At Amour Weddings, we know that choosing the perfect wedding venue is one of the most exciting (and sometimes overwhelming) parts of planning your big day. Your venue sets the stage for everything—from the overall vibe to the finer details. With so many stunning locations across New Zealand, we’re here to help make the decision easier with this step-by-step guide.

1. Envision Your Dream Wedding

Before you start venue hunting, take a moment to imagine what your ideal wedding looks like. Do you picture a relaxed beach ceremony, an intimate vineyard gathering, or a grand ballroom affair? Your venue should align with your vision and create the perfect backdrop for your special day.

2. Set a Realistic Budget

Venues often make up a large portion of the wedding budget, so it’s essential to determine how much you’re willing to spend. Factor in the venue hire fee, catering, décor, and any additional costs. It’s also important to consider what’s included in the venue price. Some venues may seem expensive at first glance but include essentials like tables, chairs, linens, lighting, restrooms, and even on-site coordination. Others may be ‘dry hire’ venues, meaning you’re only paying for the space itself, and you’ll need to source everything separately—including furniture, catering, and even portable toilets if required. While dry hire venues offer more flexibility for personalization, they can often end up being more costly than anticipated once you add in all the extras.

See here for a free wedding budget tracker.

3. Consider Your Guest List

Your venue should comfortably fit your guest count. A space that’s too big can make things feel empty, while a venue that’s too small can be cramped. Having an estimated guest count before booking a venue ensures a more seamless experience.

Another key consideration is your budget per guest. In New Zealand, the average cost per guest can range from $150 to $250 per head, depending on the venue and catering options. This includes food, drinks, and sometimes service fees.

To help determine your guest list, ask yourself: if it were just you and this person, would you invite them for a one-on-one coffee, or shout them a $200 dinner? This perspective can help you prioritise who truly belongs on your guest list while keeping your budget in check.

4. Pick a Location That Works for You and Your Guests

Think about accessibility. If you’re hosting a destination wedding, ensure there are good transport links and accommodation nearby. If you have guests flying in, consider a location that’s easy to reach.

Also, consider how your guests (and you) will travel to and from the venue. Will you need to arrange transport such as buses, and if so, how much will that cost? Are taxis or Ubers available in the area? If your venue is more remote, ensure there are sufficient accommodation options nearby, or consider arranging group transport to make things easier for your guests.

5. Do Your Research and Visit Multiple Venues

Shortlist a few venues that match your vision and arrange site visits. While online photos and virtual tours are helpful, nothing compares to experiencing the space in person. Are you happy with the ceremony site and the reception?

6. Ask the Right Questions

When touring venues, come prepared with questions like:

What’s included in the venue hire fee?
Can we bring in our own vendors, or do we need to use your preferred suppliers?
What’s the backup plan for bad weather?
Are there noise or curfew restrictions?
Do you provide on-site catering, or can we bring our own?

7. Check Availability and Flexibility

Popular venues book out fast, especially in peak wedding season. If your dream venue isn’t available on your preferred date, consider being flexible or looking at alternative spaces that offer a similar feel.

8. Read Reviews and Get Recommendations

Hearing about other couples’ experiences can be invaluable. Check online reviews, ask for references, or get recommendations from us—we work closely with top-tier venues across New Zealand and can help you make an informed choice.

9. Check Your Photographer/Videographers Availability At The Point Of Booking Your Venue

If photos and videos are a high priority for you, it’s essential to confirm your photography team’s availability as soon as you've locked in your venue. After the big day, the only way you’ll relive the memories is through photos and video, so it’s crucial to choose a team whose work you truly love. Book your photographers early to ensure you get the team that aligns with your vision and can capture your wedding day perfectly. Be sure to review their Instagram and portfolios to help make your decision and ensure their style matches what you’re envisioning for your special day.

Wedding costs do stack up quickly, but remember, what you walk away with at the end of the day is the experience captured in timeless photos and videos. These are the memories you'll treasure forever, and investing in a team you love ensures you'll have beautiful reminders of one of the most important days of your life.

View Below Some Of Our Favourite Wedding Venues In New Zealand

Auckland

Mudbrick Vineyard, Waiheke Island – Mudbrick is world-renowned for its superb restaurant and award-winning wines. With its spectacular sea views, French potager gardens and hand-hewn mudbrick buildings.

Lone Pine Estate, Bay of Islands – A luxurious venue offering an infinity pool, private beach, and stunning views for a sophisticated wedding.

Mantells, Mt Eden – With its majestic ivy-covered walls, high stud ceilings, open fireplaces, and fully enclosed private outdoor courtyard (perfect for sipping champagne under palm trees), Mantells Mt Eden is a deliciously romantic wedding venue or memorable function space… one that distinctly feels more ‘private Sicilian villa’ than ‘middle of Auckland city’.

