A list of the best 13 wedding venues in wider East and South Auckland by local photographer Lydia Rachel. Updated for 2023.
As a local Auckland wedding photographer, I have shot hundreds of weddings working in the industry for over ten years. Auckland is a wonderful city with a variety of different landscapes and many hidden gems. We have some incredible wedding venues that I think you should know about. I’m putting together some wedding venue guides for the different areas of Auckland. I hope this is a useful resource. Picking a venue is one of the first and most important decisions you will make for your wedding. Location, location, location! There is much to consider.
East Auckland and South Auckland have some of the best wedding venues in the city. There are sprawling estates, epic views, beautiful vineyards, and historic buildings. I’ve put together a list of amazing venues, in no particular order, with a bit of information so you can see which might be the right fit for you.
With the way Auckland is geographically laid out, South and East Auckland are sort of next to each other (locals, you know what I mean). This part of the region is vast and varied and makes for an ideal wedding setting. There’s something for everyone with some of the most beautiful and unique wedding venues you will find. These are what I believe are the best wedding venues in East and South Auckland.
I hope this list is helpful, let me know if you have any questions, I am here for you to pick my wedding-expert brains! Please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
A Quick Overview
- Kauri Bay Boomrock
- The Farmhouse
- The McCallum Residence
- Howick Historical Village
- Bracu Estate
- Abbeville Estate
- Nocton Woolshed
- Castaways Resort
- Puketutu Island Estate
- Te Hihi Estate
- Hedges Estate
- Turanga Creek
- La Valla
1. Kauri Bay Boomrock
Kauri Bay Boomrock boasts one of the most epic views in Auckland. If you’re looking for modern luxury, expansive views, and the combination of farm and coast then this is one to check out. Set on a stunning private 500-acre Clevedon property with coastal views over the Hauraki Gulf. With a strong focus on outstanding New Zealand cuisine, wine, and service. Kauri Bay Boomrock can host up to 250 guests in a warm and relaxed atmosphere.
The farm has converted barn accommodation and clay bird shooting facilities (often a favourite for the groom and groomsmen on wedding mornings). There are endless photo spots around the property and the Boomrock team is lovely and accommodating. Find out more on their site here.
2. The Farmhouse
Ok, this is one of my favourites (it’s also a cafe so you should definitely adventure there for your next Saturday brunch). The Farmhouse in Clevedon is set in a beautiful old villa on family property with bees, cattle, horses, and sheep. I’m a sucker for a villa and a beautiful garden. I actually had my 30th birthday here and it was perfect. With a farm-to-table style approach, the Farmhouse source local and homegrown produce and their food is simply delicious!
A beautiful garden/farm setting with many photo opportunities. The Farmhouse can cater for up to 50 guests, however, should you choose to have a larger wedding, they can help coordinate with vendors for extra furniture, dining, and marquee hire. The venue is suitable for up to 120 guests max.
If you get married here, I would love to shoot your wedding, some places are a little bit memorable and special, and this is one of those for me! Get in touch and find out more on the Farmhouse website here.
3. The McCallum Residence
The McCallum Residence is a beautiful hidden gem on a private beach on Auckland’s East Coast. A Scottish manor, rich in history, that has been elegantly restored and has quickly become one of the most beautiful spaces to get married.
Beachfront property with accommodation options, endless photo spots, space for a marquee, and the ability to add your own touch, this is a special one. If you’re after luxury, regal elegance, and to be surrounded by New Zealand nature this is one for you.
Find out more and get in touch with The McCallum Residence here.
4. Howick Historical Village
Featuring a collection of beautiful historic buildings including a gorgeous original church this is a great photo location with ceremony and reception options also. With a newly refurbished church, year-round flower blooms, a private grand homestead venue, and plenty of parking, it will be a wedding you and your guests will remember forever.
They have some great affordable package options, find out more on the Historical Village site here.
5. Bracu Estate
A sprawling property full of olive groves, Bracu Estate is a beautiful setting to be wed. There are a variety of spaces and accommodation options. I personally adore photos in olive groves, and Bracu is the place for it.
