Three Outdoor Garden Wedding Venues in Auckland
Auckland is home to some of the most beautiful wedding venues in New Zealand, with options ranging from secluded nature retreats, lush garden landscapes and beautiful estates with on-site accomodation. In this post, we’ll explore three venues with outdoor psaces: Songbird Retreat, Te Piringa Gardens, and La Valla Estate. We’ll also dive into some of the most common questions couples ask about these venues, including guest capacity and catering options.
Songbird Retreat: A Secluded Nature Haven
If you’re looking for something more private and secluded, Songbird Retreat offers an idyllic nature escape just outside of Auckland. Nestled in a lush forest setting, Songbird Retreat is a boutique venue that provides a peaceful and intimate environment for couples who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. With its serene surroundings and natural beauty, this venue is ideal for those seeking a more intimate, eco-friendly celebration.
Why Choose Songbird Retreat?
Songbird Retreat is a hidden gem for couples who love nature and want a wedding surrounded by greenery. The venue offers both indoor and outdoor spaces, with the option to hold your ceremony in the forest or in the rustic barn. The retreat’s relaxed atmosphere and beautiful surroundings create a truly magical setting, perfect for a small, intimate wedding or elopement. They also have a small cottage on-site, suitable for up to 5 people.
Catering at Songbird Retreat
Songbird Retreat works with local caterers to provide a range of menu options that can be tailored to your preferences. Whether you want a relaxed picnic-style reception, a formal plated dinner, or a casual barbecue, the venue’s catering partners can create a menu that fits your style and vision.
Common Questions About Songbird Retreat:
How many guests can Songbird Retreat accommodate?
Songbird Retreat is best suited for smaller weddings, with a guest capacity of around 50 people. During peak season (November-April) they can cater for up to 150 guests. It’s ideal for couples who want an intimate celebration surrounded by close friends and family.
Can we have both the ceremony and reception on-site?
Yes, Songbird Retreat offers both indoor and outdoor spaces for ceremonies and receptions.
What makes Songbird Retreat unique?
The venue’s secluded, nature-filled setting makes it stand out as a tranquil and peaceful place for a wedding. Songbird Retreat is perfect for couples who want a private, intimate celebration away from the city.
Te Piringa Gardens: A Lush, Garden Paradise
For couples seeking a vibrant garden venue that offers an intimate and peaceful setting, Te Piringa Gardens is a hidden oasis nestled just outside of Auckland. This private garden venue is surrounded by lush greenery, vibrant flowers, and stunning trees, making it a dream location for nature-loving couples who want to say their vows in a serene and picturesque environment.
Why Choose Te Piringa Gardens?
Te Piringa Gardens is perfect for couples looking for a unique, outdoor setting with plenty of opportunities for beautiful photos and a tranquil atmosphere. The gardens feature multiple spaces for both ceremonies and receptions, including manicured lawns, peaceful ponds, and shaded groves. The intimate, private nature of the venue ensures that you and your guests can enjoy the day without distractions.
Te Piringa also offers flexibility for both large and small weddings, with ample space for marquees, outdoor seating, and dance floors. With its stunning natural surroundings, this venue provides an enchanting and romantic backdrop for your big day.
Catering at Te Piringa Gardens
Te Piringa Gardens partners with a selection of local caterers to offer a variety of catering options, allowing couples to personalize their dining experience. Whether you prefer a formal seated meal, a relaxed buffet, or a bespoke menu tailored to your taste, there are catering options to suit your needs. The venue's caterers emphasize fresh, seasonal ingredients, and can accommodate dietary restrictions and preferences, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable dining experience for you and your guests.
Common Questions About Te Piringa Gardens:
How many guests can Te Piringa Gardens accommodate? Te Piringa Gardens is versatile and can host both intimate weddings and larger celebrations. It can comfortably accommodate up to 120 guests, with plenty of space for ceremonies, dining, and dancing.
Can we hold both the ceremony and reception at Te Piringa Gardens? Yes! Te Piringa Gardens offers multiple outdoor spaces that can be used for both the ceremony and reception. Many couples choose to exchange vows in front of the pond or beneath one of the grand trees, followed by an outdoor reception under a marquee or the stars.
What makes Te Piringa Gardens unique? The venue's stunning natural beauty, tranquil ambiance, and privacy make it stand out as a perfect location for couples who want a garden wedding surrounded by nature. Its peaceful surroundings and flexible space allow for a completely customisable experience.
LaValla Estate: A Historic and Elegant Country Venue
For couples looking to combine historic charm with the tranquility of the countryside, LaValla Estate offers an enchanting wedding venue just outside of Auckland. Nestled in the serene rural area of Tuakau, this estate boasts a rich history, beautiful gardens, and versatile event spaces that can accommodate weddings of all sizes. LaValla Estate seamlessly blends classic elegance with a laid-back country atmosphere, making it a perfect choice for couples seeking a unique, timeless setting.
Why Choose LaValla Estate?
LaValla Estate’s charm lies in its combination of historical architecture and expansive outdoor spaces. The estate offers several indoor and outdoor ceremony and reception areas, from the intimate St. Patrick’s Chapel to the large marquee space set amidst picturesque gardens. The property also includes elegant halls and cozy nooks, allowing couples to customise their wedding day experience, whether it’s a grand celebration or a more intimate affair.
The estate’s manicured lawns, mature trees, and stunning garden backdrops provide countless opportunities for gorgeous wedding photos. LaValla’s rich history, dating back over a century, adds a layer of romance and tradition to the venue, making it a memorable place for couples to say “I do.”
Catering at LaValla Estate
LaValla Estate prides itself on offering in-house catering with a focus on exceptional, high-quality cuisine. The catering team works closely with couples to create a bespoke menu tailored to their tastes and preferences. The estate’s culinary offerings emphasise fresh, seasonal ingredients, many of which are sourced locally - all beautifully presented in a family-style feast. The versatility of the catering options ensures that every couple’s vision for their reception is brought to life.
Common Questions About LaValla Estate:
How many guests can LaValla Estate accommodate? LaValla Estate offers various spaces for different-sized weddings. The estate can host intimate weddings with as few as 20 guests, or larger events of up to 200 guests in their spacious marquee or grand dining hall.
Is there an indoor ceremony option? Yes! LaValla Estate offers both indoor and outdoor ceremony options. Couples can exchange vows in the beautifully restored St. Patrick’s Chapel, which adds a touch of historic charm to the day, or choose a scenic outdoor garden setting.
What makes LaValla Estate unique? LaValla Estate’s blend of history, elegance, and countryside beauty sets it apart. Its historic chapel, stunning gardens, and adaptable event spaces offer couples flexibility in designing their dream wedding, whether traditional or contemporary. They also have accomodation available onsite, which may be helpful for guests coming in from out of town.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a wedding venue is one of the most exciting steps in the wedding planning process. Songbird Retreat, Te Piringa Gardens, and LaValla Estate each offer something unique.
When selecting the perfect venue, consider the size of your guest list, the overall atmosphere you want to create, and the catering options that best suit your vision. These venues provide stunning backdrops for your special day, ensuring that your wedding is as beautiful and unforgettable as you’ve always imagined.
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