There’s a certain kind of magic that settles in when you begin searching for your wedding dress. Maybe it’s a minimalist A-line, a sculptural mermaid silhouette, or a structured mini that makes a bold statement. There’s no checklist, no one-size-fits-all rulebook—just that quiet, certain feeling: “Yes, she’s the one.”
You might’ve been dreaming about this moment for years—or only just started picturing it now, the engagement ring still catching the light on your finger. Either way, stepping into this part of the journey can be equal parts exciting and a little overwhelming.
As a wedding photographer based in Auckland, I’ve had the privilege of capturing brides in some of the most breathtaking gowns designed right here in New Zealand.
From the graceful flow of the fabric to the way intricate details shimmer in golden light, these dresses don’t just look beautiful—they feel beautiful. The kind of gowns that let you breathe a little deeper, stand a little taller, and fully embrace who you are.
So if you’re still searching for the one, here are ten New Zealand wedding dress designers I genuinely love—each with their own distinct style and way of helping women feel like their most authentic selves.
10 of My Favourite New Zealand Wedding Dress Designers to Inspire Your Bridal Journey
Hera Couture by Katie Yeung
With a flagship showroom in the heart of Auckland CBD, Hera Couture has long held a special place in my heart. I’ve photographed brides of all shapes and sizes in Katie Yeung’s designs, and every single one looked—and felt—sensational on their special day.
Crafted with luxurious fabrics and intricate lace sourced from around the world, her gowns sculpt and drape in all the right places.
And as a photographer? I can tell you—they move so heavenly on camera. Timeless yet daring, structured yet soft, this is couture that celebrates every kind of woman.
From the iconic Freda ball gown to the ethereal Hans beauty with its detachable cape sleeves, and the chic Elia Corset x Rouge Mini pairing, Hera Couture’s collections offer something for every bridal vision.
And if you’re dreaming of a one-of-a-kind creation, Katie can also design a completely custom gown just for you.
Website: heracouture.co.nz
Instagram: @heracouture
Flagship Showroom: 12/501 Karangahape Road, Ponsonby, Auckland
Jessica Couture
With styles to suit every bridal mood, Jessica Couture’s designs are where bold glamour meets fairytale romance. Think delicate beading, layered lace, cheeky high slits, and silhouettes that radiate quiet confidence.
Whether you’re planning a grand ballroom celebration or an intimate elopement in the wild, her gowns blend classic romance with contemporary edge—perfect for the modern bride.
Some of my personal favourites include the off-the-shoulder Chante ballgown, the intricate 3D-beaded Olga, and the sleek, minimalist Miya with its plunging V-neckline.
Beyond her incredible talent, Jessica is also one of the kindest souls I’ve had the pleasure of working with—always so generous in supporting my styled shoots with her latest designs.
Website: jessicacoutures.com
Instagram: @jessicacoutures
Flagship Showroom: Level 1/255 Broadway, Newmarket, Auckland
Natalie Rose Bridal
Understated, refined, and always a step ahead—Natalie Rose Bridal is one of those designers you’ll look back on in ten years and still swoon over.
I’ve photographed several of her brides over the years, and what struck me most was how her original designs often became “trendy” long after she had already brought them to life.
For the bride who appreciates fashion but still wants to feel like herself, Natalie Rose strikes that impeccable balance between contemporary and classic.
And if you haven’t quite found the one, they also offer two custom gown options: a hybrid design combining elements from existing pieces, or a fully bespoke creation tailored entirely from scratch.
As an added bonus, their boutique also stocks an exclusive edit of international designers not available anywhere else in New Zealand.
Website: natalierosebridal.co.nz
Instagram: @natalierosebridal
Flagship Showroom: 237 Parnell Road, Parnell, Auckland
Trish Peng
If you’re dreaming of a gown that’s as elegant as it is customisable, Trish Peng is your go-to for luxurious, ultra-feminine bridalwear.
Her designs bring red-carpet energy to the aisle—think showstopping silhouettes, refined detailing, and that unmistakable Trish Peng signature touch that feels both high-fashion and deeply bridal.
With features in global publications like Brides, Marie Claire, and People, Trish offers four stunning collections—including a chic mini dress line perfect for your engagement party, reception, or bridal shower.
And if you’re after something completely bespoke, she designs a limited number of custom gowns for just 20 brides each year.
Website: trishpeng.com
Instagram: @trishpeng
Flagship Showroom: 37 Mackelvie Street, Grey Lynn, Auckland
Brooke Tyson Ritual
This one’s for my edgy, trend-setting brides—Brooke Tyson Ritual is the label to watch if you’re after an anti-traditional wedding dress that makes a serious fashion statement.
Bold, artistic, and unapologetically cool, these gowns are designed for brides who want to break the mould.
While it’s nearly impossible to choose favourites, I’m currently obsessed with the shimmering INES fringe gown, the flowy TANVI dress with sheer batwing sleeves, and the exquisitely beaded AMARIS gown.
Every Brooke Tyson Ritual piece is a photographer’s dream—full of texture, movement, and enchanting detail that translates beautifully on camera.
All gowns are custom-made-to-order, tailored precisely to your measurements for that flawless bespoke fit.
