Top 10 places to get married in New Zealand

From stunning landscapes to a church made of trees, these are some of Aotearoa New Zealand’s top spots for a destination wedding.

1. Get hitched among the vines

Nestled on the slopes of the Te Mata hills, Black Barn(opens in new window) vineyard is the perfect setting for your wedding, combining breathtaking views, award-winning wines, and seasonal menus showcasing the region's finest produce. Black Barn offers a range of venues, catering for intimate gatherings to large celebrations of 500 guests.

2. Tie the Knot in Paradise

For your special day, look no further than Stoneridge Estate, a luxury lodge, wedding venue, and vineyard just fifteen minutes from Queenstown. Nestled on the shores of Lake Hayes and surrounded by sprawling gardens and vines, the Stoneridge Estate combines stunning views with five-star facilities and personalized service.

3. Plan your dream winter wedding

The Hermitage Hotel, located in the heart of Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, offers a breathtaking wedding venue surrounded by stunning alpine scenery. Accommodating weddings from May to September, The Hermitage provides both indoor and outdoor ceremony locations, luxury accommodation, and exceptional dining options.

4. Get married in a living church

Ōhaupō TreeChurch(opens in new window) offers a truly unique wedding venue, set within a living chapel made of trees and surrounded by beautiful gardens. With options for both indoor and outdoor ceremonies, as well as charming accommodation overlooking the gardens, Ōhaupō TreeChurch promises an unforgettable wedding experience.

5. Seal the deal, Hollywood-style

Celebrate your big day in Middle‑earth™ with a wedding at the Hobbiton Movie Set(opens in new window). Exchange “one ring to rule them all” in a ceremony surrounded by hobbit holes, then head to the Green Dragon™ Inn for a feast fit for a hobbit.

6. Maximise your location, minimise your footprint

The Headwaters Eco Lodge(opens in new window) offers an idyllic wedding venue in the heart of New Zealand's Southern Alps. Surrounded by breathtaking mountain landscapes and pristine wilderness, this eco-friendly lodge offers a range of customizable wedding packages, luxury accommodation, and an exceptional seasonal menu.

7. Tie the knot on a mountain top

Elope to a dramatic part of the South Island with Heli Weddings and say your vowels on top of a stunning snow-capped peak or near a remote lake. Year-round wedding packages begin with a helicopter flight and include a marriage celebrant, an award-winning photographer, two witnesses, and champagne. Popular locations include Doubtful Sound, Milford Sound and Lake Quill. You can even get married in just one hour with their budget elopement package.

8. Have an old-school wedding ... literally

Old Forest School(opens in new window) is exactly that—an old school in a forest. This beautiful wedding venue includes a classroom, barn, tuckshop, and tin shed, creating a gorgeous rustic setting with entertaining props.

9. Enjoy a romantic cliff-top ceremony

Plan your perfect clifftop wedding at Castaways Resort, perched above Karioitahi Beach on Auckland's stunning west coast. With breathtaking ocean vistas and secluded black sand beaches, your wedding photos will be truly breathtaking. This all-in-one venue provides luxurious accommodation, unique glamping experiences, exquisite dining, and a rejuvenating day spa, ensuring every aspect of your special day is perfectly catered for.

10. Create your dream day at Kauri Bay

Kauri Bay Boomrock(opens in new window) offers a stunning wedding venue set on a private 500-acre property in Auckland, with breathtaking views over the Hauraki Gulf. This venue combines exceptional New Zealand cuisine, fine wine, and outstanding service to create an unforgettable experience. Whether you choose an outdoor ceremony with panoramic views or an intimate indoor setting, Kauri Bay ensures every detail is tailored to your vision. 

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