Auckland Wedding Photographer

Melissa Palmer of Nectar Photography, an Auckland-based wedding and family photographer.

Hey, I’m Melissa

Auckland Wedding Photographer

I’m based in Pukekohe, Auckland and travel nationwide for weddings. I love capturing photographs that feel honest and heartfelt. I’ve been photographing weddings for 13 years and I’m genuinely honoured (and excited) every time I’m invited into someone’s day.

I love connecting with couples and turning their most precious moments into tangible pieces of art — photographs that hold the emotion, atmosphere, and meaning of the day, and can be treasured for years to come.

SCHEDULE your free planning consultation

13+
years

photographing weddings

100+
Wedding Days

beautifully documented with care

70+
five Star GOOGLE Reviews

kind words from happy couples View Here

FEATURED IN

My approach begins with listening.

I want to hear about the meaningful details you’ve woven into your day — the heirlooms you’re wearing, the traditions that matter to your family, and the things you love doing together. These details are the heartbeat of your story.

From there, I photograph your day with intention, capturing the personal layers that make your celebration uniquely yours.

When you look back at your images, I want them to take you straight back — to the warmth, the emotion, and how it all felt.

Bride and groom embracing at Eely Point in Wānaka, with lake and mountain views at sunset on their wedding day.
Bride and groom sharing a joyful moment on their wedding day at LaValla Estate in Tuakau, New Zealand — candid portrait by a NZ wedding photographer.

RECENT WEDDINGS

Bride and groom sharing a joyful moment by the pond in Puhoi, New Zealand — candid countryside wedding photography by NZ wedding photographer.

Frequently Asked

Most couples book 9–18 months in advance.

I photograph a limited number of weddings each year so I can give every couple a thoughtful, personalised experience. If you already have a date in mind, it’s best to get in touch as soon as possible to check availability.

First, get in touch to check availability and receive the full pricing guide. If your date is available, we can organise a call to talk about your plans and see if we’re a good fit.


To secure your date, a signed contract and 25% deposit are required. Once your booking is confirmed, I’ll send through my wedding guide and we can begin planning photo locations and timelines together.

Wedding photography collections range from
$4,220–$8,770. Half-day and full-day options available, with optional add-ons including albums and cinematic films.

Within a few days of your wedding, I’ll send you a small online gallery of highlights so you can share a few favourite moments with friends and family right away.

Around 4–6 weeks later, your USB parcel and prints will arrive in the mail. Once these have arrived, you’ll receive your full online gallery and slideshow — making it easy to share your images with loved ones and order prints.

When booking, I’ll also provide a more exact delivery timeframe.

My style is natural, emotive, and cinematic. I focus on capturing genuine moments as they unfold so your photos feel honest and full of life.


Rather than overly posed images, I guide you gently so you feel relaxed and present. The result is a collection of photographs that feel like still frames from your day — atmospheric, story-driven, and deeply personal.

Yes. I work with a small videography team, so you can book both photography and videography together. Simply get in touch to find out more.

“There was no question as to who I was going to ask to be my wedding photographer!

I’ve known Melissa since 2013 and have always loved her style, creative mind abd eye for detail. In 2019 we flew her out to shoot my wedding in South Australia and it was the best!

I had a real mixed bag of groomsmen and bridesmaids and Melissa not only handled the crazy boys with ease, she made us all feel super comfortable and we had so much fun. The entire bridal party loved her and commented on how fantastic she was.

Our photographs were just beautiful and there was so much life and fun in them all. Memories to cherish and I’m so grateful to Melissa for capturing them so beautifully.

Thankyou so much Melissa. It was so special to have you part of our day, I couldn’t recommend you enough.”

– Jess Stockhall

Why Wedding Photography?

Your wedding day will pass quickly — a beautiful blur of moments, emotions, and people you love gathered in one place.

Photographs allow you to return to it again and again.

Through your photographs, you’ll be able to return to:

  • The emotion of the ceremony and the promises you made — hands held, prayers lifted, and laughter shared
  • The small, meaningful details woven throughout your day
  • The joy shared with family and friends gathered around you
  • The quiet in-between moments you may have missed while everything was unfolding
  • A visual legacy you can hold onto and share for years to come
Bride and flower girl sharing a quiet moment before the ceremony at an Auckland wedding.
Bride in a light, layered dress turns slightly with eyes closed against a rocky backdrop, captured by an Auckland wedding photographer and videographer.

Values

Less Is More

I photograph a limited number of weddings each year so every couple receives an experience that feels personal, relaxed, and thoughtfully considered. Weddings are incredibly special days, and limiting the number I take on allows me to give my very best to every couple I serve.

Sustainability

I weave eco-conscious practices into my work wherever possible — from plastic-free packaging and paperless contracts to a leave-no-trace approach when photographing in nature, always working respectfully in the spaces we enter.

Vintage-Inspired Keepsakes

There’s something truly special about holding your wedding memories in your hands.

I also offer wooden keepsake boxes and handcrafted albums — designed to preserve your day in a beautiful, tangible way

Flat lay of a wedding photography keepsake box by Nectar Photography — featuring printed photos, a USB, handwritten note, Ferrero Rocher, and dried florals on a rustic wooden table.
Nectar Photography business card beside a wooden keepsake box and wax seal on a rustic wooden table.

YOUR NEXT STEPS

1. Reach Out

Enquire via the contact form below and I’ll reply with availability and my pricing guide within 24 hours.

2. Let’s Connect

We’ll have a relaxed call to chat through your plans and see if we’re the right fit.

3. Lock It In

If it feels right, I’ll send through your contract and invoice so you can officially secure your date.

Bride and groom standing together by the water at Eely Point, Wānaka, sharing a tender moment on their wedding day.

Enquire

Privacy notice: By submitting this form, you agree to Nectar Photography collecting and using your information to respond to your enquiry. Your details are kept private and secure. Read the full Privacy Policy.

If you prefer, feel free to email me directly at melissa@nectar.photography

NECTAR PHOTOGRAPHY

© 2026 Nectar Photography | Privacy Policy

©NectarPhotography