The 17 Best Auckland Wedding Venues
Planning a wedding in Auckland? I’ve put together a list of the best wedding venues from my perspective as an Auckland Wedding Photographer to help you compare your options. Updated for 2025.
Auckland spans a large and diverse region and as a result, it has no shortage of amazing wedding venues - from rustic wineries to beachfront properties. If you have any questions about a specific venue or anything wedding-related at all, don’t hesitate to get in touch with me, I’m always happy to help.
Last updated on Sept 9th, 2025.
Mudbrick is one of the most popular Auckland wedding venues, for good reason. Located on Waiheke Island it offers stunning views, incredible food and manicured grounds, Mudbrick transports you to a Tuscan paradise.
Mudbrick is pure class. There’s no need to head offsite for photos - the grounds are refined and carefully maintained, think elegant European-country vibes. To top it off, Mudbrick has a perfect view of the sunset, which makes my job easy.
For your ceremony, the outdoor location is set up with the most incredible view - overlooking the water - with views of Rangitoto Island and Auckland City. If it’s raining or too windy, it has, in my opinion, the hands down best indoor ceremony set-up in Auckland. They’ve cleverly built an indoor ceremony spot in the centre of the lodge. The light and colours in here photograph incredibly well, so you don’t have to worry about rainy weather ruining your day - or your photos.
Conveniently, it’s only a 5 minute drive from the Matiatia Bay ferry terminal. Waiheke transport doesn't get easier than this.
To see more photos and information about Mudbrick read my full Mudbrick Venue Review here.
Address: 126 Church Bay Road, Oneroa, Waiheke Island
Capacity: 130 seated / 200 cocktail style
Indoor Ceremony: Yes
On site Accommodation: Yes
Travel Time from CBD: 40 minute Ferry + 5 minute drive from Waiheke Ferry Terminal
Website: mudbrick.co.nz
When you build a new wedding venue from scratch, you get things right. Kauri Bay has it all - situated on top of a hill in Clevedon with panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and the Hauraki Gulf.
The Lodge is a beautifully designed building that is modern and classy. Indoor and outdoor ceremony options, incredible food, unique entertainment options for your guests including extreme golf right next to the ceremony area. The food here is so well done from canapes through to dessert, I’m always impressed at the fresh local produce.
Kauri Bay has no shortage of onsite wedding photo locations, there are rolling hills in every direction and the architectural features of the lodge also provide elegant photo backdrops. There is also an incredible sunset lookout spot atop a hill, right next to the reception, this spot makes Kauri Bay a photographer’s dream.
To see more photos and learn more about Kauri Bay check out my venue review here.
Address: 684 North Road, Clevedon, Auckland
Capacity: 200 seated / 250 cocktail style
Indoor Ceremony: Yes
On site Accommodation: Yes
Travel Time from CBD: 45 minute drive from CBD / 15 minute flight by Helicopter
Website: kauribay.co.nz
3. The Officers Mess
The Officers Mess is a stunning venue located at Fort Takapuna on Auckland’s North Shore. With an incredible ceremony location that offers views out over Narrowneck Beach and across the water with Rangitoto Island as your backdrop.
There is also the option to have your ceremony up on top of the Fort Takapuna reserve or the beach below - permits can be acquired through DOC for these spots.
The Officers Mess has a very classy yet relaxed feel to it. The nearby gun forts at Takapuna Head and the picturesque Narrow Neck Beach offer some really unique nearby photo locations.
The food here is stunning and I particularly rate the snapper, absolutely delicious.
Address: 170 Vauxhall Road, Narrow Neck, Auckland
Capacity: 160 seated
Indoor Ceremony option: Yes
On site Accommodation: Limited
Travel Time from CBD: 20 minute drive (Travel times longer on sunny weekends)
Website: theofficersmess.co.nz
4. Deer Valley
Deer Valley is a brand new Auckland wedding venue and is an absolute standout. Located in Bombay, Auckland, think immaculately kept grounds with a crisp well maintained marquee - Deer Valley is elegant countryside magic.
Onsite accommodation available, a ceremony spot carefully chosen to be in the perfect light (photographer’s dream), a modern marquee set-up, and not to mention the stars of the venue itself - the Deer! Greg & Tania the owners & founders have thought out every little detail.
