The Top Queenstown Wedding Venues
— By Elisa Kuswari
11 September 2020
Boasting picture-perfect scenery, Queenstown is undoubtedly one of the most popular wedding destinations in New Zealand.
With its pristine blue lakes and dramatic mountain ranges of the Southern Alps, it offers a serene retreat away from the busy lifestyle, with a variety of breathtaking venues tailored to your every unique need. From luxury vineyards to rustic homesteads, it’s not that hard to impress your family and friends with an awe-inspiring day to remember. If you’re spoilt for choices, here’s our top list to guide you through the best wedding venues in Queenstown.
The Winehouse
Image by The Winehouse
There’s something utterly romantic about celebrating love in a place with a piece of history. With its luxury countryside setting, The Winehouse is a classic Queenstown wedding venue known for its historic homestead located in the heart of Gibbston Valley. Think of a fireplace tucked in a stone wall, wood-panelled ceiling and wine barrels, the space has all the rustic elements you’ve been dreaming of for your big day, but of course, with the flexibility to add your own flair to the decor. Surrounded by lush greenery, it has the capacity of 200 guests for a sit-down dinner or 300 for a canapé-style party. With the experienced kitchen team, you and your guests will be indulged by their inspiring menu matched with expressive Central Otago wines.
Camp Glenorchy
Image by Camp Glenorchy
If you’ve been dreaming of celebrating a wedding in Queenstown without compromising the earth, Camp Glenorchy is the place to be. Sustainability is in their ethos, think of premium eco-cabins and solar gardens, along with chairs and tables made from recycled materials, all in all, it is designed for a well-balanced memorable experience. With its scenic natural landscape along with the historic homestead building, this rustic venue offers the perfect setting for 100 seated dinners or 120 standing reception. This location has all the charm you’ve ever wanted for a relaxed and heart-warming soirée to remember.
Millbrook
Image by Millbrook
Millbrook is a lavish golf resort with multiple venues that allows you to experience your special day the way you want it to be. Offering an intimate degustation dinner or a cocktail-style party, elevate your culinary experience by choosing from one of their established menus or create you a personal one. Whether you opt for the beautiful garden area or the charming indoor space for up to 200 guests, their specialised wedding team will assist you in designing your big day at this incredible Queenstown wedding venue.
Gibbston Valley Lodge and Spa
Image by Gibbston Valley Lodge and Spa
Home to the oldest vines in Central Otago, Gibbston Valley Lodge and Spa is the ultimate destination for a classic Queenstown wedding surrounded by a lush vineyard. With three different venue options to choose from - Winery Restaurant, Wine Cave, and Wine Vault - this gorgeous boutique winery can host a small intimate wedding to a lavish celebration of up to 200 guests. Just a short 25-minutes drive from Queenstown, along with its surrounding nature, this serene wedding venue is just the ideal location for your start of forever.
Cloudy Bay
Image by Cloudy Bay
Cloudy Bay Shed is a newly built establishment in the heart of the Cloudy Bay winery, a beautiful private function specially designed for tailor-made events. Boasting lush, scenic greenery and a pristine lake, imagine having an intimate wedding party in your own backyard, only with an elevated experience. Hosting up to 60 people for a canapé-style reception, the minimal interior exudes the feel of elegance, making this Queenstown wedding venue a perfect spot for your memorable soirée.
Stoneridge Estate
Image by Stoneridge Estate
Located just 15 minutes away from Queenstown, Stoneridge Estate is a stunning luxury estate that offers you the flexibility to create a wedding of your own. Overlooking the crystal clear Lake Hayes, the options are endless, you can exchange your vows at the Chapel by the lake or take the premium helicopter ride to the top of the snow-capped mountain. With 3 different spaces to choose from - Hayes Room, Lodge Dining Room, and Boardroom - this Queenstown wedding venue is just the perfect place to host your day to remember, whether it’s a private dinner or a grand reception.
Edgewater
Image by Edgewater
As the only lakefront hotel and function in Wanaka, Edgewater is an authentic wedding venue offering majestic views of the pristine lake. Start your ceremony on the stretch of the beautiful lawns overlooking the magical mountains and continue with a lovely reception in the modern pavilion. Accommodating up to 150 guests, the catering is tailored to your needs, with options including plated meals or buffet. With their dedicated events coordinator, your special day is sure to be taken care of to the last detail.
The Olive Grove
Image by The Olive Grove
There’s nothing more exceptional than exchanging your vows in a stunning open-air venue with undisturbed tranquillity. Tucked away on the shore of Lake Wanaka, The Olive Grove is a secluded lakeside wedding venue, allowing you to have a magical ceremony by the lake and reception in the marquee space. With age-old olive trees in the background, this little paradise has the perfect setting for the bride’s iconic grand walk down the aisle. Hosting up to 200 guests, the Olive Grove team works together with talented local caterers and vendors, guaranteeing an unforgettable day for you and your dearest.
Lake Hayes Pavilion
Image by Lake Hayes Pavilion
If simplicity is your dream wedding’s aesthetic, Lake Hayes Pavilion is the classic Queenstown venue to go for. This recently-refurbished, all-neutral space can host up to 160 guests, with the option of a canapé-style standing party or a sit-down dinner. While the new elevated indoor area is a charming wood-floored room of understated elegance, the large garden venue is rather spacious, allowing you to create memories with your loved ones while admiring the beauty of Lake Hayes.
Kinross
Image by Kinross
If you’ve been dreaming of a romantic vineyard wedding, Kinross is a real charming Queenstown venue for a next-level experience of a lifetime. Located in the heart of Gibbston Valley, this stunning location has everything you need all in one place. From the expansive lawns to the Willom Room, no matter what the weather is, the overall space ensures that your ceremony and reception flow smoothly between both areas. Offering the finest cuisine catered by the talented international chefs, the venue has the capacity for up to 60 guests.
Oasis Yurt Lodge
Image by Oasis Yurt Lodge
Being so close to nature, Oasis Yurt Lodge is the go-to Queenstown wedding destination, known for its heartwarming and relaxing setting. Bringing together up to 80 guests, this intimate, laid-back wedding has the total privacy that you need for that special day. With their Oasis Lodge, Yurts, and Tipi available to be converted into your dream wedding space, there are only so many ways you can create a unique experience at Oasis.
Nugget Point
Image by Nugget Point
Overlooking the scenic Shotover River, Nugget Point is the epitome of old-world elegance. Catering up to 70 guests, whether you’re hosting an intimate cocktail soirée or a grand dinner, this Queenstown wedding venue has all you need for the most memorable day of your life. With options including canapé, buffet or set menu, the Kanuka Kitchen and Bar will help you curate your personalised menu, uniquely designed for your wedding. The luxury doesn’t stop there, with their range of accommodation and its cosy spa and sauna facilities, you and your guest can unwind in comfort while enjoying everyone’s company.
Kamana Lakehouse
Image by Kamana Lakehouse
Located right in the heart of Queenstown, Kamana Lakehouse is a contemporary space that allows you to celebrate your big day in style. With its floor to ceiling windows, this elegant wedding venue invites you and your dearest to immerse in the picturesque landscape of the Remarkables while creating unforgettable memories together. Hosting up to 250 guests, the Nest Kitchen and Bar will indulge everyone with its thoughtfully curated Mediterranean cuisine sourced from fresh local ingredients, along with the long list of impressive Central Otago wines.