HOW IS ZANDA WEDDING FILMS DIFFERENT?

Considering a wedding videographer for your wedding day? Zanda Film is something very dear to my heart and (along with a wedding photographer) can really allow you to reminisce and remind yourself of your beautiful day.

THE FUTURE IS VIDEO

Gone are the days of Uncle Kevin filming your wedding on the latest hand-held camcorder, with hours of fairly useless footage. Have you seen Love Actually with the best friend in love with Keira Knightly and filming only her? Weird ha?

The new world (and trend) of video have meant that there is so much more that we can do to capture your wedding day. Many couples have websites, dedicated Instagram #hashtags, or even Instagram accounts that are created for their wedding day. Meaning you have a curated and collated collection of photography and videos to share of your day.

Many couples choose to ask their guests not to take too many photos (or post) or to film too much of the wedding ceremony and day. This is for two reasons, one to help guests be ‘in the moment’ with you and enjoy the emotion, joy, and love. And, two, to allow you to release the photos and videos you want of your day.

So whilst Uncle Kevin might still fancy himself as an excellent videographer, he may no longer have the fanciest camera in the room! Even better, why not make sure you have the best wedding videographer there with you throughout the day? Alongside your dedicated wedding photographer of course! ;o) And ask Uncle Kevin to pop his camera away and enjoy the champagne?

WHY HAVE A WEDDING VIDEOGRAPHER?

My passion as a wedding photographer is capturing those magically intimate moments throughout your wedding day. From the start of the day and the quiet instances where the bridal party is preparing, dressing, and settling nerves. Through the intimate ceremony and on to the joyous celebration that follows. The story that these images tell is moving and captured for life. A story you will share with your grandchildren.

Working with couples I have been privileged to see those serendipitous moments in-between, the flow of the day. And saw that these can be also captured through beautiful wedding videography. Along with my team, we are now creating beautiful, cinematic, and personal wedding films.

HOW IS ZANDA WEDDING FILMS DIFFERENT?

We take great pride in creating wedding films that are different. They are always unique to our couples, just as our couples are unique. Our style is cinematic and story-telling. The films are created in the same visual style as my wedding photography, to capture those intimate, joyous, quiet and emotional moments. Those moments that go beyond the big gestures. Emotion-filled videos that show the real relationship between our couples. With a contemporary flair for cinematic editing. Take a look at some of my films here.

I personally direct the style and look of the video. I use manual focus to get more emotions and artistic look and depth. My focus is always to capture your emotions, little moments of your day. Instead of using lots of equipment and film everything from many angles, I simply try to be part of every moment to catch unexpected moments, laughter, love, tears and fun. Filiming (and photograph) at your prep, ceremony, photoshoot, and even into your reception can add to your memories of the day.

Following the story of your day and weaving your story in a cinematic way.

We shoot the video alongside your wedding photoshoot.
We will laugh, have fun and relax into it.
A video with a true feel of your love.

I do all of the editing of hours of on the day filming down to a few minutes of a gorgeously crafted film you can treasure and share. Finding the right music that will evoke to mood and feelings, is super important to me. When put together the film and the music creates an emotional experience. Creating a unique, very personal video memory.

HOW MUCH DOES A WEDDING VIDEOGRAPHER COST?

There are various wedding videographer packages we offer that will suit your budget. We then edit these videos to music, creating a film you can watch again and again, and share with your family and friends. We work hard to create videos that will stand the test of time and you will be drawn back to down the years.

The cost of our dedicated wedding videographer is from $1200 - $5200. This depends on your budget and how long a video you want and how much of your wedding you want to be captured.

"You made Ceapum cry!.. in a good way! Thank you so much. The amount of work you’ve put in to make this video is obvious and we think you’ve done an amazing job of working with our requests. Watching it now brought back so many wonderful memories and we’re thrilled to be able to share this with our families overseas. We have watched it so many times"

// Nick and Ceapum

WHAT DO YOU GET WITH ZANDA WEDDING FILMS?

My wedding photography and videography team focus is on capturing the movement and feeling of the day, it is about the small moments and the feeling. The creative vision is the same as Zanda Photography and my unique style. The magic happens in the edit suite where we create a short curated video of your day, set to an individual piece of music. I love to find the right music, sometimes mixing a few pieces across the video, to create different layers of the story.

Wedding videography allows us to craft a movie of the small gestures, smiles, and moments that aren’t planned. That comes about simply by a feeling, a touch of a face, a smile, or a hug, just from being surrounded by all of your favourite humans. Weaving a tale of these often overlooked moments, that make up the very emotional essence of your big day. That you may have missed yourself with the enormity of the day.