Deer Valley partners with several different catering options which gives you great quality assurance and also variety to choose from.
Your guests will get the amazing opportunity to feed the deer and see the deer up close. Deer Valley also boasts the most incredible sunset location - atop a hill, with its very own deer filled backdrop - thanks to the special relationship Greg has with the deer - a very unique photo opportunity I’ve never experienced anything quite like in over a decade photographing weddings.
If you’re after something that offers great variety, stunning photo opportunities and a unique experience for your guests, look no further.
Location: 1227 Ararimu Road, Drury, Auckland
Capacity: 100 seated / 120 cocktail style
Indoor Ceremony option: Yes
On site Accommodation: Yes
Travel Time from CBD: 55 minute drive
Website: deervalley.nz
A restored Woolshed done right, situated on a beautiful property in Clevedon with a stunning view of Maraetai Beach. If you’re wanting a rustic wedding venue without having to DIY everything yourself, Nocton Woolshed is the perfect choice.
BYO catering lets you have the freedom to choose what kind of food you’d like to serve your guests - I’ve seen food trucks, buffets, DIY sliders and taco stations - let’s be real - sometimes all you want to eat on a wedding day is a smash burger.
Nocont’s beautiful large reception area is equipped with tables and chairs that match the building and nail the classy country aesthetic perfectly.
A sweet spot at the top of a hill makes for incredible sunset photos. Family owned and operated, the team here are lovely and I was lucky enough to photograph their daughter’s wedding (so I might be a bit biased).
Check out my venue review to see more photos and information here.
Address: 684 North Road, Clevedon, Auckland
Capacity: 120 seated
Indoor Ceremony option: Yes
On site Accommodation: Yes
Travel Time from CBD: 45 minute drive
Website: noctonwoolshed.co.nz
6. Markovina Estate
Markovina Estate is a venue based in Kumeū. The grounds itself have a bunch of different options for photos and are super diverse from long grassy fields to manicured gardens.
There are multiple ceremony locations available here in their lush grounds, they have also done a great job implementing a wireless microphone & outdoor speakers system through the grounds which makes your life easy when it comes to ceremony audio. They also provide an audio out for Videographers. Markovina has an indoor ceremony space (which is connected to the reception building) so all your guests will stay warm and dry if we’re dealing with some bad weather.
The reception space itself is filled with greenery and vines growing through the ceiling - if you love greenery then you’re going to love Markovina.
To see more photos and information about Markovina you can view my Markovina Wedding Venue Review here.
Address: 84 Old Railway Road, Kumeū, Auckland
Capacity: 170 seated guests / 300 cocktail style
Indoor Ceremony option: Yes
On site Accommodation: No
Travel Time from CBD: 20 minute drive
Website: www.markovina.co.nz
7. Whispering Waters
Whispering Waters is one of the newest wedding venues in Kumeū. Looking out to 30 acres of regenerating native bush and orchards, there’s plenty of spots for your ceremony, photos and reception. They also have a beautiful little glasshouse which makes for great photos.
They provide far more than a DIY event experience with dedicated catering space, accessible bathrooms, chairs + tables and vintage furniture galore. The modern shed space is full of industrial character and serves as a neutral backdrop that requires minimal decoration.
As they are not a winery nor a restaurant, you can bring BYO alcohol, food trucks or your favourite caterers at no extra cost.
Address: 35 Awa Road, Kumeū, Auckland
Capacity: 80 seated (also offers more intimate wedding days of 30 or less guests).
Indoor Ceremony option: Yes (small glasshouses or repurposed inside reception space)
On site Accommodation: No
Travel Time from CBD: 25 minute drive
Website: www.whisperingwaters.co.nz
8. Settlers Country Manor
Settlers Country Manor is located in Waimauku and is filled with lush greenery. One of the best things about Settlers is the fact that it is only a 14 minute drive to the incredible Muriwai Beach - which is the most incredible location for sunset photos.
If you are into dungeons and dragons, this also might be a venue for you as there are some epic medieval styling in the reception hall.
Settler’s grounds have 7 acres of stunning nature which makes for amazing photos! This venue is over 100 years old and has lots of character.