Man O' War Vineyards, Waiheke Island – A vineyard setting offering breathtaking views over the ocean and a relaxed atmosphere for a memorable wedding. Nestled at the north-eastern end of Waiheke Island.

Tantalus Estate, Waiheke Island – Nestled within lush vineyards, serene wetlands, and beautifully landscaped gardens, our award-winning venue is the ideal backdrop for a celebration as unique as your love story. Recognised as Auckland’s Best Wedding Venue in the 2021-2022 LUXLife Global Wedding Awards, Tantalus Estate blends exclusivity, elegance, and natural beauty.

Tauranga

Black Walnut – A stunning venue offering an intimate atmosphere with elegant gardens and rustic charm, ideal for a romantic wedding. You have the choice of the towering Black Walnut trees, the elegance of the glass house; and even a unique Tree Church surrounded by a tranquil bamboo forest! The venue’s natural beauty is perfectly complemented by the chic and contemporary glass house also creating an ideal oasis wet weather option.

Villa Vie – Is a breathtaking estate that replicates a French countryside homestead. Showcasing traditional French architecture, Villa Vie is an all-inclusive venue for weddings, private dining and celebrations.

Ātaahua – A casually elegant garden wedding venue nestled under stunning established copper beech trees are beautifully landscaped gardens, with croquet and petanque grounds and a bush outlook.

Hawke's Bay

Kotare Estate – A unique 1920's estate estled in the picturesque hills of Havelock North with breathtaking views, offering a sophisticated yet relaxed atmosphere for weddings.

River House – Set by the beautiful Tuki Tuki River, this stunning venue offers a tranquil and scenic setting for a memorable wedding celebration.

Nelson

Summer House – The Summer House is set high on the hills of Atawhai on a family farm that overlooks the Tasman Bay, with a panoramic view that includes Nelson City.

Black Millar – Nestled between the majestic Mountains and the serene coastline of Kaikōura, Black Miller offers a breathtaking backdrop for your special day. Stay onsite and enjoy the pool for day two.

Paripuma – A magical & earthy beachside paradise, Paripuma's views are completely unobstructed - East over the Pacific Ocean & North out beyond the striking 'white-grey' bluffs after which the property is named.

Wither Hills – Located in the heart of Marlborough, this stunning venue offers vineyard views and an elegant, relaxing setting.

Christchurch

Ohinetahi Gardens – A stunning award winning garden overlooking the Lyttelton harbour. With over 1.25 hectares of garden, Ōhinetahi is also home to two galleries, sculpture and woodland trails, and a significant 19th century homestead.

Pemberton Gardens – Set amidst expansive, established gardens, this private venue offers multiple ceremony locations, outdoor courtyards, a picturesque pagoda, and a purpose-built interior suitable for weddings, celebrations, and corporate events. The venue can accommodate up to 180 seated guests or 250 for cocktail-style events.

Trents Vineyard – A charming wedding venue located near Christchurch, New Zealand, nestled amidst grapevines and mature trees. The historic whitewashed Mediterranean-style building, complemented by a sheltered lawn featuring a fountain, conservatory, gazebo, and pond, creates a romantic and idyllic rural setting that is both private and conveniently close to the city.

Wanaka / Queenstown

Rippon Hall, Wanaka – Overlooking Lake Wanaka, this vineyard venue offers a breathtaking ceremony and reception site. The venue is dry hire but comes with a reception hall and permanent marquee.

Dublin Bay, Queenstown – A stunning waterfront venue with incredible views of Lake Wānaka, perfect for a picturesque outdoor wedding.

Winehouse, Queenstown – The Winehouse in Queenstown’s Gibbston Valley is a charming wedding venue set in a beautifully restored historic homestead, surrounded by vineyards and stunning mountain views. Couples can exchange vows on the croquet lawn, then celebrate in the elegant indoor/outdoor pavilion, which can accommodate up to 150 seated guests. With its serene gardens, on-site helipad for breathtaking photos, and close proximity to Queenstown, The Winehouse offers a perfect blend of Italian charm and New Zealand backdrop.

What it’s like working with us, Amour Weddings

We're not just wedding photographers; we're here to help guide you on your wedding planning journey. From choosing your venue to finalising your timeline, we aim to make your experience as stress-free and enjoyable as possible.

Before booking, we meet with our clients to understand their vision and help them choose the perfect package—whether it’s our full 10-hour coverage or the 7-hour option, depending on factors like getting-ready locations, venue, and wedding party size. Once booked, couples receive a detailed pre-wedding guide filled with tips and insights. We work closely with them to craft a well-structured timeline that ensures a smooth flow throughout the day. About one to two weeks before the wedding, we provide a rough timeline and schedule a final meeting—either in person or via Zoom—to fine-tune every detail and answer any last-minute questions.

Reach out to us, and rest assured that your wedding planning journey will be smooth and enjoyable, with every moment beautifully captured for you to cherish forever.

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