Conwoman Amy Bock became infamous throughout New Zealand in 1909 when she disguised herself as man, wealthy sheep farmer Percy Redwood, and married Kaka Point woman Agnes Ottaway.
Later that night, she was publicly exposed and arrested.
A century later, South Otago Museum curator Gary Ross said organising the re-enactment was becoming almost as big as the ceremony itself, which would be held on April 11 at Willsher Bay, near the coastal settlement.
A ring, believed to the one exchanged by the couple, had been discovered. It would be on display at Richardsons Jewellers in Balclutha in the 10 days before the wedding ceremony, which would be performed by actors.
Mr Ross said the ring, and other items from the wedding, were later sold at auction, to recoup some of the money Bock stole during her travels around New Zealand.
As well as the ring display, other events aside from the wedding had been planned.
Mr Ross said interest in Bock, in her deceit and in the fact that a wedding actually took place, had ballooned over recent weeks.
The museum, which was organising the Bock events, had been approached by several news media, descendants of Bock and others wanting to get involved.
Bock's great-niece, textile artist Lynne Johnson, who was based in Australia, had created a multicoloured throw to be sold at this month's art auction being run by the district's four arts and craft groups. She would also jointly host a multimedia exhibition at the South Otago Creative Arts Centre from April 4 to 14. With New Zealand artist Fiona Clark, the pair would exhibit several of their own items, as well as others yet to be confirmed.
Mr Ross said the first half of April was shaping up to be a time of reflection, history and celebration of an occasion that, rightly or wrongly, left a mark on South Otago's history.
The decision to mark the wedding's centenary was a chance to recognise the careers of what he called one of the country's most infamous criminals, by re-enacting her most "audacious crime", of becoming married as a man. The wedding took place on April 21, 1909.
Mr Ross said a check six months ago revealed the 100th anniversary was fast approaching, and ideas began to snowball from there.
"This generated ideas that quickly escalated from a small gathering on a hilltop to a decorated marquee, and wedding planners."
The main event of the day would be the performance of an original theatrical script depicting the wedding and associated drama. This would be held in a marquee with a crowd encouraged to dress in period costume to mark the occasion. The play would be followed by an Edwardian afternoon tea and entertainment by a brass band. A replica of the original cake would also be cut.
Public interest in buying tickets to the gathering had been huge, Mr Ross said. About three-quarters of those who had bought a seat had blood ties to those who attended the original wedding 100 years ago.
The museum already boasted several Amy Bock exhibits, including the suit she wore on the big day, a wedding invitation she wrote, and original newspaper clippings which detailed the event and its aftermath, he said.
You are invited
The South Otago Museum is planning events to mark the 100th anniversary of the controversial Amy Bock wedding:-
• February 21: Textile throw made by great-niece Lynne Johnson to be sold at combined arts groups exhibition and auction, Balclutha War Memorial Hall, 7.30pm.
• April 4-14: Multimedia exhibition, South Otago Creative Arts Centre, Balclutha.
• April 8: Dr Jenny Coleman, senior lecturer, women's studies, Massey University, giving a public talk on the Amy Bock story, Balclutha Library, 7.30pm.
• April 11: Wedding re-enactment and ceremony, Willsher Bay.
