The Most Photogenic Venues in Queenstown
— By Emily Ray

As it's so picturesque, Queenstown boasts a plethora of Instagram-worthy wedding venues for your big day. These are the 15 most photogenic Queenstown venues the Southern Lakes region has to offer – and every one of them is guaranteed to result in a stellar photo-shoot to last the ages.

Winehouse

Image by The Winehouse

The Winehouse is set in the celebrated Gibbston Valley, a stunning slice of Central Otago wine country. This photogenic Queenstown venue is nestled within beautiful garden-land which is surrounded, in turn, by rugged nature. The croquet lawn looks out onto stone mountains, forming a rugged backdrop for your wedding ceremony. The larger estate comprises vines, paddocks, and even a mountain bike trail for numerous photo opportunities with friends and family. The Winehouse's Historic homestead is where you'll have your ceremony and reception. Blending elements of stone, warm leather, and sparkling lights, this venue certainly knows how to do romance.

Camp Glenorchy

Image by Camp Glenorchy

When it comes to picturesque Queenstown, it's impossible not to mention Camp Glenorchy. Glenorchy itself is the perfect setting for an off-the-beaten-map wedding; the 40-minute drive there is often referred to as a journey through paradise. As a Queenstown wedding venue, Camp Glenorchy will fulfil all your photogenic wedding location needs. This eco-glamping destination is all about a truly holistic wedding experience. This experience begins with the beauty of the nature in which the Camp is set. Camp Glenorchy reflects in every landscaping choice its kinship with the natural environment – and your wedding photos will reflect this union, too.

Millbrook Resort

Image by Millbrook Resort

Positioned in the quaint Central Otago village of Arrowtown, Millbrook Resort brings one word to mind: luxury. The recipient of several awards, Millbrook also wins on the count of sheer photogenic allure. The Resort itself is set against the snow-capped mountains – an optimal backdrop for those wedding photos. The grounds are lush, green, and expansive, complete with a sparkling pond. Finally, Millbrook's selection of expertly-designed pavilions, cottages, and smokehouses will ensure that your ceremony and reception are events to remember (and to photograph). 

Gibbston Valley Lodge and Spa

Image by Gibbston Valley Lodge and Spa

Does a vineyard wedding photo-shoot take your fancy? Book Gibbston Valley Lodge and Spa in for your big day. Located just a short drive from the township, Gibbston Valley is at the heart of Queenstown's wine country. But it's not just an unbeatable selection of wine that Gibbston Valley has up its sleeve. This Queenstown wedding venue is also as photogenic as they come. The newly-built Lodge and Spa scream luxury wedding, and the vineyard villas offer picturesque accommodation for stay-over weddings. What's more, Gibbston Valley's events team is primed to help you plan your wedding exactly as you want it, from table settings to room décor.

Cloudy Bay

Image by Cloudy Bay

Based in the beautiful Central Otago town of Cromwell, Cloudy Bay is one of the most photogenic Queenstown venues on the map. The Cloudy Bay Shed functions by day as a tasting room for the internationally-renowned Cloudy Bay wine company. The good news is that it's also available for booking by wedding parties. Don't be fooled by the name: Cloudy Bay Shed is by no means your quintessential lean-to. Instead, it's a Scandinavian-style building which looks out onto the water and Otago plains. Summer bookings can take advantage of the beautifully-manicured grounds, while ceremonies planned for winter can keep toasty inside the Shed without sacrificing an ounce of the view.

Stoneridge Estate

Image by Stoneridge Estate

Stoneridge Estate is a mere stone's throw from Queenstown CBD and airport. Despite its proximity to the hustle and bustle, Stoneridge Estate has the feel of a proper retreat venue, and it photographs like a dream. The Estate revels in its exclusive spot between Lake Hayes and the mountains. What gives Stoneridge its distinctive aesthetic charm is its stonework architecture. From the exquisite Chapel by the Lake to the elegant pavilion, Stoneridge is heritage Queenstown all over. With five acres of vineyard- and garden-dotted grounds at your disposal, there'll be no shortage of stunning locations for your wedding photo-shoot.

Edgewater Hotel

Image by Edgewater Hotel

Found at the water's edge of Lake Wanaka, this photogenic Queenstown venue serves stunning views no matter the season or weather. Edgewater Resort offers exclusive access to Lake Wanaka and is the town's only lakeside wedding venue. The lakeside setting makes for the most private and special wedding ceremonies. Edgewater's reception room is similarly photogenic, with its sprawling lake views and superb sense of indoor-outdoor flow. 

