Ōtautahi Christchurch, Canterbury's leading metropolis, is commonly known as New Zealand's "Garden City". Home to the famous Hagley Park, the lovingly tended Botanic Gardens, the Avon River, and a collection of garden-style heritage homesteads, you'll quickly realise the shoe fits. Moreover, this Southern city boasts an abundance of beautiful wedding venues - from vineyards and English manors to more modern displays of architecture and design. Below, discover our top recommendations for wedding venues in Christchurch. For more wedding venue inspiration across the country, check out our Wedding Venue Guides for Queenstown and Auckland.
Rydges Latimer is a refined wedding venue and accommodation in the heart of the Garden City. The knowledgeable team of wedding experts will assist in the planning and actioning of your day - from culinary selections and decorative nuances to itineraries and beyond.
Larcomb Vineyard
Image by Kathryn Taylor
A charming red barn venue adorned with vines and greenery, Larcomb Vineyard offers the best of Canterbury hospitality and charm. Across three dynamic spaces, this Christchurch venue can host up to 450 guests. Spaces include the Small Barn, Big Barn and historic Stables!
Chateau on the Park, Hilton
Chateau on the Park, Hilton
Chateau on the Park is a charming establishment by DoubleTree by Hilton. Set on five acres of award-winning gardens, this hotel venue features beautiful glass corridors, elegant turrets and all things old-world charm. Complete with catering, accommodation, dynamic spaces and an expert events team - Chateau on the Park sets the scene for something truly special.
Papa Hou Theatre
Papa Hou Theatre
Known for its adaptability and community-driven heart, Papa Hou Theatre is a versatile Christchurch venue with excellent facilities. This expansive complex offers a large 405 sqm black box space – featuring 180 movable and retractable seats, a sprung wooden floor, and an entire light/sound grid and rig.
Omarino Estate
Omarino Estate
Omarino Estate is an award-winning vineyard and wedding venue on the outskirts of Christchurch. Within the 20-acre property, you'll find multiple lawn areas perfect for your ceremony, canapes and cocktails. At the centre of this picturesque property is the function centre - a contemporary reception space for up to 200 guests.
The Tannery
The Tannery
Christchurch’s boutique retail + dining precinct, The Tannery, becomes a magical event complex after hours. With four main event spaces - The Tannery presents beautiful architecture and detailing throughout the entire venue. The Atrium is an elegant space featuring French tiling, stained glass and a translucent roof. Offering a deep sense of grandeur, The Atrium seats anywhere from 100 to 350 guests.
Mona Vale
Mona Vale
Mona Vale is a picturesque homestead exuding the elegance of a bygone era. Set on hectares of gardens, fernery and landscaped grounds - Mona Vale sits alongside Christchurch's Avon River. While rich in history, the homestead offers all the facilities and amenities of a modern venue - creating a beautiful space for anything from coffee on the veranda to high-tea celebrations, weddings, birthdays and other private functions.
Riccarton House
Riccarton House
Originally built in 1856, Riccarton House is a heritage homestead just minutes from the centre of Christchurch. The 30-acre property is lined with 600-year-old Kahikatea trees, rose gardens, native bush and parklands. Inside, The homestead has open fireplaces and a collection of spaces flowing from the entrance hall to the dining room.
The Little Chapel
The Little Chapel
Welcome Christchurch’s newest wedding venue: a quaint chapel aptly named The Little Chapel. Though built in the 19th century, The Little Chapel has only been opened to the public for weddings since 2019. The Little Chapel provides you with five different wedding packages to pick between and a comprehensive list of preferred vendors too. As a non-denominational venue, they welcome all weddings and civil unions.
Transitional/Cardboard Cathedral
Transitional/Cardboard Cathedral
Make history at Cardboard Cathedral, Christchurch's landmark wedding venue. The only Cathedral in the world to be made sustainably, this venue was constructed from cardboard tubes, steel shipping containers, and stained glass rose windows from the original build. An impressive feat in itself - Cardboard Cathedral serves as a symbol of the city's resilience and beauty.
