The 14 Best Hawke's Bay Wedding Venues
by Avya Trotter-Hlavac | 15 Aug 2023
Hawke's Bay is set on the east coast of the North Island and has made its mark as the wine capital of Aotearoa. Home to many great vineyards and wineries - Hawke's Bay has an abundance of beautiful venues for your wedding. If you're after more New Zealand wedding venue inspiration, you can check out our Wellington, Auckland, Tauranga, Bay of Plenty, Queenstown, Dunedin, Hamilton and Christchurch wedding venue guides.
Featured venues
Napier Conferences & Events
Located on Marine Parade the Napier War Memorial Centre, hosted by Napier Conferences & Events, overlooks the ocean where guests can enjoy the sweep of the bay from Cape Kidnappers to Mahia Peninsula. With Napier’s Art Deco architecture on your doorstep, specially designed multi-purpose spaces plus a talented team, your next event is sure to exceed expectation.
St Martha
Located in the heart of Havelock North, St Martha is a bustling eatery available for private hire after 4 pm daily.
Omatua
Nestled within 5 acres of glorious countryside, Omatua is an idyllic venue overlooking the Mangaone River. Though beautifully secluded, this riverside property is an easy 25-minute drive from the Hawke's Bay Airport and Township.
Country Charm Weddings
Country Charm is a brand new venue in the picturesque countryside of Maraekakaho, Hawkes Bay. From its hillside location, Country Charm has a sweeping panorama of rural Hawkes Bay extending to the coast.
Napier Conference Centre
Image sourced from Napier Conference Centre
For those getting married in New Zealand's Art Deco capital, consider Napier Conference Centre. The high ceilings are perfect for draping a silk canopy and fairy lights, while the large windows offer panoramic views from Cape Kidnappers to Mahia Peninsula. Conveniently located on Napier's Marine Parade, Napier Conference Centre presents modern facilities, in-house catering and an expert event team for your big day.
National Aquarium of NZ
Image sourced from National Aquarium of NZ
If you're in the market for a unique backdrop for your wedding ceremony or reception, look no further than The National Aquarium of New Zealand. Set on Napier's Marine Parade - this venue offers two unique spaces, hosting up to 120 guests. Your guests will have the opportunity to interact with divers and observe the amazing deep sea creatures.
Oruawharo Homestead Limited
Image by Estrada Weddings
Oruawharo Homestead is an elegant venue with a century and a half of history within its walls. Set amidst gardens and woodlands, the Homestead features Victorian architecture and stained glass windows - setting the scene for a grand occasion.
Gwavas Gardens
Image by Tammie Crompton
Gwavas Garden and Homestead is a family-owned property set on 20 acres of woodland garden in rural Hawke's Bay. The gardens are most vibrant from September to the end of November, providing a colourful backdrop for your big day. With the smell of florals in the air, Gwavas is a beautiful place to say "I do".
River House Hawke's Bay
Image sourced from The River House
The River House is a beautiful destination, midway between Havelock North and Ocean Beach. The Mediterranean-style property has three lawned areas, two sheltered courtyards and a five-bedroom villa available for your day. Overlooking the vineyard to the river and Te Mata Peak, The River House is a picturesque venue for a marquee wedding.
The Old Church
Image sourced from The Old Church
The Old Church is an iconic Hawke's Bay venue that'll never lose its charm. A short drive from Napier, The Old Church presents several indoor and outdoor event spaces for your big day. The Main Hall (pictured above) is an elegant space featuring wooden flooring, stained glass windows, and a grand chandelier. This space can host up to 150 guests seated or 300 standing.
Te Mata House
Image by Te Mata House
For the backyard wedding of your dreams, try Te Mata House. This historic homestead has been restored to create a luxurious wedding venue for intimate celebrations. Only available for a few dates each year, Te Mata House offers opulent experiences to a small number of lucky couples.
Black Barn Vineyard
Image by Meredith Lord
Black Barn Vineyard is a stunning wedding venue set in the rolling hills and vines of the Hawke's Bay countryside. This highly sought-after venue consists of six event spaces, ranging from the Olive Shed to the Black Barn Bistro. Whatever your guest list and budget look like - Black Barn Vineyard is sure to have a package to suit.
Greenhill Lodge
Image sourced from Greenhill Lodge
Greenhill Lodge is set on a hilltop in the heart of New Zealand's food and wine country. Hosting a limited number of weddings each year, Greenhill Lodge retains its exclusivity and charm. The gardens and pavilion are beautiful options for your ceremony, whilst the Homestead can be used for an intimate reception. For a large reception, the lawn offers ample space for a marquee.
Cape Estate
Image by Tim and Nadine Photography
Cape Estate is a BYO venue set on 1,000 acres of elevated farmland. There's eye candy all around with the ocean, vineyards and countryside surrounding the venue. Cape Estate boasts four ceremony locations, a rustic barn and endless space for the marquee wedding of your dreams!
Meadowood
Image by Zara Staples
Meadowood is the only venue of its kind in Hawke's Bay. An all-weather wedding venue with a dynamic offering - Meadowood boasts an authentic Art Deco house, a tipi marquee and boutique accommodation options, including The Meadowood House and glamping in the trees!
East Pier Hotel
Image sourced from Hawke's Bay Trails
East Pier is a wedding venue set on the historic port of Ahuriri. The oldest beachfront dining venue in the area, East Pier presents beautiful spaces, catering and accommodation all under one roof. For weddings, there's the Ocean Suite - an expansive space with a private bar, two decks and panoramic ocean views.
Savana Estate
Image by TrueNZ
Savana Estate is an incredibly affordable yet effortlessly stunning wedding venue only a few minutes from Havelock North. Framed by the rolling hills of New Zealand's wine country, Savana Estate presents a beautiful backdrop for your big day.
Elephant Hill
Image by Samantha Donaldson
Elephant Hill is a stunning and innovative winery estate on the idyllic Te Awanga coast in Hawke's Bay. A place designed to nurture the heart and soul, Elephant Hill presents breathtaking views of the surrounding vines, the Pacific Ocean and the iconic Cape Kidnappers. With endless photo opportunities, the onsite restaurant, wine cellar and luxury accommodation - make the most of the comforts on offer at Elephant Hill.