
- Wedding and event styling
- Wedding planning support
- Event design and coordination
- Custom styling for memorable celebrations
Highlights
- Dunedin-based with coverage across the lower South Island
- Specialises in creating unforgettable, personalised event designs
- Offers hands-on styling and planning expertise for weddings and events
- Focus on making events feel unique and stress-free for clients
Location & Contact
Name: Meadow Creative
Address: Dunedin
Website: www.meadowcreative.co.nz
4STAC Weddings
STAC Weddings, led by Stacey Thompson, is a Southland-based wedding planning service serving couples across Otago including Dunedin with over a decade of experience. The business offers refined planning journeys that transform visions into memorable celebrations, drawing on local venue knowledge and international perspectives. Their suite of services supports couples seeking style direction, full planning or expert advisory support.
Services
- Style and curation with mood boards and vendor selection
- Total full-service wedding planning
- Advisory and consultancy sessions
- End-to-end coordination from discovery to delivery
Highlights
- Over a decade of experience with global collaboration insights
- Based in Southland serving Otago, Queenstown, Wanaka and Te Anau
- Limited bookings available for personalised attention
- Emphasis on creating unmistakably personal weddings with obsessive detail
Location & Contact
Name: STAC Weddings
Address: Invercargill
Phone: 021 068 7714
Website: www.stacweddings.co.nz
5Alexandra Kate Studios
Alexandra Kate Studios is a Central Otago-based wedding and event planning specialist curating bespoke, luxurious experiences across New Zealand. The team plans, coordinates and styles celebrations with an emphasis on creating relaxing and enjoyable planning processes for clients. Their packages support weddings and events from intimate gatherings to larger celebrations, ensuring every detail aligns with the couple’s unique vision.
Services
- Full wedding and event planning
- Coordination and styling services
- Bespoke package options for weddings and events
- Creative direction for elegant, personalised celebrations
Highlights
- Voted 2024 Best wedding planner in NZ via Together Journal + Wild Hearts
- Based in the stunning Central Otago region serving clients nationwide
- Emphasis on bespoke, luxurious experiences with genuine care
- Offers thoughtfully curated packages for stress-free planning
Location & Contact
Name: Alexandra Kate Studios
Address: Central Otago
Phone: 021 024 21444
Website: www.alexandrakate.co.nz
How to Choose the Right Wedding Planner in Dunedin
- Choose a planner with extensive knowledge of Dunedin and Otago venues such as Larnach Castle or Glenfalloch Gardens.
- Determine if you need full-service planning or just day-of coordination based on your budget and involvement level.
- Review their portfolio and client testimonials to ensure their style matches your vision for the day.
- Confirm their relationships with local vendors in areas like the Warehouse Precinct or Otago Peninsula for seamless coordination.
- Meet with potential planners to assess communication style and ensure they offer flexible, tailored packages.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dunedin Wedding Planners
How much does a wedding planner typically cost in Dunedin?
Wedding planner fees in Dunedin vary depending on the scope of service. Day-of coordination often starts from around NZD $1,000 while full planning packages can range from NZD $3,000 upwards, depending on complexity and inclusions. Contact planners directly for tailored quotes.
Do I need a wedding planner if my venue has a coordinator?
Venue coordinators typically manage venue-specific logistics such as catering and setup, while a wedding planner oversees the full event including vendor coordination, timelines and styling. Many couples find value in combining both for comprehensive coverage.
When should I hire a wedding planner in Dunedin?
It is best to engage a planner 9 to 12 months before your wedding date, particularly for popular seasons, to secure preferred venues and vendors across Dunedin and the Otago region.
What services do Dunedin wedding planners usually provide?
Local planners commonly offer full-service planning, partial planning, day-of coordination, styling and design, vendor management, budget oversight and specialised support for intimate weddings or elopements at scenic locations.
Can a Dunedin wedding planner help with destination weddings or elopements?
Yes, many Dunedin and regional planners specialise in intimate ceremonies and elopements at iconic spots such as the Otago Peninsula, Signal Hill or Tunnel Beach, handling permits, accommodation and local logistics.
What legal requirements apply to weddings in New Zealand?
Couples must comply with the Marriage Act including notice periods and documentation. For official details visit legislation.govt.nz or the government marriage information page.
How do I find a wedding planner who matches my style?
Review portfolios on planners’ websites, request consultations and discuss your vision, preferred venues and budget to ensure alignment before committing.