Your wedding videographer will work with your wedding photographer on setup and style. Depending on the package you pick they can also be with you into the evening. Filming the fun, the dancing, and the celebration. A full edit of your day.

Backyard Weddings - Gorgeous weddings during COVID

Small wedding table setting - borrowed photograph

Over the last couple of years many of my couples have had to postpone, and some even cancel their weddings. Some have then decided to elope and have a party later on, when they can gather their friends and family together (especially from overseas). Or have reduced the number of their wedding guests so that it fits the number restrictions. Everyone has had to be flexible and make changes.

With New Zealand moving to the ‘traffic light system’ and restrictions on numbers at events, as well as the concern with possibly having to postpone (or cancel) your wedding why not look into an outdoor wedding? Or even take a closer look at your own backyard! There are some lovely ways to hold an intimate outdoor wedding in Auckland.

Whether you have a small, intimate backyard wedding. Or a larger wedding held at one of Auckland’s regional parks I’ve lined up some of the most beautiful options for you. There’s nothing quite like the magic of saying your wedding vows under the sky, with the breeze on your skin, nature and your loved ones surrounding you. On our Auckland doorstep there are so many dazzling options for an outdoor wedding.

Outdoor venues

With all of this in mind there are a lot of places around Auckland where you can hold your ceremony, in Regional Parks or beaches. Or you could decide to dress up your backyard for an intimate and personal wedding day. There are even a few wonderful outdoor wedding venues that can help with the planning and space.

1/ Auckland Regional Parks

Jacob & Rebekah Wenderholm Wedding

Auckland is packed with lovely spaces and parks to hold your wedding ceremony. All you need is a permit to hold the event in the space. This will ‘reserve’ your space and ensure that there are no other large gatherings in the area. It doesn’t mean that the public can’t come through the park. So be aware when looking at this option, that depending where (and when) you pick, you could get a larger audience than you intended! After all, everyone loves a wedding, especially spotting the gorgeous bride. Pop a few simple (natural) decorations around, maybe an arch and most people will be respectful of your space. If you don’t want a big ‘extra’ audience, pick a weekday wedding or out of high summer at the beach.

To Think About

Most of the parks will give permission for a wedding ceremony to be held on the grounds with a 2 hour window, with some simple decorations. However, they don’t want you partying into the night at the park. You may need to hold your reception somewhere else. If your guest list is small enough you could have a simple picnic style wedding with lovely rugs, hampers and champagne. A great chance to be creative!

Take a look at the Auckland Council website for more information on what you need to do to get a permit and where you might be able to hold the ceremony. Some of the parks I like are:

• Wenderholm Regional Park - with the estuary on one side, and the ocean on the other this is a lovely spot for the wedding ceremony and a casual group lunch event. Lots of beautiful, natural spaces to photograph your wedding.

• Cornwall Park - has two lovely, intimate spaces set aside for wedding ceremonies. With the gorgeous gardens this can be a beautiful option for your ceremony. Though you will need another space for the wedding reception.

2/ Auckland Beaches

There are so many beautiful beaches around Tamaki Makarau. Check with Auckland Council for what beaches you need permits for and what the alcohol rules are. There are a few beaches that don’t need permission for, which will free you up a little.

Borrowed photo. View my Pinterest board for more Beach wedding ideas

Keep in Mind

Beach weddings have all the romantic summer feels. With sand between your toes and the sea breeze in your hair, saying your vows out in the open couldn’t feel more wonderful.

With a beach wedding you might need to be a little more organised:

• Pay attention to the tides. Make sure that your favourite spot isn’t under the high tide mark!!

• If it is raining on the day, make sure you have an alternative somewhere.

• Let your guests know what to expect so they wear the right sort of shoes.

• Be clear about where your ceremony will be so that your guests can find you on the day.

• Also, whilst that private little bay across the rocks is amazing, remember that not all of your guests may be able to get there easily.

3/ Outdoor Wedding Venues

Keeping your wedding party to an intimate number can get you through a lot of the number restrictions. There are some wonderful venues that offer a ‘backyard’ style wedding option, that gives you the outdoor space that you need. But with the privacy of having it to yourself and allowing you to have the reception on site. Check out these gorgeous options:

• Little Wilderness - Kumeu - I included this little gorgeous place in my Top 15 Auckland Surrounds Wedding Venues blog.

