FAQ
Wedding
Common Questions for Overseas Individuals Planning a Wedding in New Zealand
Q: Can same-sex couples (male-male, female-female) get married in New Zealand?
A: Yes, same-sex marriage is legal in New Zealand, just like in Taiwan. We have successfully conducted multiple same-sex weddings. Additionally, we have selected a few small churches that allow same-sex marriage ceremonies.
Q: Do you provide marriage registration services for Hong Kong residents?
A: Yes, Hong Kong couples have always been one of our main client groups. We offer a complete New Zealand marriage registration process with qualified celebrants, and we complete the marriage registration ceremony on the wedding day. These registration documents are recognized in Hong Kong.
Q: Why choose to register your marriage overseas in New Zealand?
A: New Zealand operates on a trust-based system, making the pre-marriage procedures and approvals much simpler compared to other countries. The New Zealand government does not inquire into your background and does not require complex personal documents; you can complete the primary application process based solely on the information you fill out online.
Q: Do you provide floral arrangements for the wedding venue?
A: We work with a floral design company that can provide decoration services, starting at around NZD $2,000. You can choose your preferred styles through the vendor’s social media platforms, and they will provide a price list based on your selections.
Consultation
Common questions from finding us to completing the booking process.
Q: How is a booking considered complete?
A: Your booking is considered complete once you confirm the contract details and pay the deposit. During peak seasons, we receive many inquiries, and after providing the contract, we will hold your dates for one week. If the deposit is not received within that time, the dates will be reopened for other clients, so we recommend completing your booking early to secure your preferred dates.
Q: Is the shooting and post-production done by DNTimage?
A: Yes, our studio handles everything from shooting to post-production internally. Many photographers on the internet might outsource their work, leading to inconsistencies in style and a lack of communication regarding shooting details. We advise couples to choose carefully.
Q: What payment methods and currencies do you accept?
A: We accept payments through Taiwan, WISE, Hong Kong, and New Zealand accounts. Currently, we only accept New Taiwan Dollars and New Zealand Dollars, either in cash or via bank transfer. If you need to pay by card, we offer options through Wise or PayPal, but please inquire about the fees for card payments.
Q: There are many wedding shoot locations in New Zealand's South Island, such as Queenstown, Mount Cook, and Glenorchy. Which should I choose?
A: Each location has its own charm. Queenstown is convenient for transportation and offers a variety of scenic views, ideal for couples looking to minimize travel time. Mount Cook features stunning roads and snow-capped mountains and allows for helicopter trips year-round. We recommend looking at photos of these locations and discussing any questions with us.
Q: What can I shoot in Queenstown?
A: In Queenstown, you can capture various picturesque bridges, views of Lake Wakatipu, scenic lakeside spots, high vantage points for grand landscapes, shots of the steamship at the dock, charming street scenes, pine forests, and golden grasslands. In autumn, you can shoot beautiful fall colors, while winter allows for snow scenes or skiing-themed photos. We can also arrange for white horses, llamas, helicopters, etc.
Q: How can I book a helicopter? Which locations can I arrange?
A: Our studio can assist with helicopter bookings. The full payment for the helicopter is required when paying the deposit (costs vary by location). If the helicopter company cannot fly on the day, a full refund will be issued. Helicopters can be arranged for locations such as Queenstown, Wanaka, and Mount Cook, with Mount Cook having snow year-round; Queenstown and Wanaka typically have snow from June to September.
Q: Are there other shooting locations besides the ones in the package?
A: We can arrange wedding shoots anywhere in the central and southern South Island. Details and any additional costs will need to be discussed with the photographer.
Q: Can I discuss shooting details with the photographer?
A: Once you complete the booking, you can start discussing shooting details with the photographer. We will also ask you to prepare your desired content and preferences, helping us understand your style. If needed, we can schedule a video call to discuss this about a month before the shoot.
Q: Where is the most convenient accommodation in Queenstown?
A: Queenstown is small, and most locations are within 20-25 minutes. You can arrange accommodations based on convenience. We recommend staying in an Airbnb for better quality and views. Good locations include Frankton Rd, or newer communities like Lake Hayes Estate and Shotover.
Q: Can I bring dried flowers into New Zealand?
