Couples invited to pop along for their wedding

The historic Cardrona Church is the venue for the three-day Alpine Altar wedding pop-up next...
The historic Cardrona Church is the venue for the three-day Alpine Altar wedding pop-up next month. PHOTO: SUPPLIED
Two Wānaka women are bringing a touch of Las Vegas to the Cardrona Valley, turning a nearly 150-year-old chapel into a speed-wedding venue.

The pop-up Alpine Altar is a collaboration between wedding celebrant Siobhain Hooper and wedding planner Sera Bowden, who have a combined 18 years’ experience in the wedding industry.

The idea is simple: from August 27 to 29 at the historic Cardrona Church, couples can book an hour-long slot to get married, and Alpine Altars will take care of the rest, including venue management, the legal ceremony and professional photography.

All they have to do is show up.

For Ms Hooper, the pop-up offers couples who cannot face — or cannot afford — a big traditional wedding the opportunity to get married in a stylish, accessible setting, without having to sweat the small stuff.

Alpine Altar offers couples a stress-free alternative to traditional weddings in the stylish -...
Alpine Altar offers couples a stress-free alternative to traditional weddings in the stylish - and weatherproof - Cardrona Church. Photo: Supplied
‘‘There’s couples who get completely overwhelmed by the decision-making and the cost.

‘‘The whole point of the pop-up is to make something really easy for people that’s stress-free.’’

Ms Bowden said the indoor setting helped to further reduce stress.

‘‘As an alternative to the outdoor elopements we see in the area, Cardrona Church offers a warm, weatherproof setting,’’ she said.

‘‘With the fire lit and the mountains outside, it creates a uniquely romantic atmosphere couples can rely on. There’s no need to check the weather apps on repeat or to make a plan B or C.’’

ruairi.oshea@odt.co.nz