Best Wedding Venues in Tauranga: Discover the Top 5 Experts for Your Dream Day
Tauranga, nestled in the sun-drenched Bay of Plenty, is a stunning backdrop for weddings, blending coastal beauty, lush countryside, and vibrant Māori culture. The best wedding venues in Tauranga offer diverse settings, from waterfront retreats to rustic estates, paired with expert services to bring your vision to life. Whether you’re planning an intimate gathering or a grand celebration, these venues provide personalized experiences infused with Tauranga’s natural charm and warm hospitality, ensuring an unforgettable day.
We’ve handpicked five exceptional Tauranga wedding venues with verified online presence, outstanding facilities, and glowing client reviews. Each offers unique settings and comprehensive services, from in-house catering to event coordination, tailored to your needs. Explore our in-depth guide to find the perfect venue for your love story in this coastal paradise.
1. Black Walnut Venue
About the Business
Black Walnut Venue, established in 2016, is one of Tauranga’s premier wedding venues, set on 10 acres of lush grounds in Welcome Bay. Known for its modern barn and panoramic views of Mount Maunganui, this family-run estate offers a blend of rustic elegance and contemporary luxury, making it a top choice for romantic celebrations.
Key Services / What They Offer
Provides exclusive venue hire for up to 150 guests, featuring a sleek barn, outdoor ceremony spaces, and landscaped gardens. Services include in-house catering with local Bay of Plenty produce, full event coordination, bar services, and styling packages. They offer AV equipment, ample parking, and a bridal preparation suite, with optional extras like marquees and cultural performances.
Who It’s For
Ideal for couples seeking a modern, rustic wedding with stunning views and comprehensive services, perfect for medium-sized events with a touch of elegance.
What to Expect
Expect a picturesque setting with rolling lawns, native trees, and Mount Maunganui as a backdrop, creating a romantic, versatile ambiance. The barn’s high ceilings and glass doors offer a chic reception space, while outdoor areas host scenic ceremonies. The catering team crafts menus featuring local seafood, lamb, and kiwifruit, paired with attentive service. Dedicated coordinators ensure a seamless event, with the grounds providing breathtaking photo opportunities.
Standout Features
- Modern barn with panoramic Mount Maunganui views.
- 10-acre estate with lush gardens for ceremonies and photos.
- In-house catering with customizable, locally sourced menus.
Customer Feedback
Google reviews average 4.8 stars, with couples praising the “stunning venue” and “impeccable coordination.” One bride noted, “Black Walnut’s barn and views made our wedding day magical—the team was phenomenal!”
Why Choose Them?
Black Walnut Venue offers a modern, rustic wedding experience with breathtaking views and comprehensive services, ensuring an elegant and seamless celebration in Tauranga.
Location & Contact Details
165 Welcome Bay Road, Welcome Bay, Tauranga 3112
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Website: www.blackwalnutvenue.co.nz
Hours: Your business? Get in touch to update your opening hours.
2. L’Orangerie
About the Business
L’Orangerie, opened as a wedding venue in 2017, is a French-inspired estate 15 minutes from central Tauranga, set on 5 acres of lush orchards and gardens. Renowned for its European elegance and intimate charm, this boutique venue offers a romantic, exclusive setting for weddings, blending rustic and sophisticated elements.
Key Services / What They Offer
Provides exclusive venue hire for up to 100 guests, featuring a glasshouse-style orangery, outdoor ceremony spaces, and manicured gardens. Services include in-house catering with local produce, event coordination, BYO alcohol options, and styling packages with French-inspired décor. They offer AV equipment, parking, and a bridal preparation suite.
Who It’s For
Suited for couples seeking an intimate, European-inspired wedding with a garden setting and flexible catering options, ideal for small to medium-sized events.
What to Expect
Expect a serene estate with vibrant orchards, rose gardens, and a stunning glasshouse orangery, creating a romantic, French-chic ambiance. The catering team designs menus showcasing Tauranga’s seafood, avocados, and seasonal produce, with BYO alcohol ensuring cost flexibility. Coordinators manage every detail, from ceremony setups to receptions, with the gardens and glasshouse offering idyllic photo backdrops for a tailored celebration.
Standout Features
- French-inspired glasshouse orangery with garden views.
- BYO alcohol option for budget-friendly customization.
- 5-acre estate with orchards and roses for ceremonies.
Customer Feedback
Google reviews average 4.7 stars, with couples noting “gorgeous European charm” and “personalized service.” One review said, “L’Orangerie’s glasshouse and gardens made our wedding feel like a French fairytale!”
Why Choose Them?
L’Orangerie delivers an intimate, French-inspired wedding experience with elegant charm and flexible options, ensuring a romantic and memorable celebration in Tauranga.
Location & Contact Details
139 Belk Road South, Omanawa, Tauranga 3171
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Website: www.lorangerie.co.nz
Hours: Your business? Get in touch to update your opening hours.