• Waterfall Farm - Kaukapakapa - this wonderful set up has a marquee style reception space and bell tents already set up. Super pretty at night with the fairy lights. With the option of food trucks that can be ordered.

• Rent for Events - Waimaukau - has a beautiful venue with Balinese style gardens, palms and a large marquee already set up. And they also have all the gorgeous vintage and bohemian pieces to dress your wedding just so.

4/ Backyard Weddings

Holding your wedding (and reception ) in your (or a borrowed) backyard can be intimate, personal and unique. Allowing you to focus on making the most of your space, having the very best food, wine, music and decorating your space to be just how you want. You have control over everything. And even better? You have control over what you spend your money on, this can be very freeing when looking at the cost of weddings elsewhere.

With a simple plan to make the most of trees, parasols, arches or even making an alternative plan (with a space near the house, or a pre-set marquee) if the heavens do open can add to the intimacy of your event.

Your Ceremony

Your ceremony can be held as simply as at the back of the garden, in a decorative doorway or even under the fronds of some beautiful punga ferns. What you do want is to ensure your guests (and you) know where to head for the ceremony itself.

Borrowed photo - view my Pinterest board for more Backyard wedding ideas

This can be shown with a beautiful arch of flowers (dried or fresh) or a space decorated with a registry table and flowers. Having a small number of chairs (enough to seat grandma and Aunty Joan) will show your guests where to sit and can be tidied away after the ceremony, or rearranged to create conversation space. A carpet can be hired to create an aisle, black or white look lovely, and will lead guests and give you (the bride) a space to make an entrance. Vintage rugs could also be used to add a little bohemian vibe. Give each of your guests a cone of rose petals to sprinkle on the happy couple as you finish the ceremony.

How about decorating your backyard with fairy lights or festoon lights? It very quickly and simply creates a space that sparkles with joy. A twinkling secret garden that invites your guests to relax. And holding your ceremony at dusk when the garden comes to life.

Your Reception

The joy of a backyard wedding is that you can have the fridge full of your favourite drinks. The food can be catered, or food trucks ordered. Keep it simple, delicious and flowing. Hiring a bell tent for the backyard (if you have space) gives a nice lounging space, and looks gorgeous in photos. You can even hire a pop-up bar and bar tender. This means that you can leave all the pouring, managing and even a bespoke cocktail to them! They also can look super cute in the corner, creating another space for guests to hang out.

Check out these pop up bars to bring the party to your backyard:

• Morley and Co Pop Up Bar is a super cute caravan that can be towed to your location and creates a space for your guests to hang out.

• Alfie the Caravan a beautiful addition to your backyard wedding.

• Toast with Tuki a mobile bar with class.

Be Prepared

Often a big wedding comes with a big price ticket. By managing the set up yourself and holding the ceremony outside or in your own backyard you can create a very personal and intimate wedding, at a more reasonable price. After all, your day is about being surrounded by those you love and celebrating your love together.

The Cake

When planning a backyard wedding, or an intimate wedding you have the freedom (and some extra cash) to spend on the fun stuff. Like the most incredible cake of your dreams! You can invest in a fancy cake from your favourite chef. Or even the most crazy or extravagant cake you can imagine.

If a cake has never been at the top of your list you could finish of the meal with a platter (sweet or cheese) or even the most giant pile of delicious donuts.

• The Platter Collective - platters, sweet, savoury and did someone say ‘cheese cake’?

• Platter & Graze - platters, beautifully decked out and with anything you like. Could even set up a picnic for guests.

• Mamas Donuts - beautiful donuts, made with love.

Cheese cake

The Food

By setting up an outdoor or backyard wedding you can have the food you want. Whether this is food trucks, a beautifully presented grazing platter with all the gorgeous trimmings, a hamper picnic or beach BBQ, catering from your favourite restaurant or even Mum’s speciality. You have the ability to craft your menu as you’d like, and offer a taste of the food you enjoy and your friends and family can enjoy. Food can be served standing up or sitting on picnic rugs, or you can have gorgeous dining tables set up in your backyard. The same goes for the drinks, wine, cocktails and soft drinks can be what you like.

The Photographer

I love to photograph weddings that feel like the personality of the couple shine through. Without big venue costs or large wedding guest numbers, investing in a photographer can be a great way to make the most of your day. A photographer can be there for the prep, the set up, the getting ready, and right through the ceremony, into the reception. Capturing all the moments, emotions, laughter, tears and love on the day. Removing the formality of some of the day sets everyone up for a chance to feel like they are part of the wedding. These type of weddings let the photographer capture the couple with each of their guests in a relaxed and personal way.