A Mediterranean oasis just 40 minutes from Auckland Central. Mature groves offer an enchanting backdrop for your celebration, while the Pavilion provides a romantic reception space that can be transformed to reflect your unique style.
Find out more here.
6. Abbeville Estate
The heritage-listed buildings and landscaped grounds that make up Abbeville Estate are over 150 years old and have been meticulously restored and contemporized for the needs of today. Abbeville has a variety of options for ceremony spaces and the Homestead main dining room is perfect for your reception. The gardens and surroundings are beautiful with plenty of onsite photo spots available. Get in touch and find out more on their website here.
7. Nocton Woolshed
Nocton Woolshed is the perfect venue for farm lovers with a rustic vibe. It is a converted sheep shearing shed (woolshed), with an amazing view and beautiful bush surroundings. With a bit of DIY, you can make the venue your own. There are plenty of photo locations on the property or you can pop down to the nearby coastline. Close enough to the city but with the feeling of a rural setting, Nocton Woolshed is one to check out. More info here.
8. Castaways Resort
A beautiful paradise on the coast of Kariotahi beach, this venue has some of the best clifftop ocean views in Auckland. Endless photo options with surrounding farmland and the beach on your doorstep. I’m not going to lie, I wish the reception space was a bit more modernized and utilized the epic location as it is quite tucked away so may not suit everyone, but there are always other options and ways to create your dream wedding. Find out more about Castaways Resort here.
9. Puketutu Island Estate
A secret tropical island paradise you probably didn’t know existed… welcome to Puketutu Island Estate. The beautifully restored Spanish Mission homestead sets the scene for your stand-out celebration. With immaculate lawns, gardens, and plenty of palms, this is a hidden gem. Photo spots galore around the grounds and the perfect backdrop to create your dream day. Check out their site here.
10. Te Hihi Estate
Te Hihi Estate is a large property with extensive options for your perfect day. Full of natural beauty, with stunning backdrops over the manicured gardens and beside your own private lake. Breathtakingly beautiful, and suitable for both traditional tastes or a more modern aesthetic. Luxurious accommodation with a beautiful pool area makes a great setting for cocktail hour. You may recognise this property if you ever watched The Bachelor NZ. Plenty of space for a marquee and endless onsite photo spots. You may have to book far in advance as this is a popular spot! Find out more here.
11. Hedges Estate
Set on 55 acres of land there are a lot of options when it comes to planning your wedding at Hedges Estate. Ceremony options available include the glade, a stunning open area surrounded by Totara trees and natural bush.
For those seeking something a little more traditional, there is the front lawn surrounded by roses, picture-perfect hedges, and looking out to stunning rural views. The large property has lots of versatile spaces and plenty of photo locations. I would describe it as an elegant countryside garden venue. You can check out this lovely wedding I shot there, even though it was a rainy day, it was still such a perfect setting. Find out more on Hedges Estate website here.
12. Turanga Creek
Turanga Creek is a beautiful, sprawling vineyard venue less than 30 minutes from the city. The 100-year-old stable faces out towards the organic vineyard with Tuscan houses in the background, providing a serene backdrop and tranquil atmosphere for your special day. There are multiple options for your ceremony space and guests to enjoy the venue. A glass house, garden space, long grass field, vines, hedged lawn area, and a little lake, what’s not to love? You can see a few Turanga Creek weddings I’ve photographed here, and find out more on Turanga’s site here.
13. La Valla Estate
La Valla is set on a huge farm property with endless spaces to tailor your wedding day. Originally a Catholic school this venue has some amazing historic buildings as well as beautiful garden spaces. If you’re seeking a venue that can host a traditional-sized wedding, a large cultural festival, or a cute, boutique celebration, then LaValla has options aplenty… There’s even a secret waterfall on the property. The staff at La Valla are lovely and will look after you well. Find out more on their site here.
