Christchurch Wedding Venues - the Complete Guide
— By Raashka Mannie

Christchurch is a kaleidoscopic city. Beloved for its tenacity and adaptive architecture, it's a fabulous spot for a wedding. You'll find vineyards, manors, luxe hotels and everything in between there. No matter what type of wedding you're planning to host, Christchurch can make your dreams come true. They boast famous venues such as the Cardboard Cathedral, which has won awards for its innovative design, and more low-key yet elegant options such as their array of homesteads. Bustling and metropolitan but still packed full of Kiwi hospitality, these Christchurch wedding venues will have you spoiled for choice.

 

Pemberton Gardens

Image by Sarah Clements Photography

Found in quaint Prebbleton, only 11km from Christchurch central, Pemberton Gardens is a private Christchurch wedding venue. It sports established gardens, an outdoor courtyard and a pagoda in contemporary style. Choose from a host of options for your wedding shoots and ceremony, with lush grounds and a large reception area. They can accommodate up to 250 guests. Facilities include a purpose-built pavilion, commercial kitchen, bridal suite, and an expansive stage and dance floor. Choosing Pemberton Gardens includes tables and chairs, linen, crockery and cutlery, glassware, a high-tech PA system, and cleaning of the venue. There are also several nearby accommodation options to choose from. They also offer beverage packages and preferred caterers for your consideration.

 

Ilex Events and Weddings

Image by Sarah Clements Photography

The Botanic Garden events space is brought to you by Ilex Events and Weddings, widely known as a hidden oasis within the heart of Christchurch. Although settled in the historic gardens, this Christchurch wedding venue is as modern as they come. You can choose between 5 unique spaces to hold your ceremony throughout the venue, along with a private reception area away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. There is also the option to have your wedding at the Townsend and Cunningham houses, originally constructed in 1923. They’re a collection of conservatories, a garden sanctuary. They offer an unusual and gorgeous experience with their exotic flora and fauna displays. In addition to being one of Christchurch’s most beloved wedding venues, The Botanic Garden also offers catering through one of New Zealand’s top chefs. They create bespoke menus to suit the theme and ambience of your big day. Planning and organising your wedding day will be a cinch with the Ilex Events and Weddings team at your side. You're sure to sweep your guests away with the sheer beauty of The Botanic Garden.

 

Mount Cook Lakeside Retreat

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Mount Cook Lakeside Retreat is here to snap their fingers and make your getaway Christchurch wedding an idyllic reality. This private hideaway brings with it the thrilling experience of a secret hideaway for you to enjoy luxury and serenity in equal parts. Your wedding will overlook Lake Pukaki, Aoraki Mt Cook and the Ben Ohau ranges, framing your day in all the best nature has to offer. Mount Cook Lakeside Retreat provides a series of packages for your convenience. This includes couples looking to elope to others looking to host quiet, gorgeous weddings with a small group of their loved ones. There are 4 spaces to choose from: Ashley Mackenzie Villa, the Lakeside Lawn, Lavender Lawn, and Moraine Lodge. Mount Cook Lakeside Retreat can host over 200 of your lucky guests. They offer on-site catering specialising in local, fresh cuisine, tailoring the menu to your wishes. Mount Cook Lakeside Retreat is one of the loveliest wedding venues in Christchurch, whether you’re looking to say ‘I do’ in front of a whole crowd or just your partner.

 

Omarino Estate

Image by Omarino Estate

Omarino Estate is an award-winning vineyard that serves as a stunning wedding venue for up to 200 guests. The vineyard spans across 20 acres of verdant grapevines with expertly maintained gardens. On-site, they have both wine tasting areas and some spectacular event space perfect if it's time to get married! With their large function room hosting up to 200 people at once while providing excellent support services like catering options or experienced planners who will help you plan, it's clear as to why Omarino Estate is a popular wedding venue. Their grounds are especially beautiful and retain that old-world charm with a blend of modern touches. Omarino Estate features an elegant wedding banquet room, hardwood deck overlooking the sprawling vineyard, and lots of space for sensational photos.

 

The Tannery

Image by The Tannery

One of Christchurch’s best boutique wedding venues is the Tannery. Offering a year-round wedding location, this Christchurch wedding venue boasts 4 different spaces. This Christchurch wedding venue hosts anywhere from 10 to 600 guests. Their events management team will help you plan your whole wedding. They coordinate everything down to the last detail while still giving you room for creativity. The Tannery includes sumptuous buffet options or set menus through incredible catering. Cassels Brewing Co will provide delicious beer alongside locally sourced wine if requested. The space itself features a glass atrium, genuine french tiled floors, stained glass, bespoke iron arches and mahogany shop fronts. It’s the pinnacle of elegance and glamour, unique to Christchurch wedding venues and will lend your wedding the very same ambience.