You have the freedom to set up the timings of your day how it suits you. We can spend as long as you like taking photos of the wedding party, the beautiful couple or the entire wedding, guests and all. The chance to linger over couple photos, or make sure that we get special one on one photos with Great Grandma can mean so much.

The Set Up

Hiring lights, furniture, arches, rugs, tents, marquees, pop up bars or even the utensils can feel like a bit more effort than you’d like. But there are some great hiring companies that will make it simple. They can help you with the set up and pack down. Or even help you with getting enough festoon lights to cover your space, and help it twinkle.

• Rent for Events for some very beautiful bohemian and vintage options for seating, lanterns and a full outdoor wedding set up.

• The White Wedding Club has it all from planning, styling and even hiring.

• Two Foxes can help with your styling and has all of the furniture and props to make your day.

• Vitrine has the quirky, vintage and unique furniture and props to help your day stand out.

• Arkade hiring great furniture for trendy wedding spaces.

The Weather

Auckland is beautiful, but at the same time we do often get wet days, even through summer, and sometimes even it’s wet in the morning and not later on. This does make it hard to know what to expect on your day. If you are prepared, and a little flexible you can handle any weather. Providing (or suggesting) umbrellas or parasols (for the hot summer days) can be a great way to keep everyone dry and sheltered through the ceremony. Spend some time considering an alternative ceremony location in case of rain. This can be as simple as a small marquee, tent or the like. Or even a box of umbrellas (enough for everyone to borrow), or even gum boots if you are going fully farm rustic!

• Gypsy & Co beautiful marquees - big and small

• Twelve Tables clear marquee hire for a gorgeous outdoor feel

Borrowed photo.

BEAUTIFUL WEDDINGS

I know how hard it is to adjust your wedding plans, when two years ago it could be anything (and with anyone) you like. Some of my couples have had to adjust, postpone or change their wedding as much as three times through COVID.

Looking at the bright side, the trend for outdoor, bespoke and unique weddings is now well and truly a lot of brides preference. On the day the very best wedding vibe is about the people and the memories, so create a space where love and conversations can sparkle. A smaller wedding, and space, can make people feel cosier and closer.

Take advantage of this time, it will go down in history as unique. You will be able to tell the story to your grandkids about your COVID wedding, wearing masks and getting married, right here, in your own backyard.

All of the beautiful weddings that I have photographed shine the brightest when they are personal and capture the essence of the couple getting married. Being a reflection of who they are and the melding of their lives together. Their families, their cultures and those little details that could be no one else. Bohemian, vintage, modern, intimate and personal. Making your wedding day about you, your family and friends will make a day no one will forget. And a photographer that is there through it all will document it for the future.

Let your day shine bright!

My Top 15 Auckland Surrounds Wedding Venues

Whether it’s a quiet intimate and casual wedding, or a big wedding with all your favourites. There are amazing destination wedding venues not too far from Auckland.

Following on from My Top 10 Urban Auckland Wedding Venues blog I wanted to make sure I let you in on more of my favourites around Auckland. There are some beautiful, unique wedding venues that will create your day to remember.

Whether you want stylish simplicity near the city, or a sophisticated retreat away from it all. From Waiheke Island through to Riverhead and Clevedon I’ve picked my favourite places and spaces for weddings ceremonies, receptions, elopements and tiny weddings. All of these Auckland wedding venues are under an hour from Auckland CBD, and in some amazing areas with so much for your guests to enjoy and stay the weekend! And these venues themselves are gorgeous, little private worlds to just enjoy your big day.

There is a venue for you on this list. And I hope there are some surprises!

Photography by Zanda Photography

1/ KAURI BAY BOOMROCK, CLEVEDON

Kauri Bay Boomrock is one of those sophisticated wedding venues that has it all covered. A stunning modern space to gather all of your favourite people. And lots of options for the ceremony itself onsite. I especially love the framed view out across the water and rolling hills. This can be as simple as the white frame or I have seen it decorated in gorgeous floral arrangements.

They also have so many activities for keeping guests and the wedding party busy. I’ve taken great shots of the grooms party at The Bunkers and doing clay bird shooting. So cool to get the boys pre-wedding photos onsite and in action!

If you have a larger wedding this is the spot. And yet there are so many great spaces to take intimate wedding photos and have a quiet moment.