Melton Estate
Melton Estate
Melton Estate is an award-winning winery and wedding venue set on 12 acres of rural paradise. The modern winery building overlooks rows of lush Pinot Noir vines, while the property includes an extensive deck, lawns and gardens. Melton Estate was awarded the South Island “Best Wine Tourism Restaurant” in the Great Wine Capitals awards, and remains the only Canterbury winery wedding venue with a Qualmark Venue 4-star Plus rating.
Darjon Vineyard
Darjon Vineyard
Darjon Vineyard is a romantic venue for those seeking a garden wedding near Christchurch City. With acres of blissful grounds and gardens for your ceremony, photos and mingling to take place - Darjon Vineyard is comprehensive in its offering. The Dining Room seats 65 to 95 guests with ease, while the bar offers BYO options.
Harpers Homestead
Harpers Homestead
Harpers Homestead is a charming wedding venue with elegant accommodations and a spacious barn space for your reception. Situated just over the Waimakariri River and 15 minutes north of Christchurch Airport, Harpers Homestead boasts a convenient and picturesque location. Exclusive hire of the venue extends over three days - allowing you to set up and rehearse beforehand, enjoy the day itself and have time to wind down in the honeymoon suite.
Curator’s House
Curator’s House
The Curator's House is a Tudor-style venue framed by Christchurch's Botanic Gardens and Avon River. Boasting such a prime location, take advantage of The Botanical Gardens for your wedding photos whilst guests enjoy canapes and champagne on the beautiful grounds within the venue. Enjoy a delicious, fully catered meal with The Curator's House's high-quality waiting service.
Trent’s Estate Vineyard
Trent’s Estate Vineyard
Though just a stone's throw from the city, Trent's Estate Vineyard is in a world of its own. It's a Mediterranean-style venue in the form of a lovingly restored brick building. The 50-acre property consists of established farmland, sunny gardens, water features, a vintage marquee and a conservatory.
Cossars Wineshed
Cossars Wineshed
Cossars Wineshed is a boutique wedding venue with a trio of spaces for your wedding day celebrations. At the heart of the venue is an elegant, French-style reception hall. Fitted with terracotta tiled floors, a high wooden beamed ceiling and large wrought iron chandeliers - it's a beautiful dining space for up to 100 guests. Other areas include the picturesque outdoor courtyard and the renovated barn - perfect for dancing the night away.
Waipuna Estate
Waipuna Estate
Nestled in the hills above the beautiful township of Tai Tapu sits Waipuna Estate - a luxurious homestead. With picturesque views of the Southern Alps and Christchurch City, Waipuna Estate offers a rural haven just 25 minutes from Christchurch. With a trio of packages to suit your budget - your wedding at Waipuna Estate can include charming accommodations, beautiful catering, a spa experience and even a helicopter ride to Mt Herbert for your wedding photos.
Pemberton Gardens
Pemberton Gardens
Pemberton Gardens is an elegant property and home to flourishing gardens, an outdoor courtyard, a contemporary-style pagoda and a beautiful reception building. Newly refurbished, the reception space is a stunning room with an A-frame ceiling, English-style windows and an extensive dance floor.
Ilex Events and Weddings
Ilex Events and Weddings
Ilex Cafe is a contemporary event space in the middle of Christchurch's iconic Botanic Gardens. Boasting a modern design and light-filled interior, Ilex Cafe is an oasis in the heart of Christchurch. With five unique spaces, Ilex Cafe offers a full sensory experience for 130-180 guests.
Bangor Farm
Bangor Farm
Bangor Farm is a boutique wedding venue at the end of an oak-tree-lined avenue. The property includes 50 acres of flourishing farmland and three event spaces, including The Deer Shed. With Mt Hutt and Mt Torlesse as your backdrop, photo opportunities are endless.