A list of the top 12 wedding venues in Kumeu and wider Northwest 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.

One of the most popular areas (you’ll see why) I find myself shooting weddings in, is Kumeu and the wider Northwest region of Auckland. I’ve put together a list of incredible venues, in no particular order, with a bit of information so you can see which might be the right fit for you.

Kumeu is a beautiful rural area just 25km from Auckland Central. Featuring wineries, estates, rolling hills, and easy access to the west coast, it makes for an ideal wedding setting. There’s something for everyone and I find myself shooting a large majority of my weddings in this area, for good reason.

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

1. The Hunting Lodge
2. Tui Hills
3. Kumeu Valley Estate
4. Jonkers Farm
5. The Barn
6. Flaxmere House
7. McGrath Estate
8. Allely Estate
9. Little Wilderness
10. Abel Estate
11. Parihoa Farm
12. Markovina

1. The Hunting Lodge

The Hunting Lodge combines a winery, restaurant, venue spaces and even options for glamping. It is a large property with different options for your ceremony. Said to be home to New Zealand’s original Sauvignon Blanc vines and once a real hunting lodge for the Kerr-Taylor family. A combination of minimalism and modern rustic, it’s the perfect blank canvas. The barn is an ideal reception space with a capacity for 40-250 guests.

Jerry the renovated 1975 caravan bar is a highlight. With vineyards onsite, farmland, forests and the west coast nearby, there are plenty of great photo locations. Muriwai beach is just a 14-minute drive away if you want to catch a golden sunset. Also, the food is incredible, with a lot of locally and seasonally sourced ingredients, you’re going to be looked after well. Learn more about The Hunting Lodge wedding venue on their website here.

2. Tui Hills

Tui Hills is described as a “unique kiwi vibe”. Surrounded by bush on Scenic Drive there are lots of great opportunities for beautiful photos. This venue has undergone a transformation in recent years which has given it a fresh updated look while keeping the charm. Find out more info and get in touch via their website here.

3. Kumeu Valley Estate

Kumeu Valley Estate is a rustic dream! The barn-style reception space and twinkling fairy lights make for a romantic setting. The indoor wet-weather ceremony option in front of the fireplace also makes for a cozy Winter wedding space. The outdoor ceremony spot surrounded by trees is beautiful, with an archway that’s a great canvas for your florist to work their magic on.

Just across the road from the Hunting Lodge, there is also access to fields, forests, and the coast. I have photographed many weddings over the years at Kumeu Valley Estate, you can see some of them here. Plenty of trees and green space make a lovely natural setting. Get in touch and found out more about KVE here.

4. Jonkers Farm

Now, I won’t play favourites but Jonkers Farm is pretty up there! Based in the Waitakere Ranges, 35 minutes from Auckland CBD, this farm is hard to beat. A woodland ceremony space, transport via their cute vintage shuttle truck, rolling hills and SO many epic photo spots. There are 540 acres of farmland that provides more than enough space to play around with. The woolshed is perfect for your reception, or (my favourite) a marquee set up is magical.

Diverse scenery of rolling hills, natural waterways, native bush & woodlands, many vistas, and vintage farm buildings. They’ll take you up on top of the hills for sunset with a magnificent view of Te Henga (Bethells Beach) and down the west coast. The Jonkers family are incredible hosts and will go the extra mile to look after you. I always love photographing at Jonkers Farm, you can check out a few favourites here. They only take a limited number of weddings per year, get in touch via the website here.

5. The Barn, Waimauku

The Barn has always been one of those elusive spots, a kind of who-you-know place to find. Another rustic West Auckland gem, great for couples keen on a bit of DIY. The forest ceremony location is dreamy and there are plenty of options on-site or close by for photos, with forest, farmland, and the west coast not far away. You can BYO catering, a great advantage to work with whatever your budget is. I’ve shot weddings here with food trucks providing dinner and hanging out around the bonfires, a nice, relaxed vibe. Check out a wedding I photographed at The Barn here. You might struggle to find them online but you can get in touch via their Instagram here.

6. Flaxmere House

Flaxmere House located at Bethells Beach is the perfect spot for an intimate wedding with a capacity for approx 20-80 people. There is onsite accommodation for getting ready, a luscious ceremony spot right in nature, and a cozy indoor reception space. Flaxmere House is great for a relaxed, family-vibe that feels like you are on holiday at the beach. They have extensive package information on their website which you can check out here.

7. McGrath Estate

McGrath Estate is another big beautiful farm just down the road from Jonkers Farm in the Waitakeres. The property is a deep ruggedly beautiful valley. More than half the valley is occupied by lush subtropical native rain forest, with the remaining acreage in rolling farmland. The barn reception space can hold up to 120 guests seated, inspired by the traditional American Red Barn theme. It has exposed high ceilings with huge rustic barn doors, ideal for festoon lighting to create a night everyone will remember. The barn flows onto a deck that overlooks beautiful native bush. With loads of options for ceremony spots and catering options, you can have full control to create your dream wedding here. Get in touch with McGrath Estate via their website here.

8. Allely Estate

Easily accessible, just 20 minutes from the city sits Allely Estate. A garden courtyard venue with plenty of space to entertain. They have a permanent open-sided marquee for your reception, lawn games for your guests, and a complimentary wedding planner that will help plan your dream day. Another lovely Kumeu spot with easy access to beaches, forests, and vineyards for photos. With an extended liquor license until 1 am (I know this can be a real pain point for my venue-hunting couples) you can party the night away without a worry. Check out a wedding I photographed at Allely Estate here. They have loads of information on their website also, which you can find here.

9. Little Wilderness

An affordable wedding venue tucked away in Kumeu. A modern eco shed sits amongst 15 hectares of native forest and orchards. This beautiful spot is perfect for intimate affairs of 20-80 people. The reception venue is a modern shed built to be a neutral backdrop that’s easy to decorate or leave as is. As well as all this, I love their eco-friendly ethos as an off-grid venue focussing on minimising our footprint on the land. You can go full DIY here with hire options available or opt for a pop-up wedding package. Perfect for smaller weddings or elopements, in a unique and beautiful environment. They have lots of helpful FAQs and information on their website here.

10. Abel Estate

Abel Estate (formerly Gracehill Vineyard Estate) is a popular choice in Kumeu with affordable options to suit a range of budgets. The property has a private lake, gardens, vineyards and manicured grounds. A quick drive out to the coast also, which is always a favourite for sunset photos. Plenty of room for guests to enjoy and a blank canvas reception room you can make your own. They have the capacity for up to 100 guests and a range of options for all types of weddings in any season. See some weddings I’ve photographed at Abel Estate here. Check out more information on their website here.

11. Parihoa Farm

Looking for sleek-modern luxury? Look no further than Parihoa Farm. 600 acres of beauty on the wild west coast. A breathtaking setting with some of the best views you will find in Auckland. An architectural masterpiece with luxury accommodation on site. Furthermore, they are perfectly placed overlooking the Hilary trail near Muriwai beach. The best place for the clifftop wedding or elopement you’ve been dreaming of. An incredible spot for sunset too. They have the capacity for up to 200 people + options for marquee receptions too. Check out more information on the Parihoa Farm website here.

12. Markovina

Markovina is a popular and affordable garden wedding venue in Kumeu. Their luscious grounds have a range of options for an outdoor ceremony and photos on site. Also, the ivy-covered reception space gives a lovely indoor-outdoor vibe. Check out a Markovina wedding I photographed here and see more on their website here.

If you have any specific venue queries about the best Kumeu and Northwest Auckland Wedding Venues or want to find out more, just ask! I am always here to help!