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Photography by Zanda Photography

2/ THE HUNTING LODGE, WAIMAUKU

Not too far from Auckland CBD, The Hunting Lodge in Waimauku is a winery with all the best spaces.

The black barn is the wedding reception space, and dressed with long tables, festoon lights and lots of flowers it creates an intimate and vintage feel wedding.

Great at any time of year I’ve shot a winter wedding here which was all glamour, charm and elegance. The black barn and surrounds lent itself wonderfully to the burnt orange, late winter touches. And taking the couple out into the nearby forest meant we caught beautiful intimate photos they can cherish forever.

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Photo by The Stables

3/ THE STABLES, MATAKANA

The Stables is in Matakana, a great place to have a weekend wedding. Matakana and surrounds have lots of accommodation options and reasons for your guests to stick around!

Th Stables themselves are a wedding venue in a rustic building with a massive fireplace, lots of beams and tonnes of character. The space opens up on to a lawn where you can have the ceremony, right there. And lots of room for family and friends to spread out.

Summer or winter could be great for this venue. With the fireplace to warm everyone up, and dressed in a mid-winter style it would be snug and cosy. Yet dressed in lovely light flowers with the doors open and lights on the patio it becomes a great venue in summer.

There are so many options for wedding photography nearby! The beaches, the forest and vineyards are all options. And then The Stables themselves can be great for capturing intimate memories.

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Photography by Zanda Photography

4/ MUDBRICK, WAIHEKE ISLAND

When planning a wedding in Auckland you really can’t go by without considering Waiheke Island. This lovely green island just a short ferry ride from Auckland CBD is just stunning. And Mudbrick has to be one of my favourites! It is on a picturesque spot, with views across the water, capturing the sunset and all the glorious light. The building itself reminds me of Europe, and has the old world charm, making it a very romantic place to get married and celebrate surrounded by your most favourite humans.

Mudbrick is a winery and vineyard and has been doing weddings for a long time. They know how to look after you and make sure that your wedding is truly yours. They take away the stress of thinking about all the tiniest details. They will organise what you need, and have all the contacts on the island to sort out everything else. Leaving you to look your best and enjoy your wedding celebration.

Let’s talk wedding photography spots… there are so many options. The beaches are nearby and lovely, some quiet bays with boat houses, trees and rocky shores to add interest and texture. And, of course the view, the vineyards and the gorgeous building itself provides the romantic backdrop.

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Photo by Wildfolk

5/ WAIKOPOU ESTATE, WAIHEKE ISLAND

Looking for the WOW factor? I don’t think you can really look anywhere else, but Waikopou Estate on Waiheke Island. Just take a look at the crazy pool and the view? And that’s where you get get to say your vows to your most treasured person, with your selected bestest humans to help celebrate.

Not a huge wedding venue, but still plenty of room to have over 100 people with you. It is a privately owned home, and they can provide a wedding planner to help with all the organising. It is effortlessly cool and doesn’t need too much decoration. Would totally suit a pared back, simple and elegant wedding.

Wedding photography options are astounding with the surrounding area, that crazy view and the building has lovely quiet spaces to capture just you both enjoying a quiet moment.

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Photo by Norton Woolshed

6/ NOCTON WOOLSHED, CLEVEDON

Rustic charm really is what Nocton Woolshed is all about. It has a casual and boho feel that lends itself to creating an intimate and relaxed wedding.

The reception space has long tables, large, open doors on to a deck and out to the lovely water and farm views with simple decoration. This wedding venue allows you to add what you want to make it really feel like yours. No white table cloths and fancy glasses! More sweet flower arrangements and long wooden tables.

To really get that boho and vintage feeling in your wedding photos the surrounding farm has so many great options. And even the corrugated iron of the woolshed is a wonderful texture against your wedding dress and suit.

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Photo from The Tasting Shed

7/ THE TASTING SHED, KUMEU

The Tasting Shed in Kumeu is really a one-of-a-kind wedding venue. When you have your wedding at this venue, you get the whole restaurant and space. The food is always great, and the team are already set up to serve you and your guests well.

It isn’t a big space so they limit the wedding size to 90. But this isn’t a problem as it really does encourage an intimate wedding. If you want to make it your own they can help with marquee hire, decorating and generally getting the space looking fabulous.

This wedding venue has a little bit of a rustic charm that can help make sure your wedding guests feel relaxed and simply enjoy being there to celebrate your day.

