Northland Wedding Venues: The Top Places to Get Married
by Avya Trotter-Hlavac | Photos by Moments and Waves
Northland is renowned for its coastal retreats, clifftop locations, colonial-era towns and heritage sites. When it comes to Northland wedding venues, you can expect beautiful spaces that complement their surroundings. From beachside resorts to historic pubs, there’s a venue to suit your dream wedding, whatever that looks like for you. Here, we’ve collated a list of our favourite Northland wedding venues for you to peruse.
Set amidst the rolling hills and golden beaches of the Bay of Islands, Bayly's Farm is a private slice of Northland beauty. As a BYO venue, Bayly's Farm provides the functional elements such as the marquee, furniture and lighting - leaving you to get creative with your styling and catering. Even more magical than photos can convey, this Northland venue is well worth the drive.
Zane Grey’s
Set in the heart of Paihia and 25 minutes from Kerikeri National Airport, Zane Greys is a venue that encapsulates the Bay of Islands perfectly. Sun-soaked decks showcase wide-open vistas, whilst the restaurant provides unique dining spaces and bespoke menus with excellent service. This could be your wedding at Zane Greys.
Liddington Gardens
Liddington Gardens is undoubtedly one of the most stunning venues in the Bay of Islands. The picturesque property presents a native bush backdrop, manicured lawns, a gorgeous pond and a modern shed-style reception space. Located in Kerikeri, Liddington Gardens is a destination venue of the Northern kind.
Dolphin Bay
There are no bad angles at Dolphin Bay. Nestled on 10 acres of coastal property, Dolphin Bay is a secluded wedding venue overlooking Mahinepua Bay. With private beach access, your ceremony can take place on the beachfront or the clifftop with panoramic sea views. As a BYO venue, you have total freedom when it comes to the planning of your event. Tables, chairs, pews and a wedding arch are included in venue hire, while marquees can be installed at an additional cost.
Seronera Gardens
Seronera is a hidden gem in Kerikeri, Bay of Islands. The semi-circular river-bound property has gorgeous gardens, gum trees, a ceremony archway, a 20 m-long rose tunnel and a purpose-built pavilion. As a BYO venue with no corkage charge, Seronera allows you to curate your dream day.
Carrington Estate
Carrington is a grand estate in the heart of Northland. The 3000-acre estate on the pristine and picturesque Karikari Peninsula is a world-class beach-side escape and a unique wedding venue.
Omata Estate
Omata Estate is not only one of Northland's premium vineyards but also a beautiful wedding venue. Instead of a "one size fits all wedding package", the Omata Estate team will work alongside you to curate a day that reflects you. With beautiful spaces and onsite glamping, Omata Estate is a sought-after location just 10 minutes from Russell.
The Duke
Revel in Kiwiana at the Duke of Marlborough, the iconic establishment on Russell's waterfront. Built in 1827, the Duke of Marlborough was the first beholder of a liquor license in New Zealand. This landmark venue has been restored in recent years and now offers an outstanding restaurant, accommodation and wedding venue to couples seeking a truly Northland-esk wedding.
Whangarei Quarry Gardens
Whangarei Quarry Gardens is a green oasis only a few minutes drive from central Whangarei. Possible ceremony locations within the Gardens include beside the lake, with the waterfall as your backdrop or amidst dramatic concrete ruins full of orchids and epiphytes. This Northland gem is perfect for your ceremony, mingling and wedding photos.
Wai Rua Escapes
Wai Rua Escapes is a Whangarei venue set amidst a panorama of native bush, tranquil lakes, and volcanic landscapes. With a permanent marquee and accommodation options ranging from the self-contained cottage to the glamping yurt, Wai Rua is the perfect venue for an off-the-grid wedding weekend.
Barge Showgrounds Events Centre
Barge Showgrounds is a Whangarei venue that boasts manicured lawns, a purpose-built alfresco pergola and a versatile Events Centre. Hosting up to 180 guests, Barge Showgrounds is the perfect blank space venue for your BYO wedding.
Northland has local wedding suppliers across areas such as Whangārei, Kerikeri, Paihia, Russell and the wider Bay of Islands, but availability will depend on your wedding date, location and brief. For more remote venues or highly specific styling, some couples may also bring suppliers from Auckland or elsewhere in the North Island. Before booking vendors, ask your venue whether they have preferred local suppliers, and confirm travel fees, setup access and pack-down requirements.
Northland is less of a central wedding hub and more about choosing the right pocket of the region. The Bay of Islands, including Russell, Paihia and Kerikeri, suits couples seeking coastal scenery, destination appeal and nearby guest activities. Whangārei is a practical option for guests travelling from Auckland or further south, while Doubtless Bay and the Karikari Peninsula offer a more remote, holiday-style feel. Before booking, consider how far guests will need to travel, where they will stay, and whether the venue is close to restaurants, beaches, transport and accommodation.
Guest accommodation will depend heavily on the venue location. For Bay of Islands weddings, Paihia, Russell and Kerikeri are practical bases, while Whangārei is useful for weddings closer to the city or surrounding gardens and event spaces. For venues around Doubtless Bay, Taipa or the Karikari Peninsula, guests may be better staying close to the venue rather than relying on a long drive after the reception. Some venues in this guide offer accommodation or glamping, such as Duke of Marlborough, Taipa Beach Resort, Omata Estate, and Wai Rua Escapes, but larger weddings will usually need nearby options as well.
