BEST Wedding Venues in Auckland

This is our carefully curated list of the top wedding venues that you can choose for your dream wedding in Auckland, New Zealand

Kauri Bay Boomrock

When anybody asks us what our favourite venue is in Auckland, it is ALWAYS Kauri Bay Boomrock. It’s definitely a venue that stands out among the rest due to the combination of stunning landscape, modern venue, terrific staff and the best food!

Let's start off with what Kauri Bay has to offer

BUNKER (CLAY SHOOTING)

A very underrated activity for the lads to start the day, there is clay shooting onsite at Kauri Bay Boomrock. It is a great experience for the boys to blow off some energy and keep them entertained while the girls get ready. You have your own staff member who looks after the group while this happens.

THE BARN

The barn is a rustic barn at the entrance onsite that is suitable for the guys to spend the morning getting ready. Quick warning - It’s not really suitable for the girls due to the cowboy-style interior! Having the boys onsite means no excuses for the boys being late to the ceremony!

CEREMONY

The main selling point of Kauri Bay is the breathtaking ceremony view looking out over the water. It is truly unrivaled here in Auckland and is the major selling point. Pairing the ceremony with an artistic arch really creates a stunning spot for ceremonies.

Rain and wind can always be a problem in Auckland and the uncover option here is absolutely fantastic! The concrete fireplace in the background continues the modern look and with it being outside, you still get plenty of sunlight which means it doesn’t look dark compared to other venues around Auckland.

RECEPTION

The reception area is where the party starts and finishes. The interior is a slick modern design, with a high beam ceiling giving the venue a large feeling. The table settings are always stunning as well and you have the ability to style it your own way with flowers and decor to make it your own. The venue fits up to 250, however, around 120-140 would be a comfortable number. When it gets to dancing time, the friendly staff put some tables away to let you dance the night away.

PHOTOSHOOT LOCATIONS

Photos are what sells this venue and they speak for themself! The gravel driveway is a popular spot for the bridal party as well as the concrete wall up at the reception. When sunset arrives, the trig point on top of the hill is the perfect escape for couples to enjoy the last light of their wedding day and create some magical photos.

Check out the venue here - www.kauribayboomrock.co.nz

Vanderosa Farms

This is a newer addition to the Auckland Wedding venue market and it has blown our socks off! Tucked up on a hilltop overlooking Pakiri Beach in the north of Auckland is a future shining venue.

BRIDAL ROOM (onsite)

On-site there is a stunning accommodation where you can choose to get ready before the big day which sleeps 10 people. This studio is tucked just at the rear of the ceremony location so you couldn’t be any closer if you tried! The rooms are white, bright and spacious which makes for some stunning photos as you get ready in the morning.

CEREMONY

The beautiful ceremony spot is perched upon the top section which has likely the best view of any venue in Auckland. The space here is massive and has a capacity of 150 guests. With all the space, it means you can go wild and style the ceremony however you like it which is fantastic to get those creative juices flowing.

RECEPTION

Just a few steps down from the ceremony spot is the reception area - a modern black barn with a wooden-style interior. With decking around the edge, the indoor/outdoor flow of this venue gets the perfect vibe for your weddings. The barn is there for you to decorate as you wish so you can add your touch to the wedding day.

PHOTOSHOOT LOCATIONS

Being on a large farm means you have access to some epic photoshoot locations. Once the wedding guests move down to the reception, you have the entire ceremony area for photos. Jump in a car and head up the road where you will find a few farm paddocks with acres and acres of space that looks over the beach below. This is the perfect sunset spot as it is a private area that you can shoot in many different angles.

Check out the venue here - www.vanderosafarms.co.nz

Mudbrick Vineyard - Waiheke

A short ferry ride from Auckland CBD and you’ll find yourself in an island paradise. Waiheke is home to numerous vineyards that hold weddings, however, Mudbrick Vineyard is undoubtedly the king of the crop when it comes to a dreamy Waiheke Wedding.

THE LODGE

Out of all the wedding venues in Auckland, Mudbrick takes the cake as the best onsite accommodation. The Lodge is a luxury self-contained lodge with 3 bedrooms that also doubles as the current ceremony location for weddings at Mudbrick. Walking around the lodge, you’ll be greeted with 360-degree views of the vineyards and of the surrounding city. Utilising the Lodge is essential in making your day easy-breezing as you can use one of the three bedrooms to get ready at and easily pop out for the ceremony.

CEREMONY

With picturesque sea views, the ceremony location at Mudbrick is idyllic. The ceremony is set up right outside the Lodge so often the bride gets the chance to quickly hide in the lodge as she awaits her grand entrance. The staff at Mudbrick are fantastic at co-ordinating the weddings and are a well-oiled machine.

If rain does become a problem, luckily, there is a covered courtyard within the Lodge that acts as your wet weather option. The clear cover above allows natural light to seep into the ceremony spot and gives the intimate location life even in wet weather.

RECEPTION

After your canapes at the Lodge, guests will head down the hill and will be greeted by a rustic European-styled restaurant that is home to your wedding reception. You know the night is in safe hands as Mudbrick boasts worldwide acclaimed chefs who will prepare your meals for the evening - and boy you won’t be disappointed! The restaurant can be set up for intimate weddings of 40 or go large with up to 126 guests.

PHOTOSHOOT LOCATIONS

Can we say too many options? Mudbrick definitely over-delivers when it comes to photoshoot locations. Just behind the Lodge lies the trig point, where you have multiple grassy fields where you can enjoy the sun and create some dreamy images. The inside of the Lodge itself has been a popular photoshoot spot due to the eccentric style of the interior, which gives you a little break from any harsh sun.

