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 acclaimed vineyards and wineries, the region boasts an abundance of beautiful wedding venues. From sprawling vineyard estates and elegant homesteads to coastal retreats and garden settings, Hawke's Bay offers a diverse range of locations for couples looking to celebrate in one of New Zealand's most picturesque regions.
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
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
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
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
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
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.
Black Barn Vineyard
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
Hawke's Bay enjoys one of New Zealand's warmest and driest climates, making it a popular wedding destination from October through April. Spring offers colourful gardens and mild temperatures, while summer and early autumn are ideal for vineyard weddings, outdoor ceremonies and long evenings. March and April are particularly popular, with settled weather and vineyards turning golden as harvest season approaches.
Hawke's Bay is domestically connected by air, with Hawke's Bay Airport offering regular flights from Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. Most wedding venues are located within 10–30 minutes of Napier, Hastings or Havelock North, making transport relatively straightforward. For guests travelling from outside the region, hiring a shuttle or arranging group transport can help simplify logistics, especially for vineyard and rural venues.
While summer and autumn are the most popular seasons for vineyard weddings, many Hawke's Bay wineries host weddings throughout the year. Spring offers vibrant gardens and fresh greenery, while autumn brings golden vines and warm, settled weather. Winter weddings can also be incredibly atmospheric, with fewer crowds, greater venue availability and the region's renowned food and wine creating a cosy setting for guests.
Te Mata Peak is one of the region's most iconic locations, known for its sweeping views across vineyards and rolling countryside. Couples can also take advantage of Hawke's Bay's many winery estates, coastal locations such as Te Awanga and Ocean Beach, the Art Deco streets of Napier, and historic properties surrounded by established gardens. Many venues incorporate these landscapes into their grounds, allowing couples to capture a variety of settings without travelling far from their celebration.
Absolutely. Hawke's Bay is well suited to elopements thanks to its diverse scenery and relatively compact geography. Couples can exchange vows among the vines at one of the region's renowned wineries, overlooking the dramatic landscape of Te Mata Peak, on the coastline at Te Awanga or Ocean Beach, or within the grounds of a historic homestead or garden estate. With stunning locations often just a short drive apart, it's easy to combine multiple backdrops into one memorable day without spending hours travelling.