Address: 81 Waimauku Station Road, Waimauku, Auckland
Capacity: 370 seated / 400 cocktail style
Indoor Ceremony option: Yes
On site Accommodation: No
Travel Time from CBD: 35 minute drive
Website: www.settlerscountrymanor.co.nz
9. The Stables Matakana
The Stables is a rustic country venue in Matakana. Surrounded by the Matakana countryside and just a short drive away from Omaha and Tawharanui beaches you’ll be feeling relaxed having your wedding here.
There is the option to have your ceremony on an expansive lawn or at the onsite St Andrews Church (the church seats 100 people with a capacity of 120).
The Stables itself is a large red rustic barn like building, the interior is cosy with brushed concrete feature walls and features of Macrocarpa wood. Two large fireplaces at either end of the reception the atmosphere of the space makes this the perfect venue for a winter wedding.
For the animal lovers, this place is dog friendly and there’s even the option of a horse and carriage if that floats your boat.
Address: 1151 Leigh Road, Matakana Country Park, Matakana, Auckland
Capacity: 120 seated / 200 cocktail style
Indoor Ceremony option: Yes
On site Accommodation: No
Travel Time from CBD: 55 minute drive
Website: stablesmatakana.co.nz
10. TUranga Creek
Tūranga Creek is a modern rustic vineyard venue located in Whitford - 30 minutes from the CBD. The reception building is a room filled with warmth and light, lots of windows offer views out to the vineyard.
They also have a purpose built wet weather ceremony option. Onsite accommodation is available with several pods and also a studio accommodation.
If you want to see a buffet menu done right, this is the place to go - quite possibly my favourite buffet menu out there. Outdoor ceremony spot with a backdrop that gives you Tuscan vibes. Lots of amazing onsite locations for photos.
Address: 133 Whitford Park Road, Whitford, Auckland
Capacity: 30-120 guests seated
Indoor Ceremony option: Yes
On site Accommodation: Yes
Travel Time from CBD: 30 minute drive
Website: turangacreek.co.nz
11. Kumeu Valley Estate
Kumeū Valley Estate is a rustic barnhouse style wedding venue in Kumeū. They have beautiful outdoor and indoor ceremony options. There are two main outdoor ceremony options, one is in some really nice even shade which means beautiful clean light even on a sunny day and nobody will be staring into the sun, the other spot is inside the entrance to some natural forest which looks incredible and unique.
The indoor ceremony spot is set in front of a fireplace which makes it perfect for a cosy winter wedding or rainy day. The venue itself is warm and inviting with high timber ceilings and they offer really great buffet style food for receptions as well as catering well to different cultural cuisines.
Kumeu Valley Estate is also only a short 15 minute drive to Muriwai Beach which makes for an incredible location for photos.
Address: 972 Old North Road, Waimauku, Auckland
Capacity: 220 seated / 250 cocktail style
Indoor Ceremony option: Yes
On site Accommodation: Yes
Travel Time from CBD: 30 minute drive
Website: www.kumeuvalley.co.nz
12. The Boat House - at The Riverhead
The Boat House is located on the banks of the Rangitopuni Stream in Riverhead and is the site of New Zealand’s oldest Riverside Tavern. The ceremony spot is right under a huge historic Oak tree, overlooking the river. They also have a permanent marquee which can be used as a wet weather ceremony option or for a canapes and seating area during the mingling hour.
There is no shortage of places for your guests to sit down and enjoy themselves in this little slice of paradise. The reception building is large and filled with three long tables which look great!
Address: 68 Queen Street, Riverhead, Auckland
Capacity: 150 seated / 200 cocktail style
Indoor Ceremony option: Yes
On site Accommodation: No
Travel Time from CBD: 30 minute drive
Website: www.theriverhead.co.nz
13. The Hunting Lodge
The Hunting Lodge is located in Waimauku and can accommodate 60-250 guests, depending on what kind of wedding day you have in mind. A modern custom-built black barn, situated on an 80 acre winery.
There are a few different locations for your ceremony - I’ve photographed several weddings here and each ceremony was at a different spot. My favourite was down in the bottom grassy field area - but it was a bit of a walk between that space and the reception building. You can also have your ceremony in front of the barn.
