Ellie & Luke – Niseko Hokkaido Elopement Wedding

People give Niseko a few different names.
Some call it Bali on Ice because of the popularity with Australian tourists
Some call it Powder Snow Heaven
The local Japanese simply call it “Overseas”

Ellie and Luke came all the way from Australia and tied the knot on a quiet day in Spring in Niseko – right around the Anzac holidays, but this is the time when Niseko gets very quiet with most of the snow melting away.

The snow actually stays on the mountains until around early May, believe it or not..!

They stayed at the stunning Zaborin Ryokan in Niseko, where they got ready and had their first look.
Luke reckons they aren’t “photo people”, as in they don’t like posing for pictures.
That’s totally understandable, cameras and unnatural poses are both awkward and frightening.
For a photographer like myself, it’s easier to work with couples who prefer things to be candid and natural.

Way more genuine moments can be captured – there’s no need to force things, just like how genuine couples don’t force “love” onto each other – it just happens.

After the ceremony in a secluded location, we headed off for some simple photos with Mt Yotei views.
Niseko Distillery lent us a huge barrel of Sake for a Kagamibiraki ceremony – we were expecting something small, but a big one surely has more impact for photos!

Add on a simple (but really tasty) wedding cake I was fortunate to get a taste of, and a more formal tea ceremony back at the Zaborin.
Should I write about the cake a bit more? It was delicious.
Whether you’re getting married or not, you must try the sweet potato cheese cake from Layer Niseko.
I am getting a little lost here with my writing, this is supposed to be about Niseko Wedding Photography and Elopement Planning.

If you are after a down to earth and relaxed Elopement Wedding Package in Niseko, reach out to us and we can put something together for you!