10 stunning AUCKLAND WEDDING venues
Aside from the dress, choosing your venue is the most significant wedding decisions you’ll make. Your wedding venue choice sets the tone for the day and all other choices that go alongside it: decor, food, beverages, and entertainment, to name a few.
Thankfully, in a vibrant city like Auckland, you’re spoilt for wedding venue choice. Whether you’re after vineyard chic, urban vibes, or traditional elegance, you’re bound to find your perfect venue in the City of Sails.
In no particular order, here are our top ten Auckland wedding venue picks.
Mudbrick
Waiheke weddings are pure magic, and it’s no surprise that romantic Mudbrick vineyard and restaurant is a popular choice on the island. As you pull up the driveway, you’d be forgiven for thinking that you’re immersed in the Tuscan countryside. The interior of Mudbrick is rustic yet elegant, and the views across the Hauraki Gulf to Auckland City are unparalleled. You’ll find endless photo ops amidst the stunning, landscaped grounds.
The restaurant is renowned for its modern bistro fare and flawless service; perfect for a classic sit down wedding soiree. Set with candlelight over dinner – or ocean views and open doors for lunch – the food and wine are sure to delight. Mudbrick is a versatile venue designed for events over all the seasons, though due to popularity over the summer months you’ll need to secure your date well in advance.
Kauri Bay Boomrock
Located in picturesque rural Clevedon, Kauri Bay Boomrock is situated on a private 500-acre property that boasts sensational panoramic views out to the Hauraki Gulf, making it an idyllic ceremony and photo location.
The Lodge has a relaxed, slightly rustic vibe and can cater up to 200 guests in a variety of seating configurations or up to 250 in a cocktail setting. Head chef Jeroen van Bilsen and his team serve up creative, modern cuisine with a focus on locally-sourced seasonal ingredients.
With a dedicated wedding and event manager, Kauri Bay Boomrock will organise every little detail for you, from bespoke menu options to comfortable transport for your guests.
Tantalus
Tantalus is the new kid on the block on Waiheke, and with two beautiful settings for your ceremony and various areas to enjoy canapes and drinks, this dreamy spot is versatile and incredibly romantic. The vines, native trees, olive grove, and macadamia trees all provide a whimsical backdrop for photos. Your guests will love the natural indoor-outdoor flow, which is perfectly suited to a summer wedding.
The restaurant screams elegance, with its abundance of natural light, impressive high ceiling, and sweeping views of nearby vines and hills beyond.
Mantells – Mt Eden
Mantells urban venue in Mount Eden is a hidden gem. The private courtyard awash with greenery lends itself perfectly to an alfresco ceremony and champagne and canapes, followed by an elegant reception in the adjoining lounge and dining areas. It’s intimate, romantic, and heavy on the charm, not to mention in a great location.
The Mantells kitchen is well known for producing beautiful food, and the team will work with you to create your bespoke wedding menu from their repertoire of dishes. Best of all, it’s BYO for wine and champagne with no corkage or glass hireage costs!
Te Hihi Estate
Set on 92 acres, the magnificent Te Hihi estate features a six-bedroom mansion with a pool, outdoor fireplace, sweeping grounds, golf course, tennis court, polo field, and private lake. There are a variety of spots for a beautiful ceremony set up, and your photographer will be spoilt for choice for photo locations.
Whether you’re planning a small wedding or a 100 person affair, there are endless options for a reception set up. With ample space, you could set up the marquee of your dreams with ease; Te Hihi is truly a blank canvas for you to create your dream day.
The Te Hihi residence is breathtaking and provides onsite accommodation and the perfect space for bridal party preparations.
Waikopou Bay
Waikopou Bay sits on the oft-overlooked Eastern side of Waiheke Island, a 35-minute drive from the ferry building. The architecturally-designed house is nestled into a cliff and offers remarkable 240-degree views across to the Coromandel – the infinity pool is an absolute showstopper and a photographers dream. It’s not hard to imagine saying your vows with your guests seated around the pool enjoying the sensational views and sipping on champagne post-ceremony. A stunning covered walkway wraps around the house and lends itself perfectly to mingling and canapes before the reception.
The home itself is breathtaking and vast. Floor to ceiling glass creates a light, airy feel amidst the modern curves of the house. The main living area – which doubles as the inside reception area – opens up to the pool and deck, creating superb indoor/outdoor flow. For a seated reception, Waikopou can hold up to 120 guests, or 150 in a cocktail setting.
Cibo
Who knew that Parnell’s most-loved restaurant doubles as a wedding venue? The venue itself is elegant and spacious, with a tranquil private courtyard that would make for a great ceremony spot. The location is excellent; tucked away at the bottom of Parnell, with plenty of options for photos nearby.
Cibo is one of Auckland’s top restaurants, and the food is modern, fresh, and consistently fabulous. With over twenty years in business, the staff are well-versed in events and know exactly how to make your day a success. Up to 120 guests may be seated in the covered courtyard outside, and 80 for indoor functions.
Auckland War Memorial Museum
If you want grandiose glamour, there’s no better location than the Auckland War Memorial Museum. The iconic exterior makes for a beautiful photo backdrop with its neoclassical architecture and majestic columns, and the front steps are the perfect spot for your guests to enjoy pre-dinner drinks.
The Grand Foyer with its marble floors and vast stained-glass lead-light ceiling three storeys above is sure to impress, and can seat up to 150 guests or host up to 300 cocktail-style.
The Museum also has an Event Centre as a reception option, with impressive views of the city and harbour. The Event Centre can host up to 450 guests seated – yes, you read that right! Perfect for large weddings.
Mantells Tāmaki Drive
Mantells newly opened third venue on Tāmaki Drive has an idyllic view of the Waitemata Harbour, giving it a relaxed beachside feel despite only being fifteen minutes from Auckland CBD.
Inside, the main room is incredibly spacious, with plenty of room for a multitude of table configurations and a dance floor. Enormous arched windows lend themselves to the elegant nautical vibe, though overall the venue has a fresh, modern look, making it a blank canvas for your decor of choice.
Mantells is known for creating delicious in-house gourmet cuisine, and Tāmaki Drive delivers the same high level of food and service as their other two venues.
Settlers Country Manor
With over 100 years of history, seven acres of breath-taking views and charming vintage interiors, Settlers Country Manor provides a magnificent setting for weddings, events, and à la carte restaurant dining in Auckland, all year round.
Cherished by many newlyweds and event planners, one of the best wedding venues in Auckland has catered for numerous celebrations and functions over the past 60 years. No matter what occasion, rain or shine, we set our hearts on providing our guests with exceptional service and incredible experiences.