Small Wedding Venues in Queenstown
— By Shanna McGeorge

Queenstown will have you spoilt for choice with wedding venues, especially when it comes to smaller and more private spaces. With that in mind, we've compiled a list of small Queenstown wedding venues to browse through and help with your decision-making. From fairy tale cottages, luxury lodges and boutique hotels, there is a place to match a range of sizes and wedding styles. All these wedding venues offer high-quality service, flexibility to allow for different needs, as well as showcasing the best of Queenstown's exquisite scenic beauty.

 

Camp Glenorchy

Image by Camp Glenorchy

This award-winning wedding venue is placed in a beautiful lakeside location 40 minutes from central Queenstown. With 6 different spaces to choose from they can accommodate up to 120 guests, or a group as small as 14. The sweeping scenery and artworks create an atmosphere of beauty and calm to enjoy the celebrations. Camp Glenorchy has a dedicated events manager to assist with arrangements throughout the whole process. The on-site catering options can be tailored according to your needs and how much control you wish to have, whether a relaxed self-cook barbecue or a complete prepared buffet. Finally, as the name suggests, the wedding venue is dedicated to sustainable methods that care for the planet and the local community.

 

Cloudy Bay Shed

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Cloudy Bay Shed is a dreamy Queenstown wedding venue in the heart of Central Otago. They offer a range of experiences in Cloudy Bay wine tasting, tapas and tours, as well as the option to organise a private event. In summer months they extend out to a lovely garden restaurant called Jack's Raw Bar. The Shed is surrounded by rich New Zealand greenery and mountains, with an outlook across a mirror-like lake. Depending on the style of gathering it can hold between 30 to 60 guests, ideal for a small Queenstown wedding.

 

Nugget Point

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This beautifully situated Queenstown wedding venue offers a range of options for events and accommodation. Placed high above Shotover River, the magnificent mountain ranges create breath-taking views on all sides, resulting in a refreshing retreat. You may choose from 4 different spaces that can host from 40 to 100 people, and the team promises to put every effort into customising to your requirements. To make things simpler, they also offer full on-site catering that can be adjusted to any special tastes. Enjoy luxury accommodation, complete with spa facilities and serene outdoor walks. While the venue is a private and peaceful sanctuary, it's nonetheless an easy 7-minute drive from central Queenstown to keep it convenient.

 

Akarua Wines & Kitchen by Artisan

Image by Akarua Wines & Kitchen by Artisan

Akarua is a small wedding venue that can provide for up to 40 seated or 50 standing guests. The quaint little cottage has a lovely surrounding garden space and is lined with the classical charm of a white picket fence. The historic building has been carefully restored, inspiring a cosy vintage feel. Choose from the picturesque garden location under a walnut tree, a covered outdoor area that includes a wood-fired pizza oven, or the warm intimacy of the indoor cottage space. This Queenstown wedding venue offers Artisan Catering as a recommended catering service that can handle a range of events. Placed an easy distance from the city and the airport, Akarua is a convenient and appealing choice for a small Queenstown wedding.

 

Lake Wanaka Cruises

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For a truly unique and fun small wedding venue, you can't do better than a private charter on Lake Wanaka. The luxury boat known as Dual Image can hold between 50 to 100 guests for a private function or reception. Take your close friends and family on a cruise to Mou Waho Island for some showstopping photos, or organise a lunch or sunset cruise to celebrate after saying your vows. The boat is licensed for drinks and can also arrange clay bird shooting if you're after some extra fun and games. Enjoy the panoramic views of the mountains across the water and celebrate your Queenstown wedding in style with Lake Wanaka Cruises.

 

Cascata by Touch of Spice

Image by Cascata by Touch of Spice

Cascata is a luxurious modern wedding venue with striking architecture and an impressive water feature that adds an extra touch of elegance. The multi-level house comes with extras such as outdoor terraces and a spa pool, and a space to hold 20 to 40 people. It's located 5 minutes from Central Queenstown for easily accessible entertainment in the buzzing town. You can also make use of the top-quality accommodation and the well-equipped kitchen to have everything in one place. The floor-to-ceiling windows provide a wealth of natural light and, of course, the unbeatable Queenstown views of the lake and mountains. Overall a small Queenstown wedding venue that is sure to delight you and your guests.

 

Kinross

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This is one of those wedding venues that is hard to believe is real; it has the appearance of a dreamy painting with its sun-kissed greenery and expansive vineyard. The 40-acre property includes cottage rooms for accommodation and the lovely Willow Room to hold up to 60 people for a wedding function. The natural design gives you the freedom to customise with your decor and give the room a personal style. Choose from one of their pre-made packages to streamline your planning process, and from there, add on other wine experiences and dining if desired. The serene vineyard is still within close range of the town, making this Queenstown wedding venue both private and convenient.

