Our favourite wedding destinations & venues in New Zealand

The venue is a huge part of a wedding. It sets the stage, both literally and figuratively, for the big day. It affects everything from the ambience, how you and your partner enjoy the day, the guest experience, and of course, the pictures.



This is why, as a wedding photographer who works across New Zealand, I often get asked what my favourite wedding destinations are (or if my clients already have a place in mind, what I think about a certain venue). However, even after having done dozens of wedding, elopement and engagement shoots, I don’t think I can pick one definitive winner. So here are a few, in no particular order.



Auckland:

The Big Smoke offers a well-rounded portfolio when it comes to a wedding venue. Tāmaki Makaurau has wineries, beaches, hills and pastures, all within easy reach, giving you some of the best NZ venues for your wedding. Plus, it’s my home so excuse me if I am a little biassed!



My top Auckland venues: 

  1. Kauri Bay Boomrock - Rolling hills and panoramic views

  2. The Hunting Lodge - A winery with multiple locations

  3. Mudbrick - A vineyard on Auckland’s picturesque Waiheke Island 

  4. Mantells - Their Mt Eden location looks like a Sicilian villa




Waikato:

The Waikato region offers a good share of stunning wedding venues. Also, if you live in Auckland, this might also be a great chance to leave the hustle and bustle of the city behind on your special day. 



My top Waikato venues:

  1. Red Barn - A rustic location with a backdrop of rural landscapes

  2. The Boatshed - On the banks of Lake Karapiro

  3. Windy Ridge - Located south of Hamilton with views of Mt. Pirongia




Queenstown & Otago:

Otago and Queenstown have some of the prettiest locations in Aotearoa. With expansive views of Otago landscapes, they guarantee that your wedding pictures get jaws dropping and have people smashing the like button on social media.



My top Otago locations: 

  1. Fiordland Lodge - Award-winning location with views of Lake Te Anau and the mountains

  2. Skyline Queenstown - This popular tourist attraction doubles up as a venue and boasts amazing views of Queenstown

  3. Criffel Station - This Wanaka location comprises a few venues, with panoramic views of Roys Peak and Lake Hawea

  4. Rippon Hall - A hall, a natural amphitheatre and stunning outdoor spaces

  5. Stoneridge Estate - Pick from garden, chapel, mountains, vineyard, and more




Hawke’s Bay:

The fruit basket of New Zealand is also home to vineyards and wineries that give your wedding a Mediterranean or Italian touch. Napier being the art deco capital of New Zealand also provides a distinct backdrop for your wedding photographs.



My top Hawke’s Bay venues:

  1. Black Barn - Vineyards with four gorgeous venues

  2. Mission Estate - A picturesque winery setting 

  3. The Dome - A boutique hotel in the heart of Napier




Wellington: 

The capital has several wedding venues, from the historic to the modern, that cater to a wide range of styles. I personally love Wellington’s vibe and always have a great time shooting there.



My top Wellington venues:

  1. The Milk Station - A historic Italian style location on the Kapiti Coast with views of the Tararua ranges

  2. Tarureka Estate - One of the country’s oldest barn venues, plus private grounds 

  3. Old St. Paul’s - A gorgeous cathedral built around 1865 in the heart of Wellington




Have I missed something? I’d love to know the NZ wedding venue you have in mind for your big day, so I can do my homework and be a part of your celebration. 

Will Li