Website: brooketysonritual.com
Instagram: @brooketysonritual
Flagship Showroom: 132 Symonds Street, Eden Terrace, Auckland
Vinka Design
Showcasing modern bridal design in New Zealand since 1959, Vinka Design’s gowns are the perfect blend of enduring craftsmanship and elegance—offering timeless styles with a contemporary edge.
Their signature aesthetic ranges from intricate, romantic designs to sleek silhouettes that highlight the natural form.
Two standouts I’ve been swooning over are the Nawal gown—with its dramatic train adorned in delicate 3D organza flowers and detachable puff sleeves for a whimsical twist—and the Ghada gown, a semi-sheer, gracefully structured masterpiece for the minimalist bride, complete with cap sleeves and a high neckline.
For brides with a vision all their own, Vinka Design also offers bespoke gown creation—personalised to your style, silhouette, and story.
Website: vinkadesign.co.nz
Instagram: @vinkadesign
Flagship Showroom: Level 1, 242 Queen Street, Auckland
Clara Bridal
There’s something so special about being part of someone’s wedding day from behind the seams—and that’s exactly what drives Clara, the talented heart and hands behind Clara Bridal.
Her approach to bridal design is as personal as it is poetic, with each gown handmade to honour the individuality of the woman wearing it.
Clara’s aesthetic walks a graceful line between simplicity and intricacy—balancing clean silhouettes with delicate detail, and luxurious fabrics with quiet intention.
Every design is tailored to reflect the style and spirit of each bride, translating into gowns that feel seasonless, sleek, and deeply you.
Website: clarabridal.co.nz
Instagram: @clara.bridal
Flagship Showroom: 8 Mt Hobson Lane, Remuera, Auckland
Lulu Jackson Bridal
Lulu Jackson Bridal isn’t your typical bridal boutique—it’s a thoughtful, small-scale design studio where every garment is handcrafted in-house by the designer herself.
Based in an atelier in Mount Maunganui, LJB creates custom-made gowns with a deep respect for every bride’s story.
From structured silhouettes to luscious, buttery silks, Lulu’s designs celebrate femininity—balancing softness with strength in a way that feels effortlessly flattering on every figure.
With features in Together Journal and Green Wedding Shoes, her work speaks to the progressive bride who values originality, comfort, and a gown that’s made just for her.
Website: lulujacksonbridal.com
Instagram: @lulujacksonbridal
Atelier: Mount Maunganui, Bay of Plenty
Kenny & Harlow
With over 20 years of experience in the bridal world, Kenny & Harlow is a label built on legacy, craftsmanship, and connection. Drawing inspiration from the designer’s close relationships with both her grandmother and granddaughter, each gown is an artful nod to femininity across generations.
Designed for the discerning, sophisticated bride, their bespoke gowns are crafted to embody individuality, elegance, and enduring style. It’s no wonder their designs attract brides from around the world, with gowns making their way to Sydney, South Carolina, Italy, Mexico, and beyond.
Some of my favourites include the sculptural Eden gown, the effortlessly romantic Allegra, and the sleek, showstopping Luciana—each one created with exquisite attention to detail.
Website: kennyandharlow.co.nz
Instagram: @kennyandharlow
Flagship Showroom: 31B Normanby Road, Mount Eden, Auckland
Fritz and Sarah
Run by two friends who are creative opposites in perfect harmony, Fritz & Sarah bring a beautifully balanced perspective to bridal design. Sarah is the minimalist—precise, refined, and always editing. Fritz is the dreamer—vibrant, expressive, and full of “just one more idea.” Together, they create magic.
Their design style blends structured tailoring with playful, unexpected details—resulting in gowns that are clean, fashion-forward, and full of personality. Every piece is made in their Auckland studio, offering a completely personalised and bespoke experience from start to finish. The result? A wedding dress that’s as unique and authentic as you.
With glowing 5-star reviews and a growing fanbase of stylish, modern brides, Fritz & Sarah are quickly becoming one of New Zealand’s most exciting names in bridal.
Website: fritzandsarah.co.nz
Instagram: @fritzandsarah
Flagship Showroom: 360 Parnell Road, Parnell, Auckland
Still Searching for The One?
With so many wedding dress styles and bridal trends to explore, it’s easy to get swept up in the scroll.
So before we wrap up, here’s something I gently want to remind you of: your wedding dress shouldn’t be something you’re trying to mould yourself into—it should celebrate the essence of you: your shape, your energy, your spark.
In all my years as an Auckland wedding photographer, the most unforgettable gowns weren’t defined by trend or silhouette. They were remembered for the way they made her feel—effortless, radiant, and entirely herself.
And when it comes to documenting all the precious moments on your special day, I’d be honoured to preserve it all with images that feel as timeless as they are true to you. My approach blends editorial elegance with soulful storytelling—so every photo reflects not just how you looked, but how it all felt. Explore my wedding photography packages here.
If you’re still dreaming up your wedding day vision, you might also love this round-up of my favourite wedding venues in Auckland—a beautiful next step as you begin to piece together your dream day.
Book a time in the calendar and we will send you all the info you need, including our pricing guide.
You will be looked after from the very first email all the way to the end of the job, that is my promise to you.
