The Best Wanaka Wedding Venues
Views out towards Ruby Island at Rippon Vineyard, Wanaka.
I think Wanaka is the best place in the world to get married. Alright, I’m pretty biased, as it’s my home and happy place. Like Queenstown, it has stunning lake views, soaring mountains, and a wide range of great wedding venues. The main difference is the population size. Wanaka has a much smaller population, and without an international airport, it doesn’t get inundated with mass tourism, giving you more opportunities to relax, explore and focus on the important things.
The following list showcases some of my favorite Wanaka wedding venues, in no particular order. Right, let’s get into it!
Rippon Hall
If I had to offer just one Wanaka venue suggestion for weddings, it would be Rippon Hall. You’ll see one photo of that incredible vineyard view and you’ll be sold. It’s always pretty special watching a bride walk down towards the ceremony, overlooking Lake Wanaka and Ruby Island. There’s a helipad on site and it’s literally a 2 minute's flight to Coromandel Peak. Alternatively, a quick drive to the private vineyard offers lots of great photo/video options.
A Wanaka wedding video at Rippon Hall.
Criffel Station Woolshed
Stationed on a 2000-hectare high country deer farm, you’re getting panoramic views and access to an authentic, cozy, rustic woolshed as a reception venue or ceremony plan B. I particularly love the warm and soft lighting that this venue offers (it’s created by a plastic covering over small spyholes in the roof). It’s authentic and kiwi, yet with some incredibly luxurious and sophisticated styling.
A Wanaka wedding video at Criffel Station Woolshed.
Reception set up at Criffel Station Woolshed.
Minaret Station
Minaret Station is a private, luxury lodge set in a remote glacial valley (Minaret Burn) and accessible only by helicopter (Wanaka’s Alpine Helicopters to be specific). The lodge is surrounded by towering peaks and waterfalls. There’s a range of premium activities or experiences accessible from this incredible place that you can integrate into your wedding day too. It really is truly unique, even on a global scale. I recommend stopping by one of the nearby waterfalls post-ceremony to capture some amazing photo and video moments.
Oasis Yurt Lodge
This is a really unique accommodation experience that has a focus on community and interaction, thriving on bringing people together in an inspiring natural environment. This venue is best utilized if you have a wedding party big enough for exclusive hire. It feels like one big luxurious camping trip and the communal kitchen, living, and entertainment spaces really help drive a deeper connection among your group. The lodge sits on the elevated Cardrona River terraces, offering great views of the surrounding plains and incredible night skies.
A Wanaka wedding video at Oasis Yurt Lodge.
Edgewater
I’ve not a big fan of hotels, however, Edgewater is run by a great team and it’s an incredibly convenient location (only a short walk from the town center). You’ll have the lakefront at your fingertips and some good facilities for hosting your reception. If you’re getting married on the lawns or beach here, then I’d recommend also booking a heli trip so we can get some additional footage from a more remote and higher location. This will balance out the lake-level footage and help me deliver a more dynamic film.
I hope you found these recommendations helpful. There’s obviously lots more equally great options out there and I’d be happy to chat if you have any specific questions or would like some more suggestions. Happy wedding planning!
Some images in this blog were provided by our awesome friends over at Alpine Image Co.
Discover more Wanaka Wedding Venues at the Wanaka Wedding Collective directory.
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