They have a restored 1975 vintage caravan that they serve drinks from, and a wet weather ceremony option both right next to the reception building. Only a 15 minute drive from Muriwai means you have some incredible photography locations just down the road. Oh and did I mention golf carts?
To see more photos and information about The Hunting Lodge you can check out my Venue Review here.
Address: 305/307 Waikoukou Valley Road, Waimauku, Auckland
Capacity: 168 seated / 250 cocktail style
Indoor Ceremony option: Yes
On site Accommodation: No
Travel Time from CBD: 35 minute drive
Website: www.thehuntinglodge.com
14. Mantells Mt Eden
Mantells is a classy, private venue, set in the heart of Mt Eden. It has transformed what was originally Auckland’s telephone exchange into an elegant venue, which I love photographing.
When the owners of the venue are also the owners of the esteemed French Cafe you know the food is going to be incredible.
Mantells is more suited to a small-medium guest count - able to accommodate 50-110 people, though most weddings I photograph here tend to be around 50-70 guests.
The usual ceremony location is in the incredible courtyard, with huge tall palms, and space that feels like an Italian Villa.
The best thing about Mantells in my opinion (aside from the incredible food and immaculate styling) is just how well the courtyard space photographs. It has delicious light, no matter what the weather is doing, and the undercover edges of the courtyard give you options for great photos even if it is raining.
Want to have your first dance under the stars with the fireplace crackling away behind you, say no more.
Address: 466A Mount Eden Road, Mount Eden, Auckland
Capacity: 50-110 guests
Indoor Ceremony option: Yes
On site Accommodation: No
Travel Time from CBD: 7 minute drive
Website: www.mantells.co.nz
15. Morningside Glasshouse
Centrally located in the vibey streets of Morningside, The Glasshouse is filled with foliage and plants - it offers the best of both worlds of modern-urban and also greenery. If you’re looking for an urban Auckland wedding venue, this is the one for you. Such a unique space that offers a lot of flexibility and options in how you choose to set it up for your wedding.
The best thing about the ceremony setup being set inside the Glasshouse is there is no need to worry about what the weather is doing - no last minute ceremony location changes here. A variety of catering options available to you means more food choices to suit your taste. The Glasshouse can seat up to 160 but there is no minimum requirement of people.
Being located in Morningside means you are able to make the most of the beautiful Auckland CBD for your portraits. There are of course Western springs nearby for some lush portraits if that’s more to your taste. There is also the iconic street art just across the road - a mural of the near-touching hands of God and Adam from Michelangelo’s “The Creation of Adam”, which makes for some fun photos.
Address: 18 McDonald Street, Morningside, Auckland
Capacity: 160 seated
Indoor Ceremony option: Yes - Ceremony option is inside by default
On site Accommodation: No
Travel Time from CBD: 10 minute drive
Website: glasshouse.net.nz
16. Abel Estate
Formerly Gracehill Vineyard, now Abel Estate, this venue has undergone some serious renovations & upgrades, elevating the venue to something new entirely.
The lush grounds give plenty of options for photos, including a lake with a jetty. The ceremony space is in front of a white Rotunda, with lovely light pavers that bounce light perfectly.
They also have a permanent marquee setup available as a wet weather ceremony option.
The reception space looks fantastic and modern, a light filled space.
Address: 34 Pomona Road, Kumeū, Auckland
Capacity: 100 seated
Indoor Ceremony option: Yes
On site Accommodation: Suite available
Travel Time from CBD: 25 minute drive.
Website: abelestate.co.nz
17. Allely Estate
Allely Estate is located in Kumeū. They have a permanent marquee setup for the reception space which is quite large, they can seat up to 200 guests, but they have the ability to seat more if needed.
They have manicured grounds that make for some great light, with access to vineyards for sunset goodness. I’ve seen some weddings create some incredible outdoor seating reception setups too.
Stay onsite for photos or head up to the Riverhead Forest, lots of great options.
Address: 393 State Highway 16, Kumeu, Auckland
Capacity: 70-400 seated
Indoor Ceremony option: Yes
On site Accommodation: Yes
Travel Time from CBD: 20 minute drive
Website: www.allelyestate.co.nz