 

Eichardt’s Private Hotel

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Nestled next to the stunning Lake Wakatipu, Eichardt's is an excellent choice for an elegant small wedding venue. The hotel has two spaces that can be arranged according to your needs and hold up to 50 guests. Their team will accommodate all your needs with excellent service and attention to detail so you can relax and enjoy the process. The inviting and cosy spaces produce a warm atmosphere for celebration and relaxation. Lake Wakatipu provides a backdrop of calm beauty that stretches across to the mountain ranges in the distance. Finally, if you need a place to stay, the 20 luxury guest rooms are immaculately presented and the ultimate in comfort and style. Eichardt's Private Hotel is a wonderful choice for a more intimate Queenstown wedding.

 

Oasis Yurt Lodge

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Oasis Yurt Lodge is a whimsical and nature-focused venue, with a mix of outdoor spaces and a beautiful Lodge to throw a function. The extensive lawns and wide-open spaces are perfect for a fresh and carefree wedding that will allow full appreciation of the surrounding colours of nature. The quirky little yurt tents are luxuriously furnished and make for relaxing and comfortable accommodation. With multiple choices available for location and set up, the Queenstown wedding venue can hold up to 80 guests and is near to the centre of town and the airport. With plenty of local vendors and suppliers around to select from, you will be in excellent hands with the organisation of all the extra details.

 

The Rees Hotel

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Set in the heart of central Queenstown, The Rees Hotel is the definition of sophistication and elegance. Clean, modern and upholding a high standard of service, the boutique hotel has 4 different spaces to choose from, all with versatile set-ups. The divine comfort of the indoor spaces is offset by the raw beauty of stunning views across pristine water and majestic mountain ranges. Enjoy the gourmet dining and on-site catering services to provide a sumptuous feast for your guests. This is a Queenstown wedding venue that will provide for your every need and ensure your big day runs without a hitch.

 

Bob's Cove by Touch of Spice

Image by Bob's Cove by Touch of Spice

If you're after something a little unconventional or a little earthy, a place to enjoy the rugged outdoor beauty and crisp southern air of the mountains, Bob's Cove is the ticket. This Queenstown wedding venue offers a blend of rustic comfort paired with the enveloping beauty of mountains and water. The house can provide for a function of up to 60 people and contains many sub-spaces plus the main dining area for the easy mingling of guests and groups. The accommodation with 5 guest rooms is decked in the same natural colours and textures, inspiring calm and rejuvenation in a way that only the outdoors can achieve. Tucked in the middle of breath-taking New Zealand landscapes, it is still a mere 15 minutes away from Queenstown.

 

Little Blackwood

Image by Little Blackwood

Another centrally located wedding venue, Little Blackwood is fun, modern and flexible to suit your needs. You can hire the entire space and go all out or select the smaller bar or deck space for a private gathering. The clean and fresh spaces are the ideal backdrop for you to unleash your creativity and adorn with whatever themes and colours you desire. The on-site catering is equally customisable with either set menus or more specific options, and the team will also help set up audio and visual displays to personalise your event further. Situated in the Steamer Wharf Waterfront, this Queenstown wedding venue is complete with lovely waterfront scenery to create a pleasing aesthetic.

 

Kinloch Lodge

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Kinloch Lodge is a stunning lakefront retreat and an idyllic wedding venue. The remotely located lodge is enfolded by New Zealand beauty on all sides. It's a unique and historically-significant site to say your vows and take some incredible photos. Their lavish catering service is complete with wine selections and different styles available, from informal buffets to formal dining. Dietary requirements can be fully accommodated, and the team is willing to suggest ideas based on your preferences. Kinloch can take up to 62 people for a seated gathering. Take advantage of their gorgeous accommodation suite for a relaxed end to your wedding before departing and saying your farewells the next day.

 

Queenstown Country Lodge

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Heading up Queenstown Country Lodge are Jennifer and Mark, each with a plethora of knowledge and experience to guide you in planning a top-notch Queenstown wedding. The all-inclusive lodge will have you covered for accommodation, a gorgeous venue, and some of the best photographic locations on hand nearby. The planning team is available to recommend high-quality Queenstown wedding suppliers and assist with anything you need along the way. The attractive gardens and lodgings are spread out across 11 acres of property for the ideal escape into the quiet calm of nature.

 

Matakauri

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When it comes to a dreamy mountain backdrop to commemorate your special day, Matakauri ticks all the boxes. Choose from their extensive selection of function spaces and accommodation to suit all requirements for a wedding of up to 60. Celebrate your special day amongst striking alpine ranges and sweeping valleys to create an experience to remember for years to come. The lodge offers dining options for every occasion and a diverse range of deluxe suites, rooms and cottages to sleep up to 32 guests. Everything is on hand at this Queenstown wedding venue to simplify the process and allow you to focus on enjoying the moment.

 

Blanket Bay

Image by Blanket Bay

It's not surprising to hear that Blanket Bay was voted one of the world's best luxury lodges. The magnificent airy building is surrounded by the kind of iconic South Island beauty that takes your breath away every time. Part of a working farm, the estate is framed by the impressive snow-capped Richardson Mountains at the back and shows off a clear view across the bay from the front. The accommodation choices are varied for different sizes, and each one is as attractively furnished and welcoming as the last. Natural light pours in from all sides and lets the scenery take centre stage. Their pre-made packages are a great starting point to see what they have on offer.