The Best Wanaka Wedding Venues
Photos by Kate Alexandra Photography

The Best Wanaka Wedding Venues

by Avya Hlavac |
Photos by Kate Alexandra Photography

From its snowy mountain ranges to the crystal clear waters, Wanaka is the definition of pure New Zealand. Wanaka wedding venues all have one thing in common: that breathtaking landscape the region is famous for. Just a stone's throw from Queenstown, Wanaka has a range of venues sure to spark your excitement - from country lodges to rustic woolsheds and boutique hotels. This curated list by NZ Venues showcases the best Wanaka wedding venues for couples planning to celebrate in Central Otago. 

Table of contents

    The Venue Wanaka

    The Venue is a rustic space in the heart of Wanaka, surrounded by striking alpine ranges. Boasting timber flooring, a gas fireplace and a wooden aesthetic throughout - the building itself is a cosy haven amidst a wintry wonderland. The sunny courtyard and mature gardens are perfect for a wedding ceremony, lawn games and mingling with friends. 

    Wanaka Haven

    Wanaka Haven is a country lodge set on 4 hectares of beautiful grounds and framed by the Southern Alps. Venue hire includes exclusive use of the property and overnight accommodation for up to 14 guests - making it a bridal party getaway location!

    Rove Bar

    Rove Bar wears many hats: premium cafe, bar, event space & wedding venue. Known for great food, coffee and cocktails - Rove Bar offers the golden trio. A relaxed reception venue hosting up to 150 guests, you'll find Rove Bar in the heart of Wanaka.

    The Olive Grove

    The Olive Grove is the BYO wedding venue of our dreams. Framed by olive trees, the landscaped grounds overlook farmland, Lake Wanaka and distant islands. There is a large area for the addition of a marquee, with easy catering access, water supply and generous parking. The onsite cottage provides the perfect space for last-minute touch-ups, changing and having a quiet moment to yourselves.

    Edgewater Hotel

    Situated on the shores of Lake Wanaka, Edgewater gracefully embodies the beauty of Central Otago. The beautiful property extends along the lake, providing a multitude of spaces for your ceremony, cocktail hour and photos. For wedding parties of up to 100, the venue offers both the Pavilion and the Alcove together - creating a light-filled space for your wedding reception and dance floor.

    Criffel Station

    Bring all new meaning to the exclusivity of your Wanaka wedding elopement celebration at Criffel Station - an elevated property with magnificent views and a restored woolshed. Due to exciting developments underway at Criffel Station, currently, only booking Elopement Weddings at the Henry’s Hut space are possible. 

    Rippon


    Atop the lovely Rippon Hill, Rippon Hall presents a breathtaking backdrop and a duo of spaces for your Wanaka wedding. The indoor spaces include the main hall and a fixed canopy - seating up to 230 guests. The property also features a natural amphitheatre, which serves as a popular ceremony location.

    Maple Lodge

    Maple Lodge is a boutique lodge and wedding venue located alongside Lake Wanaka. The property includes beautiful gardens, a dining room and a clear-sided pavilion marquee. The Lodge itself sleeps up to 14 guests and is a homely space for pre and post-wedding celebrations.

    Cardrona Hotel

    For a Southland venue that is a little rustic and a lot iconic, there's Cardrona Hotel. A landmark building on the stretch between Queenstown and Wanaka, Cardrona Hotel is the definition of a destination venue in New Zealand. The Restaurant seats 80 guests, and the Hotel sleeps 40 guests. A marquee can be added to the gardens to increase that capacity, and catering options range from walk & fork to set menus. 

    Minaret Station

    Accessible only by helicopter, Minaret Station is nestled in a remote glacial valley surrounded by towering peaks, providing one of the world’s most unique venues. Hosting weddings with up to forty guests, Minaret Station is a destination venue for those seeking an intimate day in a most spectacular location.

    Lake Hawea View

    An hour from Queenstown, you'll find Lake Hawea View. This cedar-clad homestead presents breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, from mountain vistas to the glistening lake. The homestead seats 40 guests, and a marquee can be added to increase the guest capacity.

    Glendhu Station

    Glendhu Station is a family-owned, high-country station set on the shores of Lake Wanaka. With a modernised woolshed and 1,200 hectares of high country at your fingertips, Glendhu Station is a wedding venue with a magnificent outlook. 

    The Lookout Lodge

    For magical winter weddings by the fire or summer days on the manicured lawns, The Lookout Lodge is a magnificent venue throughout every season. You'll find The Lookout Lodge just 10 minutes from Wanaka. With a grand dining room, seven guest rooms, expansive lawns and a commercial kitchen - The Lookout Lodge is a comprehensive venue with a world of charm.

    Oasis Yurt Lodge

    Oasis Yurt Lodge provides a beautiful, earthy backdrop for your intimate elopement or wedding celebration. Venue hire includes the Lodge, several yurt/tipis to stay overnight and manicured lawns to dine al-fresco or add a small marquee. Designed for intimate weddings and elopements, Oasis is best for up to 24 guests.


    Wanaka can be beautiful in every season, but each time of year creates a different wedding experience. Summer and early autumn are popular for outdoor ceremonies, lakefront photos and garden celebrations, while winter suits cosy lodge weddings, alpine backdrops and celebrations near the snow. Because weather can shift quickly in mountain regions, couples should always ask their venue about indoor backup options, heating, shade and wet-weather plans.

    Transport is one of the most important logistics for a Wanaka wedding, especially if guests are flying into Queenstown, staying across different areas, or travelling to a venue outside central Wanaka. Rural roads, unfamiliar routes, winter conditions and late-night returns can all make shuttles a smart choice. For larger weddings, consider a central pickup point, return shuttles after the reception, and clear timing on your invitations or wedding website.

    Many couples planning a Wanaka wedding will look across both Wanaka and Queenstown for suppliers, particularly for photography, florals, styling, hair and makeup, music, hire and transport. The best approach depends on your budget, date and overall style. Ask your venue whether they have preferred suppliers or local recommendations, then confirm travel fees, setup times and whether suppliers are familiar with the venue or wider Wanaka area.

    Some Wanaka wedding venues offer onsite accommodation, which is especially useful for destination weddings and elopements. In this guide, Wanaka Haven and Maple Lodge sleep up to 14 guests, Cardrona Hotel sleeps 40, The Lookout Lodge has seven guest rooms, and Oasis Yurt Lodge includes overnight yurt and tipi stays. For larger guest lists, couples will likely need additional accommodation in Wanaka township.