A: It’s not recommended, but you can declare them at customs, where officials will assess their eligibility. Generally, non-fresh flowers, seeds, or pests won’t be discarded, but this is not guaranteed. If you declare them, there won’t be any fines, even if they are discarded.
Q: Are the subjects in the photos always small in the frame?
A: We typically deliver around 150-200 original images from a shoot, including many close-ups and half-body shots. Earlier website photos mainly showcased New Zealand’s grand landscapes, helping couples understand the scenery. Recent updates also include more emotional close-ups, as Dandy enjoys capturing heartfelt moments alongside the big scenery.
Shooting Day
Preparation for your trip to New Zealand and what to expect on the day of the shoot, including wedding dress selection and additional service arrangements.
Q: Do I need to prepare my own accessories and veil? What else should I bring?
A: We will provide various accessories and both long and short veils for you to use. We also have ties and bowties available for men. Men should bring their own dress shoes and white shirts, while any unique ties or accessories can be brought from home. Women need to prepare their own Nu Bra, high heels, ballet flats, or comfortable shoes for ease of movement.
Q: If it rains on the shoot day, can we reschedule?
A: The South Island has low annual rainfall, and it’s rare to have an entire day of heavy rain that prevents shooting. Sometimes, shooting right after the rain can yield beautiful results. During peak seasons (November-February, April-May), we are fully booked every day, so rescheduling may not be possible. For other seasons, we will do our best to accommodate rescheduling based on availability.
Q: When can I choose my wedding dress in New Zealand?
A: If you are using a complimentary wedding dress from your package, we can arrange for you to select your dress one or two days before the shoot. If that’s not feasible, you can try on dresses on the morning of the shoot. Fitting times are from 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM, but other arrangements can be made if needed.
Q: Can I confirm the exact shooting location on the day?Q: Can I change the shooting location or book additional services on the day?Q: What should I know about helicopter shoots?Q: I would like to take photos with cows, sheep, horses, or llamas.
A: We will prioritize locations we discussed previously, but we may adjust based on current weather and lighting conditions. Our top priority is to achieve the scenic spots you love.
Q: Can I change the shooting location or book additional services on the day?
A: Due to varying weather conditions in different areas, we will provide location suggestions based on the weather. If the weather at Mt. Cook is poor, we can consider changing to Lake Tekapo or another site. However, if you have booked a helicopter, we must wait for the helicopter company to confirm any cancellations before we can change locations. If you need to arrange for a helicopter or white horse service last minute, please inform us a day or two in advance, and we will check availability.
Q: What should I know about helicopter shoots?
A: Helicopter fees vary by location. The total flight time for shooting is approximately one hour. Payment can be made on-site via card or through our studio in New Taiwan Dollars. Regardless of payment method, the full helicopter fee must be added to the deposit.
Q: I would like to take photos with cows, sheep, horses, or llamas.
A: Many docile animals are found along the roads in New Zealand, but they are on private property and cannot be approached for photos. Even sheep near fences often run away. For a more interactive experience, we recommend scheduling a shoot at an animal farm in Glenorchy, where you can meet various friendly animals. In Queenstown, we can arrange for llama or white horse photo opportunities.
Post-Shooting
Questions regarding the final products and files after the wedding dress and ceremony shoot.
Q: How long after the shoot can I receive the raw images?
A: After the shoot and once the final payment is completed, you can receive the raw images within a week if no color grading is needed. If color grading is required, it may take two to four weeks (during peak season) to receive the images, which will be provided via cloud storage for download.
Q: How long after selecting the edited photos will I receive them?
A: Once you have selected the photos, you can expect to receive the edited images within one month. If you need them sooner, an expedited fee will apply. For any re-edits, you will receive the revised photos within two weeks after we receive your feedback.
Q: Do you offer albums, thank-you cards, or frames?
A: We partner with a printing company in Taiwan to provide quotes for these items. If you need assistance with layout and printing, an additional service fee will apply. The specifications for our products are as follows: deluxe leather album (30×30 cm, 15 pages), unframed prints (51×76 cm), thank-you cards (four designs x 100 cards, 9×10 cm). Production time for printed items is approximately 10 working days (excluding shipping).
Q: What if we lose our files? Does the studio keep backups?
A: Our studio will retain your cloud files for one year and keep copies on our NAS hard drive for three years. If it has been over three years since your shoot, you can inquire with us to see if the files are still available.