Your wedding photography is easy, if you don’t want to go too far away we can take photos at the venue or in nearby vineyards. A little further and we can get to black sand beaches or even forest to create your own photos on the day.

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Photo from The Boat House

8/ THE BOAT HOUSE, THE RIVERHEAD TAVERN

A unique wedding venue on the river at The Riverhead Tavern. You can even arrive at your wedding by boat! You just need to time the tides and make the best entrance possible. And once you arrive it’s a gorgeous lawn ceremony with its own private area.

On a hot summer’s day the lawn will be wonderful for lawn games, family and friends to lounge in beanbags and enjoy this fabulous outside space. As night comes, there are lovely lights through the trees adding to the unique and special feel of this venue.

Inside the reception room is spacious, but still with enough character to make you feel like it is a space you want to celebrate in. Decorated with your choice of beautiful flowers, creating a room that surrounds your guests in joy and love.

Wedding photography options are wonderfully unique at The Boat Shed. There are lots of areas at The Riverhead Tavern property that can create beautiful wedding photos, the river, the stairs, the lawn and surrounds. And it’s a short drive to other locations if you want a little time, just you.

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Photo by Goldie Estate

9/ GOLDIE ESTATE, WAIHEKE ISLAND

Getting married below a magic Pohutukawa tree on a hot summers day, overlooking the water. Is there any more a kiwi wedding photo you can imagine?

Goldie Estate is a wonderful winery on Waiheke Island. That is also a fully fledged wedding venue, and it does it all. They are well practiced at making your wedding details work. And yet, it has a beautifully down to earth and friendly feel. Ready to make your wedding something special. With lots of space, privately settled in the estate and fully fledged in catering for weddings they can make sure your wedding is simple and taken care of.

Leaving you and your guests to simply enjoy their gloriously kiwi space and their wonderful wine and food.

The estate has rolling hills, that gorgeous Pohutukawa tree, a swing and even access to a private beach. So, your wedding photos are easy to take and can be intimate and quiet or include the wedding party (or even the whole crowd!). So many options, right there.

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Photo from Little Wilderness

10/ LITTLE WILDERNESS, KUMEU

Looking for a boho, vintage and unique venue that allows you to be yourselves? To dress the space with all the personal little touches that make it feel just yours? To express your personality, to express your love in a way that celebrates your uniqueness as a couple?

Little Wilderness is that wedding venue. It is what it says, a space that is a little wilderness. A space amongst the trees, with a small indoor room to hold your reception. And your wedding ceremony held amongst the trees, feeling like you really have retreated from the world to celebrate your love and connection. When this venue is decorated with vintage pieces, boho cushions and lots of dried or fresh flowers it can truly be as individual as you are.

It is an intimate wedding venue, and really lends itself to smaller weddings. Meaning you feel you and your guests fit the space. Little Wilderness specialise in ‘Tiny Weddings’ and Elopements. It really does feel like it is a venue you can have and enjoy, just you and your chosen favourites.

There are so many options for wedding photography with the gorgeous natural backdrop. There is 15 hectares for us to explore and find just the right spot for your personal and bespoke photography. It can be super relaxed, and casual and see where the venue and the day takes us (but I’ll always have a few spots I can take you to for just the right shot).

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Photo by Hu’s Art Farm

11/ HU’S ART FARM, COATESVILLE

Hu’s Art Farm is a gorgeous wedding venue nestled in the rolling hills of Coatesville. The venue is a home on a 21 acre farm, with its own purpose built wedding ceremony dock which floats on the small lake near the house and reception space.

It is an all in one wedding venue, meaning you don’t have to go anywhere else for your ceremony, reception or your wedding photos. The space is simple and white, ready for you to add your own sparkle and bring it to life. Keeping the decor simple can be a great option, it looks lovely and modern.

For your wedding photography we will head out into the farm and keep close to the house, which will mean you are never too far from your guests, and the party.

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Photography by Zanda Photography

12/ MARKOVINA, KUMEU

Markovina Vineyard Estate know how to put on a wedding, and how to do it in style. Their venue is nestled in a 10 acre vineyard, surrounded by trees, making it feel like your own private world for the day.

With lots of options to make this venue your own, but also with so much thought put into how the space is used you don’t need to add too much to make it feel unique. From intimate, bespoke weddings, through to bigger weddings they can cater to what you need. With a space that will feel just right, regardless of the size of your wedding.