Head down near the restaurant and the beautiful gardens that surround the reception make for gorgeous couple photos. To end the day, we always try to end the day with the cheeky couple photo session ontop of the restaurant to capture the last of the light.

Check out the venue here - www.mudbrick.co.nz/weddings/

Man O’ War - Waiheke

Head over to the far east side of Waiheke and you’ll stumble upon the stunning Man O’ War wedding venue, tucked in its very own private bay on Waiheke.

COTTAGE

Sitting on the water’s edge at Man O’ War lies a cute cottage where you can get ready on-site so you don’t have to worry about attempting a rough drive on your wedding day. The cottage is around 200 metres from the main reception venue so it is very private and away from the sight of guests.

CEREMONY

Man O’ War has a few options when it comes to deciding where you want to get married. The main option is the white chapel on site which sits right next to the reception venue. The modern interior is light and bright which we love, however, be prepared to squeeze your guests into this chapel as it is quite small so it is not suitable for large weddings (only fits around 65 guests). The other options you have is to utilise the lawns near the reception area or the lawn right outside the cottage - both fantastic options for your dream outdoor Waiheke wedding.

RECEPTION

This newly built reception venue is the glowing star of Man O’ War and definitely creates a great vibe for your wedding. With a lawn and tree cover outside, canape hour is enjoyed by guests as they sip on their drinks with the beach just a stone's throw away. The interior of the reception is large enough to fit around 150 people and still not feel cramped. The staff here are fantastic and matched with unbelievable food, this is what makes Man O’ War such a great venue.

PHOTOSHOOT LOCATIONS

Where do we start? First off, there is the beach at Man O’ War Bay which stretches the entire bay. The beach is public but as it is around 40 minutes away from central Waiheke, you barely get anyone coming out this way. The gravel driveway and surrounding gardens give you some elegant photos of your bridal party.

For sunset, we encourage you to jump in a car and head up to the little lookout point just 2 minutes past Man O’ War. This spot gives you an amazing view over the bay for couple photos.

Check out the venue here - www.manowar.co.nz

Hunting Lodge

Nestled out in West Auckland, The Hunting Lodge winery is an 80-acre estate located just 35 minutes drive from the CBD in the heart of Auckland's wine country.

CEREMONY

While you can have the ceremony wherever you like on the grounds, there are three main spots that are worth looking at. Firstly, down on the south end of the property is a wide open lawn that offers a massive space for a ceremony with lush greenery as the backdrop. Secondly, you have centre in front of the restaurant where you can hold your ceremony in front of the vineyards. Lastly, you can opt to set the ceremony up in the space in front of the black barn which creates a very modern feeling to the day and very easy access for guests.
The team here is at the top of the game when it comes to co-ordinating your wedding ceremony, so you know you are in safe hands and that things will run on time.

RECEPTION

The iconic minimalistic black barn is the center point for weddings at The Hunting Lodge. The courtyard holds Jerry, the vintage caravan, where staff dishes out drinks to guests. Thankfully, this courtyard space is covered so for any rain, your guests will be happy knowing they can relax away from the wet.

As we head inside the barn, the beautiful white interior gives a fresh and modern feel to your reception. Feel free to go crazy with your styling here as you have free range to design the reception of your dreams. As the night comes to the end, there is plenty of space at the back of the barn to set up the dance floor for a good boogie!

PHOTOSHOOT LOCATIONS

Having access to such a large property of course means many photo locations to choose from. When the sun is soaking up the atmosphere, there are some lovely olive tree gardens to seek shelter and that offer elegant photos. Right across from the reception area are rows and rows of vineyards which you can walk around for your photos. For sunset, you must make the trip across the road where you will find a massive open paddock with long grass - a wedding photographer's dream! Here you will likely get the best couple photos so definitely visited here for sunset!

Check out the venue here - www.thehuntinglodge.com

Deer Valley

Most of the above venues are well known so we have to throw in an underrated venue! Hosting only 10 weddings each summer, Deer Valley is a peaceful paradise, set against a backdrop of enchanting countryside. The uniquely rustic but delightfully contemporary rural property is yours to transform into an intimate, elegant and memorable place to celebrate your wedding day.

WOOLSHED LODGE

Spend time with your closest circle in a luxurious country lodge as you relax and get ready in a beautiful boutique space; Woolshed Lodge is on-site and available to you to use as part of our wedding packages.

CEREMONY

Seating up to 100 guests, the ceremony spot is up to you to choose. Beneath the grand oak tree, under the curious gaze of the resident deer among rolling farmland, beside the charming Woolshed Lodge. As a backup for rain, there is always the beautiful glasshouse marquee which can be used.

RECEPTION

A stunning glasshouse marquee set up on the property means your reception needs are taken care of. Showcasing panoramic views and delightful cameo appearances from the majestic red deer. Mingle with guests in the private courtyard, lounge by the outdoor open fire or get involved with guest entertainment on the lawn. As this venue only takes a limited number of bookings, you will be required to partner with a catering company to take care of feeding the wedding guests.

PHOTOSHOOT LOCATIONS

A rural farm of course means spectacular photos all around! Starting off in the garden for some bridal party photos is a great way to start the day and offers a slightly different look from the rolly hills. Then head to the gravel path which we think looks stunning! Lastly, go for a wander through the paddocks and you’ll see there are soooo many spots to shoot. If you want some magical photos with Deer, make sure you liaise with the venue manager as they will get the deer ready for you for photos (and yes they are safe!).

Check out the venue here - www.deervalley.nz

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