The Olive Grove

Image by The Olive Grove

If you and your affianced are holding out for the most photogenic of Queenstown venues, The Olive Grove may be just the ticket. Located in picturesque Wanaka, The Olive Grove presents alpine romanticism as its most intoxicating. The venue's Ceremony platform is a grass run situated high on the hillside, allowing for 360-degree views of Lake Wanaka and the surrounding mountains. Better still, The Olive Grove is sure to please couples with a penchant for the theatrical. The wedding party itself will descend from The Grand Walk, a natural runway snaking through the mountainside. What an entrance!

Lake Hayes Pavilion

Image by Lake Hayes Pavilion

If you have a picture in your mind of what a photogenic Queenstown venue should look like, Lake Hayes Pavilion wouldn't be far from it in reality. Think Central Otago farm-country, rolling hills, calm stretches of water - Lake Hayes Pavilion has it all. At just a ten-minute drive from Queenstown proper, this wedding venue enjoys a hideaway setting near the shore of Lake Hayes. Lake Hayes Pavilion's very proximity to the lake transforms outdoor ceremonies into the stuff of fairy tales. Moreover, the recently-refurbished indoor venues offer sleek and comfortable spaces for receptions and any behind-the-scenes snaps.

Kinross

Image by Kinross

Nature, nature, nature – this refrain just about sums up Kinross, without a doubt one of Queenstown's most photogenic wedding venues. Kinross is a historic estate with a pioneering aesthetic that makes for a truly unique wedding day. Since it's located in Queenstown's Gibbston Valley, you can count on a fair few vineyards and orchards featuring in your wedding shots. The characteristic rugged warmth of the Central Otago landscape is sure to show up, too. Kinross' outdoor ceremony setting is particularly noteworthy. Framed by willow trees and set against a reflective pond, saying "I do" promises to be pure, hypnotizing magic at this Queenstown wedding venue.

Oasis Yurt Lodge

Image by Oasis Yurt Lodge

Oasis Yurt Lodge is Queenstown's premier glamping venue. Oasis' community-focused ethos is facilitated by its inspiring and remarkably photogenic, natural setting. The Lodge is located on the terraces of Wanaka's Cardrona River. The venue looks out onto Central Otago's pristine mountain-scapes, and upwards to the crystal-clear skies. Water, stars, and birdsong all around: what better natural props for the most-photographed day of your lives?

Nugget Point

Image by Nugget Point

Several venues vie for the title of Queenstown's most photogenic wedding venue, but Nugget Point is a serious contender.  With its name reflecting the region's gold-mining roots, Nugget Point is undoubtedly a gem of a wedding venue. As the closest venue to Coronet Peak Ski field, Nugget Point has the views to match, overlooking the turquoise Shotover River.  Nugget Point's classically-inspired Roman Spa and hotel rooms are an added point of interest for wedding groups looking to extend their stay beyond the ceremony and reception.

Kamana Lakehouse

Image by Kamana Lakehouse

A list of the 15 most photogenic venues in Queenstown simply wouldn't be complete without a mention of Kamana. This venue embodies the singular beauty of the Queenstown region. The Kamana Lakehouse is touted as the highest-altitude accommodation in Queenstown; the sheer views on offer will make your wedding guests deliciously dizzy! The design of Kamana's several event spaces is entirely lake-oriented. That means you're guaranteed a breathtaking view of Wakatipu from wherever you're standing – whether at the altar or on the dance floor.

Jack's Point

Image by Carla Mitchell Photography

People get married in Queenstown for a panoply of reasons, but one of the foremost is in order to get up close and personal with the untouched scenery of the Southern Lakes region. Jack's Point is a celebration of this will to rejoice in unspoiled Aotearoa. Jack's Point is an entire lakefront township committed to conservation and sustainability. Its spectacular lakefront setting forms the perfect backdrop for an outdoor ceremony. Afterwards, experience an intimate reception at the village's private residence. The clincher? Personalized helicopter rides are on hand if you want to get some one-of-a-kind shots in a more remote location.

Skyline Queenstown

Image by Skyline Queenstown

The chances are that if you've visited Queenstown before, you've spotted Skyline Queenstown dangling above the township. Want to experience a high-flying wedding day you'll never forget? Then this high-altitude Queenstown venue will be right up your alley. Skyline Queenstown is accessed exclusively by Gondola. There'll be as many photo opportunities during the journey up to the venue as during the ceremony itself! After you say "I do", you and your guests can watch the sun go down over Queenstown from one of the best vantage-points this region has to offer.