One of the first big decisions you will have to make when you embark on your wedding planning journey is finding a wedding venue. With the cost of living increasing considerably in Auckland, selecting an Auckland wedding venue that suits your budget, while also ensuring the space fits your own personal style and requirements might feel like an impossible task.
As an experienced Auckland Celebrant, cheap wedding venues in Auckland that do not compromise on quality do exist. I am going to take you through my 3 top tips for finding an affordable Auckland wedding venue, including my favourite wedding venue recommendations in Auckland.
If you want 3 foolproof tips for discovering an affordable Auckland wedding venue in enchanting New Zealand, with wedding venue locations you can choose from, follow below.
1. Look for an Auckland wedding venue with a byo Option.
2. Look for Small wedding Venues in Auckland (under 50 guests).
3. Look for an Auckland wedding venue, that is not a ‘wedding venue’ by definition.
Let’s explore these 3 areas in more detail.
1. Look for an Auckland wedding venue with a byo Option.
Choosing a wedding venue that allows you to BYO (Bring Your Own) can offer several benefits.
Here are some advantages of opting for a BYO Auckland wedding venue:
a) Cost Savings:
One of the primary benefits of choosing to BYO at an Auckland wedding venue is the potential for cost savings. By bringing your own beverages such as alcohol, you can avoid the markup often charged by venues for drinks. This can significantly reduce the overall cost of your wedding, especially if you have a large guest list or if alcohol consumption is expected to be high.
b) Flexibility and Personalisation:
A BYO Auckland wedding venue provides you with the freedom and flexibility to personalise your wedding according to your preferences.
c) Beverage Variety:
When you bring your own beverages, you have greater control over the variety available at your wedding. You can select a diverse range of options to cater to different preferences and dietary requirements of your guests.
d) Tailored Bar Service:
Often a BYO Auckland wedding venue offers the option to customise your bar service. You can decide whether to have a cash bar, open bar, or a combination of both. This flexibility allows you to set the bar service to fit your budget and desired level of hospitality for your guests.
e) Cost-Effective Special Drinks:
What if you wanted to create a signature cocktail just for your wedding? This could mean guests aren't queuing up at the bar, and you could avoid the added costs of purchasing them at your Auckland wedding venue. You can experiment with unique wedding cocktail recipes that hold sentimental value to you and your partner. I have been to a good number of weddings during my time as an Auckland Wedding Celebrant, and weddings that stand out to me most are when couples add their own unique personal touch to their wedding celebration.
BYO Auckland Wedding Venues
Here is the icing on the cake. I have put together my list of Auckland wedding venues that in fact offer BYO (Bring Your Own):
- Glasshouse Auckland
A stunning Auckland wedding venue in the heart of Auckland is Glasshouse Auckland.
This Auckland wedding venue offers the flexibility to create a personalised wedding experience. As a couple, you can bring your vision to life and customise the space to reflect your own unique style and preferences. This Auckland wedding venue provides access to beautiful outdoor areas and gardens with its contemporary design, sleek glass walls, and sophisticated architecture.
Glasshouse Auckland wedding venue pricing is clear and straightforward, with lots of customisation to suit your needs.
Image taken by Samantha Donaldson Photography at Glasshouse Auckland.
- Mantells
Also offering a wide variety of customisation with their wedding venue pricing is Mantells Auckland. Whether you choose their Mount Eden wedding venue or Tamaki Drive wedding venue, you are guaranteed to be centered around sheer elegance, charm, and an exuberance of style. This Auckland wedding venue is known for its exceptional culinary offerings. A huge bonus to ensure you stick to your budget is that you’ve also got the option to BYO wine & champagne (with no corkage fee).
- Kumeu Valley Estate
Set amidst a beautiful vineyard, providing a romantic and picturesque backdrop for your Auckland wedding is Kumeu Valley Estate. The lush greenery, rolling vineyards, and scenic landscapes create a serene and intimate atmosphere for your special wedding day. Contact Kumeu Valley Estate for customised pricing options.
Picture taken by Perspectives Photography at Kumeu Valley Estate
- Okahu Bay
Okahu Bay offers a stunning waterfront location with panoramic views of Waitemata Harbour and Rangitoto Island. This Auckland wedding venue offers a picturesque surroundings and romantic backdrop for your wedding ceremony and reception. Okahu Bay has customised wedding packages to ensure you stick to your budget.