 

Ōnuku Marae

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Ōnuku Marae will provide you with a wedding experience unlike any other. With multiple spaces accommodating up to 350 guests, this Christchurch wedding venue is here to make your big day a hit. Ōnuku Marae gives you access to ancestral house rooms and outdoor areas that are perfect for ceremonies. Find the space nearest your heart! This Christchurch Wedding Venue has one of the largest event conferences in the Banks Peninsula. This means it's easily accessible from Christchurch or Akaroa. It boasts a wedding ceremony site to your right as you look towards the sea and a fantastic church - there is no other venue quite like it in Christchurch for weddings. You can also fly direct to Akaroa Airport from Christchurch, which takes approximately 20 minutes. Ōnuku Marae is a marae with a difference. It has been beautifully restored and provides a unique cultural experience at every turn.

 

The Little Chapel

Image by The Little Chapel

Welcome to a quaint chapel aptly named The Little Chapel, built in the 19th century but recently opened for weddings. They have a singular view of creating beautiful bespoke weddings and are centrally located with seats up to 70 people. This makes them all the more perfect for micro weddings. The Little Chapel is part of a social enterprise branch called 'The Home & Family Society.' It puts 100% of your money towards charity projects benefitting kids and families affected by earthquakes. They provide you with 5 different wedding packages to choose from, as well as a list of preferred suppliers. As a non-denominational venue, they welcome any type of marriage or civil union. This Christchurch wedding venue is here to make your day pure magic.

 

Christchurch Gondola

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Christchurch is known far and wide for its gondola. It also happens to be one of their more unique wedding venues. This Christchurch wedding venue features mountain-top function rooms for breathtaking views a full kilometre above the rest, with plenty of spaces to keep guests cosy. Gaze out at the Southern Alps and city, a full kilometre above the rest and to the summit of Mt Cavendish. This Christchurch wedding venue has several spaces, including The Crater Rim and Pinnacle Rooms. Combined, they can host up to 200. Guests will be transported via gondola from base stations at either Cathedral Square (in front of City Hall) or Kilmore Street (near Shaw Library), both within 2 kilometres away from this venue. On-site catering is handled by the talented Mona Vale, leaving you free to plan the celebration of a lifetime.

 

Transitional/Cardboard Cathedral

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Japanese architect Shigeru Ban designed the Cardboard Cathedral. It is now a famous symbol of the city's fortitude and originality. It's now a mainstay and landmark in Christchurch, as well as a fantastic wedding venue. It’s constructed from cardboard tubes, steel shipping containers, and the Cathedral’s original stained glass Rose windows. This is the world's only sustainably-made cathedral, a historic feat that has netted awards. This venue has space for up to 700 guests and boasts a duo of function spaces: the main hall and foyer. They can be combined depending on the size or nature of your Christchurch wedding. With its illustrious history and extraordinary design, your special day is sure to stand out from the crowd. Don't miss the chance to visit this incredible Christchurch wedding venue.

 

Riccarton House

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Riccarton House is set on 12 hectares of park and green grounds and is only minutes from central Christchurch. This cosy Christchurch wedding venue was built in 1856 by the Deans family. It’s a heritage homestead that provides guests with a warm and intimate haven to enjoy special moments such as weddings. Their talented chefs take care of the catering, with a seasonal and organic outlook for bespoke menus. This Christchurch wedding venue features immaculate lawns and plenty of natural light. When it comes to their spaces, they seat up to 150 guests. You can have an intimate or large celebration indoors or outdoors at Riccarton House.

 

Chateau on the Park

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With a moat, a vineyard and a rose garden, Chateau on the Park, courtesy of DoubleTree by Hilton, feels like a fairytale setting. This Christchurch wedding venue is settled on 5 acres of a beautiful property. Due to its sublime surroundings, you'll feel a million miles away. In reality, you're mere minutes from Christchurch. There are 9 spaces available at this luxurious hotel for your Christchurch wedding festivities. These include the Great Rooms, which can be combined for up to 340 guests. Chateau on the Park has gained its reputation as one of the best Christchurch wedding venues due to their attention to detail, professionalism and elegance. Their facilities include on-site catering, accommodation, event management and more.

