A Canterbury sunflower farm is giving couples the chance to tie the knot while supporting a good cause, with half of the proceeds from its elopement weddings going to youth mental health charity I AM HOPE.
South Eyre Sunflowers, located near Oxford, has already raised tens of thousands of dollars for local charities.
On Sunday, the first-ever elopement was held at the farm, with part of the couple’s elopement fee donated to the charity.
The lucky couple, Molly and Kahu described the experience getting married among the sunflowers in the sunshine as “magical”.
“All the words from Kineta, our celebrant in the ceremony were beautiful. And being the first couple to be married in the sunflower field feels very special.”
Farm owner Kerry McCorry said the initiative reflects the farm’s ongoing commitment to supporting the community.
“This is our third year of South Eyre Sunflowers, and we have been amazed with the support to raise tens of thousands of dollars for the charities and organisations we support,” she said.
“Every year, we look for new ways to push things further. This year, we are blossoming into wedding season with a feel-good way to give back. How cool is it that your wedding day can also make a difference to others through these fundraising efforts?”
The elopement service, run by photographer Andrea Zoe and celebrant Kineta Booker, donates $500 from each service to I AM HOPE, which provides free mental health support for young New Zealanders.
Credit: Andrea Zoe Photography
Booker said she hoped the initiative would inspire others to contribute in their own way.
“If more people did the same, imagine the impact that could have on our communities,” she said.
Booker also pointed out that, despite the short sunflower season, couples still have time to book their ceremony.
“Although sunflower season lasts for just under three weeks each year, there’s still plenty of time for people to elope here—and also donate money to I AM HOPE. All they need to do is give Births, Deaths and Marriages three business days’ notice for their marriage licence, and we’ll be ready to get them hitched!”
Zoe said the initiative was personally meaningful, as sunflowers have always had a special place in her heart.
“Being able to capture love, happiness, and bring something special to others is something I’ll always treasure as part of my job,” she said.
“The fact that South Eyre Sunflowers also raises money for local Oxford charities and the I AM HOPE foundation makes it even more special. It really feels like we’re bringing something meaningful to the community by helping fundraise as well.
