Top 10 Waiheke Wedding Venues
A list of The Top 10 Wedding Venues on Waiheke Island, Auckland. Put together by a local wedding photographer.
Planning a wedding on Waiheke Island? Great idea - Waiheke is a slice of paradise situated in the Hauraki Gulf. Only a 35 minute ferry ride from downtown Aucakland, it is home to world-class wineries, picturesque beaches, and awarded restaurants. Waiheke has become a popular destination for weddings over the years and it’s no surprise why.
I’ve put together a list of the best Waiheke wedding venues, from my perspective as a local wedding photographer.
1. Mudbrick
Photography by Jonathan Suckling
Mudbrick is one of the most popular Auckland wedding venues and it’s no surprise to me. Mudbrick is perfectly positioned, offering a stunning view of the ocean and even the Auckland city skyline. Mudbrick restaurant does incredible food and even produce their own world class wine. The grounds itself are impeccably manicured and you’d be forgiven for thinking you were in Tuscany. They have a great indoor ceremony option which makes Mudbrick a great pick for a wedding at any time of year. No need to head off site for photos - plenty of options on site. Only 5 mins from the Waiheke ferry terminal too. Mudbrick can seat up to 126, including a wedding party table. To read more about Mudbrick you check out my venue review blog post here.
Capacity: 130 seated / 200 cocktail style
Indoor Ceremony: Yes
On site Accommodation: Yes
Travel Time from Fullers Ferry Terminal (Matiatia Bay): 5 minute drive
Address: 126 Church Bay Road, Oneroa, Waiheke Island
Website: mudbrick.co.nz
2. Tantalus Estate
Photography by Jonathan Suckling, florals by The Botanist
Tantalus Estate is one of the latest gems to be added to the Waiheke wineries crown. Established in 2016 and designed by the renowed Cheshire Architects group, this venue has had no expense spared or detail overlooked. Tantalus is pure elegance and class; it truly whisks you away into Italian wine region nostalgia. The grounds are beautifully kept and are a joy to shoot in. The interior space itself is generous and well thought out.
Capacity: 130 seated / 200 cocktail style
Indoor Ceremony: Yes
On site Accommodation: No
Travel Time from Fullers Ferry Terminal (Matiatia Bay): 15 minute drive
Address: 70/72 Onetangi Road, Onetangi, Waiheke Island
Website: tantalus.co.nz
3. Batch Winery
Photography by Jonathan Suckling, florals by Blush
The Batch Winery is a new Waiheke Wedding Venue. They offer a ceremony with a stunning view of the water and of sunset. They also have a really unique outdoor reception space. If you’ve been to many Waiheke weddings and are looking for something a bit different then this could be the place for you. Naturally they produce their own wine too.
Capacity: 110 Seated
Indoor Ceremony: No
On site Accommodation: No
Travel Time from Fullers Ferry Terminal (Matiatia Bay): 20 minute drive
Address: 129 Carsons Road, Waiheke Island
Website: www.batchwinery.com
4. Casita Miro
Photography by Jonathan Suckling, wedding celebrant Love and Liberty
A glass pavilion set on a hill in the middle of a vineyard. A super unique venue, with an open balcony style space, nestled amongst lush greenery. The building itself is full of light and is the perfect place for a wedding shindig that’s quirky and fun. Did someone say Tapas? Spanish and Mediterranean cuisine done right.
Capacity: 60 Seated
Indoor Ceremony: No (reception space can be rearranged for this)
On site Accommodation: Yes
Travel Time from Fullers Ferry Terminal (Matiatia Bay): 15 minute drive
Address: 3 Brown Road, Waiheke, Auckland
Website: www.batchwinery.com
5. Puriri Valley Estate
Photography by Jonathan Suckling
Puriri Valley Estate is a lovely private estate, comprised of beautiful main house, with also a secondary dwelling. The main house is well styled that makes for a indoor/outdoor flow for your guests. The property has a grass lawn and deck area that looks out over private vineyards out to the water. If you’re looking for a venue that is different and more exclusive, this is the one for you.