 

Larcomb Vineyard

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A full-service venue, Larcomb Vineyard is well-seasoned when it comes to hosting Christchurch weddings. They feature expertly manicured gardens and a spacious barn with high ceilings and exposed beams. Their dedicated staff are there to ensure your day runs to perfection. To do this, they offer personal wedding planning and wedding catering options. They also offer a full list of preferred wedding vendors to ensure all aspects of your big day are covered, from styling to celebrants. There are 2 spaces available for hire at Larcomb Vineyard. The Small Barn hosts up to 80 guests, filled with natural light and an exposed timber ceiling. The Big Barn was built in 2011 with space for 200 guests, equipped with a grand dance floor to boot. Their additional space, The Stables, is coming soon. No wonder this Christchurch wedding venue is so popular!

 

Melton Estate

Image by Mandy Caldwell Photography

For something quaint, try Melton Estate. This Christchurch wedding venue is a boutique winery set on 12 acres of lush greenery and is 15 minutes from Christchurch Airport. Choose to have your wedding indoors or outdoors with Melton Estate, taking in views from their expansive deck overlooking the vineyard. They offer exclusive use of the estate, The Pavilion, for your wedding service. Along with this is a private and seasoned wedding coordinator, a lighting and sound system for your convenience, and so much more. As an all-weather venue, you won’t have to concern yourself with the whims of the weather. If it happens to rain, you’ll be cosy inside The Pavilion or Banquet Room, soaking in majestic garden views and verdant lawns. Melton Estate also happens to be an award-winning wedding venue, having won South Island’s “Best Wine Tourism Restaurant.” They’re also the only Canterbury winery wedding venue with a Qualmark Venue 4-star plus rating.

 

Darjon Vineyard

Image by Sarah Clements Photography

Venture to one of the most romantic Christchurch wedding venues around, Darjon Vineyard. With 8 acres of vines and greenery, this Christchurch wedding venue serves as a garden backdrop for a celebration. They can host up to 120 guests and offer complimentary wedding coordination, assisting with everything from music and caterers to packing up at the end of it all. Darjon Vineyard features the option of a lovely garden ceremony (with heaters if it’s a bit chilly out). They also boast a music system, a fully licensed bar (with BYO options), and optional free loan items (such as a charming wishing well, wedding arches, fairy lights, tables, chairs, and so much more). Darjon Vineyard has curated a reputation for excellence. It prides itself on hosting magnificent weddings in Christchurch. For catering, music and photography, they have their own list of preferred vendors to make your day even easier.

 

Rossendale Vineyard

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Rossendale Vineyard is a Christchurch wedding venue nestled in an amazing vineyard. It boasts a plethora of wedding shoot spots, acres of natural beauty and a capacity of 200 guests. This Christchurch wedding venue is flexible, with professional service courtesy of a dedicated team, an impressive list of local wines, in-house catering from award-winning chefs and over 100 car parks on-site. They’re also only 15 minutes from the centre of Christchurch. Their definition of a “working” vineyard means that they make their own wines. This adds to the extraordinary selection available for your wedding. Your day will be framed by picturesque vines and taken care of by hard-working staff that pride themselves on bringing the very best to your big day. Whether it’s your wedding ceremony, reception or both, Rossendale Vineyard can make your special day sing.

 

Harpers Homestead

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You’ll find Harpers Homestead just outside the city. It's a gorgeous Christchurch wedding venue with luxury accommodation on-site. Once farmland, this 3-acre property is lined with trees and foliage, designed by landscape architect Alan Izard. Weddings at Harpers Homestead can be handled from top to bottom, featuring a bridal suite and charming reception area. Exclusive hire of their wedding venue includes 3 days of venue use for rehearsals and setup, luxury accommodation for 2 nights in their honeymoon suite, full use of their stunning grounds, and use of their purpose-built barn or marquee for your reception. They are committed to making your wedding day an unforgettable experience. Their professional staff and list of their preferred suppliers guarantee this. If you’re looking for a rustic escape for your Christchurch wedding, choose Harpers Homestead.

 

Curator’s House

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If you dream of a wedding within Christchurch’s iconic and gorgeous Botanic Gardens, the Curator’s House is for you. It sits in the centre like a crowning jewel in all its Spanish-inspired glory. With a charming, Tudor-style building, it has intimate dining rooms and a private garden shrouded in quiet beauty. This Christchurch wedding venue outdoes itself. The Botanic Gardens and Avon River frame the space, allowing for exciting options such as the choice to arrive by punt and picture-perfect garden photography. The House features a total of 7 areas, from The Gold Room to The Garden Courtyard, all available for hire depending on your preferences. Curator’s House can host over 150 guests and offers in-house catering. Choose between a three-course meal or canapés for your guests to nibble at as they mingle in the flourishing gardens.