Picture taken by Proshot Photography at Okahu Bay
- Kauri Bay Boomrock
Another venue that allows you to customise your Auckland wedding to suit your style and budget is Kauri Bay Broomrock. Kauri Bay Boomrock is situated on private coastal property, offering breathtaking views of the Hauraki Gulf, Rangitoto Island, and the surrounding countryside. The stunning coastal setting provides a picturesque backdrop for your wedding day. This Auckland wedding venue offers unique experiences and activities that can enhance your wedding celebration. Get in touch Kauri Bay Broomrock to view their custom wedding packages.
Photo taken at Kauri Bay Broomrock
2. Look for Small wedding Venues in Auckland (under 50 guests).
An emerging trend, that was born particularly during the pandemic, is the rise of 'micro' weddings. ‘Mirco’ weddings or small wedding venues in Auckland offer a more intimate and cost-effective alternative to traditional large-scale celebrations.
One of the primary benefits of choosing small wedding venues in Auckland is the significant cost savings it offers. Having small wedding venues in Auckland has benefits such as:
a) Cost savings:
With fewer guests to accommodate, you have the freedom to allocate your budget more efficiently. The reduced expenses can be allocated to unique decorations, a professional photographer, or even a luxurious honeymoon.
B) Intimate Atmosphere:
An intimate setting promotes genuine connections, enabling you to spend quality time with each guest and create lasting memories. The atmosphere becomes more relaxed, enabling everyone to feel involved and valued.
c) Attention to Detail:
With fewer guests, couples can pay more attention to specific detail, ensuring a personalised experience for everyone attending. From writing personalised messages to wedding favors to handcrafted decorations, choosing small wedding venues in Auckland allows for intricate details that may not be feasible otherwise. It’s the little things that matter, and attention to detail when planning your wedding truly enhances the overall ambiance and makes the day unforgettable for you and your guests.
Small wedding Venues in Auckland
To help you get started with selecting small wedding venues in Auckland, I have curated a list of five affordable Auckland wedding venues that cater to smaller weddings:
- Settlers Country Manor
Settlers Country Manor Waimauku is an Auckland wedding venue where rustic elegance meets timeless charm. Set amidst lush gardens, rolling green landscapes, and majestic trees, this venue offers a romantic and idyllic setting for your special day. If you are sold on choosing a small wedding venue in Auckland, they accommodate 50 guests on weekdays.
- Mudbrick
Mudbrick is an small wedding venue in Auckland that is truly stunning, and perfectly set up for a ‘micro’ Auckland wedding. To ensure this Auckland wedding venue is affordable, they cater for intimate celebrations for guests as little as 20 and as large as 126. With its elegant architecture, lush gardens, and award-winning wines, this venue exudes a sense of charm and sophistication.
- Markovina Vineyard Estate
Markovina Vineyard Estate is nested in Kumeu, Auckland. It is a family-owned estate set on 10 acres of land. This stunning Auckland wedding venue features a variety of gardens, vineyards, and lawns, perfectly set up to host small or intimate Auckland weddings. Although they can accommodate up to 300 guests, they can also accommodate a guest list of as little as 55 guests for weekday weddings.
Image taken at Markovina Vineyard Estate
- Pilkingtons
Pilkingtons is a hidden gem in the heart of Auckland. This central Auckland wedding venue provides a stylish backdrop for your special day. With its sophisticated ambiance, modern design, and exceptional service, Pilkingtons provides an ideal setting to create your dream wedding celebration. Pinkingtons understand that every wedding is unique. Whether you want a small Auckland wedding venue for an intimate dinner (10 guests) or something mid-sized, this venue for your Auckland wedding offers you the flexibility to bring your wedding vision to life.
3. Look for an Auckland wedding venue, that is not a ‘wedding venue’ by definition.
Who said you can’t have the most momentous wedding reception at a venue that doesn’t have the word ‘wedding’ in front of it?
Why not enjoy your wedding ceremony at one of Auckland's stunning regional parks. Then enjoy an exquisite post-ceremony wedding celebration at an Auckland Restaurant.
Auckland has some of the best restaurants at your fingertips perfect to host your post-ceremony wedding celebration.
3 Auckland Restaurants perfect for Post-Ceremony Wedding Celebrations
Here are some of my favourite Auckland Restaurants that would make a great post celebration Auckland wedding venue.