In terms of wedding photography, it really is a location in itself. With cherry and pear trees in bloom in spring and plenty of garden space to feel like you really are nestled away. I love to take my couples to the wild west coast beaches for the contrast (and a quiet moment to revel in your newly wed status). The glamour of the wedding dress against the wild black sand beaches makes the most glorious of photography sessions.

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Photo from Hedges Estate

13/ HEDGES ESTATE, WAIUKU

All clipped lawns and formal gardens, Hedges Estate is a sophisticated option for your wedding venue. Rolling hills in the background, gazebos to retreat to and dressed in an English tea style, Hedges Estate lends itself too long summer afternoon weddings.

Your wedding ceremony can be held under the gazebo, looking across the view or there is a fantastic private space tucked away and surrounded by the glory of tall trees, feeling like your own fairytale space. Both options are lovely and have a completely different feel.

Your wedding photography can be on the farm, with hills, grasses and views. With access to the estate there are many simple and natural options.

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Photo by Mantells Tamaki Drive

14/ MANTELLS, TAMAKI DRIVE

White simplicity. That’s what Mantells Tamaki Drive is. You don’t need much to make this wedding venue feel really special, that giant view across the harbour through the tall windows, needs little dressing up, the Auckland harbour lights sparkling in the evening as your reception backdrop.

You can have your wedding ceremony offsite and bring your guests back for cocktails before the reception. Or Mantells have you sorted with a lovely inside ceremony space, which they will convert to the reception room while you enjoy being with your guests in the bar and courtyard.

Wedding photos can be close by, along Tamaki Drive with big harbour and city views, up the road is a long jetty to really get into the harbour. Bastion Point is a short drive away, to give you another space, and maybe a few quiet moments, just you. The blue of the water on a bight summers day, or the wild steely grey of the sky on a winters afternoon look wonderful against flowing dresses and suits.

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Photo from The Officers Mess

15/ THE OFFICERS MESS, FORT TAKAPUNA

If ever there was a spot with ‘the harbour view’ this is it. Situated on top of a cliff at Fort Takapuna, overlooking the harbour and Rangitoto Island The Officer’s Mess is really one of the best Auckland wedding venues to have your ceremony.

As an old army mess, this place surrounds you in history (started in the 1880’s). With space for your guests to roam, take in the view and feel part of that history. After you’ve got married in front of your guests the building itself has space for up to 160 people seated, it really is a great wedding venue option. The deck space covered in festoon lights, is a lovely space on a warm summer’s evening for drinks and those guests that need a little break.

While they have all the wedding organisation down, there is still room to add your touches, from the arch you get married under to the flowers and cake, you can really make this space your own.

Wedding photography opportunities are right here. We don’t need to go anywhere to get photos with you and the view, and the beautiful large pohutakawa trees offer a lovely backdrop.

My Top 11 Urban Auckland Wedding Venues

Are you looking for that special, secret urban, luxe but rustic space to have the unique wedding you’ve always wanted?

With the wedding trend definitely heading towards bespoke venues and styling with lots of details that speak to you as a couple there are some wonderful spaces that lend themselves so well to this.

An Auckland City venue can be a great option, there are some amazing unique wedding spaces, with views, or simply special venues that allow you to be married and celebrate in the one space. For your guests it can mean it’s easy to get to and plenty of accommodation options within walking distance for your out of town guests, or even those Auckland ones wanting to make the most of a city escape!

I’m drawn to the city landscape with it’s urban glory and unique surroundings, quiet corners and big views. The mix of the city, with the smaller intimate spaces add a modern and gritty appeal to your wedding day photos, layering a contemporary, chic and cool look. I simply love photographing city based weddings! And I know some secret city photo spots I can share with you on your day!

Here are my Top Ten Auckland City Wedding Venues, there will be some surprises in there for sure. And no matter how big (or intimate) your wedding there is a spot just right for you.

Image by The Glasshouse

1/ THE GLASSHOUSE, MORNINGSIDE

Found in the outer fringes of the city, The Glasshouse is a gorgeous glass building which creates a haven of calm. The beautiful high ceilings lit up at night are especially lovely.

I’ve seen the space dressed for a long table wedding with rustic touches and lots and lots of fairy lights, simply magical. With enough space for 180 guests seated or up to 350 standing.

Image by Mantells, Mt Eden

2/ MANTELLS, MT EDEN

When I found this beautiful venue I felt like it was a little cobble stoned corner of Europe in the middle of Mt Eden, Auckland. With a giant fireplace and generous courtyard it is an all in one space for an intimate wedding. I love all the little details and corners for quiet moments.