If you have any specific venue queries about the best Wedding Venues in East and South Auckland or want to find out more, just ask! I am always here to help!
A list of the best 13 wedding venues in wider East and South Auckland by local photographer Lydia Rachel. Updated for 2023.
As a local Auckland wedding photographer, I have shot hundreds of weddings working in the industry for over ten years. Auckland is a wonderful city with a variety of different landscapes and many hidden gems. We have some incredible wedding venues that I think you should know about. I’m putting together some wedding venue guides for the different areas of Auckland. I hope this is a useful resource. Picking a venue is one of the first and most important decisions you will make for your wedding. Location, location, location! There is much to consider.
East Auckland and South Auckland have some of the best wedding venues in the city. There are sprawling estates, epic views, beautiful vineyards, and historic buildings. I’ve put together a list of amazing venues, in no particular order, with a bit of information so you can see which might be the right fit for you.
With the way Auckland is geographically laid out, South and East Auckland are sort of next to each other (locals, you know what I mean). This part of the region is vast and varied and makes for an ideal wedding setting. There’s something for everyone with some of the most beautiful and unique wedding venues you will find. These are what I believe are the best wedding venues in East and South Auckland.
I hope this list is helpful, let me know if you have any questions, I am here for you to pick my wedding-expert brains! Please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
A Quick Overview
- Kauri Bay Boomrock
- The Farmhouse
- The McCallum Residence
- Howick Historical Village
- Bracu Estate
- Abbeville Estate
- Nocton Woolshed
- Castaways Resort
- Puketutu Island Estate
- Te Hihi Estate
- Hedges Estate
- Turanga Creek
- La Valla
1. Kauri Bay Boomrock
Kauri Bay Boomrock boasts one of the most epic views in Auckland. If you’re looking for modern luxury, expansive views, and the combination of farm and coast then this is one to check out. Set on a stunning private 500-acre Clevedon property with coastal views over the Hauraki Gulf. With a strong focus on outstanding New Zealand cuisine, wine, and service. Kauri Bay Boomrock can host up to 250 guests in a warm and relaxed atmosphere.
The farm has converted barn accommodation and clay bird shooting facilities (often a favourite for the groom and groomsmen on wedding mornings). There are endless photo spots around the property and the Boomrock team is lovely and accommodating. Find out more on their site here.
2. The Farmhouse
Ok, this is one of my favourites (it’s also a cafe so you should definitely adventure there for your next Saturday brunch). The Farmhouse in Clevedon is set in a beautiful old villa on family property with bees, cattle, horses, and sheep. I’m a sucker for a villa and a beautiful garden. I actually had my 30th birthday here and it was perfect. With a farm-to-table style approach, the Farmhouse source local and homegrown produce and their food is simply delicious!
A beautiful garden/farm setting with many photo opportunities. The Farmhouse can cater for up to 50 guests, however, should you choose to have a larger wedding, they can help coordinate with vendors for extra furniture, dining, and marquee hire. The venue is suitable for up to 120 guests max.
If you get married here, I would love to shoot your wedding, some places are a little bit memorable and special, and this is one of those for me! Get in touch and find out more on the Farmhouse website here.
3. The McCallum Residence
The McCallum Residence is a beautiful hidden gem on a private beach on Auckland’s East Coast. A Scottish manor, rich in history, that has been elegantly restored and has quickly become one of the most beautiful spaces to get married.
Beachfront property with accommodation options, endless photo spots, space for a marquee, and the ability to add your own touch, this is a special one. If you’re after luxury, regal elegance, and to be surrounded by New Zealand nature this is one for you.
Find out more and get in touch with The McCallum Residence here.
4. Howick Historical Village
Featuring a collection of beautiful historic buildings including a gorgeous original church this is a great photo location with ceremony and reception options also. With a newly refurbished church, year-round flower blooms, a private grand homestead venue, and plenty of parking, it will be a wedding you and your guests will remember forever.
They have some great affordable package options, find out more on the Historical Village site here.