- Cassia
Cassia is renowned restaurant in Auckland. It offers a private dining room that can accommodate up to 20 guests. This intimate setting provides a cozy and exclusive space perfect to satisfy you if you are looking for small wedding venues in Auckland. Enjoy the exquisite flavors of contemporary Indian cuisine in a private and elegant atmosphere.
- Euro
Euro has a private dining room that can accommodate up to 20 guests, perfect when looking for small wedding venues in Auckland. Experience the vibrant flavors of Europe, where culinary excellence and a stylish ambiance combine to create an unforgettable dining experience.
- Eight Restaurant
Eight Restaurant is located within The Cordis, Auckland. It offers a contemporary and stylish setting for a small wedding venue in Auckland. With its interactive dining experience featuring a range of international cuisines, this Auckland wedding venue provides a lively and engaging atmosphere for your special day.
A Backyard wedding:
What if you were to eliminate a traditional Auckland wedding venue by choosing a backyard wedding venue option? Let’s explore this concept more.
In the wake of unprecedented times, love found a way to thrive amidst adversity. As the world grappled with the challenges of the pandemic, an enchanting trend emerged, captivating couples, and capturing hearts—the rise of backyard weddings. When it comes to celebrating love, there's a special allure to hosting a wedding in the intimacy of your own backyard. To ensure you enjoy an affordable Auckland wedding, why not consider having it in your backyard.
Some of the key advantages of having a backyard wedding is:
Financial:
Opting for a backyard celebration, instead of an Auckland wedding venue allows you to allocate your budget in a way that aligns with your priorities. With no exorbitant venue fees to contend with, you can invest in other elements that truly matter to you. Whether it's a delectable menu, stunning floral arrangements, or unique entertainment options, the choice is yours.
Personalisation and Customisation:
Your backyard serves as a blank canvas, ready to be transformed into a dream-like setting that reflects your unique style and vision. From choosing the perfect colour palette, to handpicking the flowers that resonate with you, every detail can be curated to create an ambiance that is entirely your own.
With the money you save on hiring an Auckland wedding venue, you have the ability to include cute additional features such as hiring a wedding photobooth, wedding décor and seating arrangements, and wedding lighting. You get the freedom to create a wedding that is a true reflection of your love story.
Practicality and flexibility:
These are two additional advantages I have seen with backyard weddings in Auckland. By choosing your own property as your Auckland wedding venue, you have greater control over logistics and scheduling. You can plan your wedding at a time that works best for you and your loved ones, without the constraints of venue availability.
Moreover, the convenience of having everything in one place eliminates the need for extensive transportation and minimises potential logistical challenges. From preparations to the ceremony and reception, the seamless flow of events is made effortless, ensuring that you can relax and savor every moment of your special day.
Final Thoughts
Finding an affordable Auckland wedding venue may seem like a daunting task, but with the right approach, it is achievable. By following these three tips, you can discover Auckland weddig venues that not only fit your budget but also provide a touch of luxury and style to your special day.
Consider opting for a BYO Auckland wedding venue, where you can bring your own beverages. This option offers cost savings, flexibility, personalised choices, and tailored bar service. Explore small wedding venues in Auckland. These intimate gatherings have gained popularity, offering significant cost savings, an intimate atmosphere, and attention to detail. With fewer guests, you can allocate your budget more efficiently and create a personalised experience for each attendee.
Don't limit yourself to traditional Auckland wedding venues. Auckland is home to exceptional restaurants that can serve as the perfect backdrop for your wedding celebration. Consider venues that are not specifically labeled as wedding venues but offer exceptional dining experiences. These venues often provide private dining rooms for intimate celebrations, allowing you and your loved ones to enjoy exquisite cuisine in an elegant atmosphere.
Lastly, hosting your wedding in your own backyard can be a practical and budget-friendly option. Backyard weddings have gained popularity, offering financial advantages, personalisation opportunities, and logistical convenience. By eliminating Auckland wedding venue fees, you can allocate your budget to other elements that matter to you and create a wedding that truly reflects your love story.
Remember, finding an affordable Auckland wedding venue is possible. With careful consideration and a little creativity, you can discover a venue that meets your budget while providing a memorable and extraordinary experience for you and your guests. Happy wedding planning!
As an Auckland Celebrant, it would be my honor to help you plan the most unforgettable Auckland wedding.