Capacity: Intimate to large
Indoor Ceremony: Depending on how you use the venue
On site Accommodation: Yes
Travel Time from Fullers Ferry Terminal (Matiatia Bay): 7 minute drive
Address: 241 Church Bay Road, Waiheke Island
Website: Contact Michelle via mywaiheke.co.nz
6. Poderi Crisci
Photography by Jonathan Suckling
Poderi Crisci is a little slice of Italy. Perfect for intimate weddings, suited to guest counts up to 60-70 max. There’s a few different options for your reception, a boutique cellar, the restaurant, an all-weather veranda. If you want an intimate wedding filled with the flavours of Italy, imbued with warm Italian hospitality, this is the place to do it. Beautiful grounds, Poderi Crisci feels secluded and intimate. The restaurant and venue was created by the geniuses behind Non Solo Pizza, need I say more?
Capacity: 30-140 Guests
Indoor Ceremony: Yes (depending on Marquee setup)
On site Accommodation: No
Travel Time from Fullers Ferry Terminal (Matiatia Bay): 30 minute drive
Address: 205 Awaawaroa Road, Waiheke Island
Website: podericrisci.co.nz
7. Wild Estate
Photography by Jonathan Suckling
Wild Estate is a beautiful balance of modern, refined, but also relaxed. The space is stunning and wonderfully modern, it photographs super well. The venue prides itself on offering versatility in how you structure your day. Winter wedding alongside an open fire? Summer wedding amongst the vines? Want a more formal seated dinner, or a relaxed BBQ style with rolling canapés? Wild Estate can accomodate either. And did I mention they also have onsite archery & laser claybird shooting?
Capacity: 120 Guests
Indoor Ceremony: Yes
On site Accommodation: No
Travel Time from Fullers Ferry Terminal (Matiatia Bay): 14 minute drive
Address: 82 Onetangi Road, Waiheke Island
Website: wildestate.co.nz
8. Goldie Estate
Photography by Jonathan Suckling
Keen to get married under a massive Pohutukawa on a hill, with panoramic views of the water surrounding you? Then this is the place for you. Goldie Estate offers some creative options for doing either indoor or outdoor receptions. They produce their own wine and do some great food. You also have private access to a stunning little beach, which is a perfect place to duck out for sunset photos.
Capacity: 250 Guests
Indoor Ceremony: Yes
On site Accommodation: No
Travel Time from Fullers Ferry Terminal (Matiatia Bay): 9 minute drive
Address: 18 Causeway Road, Surfdale, Waiheke Island
Website: goldieestate.co.nz
9. Cable Bay Vineyards
Photography by Jonathan Suckling, florals by Madame La Florist
Cable Bay Vineyards is situated on a green lawn that stretches out towards an ocean view. multiple interior spaces such as The Bistro - which can seat 100 guests or host 150 cocktail style, as well as The Motukaha Room (36 seated, 50 cocktail style) and The Wine Library (16 seated, 30 cocktail style), for more intimate wedding affairs. The wine libary is also a location you can take photos at. The venue has a grand atrium on arrival and the dancefloor takes place in a bar area seperate to the Motukaha room, which is great since you don’t have to move chairs to reset the room, and gives your guests a place to hang out if they want somewhere quieter during the dance floor time. You also have access to the vineyard for photos.
Capacity: 220 Guests
Indoor Ceremony: Yes
On site Accommodation: Yes
Travel Time from Fullers Ferry Terminal (Matiatia Bay): 6 minute drive
Address: 12 Nick Johnstone Drive, Oneroa, Waiheke Island
Website: cablebay.nz
10. Oyster Inn
Photography by Jonathan Suckling
Nautical nuptials anyone? Seaside vibes galore - this place makes you want to sell your house and buy a boat. Beautiful decor, incredible food, all the while remaining super central and convenient. The Oyster Inn is perfect for a wedding on the intimate side, seating up to 90 in the main restaurant or up to 36 in the private room. Perfect for those wanting to do something a little different. Foodies, you already know this is what you want. Only 5 minutes from the Ferry Terminal.
Capacity: 90 Guests
Indoor Ceremony: Yes (reception space - there isn’t an outdoor ceremony space)
On site Accommodation: Yes
Travel Time from Fullers Ferry Terminal (Matiatia Bay): 5 minute drive
Address: 124 Ocean View Road, Oneroa, Waiheke Island
Website: www.theoysterinn.co.nz