 

Mona Vale Homestead

Image by Mickey Ross

Following a $3.2 million rebuild, Mona Vale Homestead reopened its doors in 2016. Since then, it's bloomed into one of Christchurch’s premier wedding venues. The Victorian building has been restored to its former prestige, settled on 5.5 hectares of garden park. Choose to have your wedding in the building itself, with canapés and flutes of champagne on the patio. If not, make your way over to Iris Lawn, right beside the sparkling Avon River, for a marquee wedding and a day you’ll treasure forever. Mona Vale Homestead also offers in-house catering, with a canapés menu, seated choice menu and platter-style menu for you to choose from. Their catering team has over 50 years of experience, known all over Christchurch and Canterbury for their incredible menus and attention to detail. As a bonus, they have the option of including wedding games for your guests, from croquet and quoits to giant Jenga.

 

Trent’s Estate Vineyard

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Trent’s Estate Vineyard is set amongst grapevines and paddocks, moments from Christchurch but entirely secluded. The Christchurch wedding venue features a whitewashed Mediterranean-style historic building (lovingly restored over the years), a sheltered lawn, bubbling fountain, conservatory, Victorian-style gazebo and pond. All of these are essential in creating a heavenly wedding. They offer a series of wedding packages for you to choose between, and, when booking a reception, there’s no extra fee for holding a ceremony with them. Trent’s Estate Vineyard is also a fully licensed and catered venue but does have BYO options for flexibility. A single acre of the venue remains a vineyard, solely as a backdrop for wedding photos. The hiring of Trent’s Estate Vineyard means exclusive use of the entire premises. Add-ons include glassware, crockery and even decorative tulle.

 

Cossars Wineshed

Image by Susannah Blatchford Photography

For countryside beauty, there’s Cossars Wineshed. This Christchurch wedding venue is a boutique wedding venue that invites you to host your big day with them. Their facilities include a gorgeous, high-ceiling dining room with a capacity of 100 guests, a full commercial kitchen for your caterer’s use, a sun-soaked outdoor courtyard, sprawling lawns and rose gardens, as well as a pretty vineyard. Cossars Wineshed prides themselves on their personality and wholesome atmosphere. Their spaces boast wrought-iron chandeliers, terracotta tiled floors, plenty of natural light, a spacious mezzanine floor, a limestone chipped courtyard framed by olive trees, lavender, roses and wisteria, and a renovated barn with a rustic feel and recycled rimu floors. There are 3 different choices for your wedding space with Cossars Wineshed. These include a French-styled reception hall to the sublime courtyard for an outdoor wedding.

 

Waipuna Estate

Image by Waipuna Estate

Overlooking the Canterbury Plains, Waipuna Estate is a contemporary and cosy Christchurch wedding venue. As a bonus, it has luxury accommodation and state-of-the-art facilities. They specialise in weddings, with a small, close-knit them of professionals to help you perfect your day. Select from 3 of their wedding packages, which can include anything from wedding venue hire to exclusive use of their glamorous accommodation for you and your guests. They also offer bespoke dining, a spa experience and a helicopter ride to Mt Herbert for your wedding photography. If you’d prefer a tailored package, Waipuna Estate is happy to oblige. As a smaller wedding venue, they host more intimate weddings of up to 85 guests. They also have two options for your wedding space within the venue. The first is a covered terrace in the midst of picturesque gardens. The second is a lawn area beside an orchard of fruit trees and an awe-inspiring view of the Southern Alps. Waipuna Estate is proud to be one of Christchurch’s most beautiful wedding venues.

 

Ilam Homestead

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History sparkling to life, Ilam Homestead is a Christchurch wedding venue with famed and protected azalea and rhododendron plantings, providing a vibrant backdrop for your big day. This wedding venue is tucked away on the grounds of the University of Canterbury and can cater for up to 120 guests. Facilities include an array of catering choices, a fully licensed bar, outdoor dining options, an idyllic garden and an open fireplace, this Christchurch wedding venue is as lovely as it gets. If you fancy an outdoor wedding, Ilam Homestead has a marquee option. You can host your wedding amongst a plethora of flourishing flowers, then dine under the setting sun. Then, if you want, head into the much-loved building for a perfectly catered meal by one of their preferred vendors. Ilam Homestead is an easy 15 minutes from the centre of Christchurch and only 12 from the airport. In the middle of their gorgeous garden, they will have your wedding feeling like it’s in a world of its own.

