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Lizeth & Petr’s Christchurch Wedding at The Sign of the Takahe | Christchurch Wedding Photography

Updated: Sep 8, 2025


Some love stories feel written in the stars, and Lizeth and Petr’s wedding at the historic Sign of the Takahe in Christchurch was one of those truly unforgettable celebrations.


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A Ceremony at an Iconic Christchurch Landmark


The Sign of the Takahe, one of Christchurch’s most iconic and historic wedding venues, provided a breathtaking backdrop for Liz and Petr’s intimate ceremony. This beautiful stone building, full of character and charm, set the scene perfectly for their vows. Built in the 1930s with stunning stonework, grand archways, and sweeping views over the city, it’s a location that feels straight out of another era.

Their ceremony, officiated by celebrant John Pauwels, included touching readings from Liz’s family and heartfelt words that reflected the incredible journey that brought them together — from Mexico and Czechia to finally finding home in New Zealand.

With Liz’s mum and brother flying all the way from Mexico, and Petr’s family joining via livestream from Europe, there was an overwhelming sense of love and connection in the air.




Romantic Portraits on the Grounds


After the ceremony, we explored the gardens and stone terraces of the Sign of the Takahe. Its gothic stonework and sweeping arches created a sense of timelessness that set the stage beautifully for Lizeth and Petr’s portraits. First imagined in the early 1900s as part of Harry Ell’s Summit Road vision, the building has become one of Christchurch’s most iconic landmarks — a setting where history and romance meet.



Christchurch Wedding Photography in the Port Hills


From there, we headed further into the Port Hills, a place that feels endlessly expansive and truly New Zealand. With golden tussock grass, rolling landscapes, and panoramic views stretching out across Christchurch to the Southern Alps and the sea, it gave Lizeth and Petr space to simply be together.

Their portraits on the hills included everything from soft, elegant veil shots in the afternoon breeze to laughter, dancing, and unposed moments that showed their connection. The Port Hills bring together raw, natural beauty with a quiet sense of intimacy — it’s what makes them one of Christchurch’s most loved wedding photography locations.



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A Love Story That Spans Continents


Liz and Petr’s story is one of fate, patience, and devotion. From meeting by chance in Motueka while traveling in New Zealand, to enduring a long-distance relationship between Mexico and Czechia, to finally building a home together here — their wedding was the perfect celebration of their journey.

As the sun set over Christchurch, their day felt like the beginning of a new chapter — one filled with even more adventures, love, and joy.


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Why Choose The Sign of the Takahe for Your Christchurch Wedding?


If you’re planning a wedding in Christchurch, The Sign of the Takahe offers everything — timeless architecture, iconic photo locations, and proximity to the stunning Port Hills. It’s the perfect venue for couples who want both history and natural beauty woven into their day.


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Venue Legacy & Local Significance


The Sign of the Takahe is more than just a beautiful backdrop — it’s one of Christchurch’s most iconic heritage landmarks. The building itself carries a rich story. Conceived by Harry Ell in the early 1900s as the grandest of his Port Hills rest houses, it was created as a place of rest and refreshment for visitors enjoying the summit road. Construction began in 1918, though Ell never lived to see it completed; the building was finally finished in 1948 and opened to the public in 1949.

Built from local stone and salvaged materials, the Sign of the Takahe carries details that speak of both craftsmanship and character. Its dining room features a fireplace that is an exact replica of the one at Haddon Hall in Derbyshire, England — a touch of English heritage tucked right here in Christchurch. Hand-carved woodwork, painted ceilings, and other unique features add to its charm, making it not only a striking venue but also a living piece of history.

Today, The Sign of the Takahe is protected as a Category I heritage building and remains a favourite for weddings and celebrations. With its historic architecture, sweeping views across the city to the Southern Alps and out to the sea, and photo opportunities right on its doorstep, it’s a venue that truly combines history and heart.





If you’re planning your own Christchurch wedding, I’d love to hear from you. Contact me here




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