Which weekends need a second look?
If guests are coming to New Plymouth from elsewhere, check their work days and where they plan to stay. Taranaki Anniversary is regional. Someone coming from Wellington may still be due at work on Monday.
| 2027 date | What to check |
|---|---|
| Saturday 6 to Monday 8 March | Taranaki Anniversary is observed on Monday 8 March. Check Sunday-night accommodation and people’s travel home. |
| Friday 26 to Monday 29 March | Good Friday and Easter Monday bracket the weekend. Confirm access times and any holiday charges with each supplier. |
| Friday 25 June | Matariki falls on a Friday. Ask travelling whānau which days suit them and plan daylight portraits around your ceremony. |
| Monday 25 October | Labour Day follows the weekend. Ask the venue whether pack-down or collection can happen on the Monday. |
For Waitangi Day, Christmas and the full list of actual and observed dates, see Employment New Zealand’s 2027 holiday calendar.
When do the clocks change?
On Sunday 4 April 2027 the clocks go back an hour. On Sunday 26 September they go forward. If you’re comparing consecutive weekends around either change, look up sunset separately for each date before setting dinner. Govt.nz daylight-saving dates.
Check the sun table in local time. Then stand where the two of you might have portraits. Hills, buildings and a line of shelter trees can take the sun off a spot earlier. If you have a winter ceremony late in the afternoon, consider portraits beforehand. New Plymouth sunrise and sunset by date.
When should we ask about availability?
Once you have a preferred day and a ceremony location, send one enquiry with those details. If the date is flexible, include one or two alternatives. Ask how long the quote is valid, what confirms the date, and what the venue needs from you if the weather changes.
You can ask Johnny about your date with an approximate guest count and the part of the day you want photographed. If your venues are still on a shortlist, say so.
When do we apply for a marriage licence?
Births, Deaths and Marriages says to arrange the licence at least three working days before the wedding. It expires after three months. Plan the application with your celebrant, allowing time around public holidays. Get a marriage licence on Govt.nz.
For a personalised ceremony outdoors, agree on the wet-weather location before filling in the application. Govt.nz guidance on personalised ceremonies.