 

Rosemount Park Estate

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Spread across 9 acres, Rosemount Park Estate is available for exclusive hire for your big day. This Christchurch wedding venue has unique pillars and floral arrangements, with fairy lights strung around the space and twinkling away in rose bushes. Croquet and pétanque are also available for you and your guests to enjoy. Choosing Rosemount Park Estate means Meris will coordinate your wedding from top to bottom. They have a list of preferred caterers for you to pick from, as well as a host of free loan items to make your day all the easier. Rosemount Park Estate also has a bridal suite on-site. It has an adjacent lounge for the wedding party to relax and get ready together before the ceremony. The Christchurch wedding venue also has an all-weather marquee available all year long. This marquee features a silk lining and polished concrete floors for an elegant look. For added depth, they have the option of horse-drawn carriages for a touch of old-world class and uniqueness.

 

Hemsworth Estate

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Featuring a series of options for your wedding, Hemsworth Estate is a Christchurch wedding venue that goes above and beyond. Their spaces include 3 different outdoor venues. These are a traditional English rose garden, the expansive green lawns and a quaint farm orchard - as well as within the estate itself. Hemsworth Estate can host anywhere from 30 to 200 guests, making it an ideal wedding venue option for both intimate and bigger weddings. The venue prides itself on being a serene space filled with charm and the quiet beauty of Christchurch. Hemsworth Estate has an events management duo that will act as your hands-on team, helping you with the thorough organisation and running of your big day from top to bottom. They’re well-versed in planning functions and will assist you with local vendors and suppliers if required. Hemsworth Estate is an hour’s drive from the centre of Christchurch. It's a swift getaway wedding venue, perfect for a day of privacy and intimacy on your special day.

 

Bangor Farm

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If you’re after a more boutique wedding experience, take a gander at Bangor Farm. This Christchurch wedding venue presents The Deer Shed, settled at the end of an avenue lined with 160-year-old Oak Trees. The Deer Shed is set on 50 acres of old English Oaks, Ponds and Park, giving it a rustic, wholesome feel fitting for any wedding type. Only 30 minutes from the centre of Christchurch, Bangor Farm is equipped to hold your wedding day all the way through, from the ceremony to the reception. It hosts up to 300 guests in its expansive and natural space. They have an interactive and fun team to help you on your way, accustomed to hosting all celebrations, with plenty of gorgeous backdrops to have your photoshoot against. With tranquil views to Mt Hutt and Mt Torlesse, Bangor Farm is an excellent Christchurch wedding venue option, being a family-friendly venue with both indoor and outdoor venue options. Choose from The Barn, The Long Room and The Auditorium, or make yourself comfortable outside amongst the green grass. Whatever you choose, Bangor Farm is there to help you plan the perfect wedding.

 

The Vines Club

Image by The Vines Club

Have your day your way at The Vines Club. Settled on the outskirts of the city, this Christchurch wedding venue has a rustic feel to it, sitting in the heart of a garden and surrounded by spacious grounds. The Vines Club also features a wedding dell and marquee lounge, with plenty of fairy lights strung up everywhere for a fairytale-inspired wedding. They can accommodate up to 100 guests and offer complimentary WiFi. Their wedding package also includes exclusive venue hire, audiovisual equipment hire, a fully licensed bar (with BYO options), seasoned and professional staff on hand, as well as a variety of essentials covered (such as tables, chairs, crockery, glassware, etc.). Factor in their carefully curated catering options, and you have one of the finest wedding venues in Christchurch to consider.

 

Ferrymead Heritage Park

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Ferrymead Heritage Park comes along with an Edwardian township, with restored cottages, a schoolhouse, a church and more. You will catch a glimpse of the way the Kiwis of old lived and be swept away in a whirlwind of classic beauty. Their Heritage Church, the Chapel, was built in 1911 and relocated to Ferrymead in the 1970s. It can seat over 70 guests, making it perfect for more intimate weddings. As an extra treat, wedding guests can arrive via the Wedding Tram, which also picks up the bridal party and presents lovely photo ops. Other venue options include their Friendly Societies Lodge Hall, designed and constructed in an authentic 1920s heritage style and decor, and the Heritage Railway Station, with a charming wood-panelled interior. Their wedding packages include a series of optional free loan items (from trestle tables to extra seating). Ferrymead Heritage Park is a quick 15-minute drive from Christchurch CBD.