Getting to the Venue

Mudbrick truly transports you into another world while being conveniently located on Waiheke Island, a 40 minute ferry ride away from downtown Auckland. It has a big gravel carpark right next to its ceremony location. What I've seen couples do is organise private buses to pick up their guests from the ferry terminal and drop them off right next to where the ceremony happens. It's super accessible so you don't have to stress out about the oldies, Mudbrick makes it nice and easy. Everyone just hops straight off the bus, walks 5 metres and they are at the ceremony location, so good.

Ceremony Options

There's both indoor and outdoor options which means you don't have to worry about what the weather is doing because both options are beautiful. They're right next to each other and are situated up on top of a hill overlooking the most incredible view. You've got the rolling vineyards in the foreground, the Hauraki Gulf and Rangitoto Island in the midground and in the background you've got the Auckland city skyline - you can even see the Sky Tower. It’s without a doubt one of the best views at any Auckland wedding venue.

Outdoor Ceremony Option

With the outdoor ceremony option, your guests will be seated facing that amazing view of the harbour that I mentioned earlier. Having a view like that as a background means you don’t have to do much work to pull off a beautiful ceremony. The background is there for you and all your guests will be enjoying it from the moment they arrive.

Indoor Ceremony Option

If the weather isn't looking so good it's super easy for the mudbrick staff to setup your ceremony indoors - it’s right next to the outdoor ceremony spot. The indoor ceremony location is really something special. One of my favourite things about the indoor ceremony option is that it has a clear ceiling, which means that no matter what the weather, you're going to have beautiful natural light filling your ceremony location. This is really unique for an indoor ceremony option to have this and as a photographer I especially appreciate it; because usually an indoor ceremony option means dark and dingy and the skin tones are just not going to be anywhere near as great as if you’re filling a room with beautiful natural light. Having this space makes Mudbrick at great winter wedding venue.

Onsite Photoshoot Locations

You really don’t need to go offsite for photos at Mudbrick - as there as so many beautiful options to shoot on site. The grounds are beautifully kept and have a real Tuscan vibe, not to mention the light is goreous! From grassy hilltops with a view, to clay driveways, to vineyards - you’re spoilt for choice at Mudbrick.

Just behind The Lodge there’s a spot right up on a hill with long grass, a trig point, a field that you can access and it offers incredible views of the surrounds. It’s a great place to take sunset photos. You can also head up onto the deck above the reception building for a great view of the sunset too.

Offsite Photoshoot Locations

Just down the road there’s a viewing point which offers beautiful panoramic views of the clean crystal clear Waiheke water - you can even see the ferry’s coming into the wharf. This little spot is only a 3 minute drive from Mudbrick so it’s super convenient and easy to get to.

Being the stunning island that Waiheke is, there’s obviously no shortage of beaches that you can explore. These beaches have cool rocks, textures, and just a great colour palette - which I’m a super big fan of. I love getting down and adventuring into some of these cool little bays and coves with my couples.

Family Photos

After the ceremony, once everyone has had a chance to come up and congratulate you and everyone is now digging into the Mudbrick wine and canapes that’s often a good time for us to get into doing the family photos. Pretty much every direction that you look you've got a beautiful view, which means that no matter where the light is coming from or what the light is doing, I'll be able to choose a spot that will be able to make you guys look great and also have a beautiful backdrop behind you.

Reception

When it’s time to move down to the reception area, all your guests will go down a pathway and walk into the incredible setup.

I’ve seen Mudbrick setup so many different times in so many different ways and it always looks absolutely stunning. It’s the kind of place that you don’t have to do a whole lot to it to make it look beautiful. It’s setup with one main room where you have your guests seated, and then through some doors you’ve got the dancefloor, an area for the cake cutting & desserts, some tables to setup guests books & gift tables, and then they’ve got a bar as well. Often what happens is people move through to this area do the cake cutting first, then once the cake has been cut everyone moves onto the dancefloor and the party starts.

Food

The food at mudbrick is always phenomenal. I’m always excited to shoot there because I know I’m going to be eating a really good meal that night. When the food rolls out, everyone’s got a grin on their face because that food is amazing. I’ll let the photos do the talking here, I promise you they taste as good as they look.

More information

In terms of accomodation for yourself and your guests, Waiheke has no shortage of options on Airbnb or Book a Bach. Mudbrick also offers onsite accomodation.

Capacity: Mudbrick can seat up to 126 people with a bridal table, and also do a great job of creating a beautifully intimate atmosphere for weddings with a weddings closer to 40 or so people.

You can check out Mudbrick’s website here to learn more about their packages and pricing www.mudbrick.co.nz
Phone: +64 9 372 9050
Email: weddings@mudbrick.co.nz
Physical Address: 126 Church Bay Road, Oneroa, Waiheke, New Zealand

If you have any questions for me about Mudbrick or anything wedding related feel free to shoot me an email: jonathan@jonathansuckling.com

Or if you’re interested in having me as your wedding photographer then hit that contact button below!