Affordable Wedding Venues in The South Island New Zealand

Venues are often the greatest cost for a wedding. In this wedding guide, I will lead you towards great options for a good price with the intention to suit a range of desires and needs. As a wedding photographer, it is common to see both the best venues and those that are not worth the hefty price tag. Here are five wedding venue suggestions to avoid breaking your wedding budget. 

Lakeside, Oamaru 

As the photographer, I would be ignorant if I didn’t first mention the great photo opportunities around a beautiful lake and gardens. In addition, this venue is an Airbnb and is pet-friendly for those who want their furry friend as the ring bearer. If that is not enough, a ceremony spot next to the lake, which has a boat you can ride in, should help temper your romantic boat desires. And, while you’re out on the water the kids can feed the ducks keeping them entertained and making for adorable photos to look back on.

It's just minutes away from Oamaru’s main street, this venue is nearby old architecture and steampunk vibes for photos after the ceremony. After a long day, this venue includes the option to have six guests stay the night. If you would rather do that the night before, then it can become a good way to avoid an early wakeup on that special morning.

Biggest take away: I highly recommend a venue where you can stay the night prior if that's in your budget. This makes the morning much more relaxed and avoids you and your photographer having to leave early to get to your ceremony location.

  Two become one weddings North Canterbury

If you like your autumn colour set, then this might be the place for you. With many add-on options and sweet garden vibes, you can really lean into your reds and yellows. Their range of ceremonial arches alongside the cloth and dried flower options will leave you in awe. The background hedges really bring out the white wedding dress, making you the feature of photos. Finally, they have great options that can help you, such as grazing tables and gazebos that make this venue really suit a picnic vibe. Along with these are speakers for hire and micro wedding packages, including photography, celebrants and more to aid your wedding planning. 

They also host other events such as small functions and birthday I had my 21st party at this beautiful venue. Karla made an amazing grazing table and was an excellent host. Photo's featured above.

Giverny Estate: Queenstown 

Queenstown already brings multitudes of tourists due to its scenery, so why not make it the place of your special day? Giverny Estate is an affordable option with amazing views and incredible backgrounds for your photos. This site is close to town and great for privacy, so you can enjoy your day with those you love. They have great options that enhance your day such as pond bridges for an incredible isle. In addition, there are also vintage cars to be hired that can chauffer you from your accommodation.

 As a photographer, the scenery here is just stunning, and the colours can truly help bring to life your nature-filled wedding ceremony. Indoors, there is a barn for a reception, which has a minimal design. Large skylights and French doors help support what can be made into a unique creative space. 

Langdale's Vineyard: Canterbury 

Just a short drive from Christchurch, this is a great option with many choices to accommodate a range of tastes. For only $1800, you can hire the venue along with all the essentials, such as bar staff, linen, and a PA system. These extras help make this a low-stress, well-rounded option with only a few extras to arrange. A wooden theme on the inside creates a sweet rustic vibe, while a large and varied outdoor area satisfies the ladies.

When it comes to time for your bridal party photos, there are lavender and rose gardens, including a sweet bridge, spread among vineyards. There is the capacity for up to 130 reception seats and 80 seats in the ceremony space. 

Rose Historic Chapel 

Some of the best weddings remain traditional, and if that resembles your ideal day, then here is a great choice for you. Located in the heart of Christchurch and for only $600, this can be a great spot for a traditional wedding. As a heritage building, it maintains some classic and incredible designs like stained glass and spiral staircases. Seating up to 92 guests, you can have a reasonable-sized wedding and then move outside to the gardens for some group photos. After the ceremony, there are many options that you can look into for the reception. Miro Historic Building, The Town Hall and Ilex Botanic Gardens are all good choices. In case you are planning on a winter wedding this could be a great opportunity to keep warm and dry but enjoy a reasonably sized wedding. 

Photos by Lavender Turner Photography