Two hands gently touching fingertips in a lush green park, woman wearing a gold bracelet and engagement ring.

Kate and Matt

If you’re dreaming of an elopement that feels private, meaningful, and completely your own, Kate and Matt’s morning at McLoughlin Park, Te Puke, is the perfect inspiration.

Located in the heart of Te Puke, McLoughlin Park, usually a perfect spot for dog walkers, also offers a quiet, natural setting that’s ideal for couples wanting a relaxed and intimate wedding experience.

After seven years together and raising two beautiful children, Kate and Matt chose to celebrate their love in a way that truly reflected them - simple, heartfelt, and away from the spotlight. Their Bay of Plenty elopement took place on a peaceful Friday afternoon, surrounded by nature and just a handful of people.

Their ceremony was incredibly intimate, with only their celebrant, Katie Pitman, Kate’s boss as a witness, and myself - also stepping in as a witness, which was such a special and memorable first for me.

Couple exchanging vows outdoors under a leafy tree, woman in white dress holding paper, man in linen shirt smiling.
Black and white photo of a couple sharing a romantic kiss outdoors under a weeping tree at their wedding.
Couple laughing and holding hands during an outdoor wedding ceremony surrounded by lush green trees.

Why Elopements Are So Special

As an elopement photographer in the Bay of Plenty, I approach these days a little differently to traditional weddings.

With such a small and personal setting, it’s important to remain unobtrusive and allow moments to unfold naturally. I often use zoom lenses so I can step back and give couples space, while still capturing those intimate, emotional moments up close.

This approach creates a gallery that feels authentic - nothing forced, just genuine connection and real memories.

Black and white photo of a laughing couple embracing outdoors under leafy trees, wearing white outfits.
A couple in white attire shares a romantic embrace outdoors, surrounded by lush green trees in a garden setting.
Romantic couple in white outfits sharing a tender moment on a wooden bridge surrounded by lush green trees.
Couple holding hands during wedding ceremony with officiant in background, bride showing floral tattoo on wrist.

Newlywed Photos after your elopement

After the ceremony and signing of the paperwork, we explored McLoughlin Park for their newlywed portraits.

One of the things I love most about photographing an elopement is being creative and discovering what a location can offer. From lush greenery to open spaces and quiet corners, perfect for creating a diverse and visually rich gallery.

I always aim to incorporate the surroundings and gently guide couples through different spots, ensuring we capture a mix of relaxed, romantic, and candid moments.

Black and white photo of a romantic couple sitting together under a tree in a park with a white bridge in the background.
A couple walks hand in hand across a wooden bridge in a sunny park with palm trees and lush greenery in black and white. Elopement Tauranga

What You Can Capture in One Hour

Kate and Matt’s entire elopement - from ceremony to portraits - was captured in just one hour.

Even if you want more coverage for your elopement, this just shows that even a short and simple timeline can result in a beautiful, meaningful gallery filled with variety.

As you can see from their images, we were able to capture so much in a short space of time -making this a perfect example of how a small wedding in New Zealand can still feel complete and incredibly special.


Planning Your Own Bay of Plenty Elopement

If you’re considering an intimate Tauranga, Bay of Plenty wedding, there are so many beautiful locations to choose from.

Whether it’s a quiet park like McLoughlin Park tucked away in Te Puke or taking advantage of the vast beaches of Mount Maunganui and Papamoa, elopements give you the freedom to create a day that feels relaxed, intentional, and truly yours.

As a Tauranga elopement photographer, I love helping couples plan a day that’s not only beautiful but also stress-free and meaningful from start to finish.


Elopement Photographer: Claire Elizabeth Photography

Celebrant: Katie Pitman

Location: McLoughlin Park, Te Puke

Enquire Here
Couple holding hands during outdoor wedding ceremony with officiant in black and white park photo.
Couple exchanging wedding vows outdoors in a lush green garden, bride in white dress holding paper vows.
Smiling woman in white dress reads from a card to a man in a sunny green park setting.
Black and white outdoor wedding ceremony with couple holding hands before officiant under leafy tree.
Black and white photo of three people exchanging vows outdoors under a tree during an intimate wedding ceremony.
Black and white photo of a couple signing wedding documents at a picnic table outdoors, officiant seated smiling.
Three people smiling outdoors in a park, woman signing documents at picnic table, black and white photo.
Bride in white dress signing marriage certificate at outdoor picnic table during wedding ceremony.
Groom in white shirt signing marriage license at picnic table as smiling bride watches outdoors.
Black and white photo of a smiling couple embracing tenderly under leafy trees in an outdoor setting.
Three people smiling and posing together outdoors in a lush green garden setting on a sunny day.
Black and white photo of a smiling couple sharing a romantic moment under leafy branches outdoors.
A couple embraces and smiles at each other in a lush green park, wearing white outfits in a romantic outdoor setting.
Black and white photo of a couple kissing under leafy trees, both dressed in white, in a romantic outdoor setting.
A couple stands on a wooden bridge surrounded by lush trees in a romantic black and white outdoor portrait.
A smiling couple holds hands while walking on a wooden deck outdoors, dressed in casual summer attire.
Black and white photo of a couple dancing outdoors near a white bridge surrounded by lush trees.
A joyful couple holds hands outdoors, smiling at each other in a sunlit garden setting.
Black and white photo of a smiling couple leaning against a tree, sharing a tender romantic moment outdoors.
Couple sharing a romantic kiss leaning against a large tree in a lush green park on a sunny day.
Couple sitting together against a large tree trunk in a lush green park with a white bridge in the background.
Black and white photo of a couple sitting together under a large tree in a park with a white bridge in the background.
Couple sharing a romantic almost-kiss while sitting against a tree trunk in a lush green park with a white bridge backdrop.
Black and white photo of a couple relaxing under a tree in a park, with a white bridge visible in the background.
Black and white photo of a couple sharing a romantic kiss outdoors, embracing each other tenderly.
A joyful couple shares an intimate nose-to-nose moment, smiling warmly, with the woman wearing a hair clip outdoors.
Black and white photo of a man carrying a woman in his arms outdoors, both smiling and dressed in white summer outfits.
Black and white photo of a couple embracing outdoors, man in white shirt hugging woman in white dress among trees.
Couple embracing romantically by a tree in a lush green park, both dressed in white outfits.
Black and white photo of a smiling woman embracing a man in a white shirt near a tree outdoors.
Black and white photo of a couple embracing and kissing outdoors, man lifting woman in a park setting.
A smiling bride in white holds her groom's face tenderly outdoors, sharing a romantic moment surrounded by greenery.
Black and white photo of a romantic couple about to kiss outdoors, woman in white dress tenderly holding mans face.
Wooden sign for McLoughlin Park and Te Puke Squash Club surrounded by lush green grass and mature trees.