5. Bracu Estate
A sprawling property full of olive groves, Bracu Estate is a beautiful setting to be wed. There are a variety of spaces and accommodation options. I personally adore photos in olive groves, and Bracu is the place for it.
A Mediterranean oasis just 40 minutes from Auckland Central. Mature groves offer an enchanting backdrop for your celebration, while the Pavilion provides a romantic reception space that can be transformed to reflect your unique style.
Find out more here.
6. Abbeville Estate
The heritage-listed buildings and landscaped grounds that make up Abbeville Estate are over 150 years old and have been meticulously restored and contemporized for the needs of today. Abbeville has a variety of options for ceremony spaces and the Homestead main dining room is perfect for your reception. The gardens and surroundings are beautiful with plenty of onsite photo spots available. Get in touch and find out more on their website here.
7. Nocton Woolshed
Nocton Woolshed is the perfect venue for farm lovers with a rustic vibe. It is a converted sheep shearing shed (woolshed), with an amazing view and beautiful bush surroundings. With a bit of DIY, you can make the venue your own. There are plenty of photo locations on the property or you can pop down to the nearby coastline. Close enough to the city but with the feeling of a rural setting, Nocton Woolshed is one to check out. More info here.
8. Castaways Resort
A beautiful paradise on the coast of Kariotahi beach, this venue has some of the best clifftop ocean views in Auckland. Endless photo options with surrounding farmland and the beach on your doorstep. I’m not going to lie, I wish the reception space was a bit more modernized and utilized the epic location as it is quite tucked away so may not suit everyone, but there are always other options and ways to create your dream wedding. Find out more about Castaways Resort here.
9. Puketutu Island Estate
A secret tropical island paradise you probably didn’t know existed… welcome to Puketutu Island Estate. The beautifully restored Spanish Mission homestead sets the scene for your stand-out celebration. With immaculate lawns, gardens, and plenty of palms, this is a hidden gem. Photo spots galore around the grounds and the perfect backdrop to create your dream day. Check out their site here.
10. Te Hihi Estate
Te Hihi Estate is a large property with extensive options for your perfect day. Full of natural beauty, with stunning backdrops over the manicured gardens and beside your own private lake. Breathtakingly beautiful, and suitable for both traditional tastes or a more modern aesthetic. Luxurious accommodation with a beautiful pool area makes a great setting for cocktail hour. You may recognise this property if you ever watched The Bachelor NZ. Plenty of space for a marquee and endless onsite photo spots. You may have to book far in advance as this is a popular spot! Find out more here.
11. Hedges Estate
Set on 55 acres of land there are a lot of options when it comes to planning your wedding at Hedges Estate. Ceremony options available include the glade, a stunning open area surrounded by Totara trees and natural bush.
For those seeking something a little more traditional, there is the front lawn surrounded by roses, picture-perfect hedges, and looking out to stunning rural views. The large property has lots of versatile spaces and plenty of photo locations. I would describe it as an elegant countryside garden venue. You can check out this lovely wedding I shot there, even though it was a rainy day, it was still such a perfect setting. Find out more on Hedges Estate website here.
12. Turanga Creek
Turanga Creek is a beautiful, sprawling vineyard venue less than 30 minutes from the city. The 100-year-old stable faces out towards the organic vineyard with Tuscan houses in the background, providing a serene backdrop and tranquil atmosphere for your special day. There are multiple options for your ceremony space and guests to enjoy the venue. A glass house, garden space, long grass field, vines, hedged lawn area, and a little lake, what’s not to love? You can see a few Turanga Creek weddings I’ve photographed here, and find out more on Turanga’s site here.
13. La Valla Estate
La Valla is set on a huge farm property with endless spaces to tailor your wedding day. Originally a Catholic school this venue has some amazing historic buildings as well as beautiful garden spaces. If you’re seeking a venue that can host a traditional-sized wedding, a large cultural festival, or a cute, boutique celebration, then LaValla has options aplenty… There’s even a secret waterfall on the property. The staff at La Valla are lovely and will look after you well. Find out more on their site here.
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