3. Eagle Ridge Country Estate
About the Business
Eagle Ridge Country Estate, established in 2009, is a secluded luxury venue in Tauranga’s countryside, known for its sprawling grounds and high-end facilities. Offering panoramic views of the Bay of Plenty, this estate combines rustic sophistication with modern amenities, making it a sought-after choice for grand weddings.
Key Services / What They Offer
Provides exclusive venue hire for up to 200 guests, featuring a grand pavilion, outdoor ceremony spaces, and landscaped gardens. Services include in-house catering with local and Māori-inspired cuisine, full event coordination, bar services, and on-site accommodation for up to 24 guests. They offer AV equipment, styling packages, and a helipad for dramatic arrivals.
Who It’s For
Perfect for couples seeking a luxurious, countryside wedding with expansive facilities and accommodation, ideal for medium to large events with a touch of grandeur.
What to Expect
Expect a breathtaking estate with rolling hills, native bush, and sweeping coastal views, creating a sophisticated, serene ambiance. The pavilion’s elegant design accommodates grand receptions, while gardens host scenic ceremonies. The catering team crafts menus featuring local seafood, lamb, and kiwifruit, with optional Māori elements like rewena bread. Coordinators ensure a flawless event, with accommodation and a helipad adding exclusivity.
Standout Features
- Luxury pavilion with panoramic Bay of Plenty views.
- Accommodation for up to 24 in high-end suites.
- Helipad for unique arrivals and scenic tours.
Customer Feedback
Google reviews average 4.8 stars, with couples praising the “luxurious setting” and “top-tier service.” One bride noted, “Eagle Ridge’s views and catering made our wedding a dream come true!”
Why Choose Them?
Eagle Ridge Country Estate offers a luxurious, countryside wedding with expansive facilities and exclusive amenities, ensuring a grand and unforgettable celebration in Tauranga.
Location & Contact Details
171 Ohauiti Road, Ohauiti, Tauranga 3173
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Website: www.eagleridge.co.nz
Hours: Your business? Get in touch to update your opening hours.
4. The Elms | Te Papa Tauranga
About the Business
The Elms | Te Papa Tauranga, a historic wedding venue since 2000, is a heritage estate in Tauranga’s city center, dating back to 1835. Known for its colonial charm and cultural significance, this venue offers a timeless setting with lush gardens, making it ideal for couples seeking a historic, urban wedding.
Key Services / What They Offer
Offers venue hire for up to 120 guests, with a historic mission house, garden ceremony spaces, and a marquee area. Services include in-house catering with local produce, event coordination, bar services, and styling packages with vintage décor. They provide AV equipment, parking, and access to the estate’s heritage features for photos.
Who It’s For
Suitable for couples seeking a historic, urban wedding with colonial charm and garden elegance, ideal for small to medium-sized events.
What to Expect
Expect a charming estate with manicured gardens, a historic mission house, and a serene ambiance, creating a timeless, romantic setting. The catering team designs menus featuring Tauranga’s seafood, avocados, and seasonal produce, ensuring a fresh, flavorful experience. Coordinators manage logistics, with the estate’s heritage buildings and gardens offering stunning photo opportunities in a central location.
Standout Features
- Historic 1835 mission house with colonial charm.
- Lush gardens for ceremonies and heritage photo backdrops.
- Central Tauranga location with easy guest access.
Customer Feedback
Google reviews average 4.6 stars, with couples noting “timeless beauty” and “professional service.” One review said, “The Elms’ gardens and history made our wedding feel magical!”
Why Choose Them?
The Elms | Te Papa Tauranga delivers a historic, urban wedding with colonial elegance and cultural significance, ensuring a timeless and memorable celebration in Tauranga.
Location & Contact Details
15 Mission Street, Tauranga 3110
Phone: Your business? Get in touch to update your phone number.
Website: www.theelms.org.nz
Hours: Your business? Get in touch to update your opening hours.
5. Ataahua Garden Venue
About the Business
Ataahua Garden Venue, launched in 2018, is an Italian-inspired estate in Papamoa, 15 minutes from Tauranga, set on 7 acres of orchards and gardens. Renowned for its romantic, Mediterranean charm, this venue offers a luxurious, exclusive setting for weddings, blending elegance with natural beauty.
Key Services / What They Offer
Provides exclusive venue hire for up to 130 guests, featuring a grand pavilion, outdoor ceremony spaces, and manicured gardens. Services include in-house catering with local and Māori-inspired cuisine, full event coordination, bar services, and all-inclusive packages with celebrant, photographer, and florals. They offer AV equipment, accommodation for up to 10, and parking.
Who It’s For
Great for couples seeking a luxurious, Mediterranean-inspired wedding with all-inclusive options and a garden setting, ideal for medium-sized events.
What to Expect
Expect a lush estate with olive groves, citrus orchards, and a grand pavilion, creating a romantic, Italian-inspired ambiance. The catering team crafts menus featuring local seafood, lamb, and kiwifruit, with Māori elements like hāngī-inspired dishes available. All-inclusive packages streamline planning, covering everything from photography to décor, while coordinators ensure a flawless event. The gardens offer stunning photo backdrops for a memorable day.