This venue definitely suits a smaller wedding with space to be seated for a meal, lots of room to soiree and then dance the night away.

Images by Zanda Photography

3/ CHANCERY CHAMBERS ROOFTOP VENUE, AUCKLAND CBD

The rooftop terrace is possibly Auckland’s best kept secret, located on the 6th floor of Chancery Chambers it has stunning views of the CBD and Sky Tower. Perfect for smaller weddings or engagement parties. With room for up to 50 people in the indoor and outdoor spaces. The terrace is a mix of decking, pebble and star jasmine on trellis and looks simply wonderful decked out with fairy or festoon lighting.

An intimate rooftop wedding venue in the heart of Auckland City with the iconic Sky Tower in the background. Could you get more Auckland than that? Feeling on top of the world, surrounded by your favourite people. One of my best secret Auckland venues.

Image by White Room

4/ WHITE ROOM, PARNELL

Another of those secret little spots that surprises is the White Room. Inside the Swan Hotel in Parnell — a cool, completely alabaster space that’s simply stunning as is, or a complete blank canvas to be styled and transformed for your wedding.

Built in 1855, the former Swan Hotel, located at the bottom of Parnell Rise, is a heritage listed building, and the White Room retains many original details, like white washed exposed brick and high studs. Led by the very talented florists Blush Flowers the space can take on many different personalities, and be dressed to perfection for your wedding.

Take a look at the stunning pictures and write up in the Together Magazine.

Image by Ampersand Eatery

5/ AMPERSAND EATERY, ORAKEI BAY VILLAGE

Ampersand is an all-day eatery offering a wedding venue in a warm, open, light-filled space. The space is already quite lovely with touches of pink and green, and an open, Scandinavian and modern feel. So many spaces (in and outdoors), and all the little details to capture your beautiful wedding vibe in the city.

If you’re looking for somewhere that has most of the decoration done, and can do the food and drinks, this is definitely one to consider!

Image by Pilkingtons

6/ PILKINGTONS, AUCKLAND CENTRAL

Right in the centre of Auckland City is the very pretty Pilkingtons. The decor of the space is just lovely, with lush touches, lots of wood and wonderful lighting. The elegant space feels perfect for an intimate and gorgeous wedding.

With a venue in the centre of the city we also can capture the best contrasting urban photos in the surrounding streets, and never be too far from your guests (and your celebration).

Image by Ever Room

7/ EVER ROOM, K’RD

Looking for a space that you can have your say on the styling and look of? The Ever Room is a fantastic open space, with wonderful natural light off of the floor to ceiling windows, and lots of space to hold your wedding in style.

White walls and lovely warm floors give the space a homey warmth, just inviting your wedding of your dreams to be styled and designed. A great option for a winter wedding. And on K’Rd there are many options for those very urban shots.

Image by Bianca Hawk, Together Journal

8/ HOPETOUN ALPHA, PITT STREET

The Hopetoun Alpha building off of Pitt Street is an iconic venue with so much old world charm. Overflowing with lovely features this is a big venue, but a beautiful one. It has so many details that would suit a vintage, or modern wedding.

Take a look at the shoot in Together Journal for some glamorous inspiration for a wedding day of epic proportions in the middle of Auckland City.

Image by Generator Britomart

9/ GENERATOR BRITOMART, AUCKLAND CENTRAL

Want a gorgeous space with a view of the harbour? I’ve found the Generator in Britomart! It’s a modern space which you can style and dress so beautifully, and have the wonderful backdrop of the harbour for your wedding celebration.

And can you get any more central than Britomart? With the very cool local hotels, and access it can’t be much more convenient! Shhh… I know some wonderful quiet spots for your unique wedding photography nearby.

Image from Amano

10/ AMANO, QUAY STREET

With a rustic luxe feel the event rooms at Amano on Quay Street have a wonderful view across the harbour and a beautiful big space with all the rustic details the restaurant has. It is ready to be simply styled and celebrated in. I love the details of the exposed beams, the natural light and the worn looking brick walls.

11/ EVERYBODYS, FORT LANE, DOWNTOWN

Tucked away in the imperial building in downtown Auckland, everybody’s takes its name from the 100-year old theatre the space once housed with beautifully restored remnants of its former glory still visible.

This urban oasis is a step away from the chaos of the city, and can accommodate up to 100 guests for a seated function, where you can choose one of our delicious set menu options; 250 to 350 people can enjoy a cocktail event in style; or book one of our many distinct spaces to call your own for drinks for 10-200 people.