Former New Zealand PM Jacinda Arden ties the knot with Clarke Gayford, with protesters picketing her big day

Former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Clarke Gayford have tied the knot in a beautiful vineyard ceremony, despite protesters picketing outside the venue before the pair arrived.

Arden wore a stunning white halterneck dress, and Gayford stuck with a classic black suit, white shirt and black tie.

The anti-vaccination protesters gathered outside elite vineyard Craggy Range in Havelock North on Saturday, hoping to make a statement hours before the pair arrived.

A lone male protester was seen holding a sign reading: ‘Lest we forget jab mandates’.

The man is seen walking up and down the road in front of the extensive property on New Zealand’s north island.

A group of four women were also seen in the area ahead of the wedding, one carrying a sign that read “This s--- is bananas” while another carried a boombox spouting anti-vaccination material.

Security vehicles and a marked police car were seen patrolling the country roads around Craggy Range, hoping to stave off any potential threat to the couple’s special day.

The venue has been described as the “most Instagrammable vineyard in the world”, and sits in the shadow of Mata Peak.

Aside from the picturesque vineyard, a two hatted restaurant also sits on the property as well as several garden cottages and luxury lodges.

The happy couple have booked out the entire venue from Friday, which includes exclusive use of the accommodation and award-winning restaurant.

With just hours away from Ardern walking down the aisle, several high-powered attendees will soon be arriving including Labor leader Chris Hipkins and his wife Jade.