Standout Features
- Italian-inspired pavilion with olive groves and orchards.
- All-inclusive packages with celebrant, photographer, and florals.
- Accommodation for up to 10 in boutique suites.
Customer Feedback
Google reviews average 4.7 stars, with couples praising the “Mediterranean charm” and “all-inclusive ease.” One bride noted, “Ataahua’s pavilion and package made our wedding stress-free and beautiful!”
Why Choose Them?
Ataahua Garden Venue offers a luxurious, Mediterranean-inspired wedding with all-inclusive options and romantic elegance, ensuring an effortless and stunning celebration in Tauranga.
Location & Contact Details
149 Te Puke Highway, Papamoa, Tauranga 3187
Phone: Your business? Get in touch to update your phone number.
Website: www.ataahuaestate.co.nz
Hours: Your business? Get in touch to update your opening hours.
Conclusion: Create Your Dream Wedding with Tauranga’s Best Venues
Tauranga’s wedding venues capture the essence of the Bay of Plenty’s coastal and cultural beauty, and the best wedding venues in Tauranga offer diverse settings to bring your love story to life. From Black Walnut’s modern rustic elegance to L’Orangerie’s French-inspired charm, Eagle Ridge’s luxurious countryside grandeur, The Elms’ historic allure, and Ataahua’s Mediterranean romance, these top five venues provide expert services and stunning backdrops. Whether you envision an intimate or grand celebration, they ensure your day is unforgettable.
Ready to plan your dream wedding? Visit the websites of these Tauranga wedding venues to book a tour or consultation. With their expertise and Tauranga’s coastal splendor, your special day will shine as brightly as the region’s sunlit shores.
Helpful Information About Tauranga Wedding Venues
Planning a wedding in Tauranga offers couples an incredible array of venue options, from coastal retreats to countryside estates nestled throughout the Bay of Plenty. Whether you’re dreaming of an intimate garden ceremony in Papamoa or a grand event near Mount Maunganui, the city’s diverse landscape and sunny climate provide the perfect backdrop year-round. Many local venues capitalize on Tauranga’s natural charm, incorporating ocean views, native bush, and regional produce into their offerings. With a strong blend of modern convenience and cultural heritage, Tauranga wedding venues cater to a wide range of styles, budgets, and guest counts.
Many wedding venues in Tauranga also offer full-service experiences, often including in-house catering, event coordination, and access to trusted local vendors. Nearby suburbs like Welcome Bay, Bethlehem, and Omanawa are popular for their scenic properties and tranquil vibes, making them ideal for celebrations that feel both exclusive and connected to nature. Local venues respect and often reflect the area’s Māori heritage, and many include unique cultural touches to help personalize your wedding day. By choosing a Tauranga venue, couples can enjoy the perfect mix of coastal elegance and grounded hospitality that represents the Bay of Plenty lifestyle.
Choosing the Right Wedding Venue in Tauranga
- Consider your guest list size to ensure the venue can comfortably accommodate your celebration, whether you’re planning a small gathering or a large party.
- Visit venues in person around suburbs like Papamoa, Ohauiti, and Omanawa to get a real feel for the space, surroundings, and amenities on offer.
- Ask about package inclusions—many Tauranga venues offer catering, styling, or coordination, which can streamline the planning process.
- Check availability well in advance, particularly for summer months when wedding venues in Tauranga are in high demand.
- Factor in nearby accommodations and transportation options for guests, especially if the venue is in a more rural area outside the Tauranga CBD.
- Look for venues that showcase the natural beauty of the Bay of Plenty, such as ocean views, native flora, or proximity to landmarks like Mount Maunganui.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tauranga Wedding Venues
What is the best time of year to get married in Tauranga?
Tauranga’s climate is mild and sunny most of the year, but spring and summer (October to March) are particularly popular for weddings due to long daylight hours and ideal outdoor conditions. Booking early for these months is recommended, as venues often fill quickly.
Do wedding venues in Tauranga offer in-house catering?
Many wedding venues in Tauranga provide in-house catering with menus that highlight local produce such as seafood, lamb, and kiwifruit. However, some venues also allow external or BYO catering options, depending on the package selected.
Are there beachfront wedding venues available in Tauranga?
Yes, Tauranga offers several beachfront and coastal venues, especially in areas like Mount Maunganui and Papamoa. These venues provide stunning ocean views and often include outdoor ceremony areas right by the water.
How far in advance should I book a wedding venue in Tauranga?
It’s best to book your wedding venue at least 12–18 months in advance, particularly if you’re planning a summer wedding. This ensures availability and gives ample time to arrange vendors and accommodation for guests.
Are Tauranga wedding venues suitable for destination weddings?
Absolutely. Tauranga is a popular choice for destination weddings thanks to its natural beauty, coastal charm, and airport access. Many venues offer all-inclusive packages and on-site accommodations, making it easy for out-of-town guests to enjoy a seamless experience.