Locking down the perfect venue is high on the priority list as you start (quite satisfyingly) ticking off your wedding planning boxes! Let’s countdown Auckland's most photogenic venues of 2019/2020! 

10. Mudbrick Waiheke

Its been featured before and I’ll probably feature it again and again to be honest cause Mudbrick is actually just one of those classic bangers that never goes out of style. In fact they make it their priority to always be IN STYLE and I’ve never photographed a wedding here that I didn’t love. In a place where we get all seasons in a day (and sometimes cyclones in summer) Mudbrick really has you covered from all angles. Their wet weather plan is no substitute, their gorgeous interior is cosy with beautiful light and fits 60 people comfortably. There really is no limit on the places you can go for portraits. Up the hill? Scenes for days. Behind the lodge and in the hallway? Architectural. Down by the Restaurant? Modern. Absolutely everywhere else? Classic. An easy stroll down the hill from your ceremony to reception with incredible food and service. Perfectly placed west facing so you ALWAYS get the sunset just by stepping outside. It really is the most romantic place in middle earth.

60 Seated for Ceremony at the lodge | 126 Seated outside at the lodge | 40-126 Seated in the restaurant

9. Hus Art Farm

Originally designed to host giraffes and other safari animals this tall and modern barn house situated in Riverhead might just be what you are looking for. Get ready on site in the morning, get hitched on the pond dock or inside the beautifully lit gallery in case of rain. Photos can be done amongst their own grounds, horses can even be brought on site by special arrangement (um yes plz). Car park hosts a max of 45 cars.

Things to note: Porta loos need to be rented for guest numbers over 40. No parking on the street.

120 Cocktail | 80 Seated

8. Goldie Estate - Waiheke

I love shooting at Goldie Estate! There are so many gorge photo possibilities! Get hitched up on the hill under the tree or down on the beach. The reception can be styled to your hearts content and the staff at Goldie are super friendly and will keep the food and wine flowing all night long. They have a wet weather back up for your ceremony inside their barn so you are covered for all sorts. Did I hear someone say sunset? Pop up the hill just after dinner or go into the olive groves for dreamy Waiheke sunlight, your guests wont even know you’re gone! Stay onsite for Bridal party photos and get back to your party quicker! See more of this venue over on the blog or visit their website here at Goldie.

250 Capacity

7. Auckland art gallery

Get hitched alongside the most historic and beautiful collection of artworks within New Zealand. Contemporary and light filled space with paintings and works on every wall. High white ceilings and towering columns, polished concrete and colourful art yum! The caterers for the Auckland Art Gallery are exclusive to Dawsons and Urban Gourmet who serve up delicious dishes and canapes. Have your photos taken inside the Art Gallery or around Auckland city for that effortless urban chic vibe that just radiates timeless beauty.

Seated 120-180 | Cocktail 180-400

6. Hunting lodge

The Hunting Lodge has that modern/barn/vineyard vibe down. Have your ceremony on the lawn by the vines or under cover by the fire pit in the event of rain. The polished concrete barn with high ceilings can accommodate 60-250 depending on your style of celebration and has everything you need for your styling vision. There is a field at the bottom of the driveway that is ideal for bridal party and portraits so you needn’t travel far! The owner has an agreement with the Hunting Lodge so no need for special permission from other land owners. River head forest and Muriwai are nearby if you fancy a change of scene and want to catch those epic west coast sunsets that only the beach can serve. Their drinks van is permanently onsite serving up wines made from the vineyard and their food is amazing too! Its a big yes from me!

Capacity 60-250

5. matakana stables

Horse country! Matakana stables is a sweet low key barn and horse riding club in the Matakana hills and its such a gorge venue! Outdoor and indoor ceremony spot available so its wet weather approved! The outdoor ceremony spot has the horse training ring in the back so if horses are your jam, this is the venue you’ve been searching for. Seats 150 guests, styling is welcome in their long modern barn. Photos can be done off site at one of the beaches nearby or a property in the hills so a bit of travelling is required but totally worth it! Ceremony and reception in one this is definitely a venue to consider during the planning phase!

150 Seated

4. Coatesville Settlers Hall

A cute old school hall in the middle of Coatesville with a sweet outdoor lawn for your ceremony and summer cocktails yaaas! My favorite part about this venue is the apple orchard across the road for bridal party and portrait photos. You need to get permission from the owner but once you’re in its golden! Photos as evidence at how amazing it is! Super low key vibes for the laid back couple who just want to have fun and laugh the day away. External catering welcome! Also a great calendar on the website that lets you know availability instantly.

160 seated | Cocktail 200

3. koru hideaway matakana

Koru House is an award winning architectural masterpiece, owned by lovely couple Brian and Lindsay. This is their home and so this space is only available a few times a year for weddings so you have to be in quick! This venue has everything you need, the most beautiful interiors you have ever seen situated among rolling hills and views out to Tawharanui. Raining? No problem, their indoor space has gorgeous light and big enough to fit 50 or so guests. The pool area seats up to 80 for reception and the lawn can host 200+. You can bring in your own food trucks and drinks vans, style the lawn however you like and spend the day with family and friends. Bridal party photos can all be done onsite so there is no need to go anywhere but if you do, Tawharanui beach is about 15 minutes drive away. See more of this space over on the blog or visit their website.

Grand Lawn 200+ | Pool side seats 80

2. Glass House

The new sleek and modern glass house venue you have been wanting has arrived in Morningside! This urban chic venue requires minimal styling (it looks gorge as it is) with marble tile floor, high ceilings, black accents and greenery galore. The light in here is amazing and so perfect for photos you cant go wrong with ceremony and reception all in the one spot. They have a list of preferred caterers but also allow food trucks and drink vans onsite. This is the inner city venue that has everyone humming. More info here.

200 Seated | 400 Cocktail

1. Jonkers Farm

Number 1 two years in a row! Jonkers is a functioning farm and wedding venue all in one. The Jonkers family take so much pride in hosting beautiful weddings these hills are alive with the sound of awesome. Their farm is your backyard, not many places are off limits making for endless photo opportunities and the sunsets OH MY GOD!!! I live, then die, then live again. Their huge barn is well equipped for receptions, bands and caterers as well as being your legit wet weather plan. Access around the farm is by chauffeured buggy, not to mention the bridal party truck which is super cute and will fit all your friends! Fancy a tent or marquee? There’s room to spare.

Barn Capacity 150+

All images provided by New Zealand Wedding Photographers