The Most Photogenic Venues in Christchurch
— By Shanna McGeorge

Photographs are one of the few lasting mementos that you will no doubt look back on for years to come, so it may be high on your list of priorities to ensure your wedding venue includes an ideal photographic location. If you are planning a wedding in Christchurch, thankfully you will have endless options to pick from in the iconic South Island city. We’ve composed a list of the most photogenic wedding venues in Christchurch that will give you memories to cherish long after the ceremony. Whether you seek an oasis of greenery, the sweeping grandeur of hills and mountains, or the old-world charm of heritage buildings, each of these top-quality venues provide aesthetic photo opportunities galore. Read on to see our top 11 most photogenic wedding venues in Christchurch and find a place to capture photos you can treasure forever. 

Isaac Theatre Royal

Image by Isaac Theatre Royal

Most of us can recognise that theatres hold special magic about them, and Isaac Theatre Royal is no exception. Ranging from the grand multi-level auditorium and stage to the more private lounges and boxes, The Edwardian theatre has capacity for between 40 to 1,292 people. As well as offering a beautiful, functional space for your ceremony, the wedding venue also makes for a striking backdrop to take photos. Displaying gorgeous heritage décor and a unique aesthetic that only a theatre can offer, your wedding day snapshots are sure to be memorable. Isaac Theatre is a beautiful historic Christchurch venue to celebrate and create an unforgettable wedding experience.

The Atrium

Image by The Atrium

From stained glass, rich mahogany wood and impressive arched ceilings, The Atrium is an elegant and ornate Christchurch wedding venue. The mix of historic architecture and stylish modern décor creates an attractive setting to capture your special day in photographs. An amazingly customisable space, it can host a function as small and intimate as 30, or a much grander affair of up to 600 people. As a bonus The Atrium’s convenient location is within easy access of the city and the beautiful Port Hills, giving you even more stunning photographic sites to explore. The wedding venue also includes in-house catering complete with matched local wines and craft beer, making it easy to plan those extra details and ensure your guests are kept refreshed and comfortable.

OGB Christchurch

Image by OGB Christchurch

When it comes to effortlessly chic design and ambience, you can’t do much better than a speakeasy-style bar. OGB in Christchurch is the epitome of refined elegance with its rich and cosy interior, making it a stunning wedding venue and ideal for photographs. The luxurious indoor Parlour Cocktail Bar can host up to 50 guests and can be tailored to different seating styles according to the mood you want to create. The outdoor Courtyard looks out across the famous Cathedral Square and can be fitted out for both summer and winter weather for parties of up to 30. Your wedding photographs are sure to have the perfect blend of class and sophistication at this charming Christchurch wedding venue. 

Great Hall

Image by Great Hall

The Great Hall in Christchurch is aptly named with its vast, arched ceiling and impressive capacity to hold up to 250 people. Lovingly restored post-earthquake, the ornately decked Christchurch venue is a spectacular heritage building complete with all the modern comforts of lighting and heating. The photogenic wedding venue showcases a stunning stained-glass Memorial Window, gleaming wooden floors and an open fireplace. Filled with natural light and equipped with a lighting rig, the opportunities for enchanting photos will be endless. The Great Hall is part of The Arts Centre, centrally positioned in the heart of the city to make this extraordinary Christchurch wedding venue easily accessible. 

Cardboard Cathedral

Image by Bridgit Anderson

After the earthquake damage to the original Cathedral, the “Cardboard” Cathedral has risen to provide a transitional space. It truly is made from mostly cardboard and makes for a unique and meaningful wedding venue. The high triangle roof and spacious interior maintain the grandeur and space that you expect in any cathedral. The room’s warm natural lighting with its striking multi-coloured feature wall is a lovely environment to host a wedding and, of course, take outstanding photographs. The airy lightness of this Christchurch wedding venue is an ideal space to hold your ceremony and pay homage to the original Cathedral. They offer multiple set-up options for events that can be catered to your requirements and numbers.

