Russell · Bay of Islands · Northland
Russell
Wedding Photographer
There's a stillness to Russell that most wedding locations can't offer. New Zealand's first European capital, a harbour town with old timber buildings, pohutukawa-lined shores, and that golden evening light reflecting off the water... it's one of the most beautiful places in the country to get married, and we've been photographing weddings here for over a decade.
Check your date View galleriesGetting married in Russell? You've picked somewhere truly special.
There's a reason Russell has drawn people for centuries. The harbour, the light, the way the town feels like it exists slightly outside of time... it's the kind of place where a wedding feels less like an event and more like something the landscape was made for.
If you're looking for a photographer who knows this town intimately, who's crossed on the ferry more times than she can count, and who understands how to use Russell's unique light and character to tell your story... we'd love to hear from you.
Rachel Jordan
A photographer who knows Russell
I'm Rachel, and I've been photographing weddings in and around Russell for over a decade. I know the afternoon light that floods the Duke of Marlborough verandah, the golden hour glow across Omata's vineyard, and the quiet magic of a ceremony on one of the offshore islands. That kind of familiarity doesn't just make logistics easier... it makes better photographs.
Russell weddings have a character all their own. The ferry crossing, the old wharf, the way guests spill out along the waterfront as the evening unfolds... I love photographing here because every wedding feels steeped in something bigger than the day itself. There's history in the ground, salt in the air, and a pace that lets people truly relax.
I photograph in a documentary style, but I'm not a fly on the wall. I'm right there, getting people at ease, creating moments of genuine connection, and stepping back at exactly the right time to let the real ones unfold. If you'd also like a cinematic film of your day, we offer videography and content creation too.
More about Rachel → | Bay of Islands → | Northland coverage area →
Why Russell
What makes a Russell wedding different
History in every frame
Russell was New Zealand's first capital, and that heritage is woven into everything... the timber churches, the colonial architecture, the waterfront that has welcomed arrivals for centuries. Weddings here carry a weight and warmth that purpose-built venues simply can't replicate.
The light on the harbour
Russell faces west across the harbour, which means late-afternoon and golden-hour light is extraordinary. The way it catches the water, the wharf, and the old buildings creates a quality of light that photographers live for. We've spent years learning exactly how it moves through each season.
Island ceremonies
Some of our most memorable work has been on the islands around Russell. Boat-access beaches, clifftop lookouts, and private bays where the only guests are the ones you invited. If you're dreaming of something truly intimate, Russell is the perfect base for an island elopement or ceremony.
A genuine community
Russell is small enough that the local vendors know each other, look out for each other, and work beautifully together. From the florists to the caterers to the boat operators, there's a warmth and professionalism in this community that makes every wedding feel supported.
Wedding galleries
Bay of Islands weddings
Recent weddings photographed in Russell and the Bay of Islands.
Russell & surrounds
Venues and locations we know well
Russell is compact, but the surrounding area offers an extraordinary range of wedding settings, from the iconic waterfront to hilltop estates and private island beaches.
Duke of Marlborough
New Zealand's oldest licensed hotel, right on the Russell waterfront. Ceremonies on the lawn with harbour views, receptions on the verandah, and a sense of occasion that's hard to beat. We've photographed here many times and know every angle.
Omata Estate
A vineyard and olive grove perched on the hillside above Russell with sweeping views down to the harbour. The combination of manicured grounds, rustic stone buildings, and that panoramic outlook makes Omata one of the Bay's premier wedding venues.
Pompallier Mission
One of New Zealand's oldest surviving buildings, set on the Russell waterfront under ancient pohutukawa trees. A ceremony here feels like stepping into history, with the harbour as your backdrop and century-old trees framing everything.
Long Beach & the Strand
Russell's beaches and the historic Strand offer beautiful options for relaxed waterfront ceremonies or portrait sessions. The walk along the Strand as the sun sets over the harbour is a favourite moment for couples.
Flagstaff Hill
The hilltop above Russell with 360-degree views across the Bay of Islands. It's a short walk from town but feels like the top of the world, and the panoramic backdrop is breathtaking for portraits at any time of day.
Islands & boat ceremonies
Urupukapuka, Moturua, and the smaller islands around Russell are perfect for elopements and intimate ceremonies. We've photographed weddings on private beaches accessible only by boat, and they're among the most special days we've captured.
Bay of Islands venues we've worked at
Words from couples
Rachel has an incredible talent for capturing the most authentic, natural, and beautiful moments. Our wedding photos are absolutely stunning - we couldn't be happier.
Her creative eye captured the true essence of our wedding day. We are so in love with our experience and the photographs.
Looking through the photos flooded us with the exact emotions we were feeling on the day - a true moment captured in time.
How it works
Simple from the first message
Getting started is easy, whether you're based in Russell or planning from the other end of the country.
Say hello
Send us your date, your venue, and a little about yourselves. We'll check availability and get back to you promptly.
We have a chat
A relaxed call to get to know each other, talk through your day, and make sure it all feels right. No pressure, just a conversation.
You're booked
Once you're happy, we lock in your date with a contract and deposit. From there, we're your photographer, and we can't wait for the day.
Common questions
Booking a Russell wedding photographer
Do you know the Russell venues well?
Intimately. We've photographed at the Duke of Marlborough, Omata Estate, Pompallier Mission, and many private waterfront properties in and around Russell. We know the light, the best spots, and how each venue works at different times of day and year.
How do you handle the ferry crossing on the day?
We know the ferry schedule inside out. Being local to the Bay of Islands, we've done this many times and always build in plenty of buffer. We'll plan the logistics with you ahead of time so there's never any stress about timing.
Is travel to Russell included?
Yes. Travel throughout the Bay of Islands and Northland is included with qualifying packages. Being based in nearby Kerikeri, Russell is just a short drive and ferry ride away.
Can you photograph an island elopement near Russell?
Absolutely. We love island elopements... private beaches, clifftop lookouts, even ceremonies on the water. We can help suggest locations and handle the logistics.
How far in advance should we book?
9 - 18 months is ideal for popular spring and summer dates. The Duke of Marlborough and Russell waterfront are in high demand from November through March. Reach out as soon as you have your date.
Do you offer videography?
Yes. We offer cinematic wedding films and content creation alongside photography. Russell's historic charm and waterfront scenery make for stunning cinematic work. See our videography page or pricing for details.
Explore more
Paihia
Beachfront ceremonies, coastal farmland, and the gateway to the Bay of Islands.
Kerikeri
Our home base. Orchards, gardens, and the heartland of the Bay of Islands.
Bay of Islands
The full region, from Kerikeri to Russell, Paihia to Kauri Cliffs.
Northland
Our wider coverage area, from the Kaipara to the tip of Cape Reinga.
Lead Photographer
2nd Photo & Video
Second videographer
So you're getting married!
Let's talk
Ready to chat about your Russell wedding?
Send us your date and venue and we'll let you know if we're available. We'd love to hear about your day.
Get in touch View pricing
