The register wasn’t the only document signed on Chris and Felicity Hawke’s wedding day.

The keen tramping couple, who tied the knot at Lake Rotoiti last November, snuck in a quick visit to Whiskey Falls and Coldwater Hut after the ceremony, where they signed their names in the hut book and snapped photos.

It was the perfect day for the Blenheim couple, who spend their weekends exploring their backyard, from the Marlborough Sounds to Kahurangi National Park.

“People say there’s not much to do in Marlborough, but there is if you get outside,” Felicity said.

“[Lake Rotoiti] is only an hour away, so it’s the place we go when we want to get away.”

The ceremony was held on the lakefront, with the St Arnaud and Travers ranges creating a dramatic backdrop.

“It’s such a stunning area – all of the guests were amazed by the location,” Felicity said.

Afterwards, the newlyweds took the Lake Rotoiti Water Taxi to capture photos on nearby tracks.

“I had heels on and had to carry my dress a little, but it wasn’t too bad. I was lucky the ground wasn’t too muddy,” Felicity said.

Returning to the reception at the St Arnaud Community Hall, the taxi skipper suggested one last photo on the floating pontoon.

“We had a little time as the weather was just starting to close in, so we hopped off onto the pontoon, and it ended up being one of the best photos,” she said.

The Hawkes were due to move to Canada last month, but Covid-19 changed their plans.

“Now we’re focusing on staying local, and we have a list of tramps we’re trying to get through, including all of the ones in Nelson Lakes we haven’t done,” Felicity said.