Christchurch Town Hall

Image by Warren and Mahoney

Perhaps one of the most versatile and well-equipped wedding venues to be found in Christchurch, the Christchurch Town Hall has a staggering capacity for up to 2,250 guests. Not to worry if you have a smaller wedding though, they can just as easily provide for a tiny gathering of 20 or less. Beautifully situated beside a river, there are five event spaces to accommodate different styles and sizes, all impeccably furnished and fitted out with modern technology for the smooth running of events. These distinct rooms can be transformed to fit your theme and colours, allowing you to inject some personal style and flair. This Christchurch wedding venue has everything you need to host a beautiful wedding and take perfect photos of all the special moments of the day. 

The Atrium at Hagley Park

Image by Pinterest

For nature-lovers who desire a fresh and floral setting for their wedding, The Atrium at Hagley Park is an excellent choice of Christchurch venue. Perfectly located by the Botanical Gardens and Hagley Park itself, it’s the perfect spot to take dreamy wedding photos. Enjoy the lush garden paradise of greenery and flowers and the easy functionality of the central location. The Atrium is a pleasant space to host your guests and allow you to relax and enjoy every moment. With the capacity to host up to 200 guests, this Christchurch wedding venue also offers full in-house drinks and catering to help you organise the reception with ease.

Hermitage Hotel

Image by Hermitage Hotel

It will be well worth the effort to travel the extra distance to the Hermitage Hotel. Situated in the Mt Cook National Park between Christchurch and Queenstown, the prestigious hotel rests among breath-taking New Zealand beauty, nearby the highest peak in the country. This is a place where you can take the show-stopping photographs of your dreams, with backgrounds of towering mountains, gleaming lakes and glaciers. With a choice of six spaces that each offer their own features and spectacular views, the wedding venue can accommodate up to 400 guests. The dedicated events team is available to assist with planning and organising your wedding. The on-site catering will make it easy to plan a lovely reception spread.

Ilex Events and Weddings

Image by Klook

Ilex Events and Weddings offers a choice of five stunning venues tucked away in Christchurch’s botanic gardens. These tranquil green sanctuaries will delight lovers of nature and paint a gorgeous blooming backdrop for your wedding photos. Perfect for intimate gatherings and a more personal feel, this is a flexible wedding venue with plenty of possibilities to create your perfect setting. The events team at Ilex is open to suggestions and willing to work with any ideas you may have to make your wedding day special. Catering at this Christchurch venue will be a breeze as their supporting chef is committed to producing a fantastic reception menu according to your taste.

Stonebridge

Image by Stonebridge

Located in the beautiful town of Geraldine about two hours from Christchurch, Stonebridge’s spacious 10-acre grounds will give you endless choices for ceremony locations. The light, airy wedding venue provides a blank canvas for you to transform into any theme. The reception area will comfortably accommodate up to 130 guests for a sit-down event. Spread out across the property, the charming woods, gardens and water features provide plentiful opportunities for magical photos and memorable moments. If you want to go the extra mile, make use of the helicopter pad on-site to travel to the surrounding sweeping countryside for more spectacular scenery. With an abundance of accommodation available in Geraldine and exceptional on-site catering, you can organise all the details for your guests with ease.

Kaituna Valley Homestead

Image by Kaituna Valley Homestead

Kaituna Valley Homestead is a majestic old house residing in the peace of a broad valley. Surrounded by rolling green hills and stunning avenues of trees, this wedding venue is a picturesque escape into the countryside. With 29 acres of beautiful land to explore, capturing photographs of your wedding day will be a joy to experience. The house has been refurbished with all the modern comforts while retaining the classic charm of its age, with luscious wood furnishing, warm lighting and an open fireplace. The Christchurch venue can hold between 25-60 people for a cosy reception. The lovely hosts, John and Sharon, are highly praised for their unparalleled hospitality and willingness to cater to your every need.