We were honoured to host Dani and James with 60 guests for their wedding at Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat on February 12, 2022.

The couple, who live in Ashburton, enjoy the outdoors and love spending time in the Mackenzie Basin. They chose Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat for a destination wedding where their families and friends could take time out from busy lives and get away together for a weekend, Dani said.

“When you get to the venue [at Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat], it’s total serenity. You can’t help but be relaxed,” she said.

Part of what made the experience so special was the opportunity to spend the night before the ceremony in a beautiful luxury villa with her bridal party. Her husband, James, shared a separate luxury villa with his groomsmen. It allowed them both to relax and enjoy quality time with loved ones and friends in the lead up to their big day.

On their wedding day, they celebrated with a formal outdoor ceremony on the Retreat’s Wedding Lawn.

“The venue allows for that because it’s so beautiful,” Dani said. “You could have quite a formal dress code and still be outdoors, or you could go the other way and have a ceremony that’s more casual and relaxed.”

Dani also paid some lovely compliments to our team at the Retreat, which we appreciate!

“The food is amazing, Chef Tom is amazing,” she said. “Anna [Reservations and Events Manager] is also a huge asset. She was so incredible. You did not have to stress about anything because whatever was needed, she’d sort it.”

Congratulations Dani and James! Thank you for choosing Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat as the venue for your beautiful wedding.