Renowned for their beautiful weddings, Orlando Country is a great choice for those wanting to pick a package and be done with it – everything is here for you! The gorgeous landscape and outlook coupled with the food, drinks, music, furniture, and more are all curated to deliver a luxurious wedding with the added benefit of extensive parking. Just a stone’s throw from the city, Orlando Country offers spectacular views overlooking the manicured rural landscape leading seamlessly to the Ruahine Ranges.
BONUS: Add something a bit different and include a golf package – wedding guests can have a few hits on the driving range while you’re off getting pics with your new spouse!
Consider: With a few different packages on offer, take your time to consider what works best for you, whether it’s the time of year or the time of day, these decisions can have a big impact on your budget.
Located at the eastern end of Palmerston North, the Manawatū Vintage Car Club is a blank canvas waiting for you to do your thing! The luscious green rolling lawn surrounded by well-established trees provide a great backdrop for an outdoor ceremony – and plenty of photo ops. You’ll feel like you are in a private oasis while being only minutes from the city. Step inside the well-equipped hall and you can save your money on furniture by making the most of their long trestle tables and chairs, not to mention the complete kitchen suitable for caterers of all styles. As a BYO venue, the options are endless – just work with one of the many amazing caterers on offer in the region (keep scrolling for our top picks!).
BONUS: The epic, tree lined driveway will give you the grand entrance you’ve always wanted!
Consider: The mobile reception is a bit hit and miss so get those taxis booked in early.
The Chalet is a renowned wedding venue in Palmerston North, located on the Hokowhitu Lagoon. With exposed gable ceilings and floor to beam windows overlooking the lagoon, The Chalet is the perfect setting for an elegant wedding. Well-experienced in hosting weddings, everything is here for you, all tables, chairs, dinnerware, cutlery, napkins and glassware are provided, and the staff even handle the venue set up, pack down and cleaning – all you need to do is add any finishing touches or decorations. All of this with the added benefit of a BYO liquor license means you bring the alcohol and let their bar staff take care of the rest.
BONUS: The Chalet is home to one of the best caterers in the region, Boatshed Catering, so you know you are onto a winner!
Consider: If you have lots of travelling guests, this location is great, a five-minute drive from the centre of Palmerston North city, and close to many accommodation providers on Fitzherbert Ave.
If you are looking for a great venue closer to Feilding, Te Puna is the place for you. Just five minutes from the centre of town, the rural setting will have you feeling miles away. Native bush, lakes, extensive rolling lawns and with a sunset view to die for the ceremony opportunities are endless. The large lawn makes for a great space for canapes or, if you’ve got a lively bunch, bring out the lawn games! The converted pole shed gives a rustic vibe, with the ability to open the huge sliding doors to provide the indoor/outdoor flow perfect for a summer wedding.
BONUS: Te Puna allows you the flexibility of providing all your own alcohol and food – choose the caterers of your dreams, whether it be food trucks or a sit down three course meal, the choice is yours!
Consider: Travel to and from the venue on the rural roads is a very real consideration after a big night! Think about pre booking those taxi vans or maybe a bus from town.
Located at the Palmerston North end of the Pahiatua Track, in Aokautere, Roseburn Park is a one stop shop. With gorgeous rose and flower gardens, a tranquil lake, and a beautiful old homestead, it is truly a photographer’s dream. Go for the whole package and sit back and relax (seriously!). This package includes the hiring of the marquee with all the furnishings, tables linens, cutlery, plates, and dance floor, the use of the kitchen for the caterers and other facilities as well as the use of the venue and gardens for the ceremony. From archways and chairs to wine barrels and shepherds hooks, Roseburn have a range of outdoor furniture ready onsite for you.
BONUS: The spectacular bridal walk allows you time to calm the nerves, take in the beautiful surroundings and share those last intimate moments with that special person walking you down the aisle. Beginning at the 1900’s character home that overlooks the grounds you’ll descend a red brick stairway, cross a rustic bridge, meander through the rose and flower gardens, before reaching the celebration area beside the tranquil lake.
Consider: Don’t let the drive out of town put you off, at Roseburn Park you’ll find accommodation for the whole bridal party – making the early start for wedding glam that little bit easier – and the Honeymoon Suite is also a lovely option for the bride and groom once the partying is done!
Located an hour out of Palmerston North, Makoura Lodge is a dreamy destination wedding venue that has everything you need. Set in the peaceful countryside of rural Manawatū it is the perfect setting to tie the knot. With indoor or outdoor ceremony areas to choose from, reception for up to 110 guests, onsite accommodation, delicious catering, boutique bar, beautiful photographic landscapes, and a dedicated friendly team that will create a seamless, personalised, and memorable day for all - this truly is your one stop shop.
BONUS: When you book a Makoura wedding you get private use of the Lodge and accommodation from the afternoon before your wedding to the day after (two days and two nights), so you can sit down and catch up with your guests the following morning over a big breaky. The accommodation can sleep up to 52 guests plus offers unlimited camping, with the added luxury of Burnside Cottage - perfect for bridal party preparations.
Consider: Makoura Lodge offers off-season and mid week special rates with no minimum guest numbers so you can have an intimate, boutique-style wedding. With vendors, friends, and family generally more available at off-peak dates, weddings at this time have been known to be easier to plan and more affordable!
If you are looking for a secluded country estate, with breathtaking riverside views, Rathmoy may be for you. Rathmoy Estate offers a peaceful wedding setting on the Rangitīkei River allowing you to exchange vows beneath the soaring white papa cliffs with the soft sounds of nature all around. Situated near Hunterville and a short drive from Palmerston North and Whanganui, Rathmoy is the perfect wedding venue for those seeking a serene country atmosphere. You’ll find everything here that you need, with the added luxury of BYO alcohol – saving you that corkage fee you often find at corporate venues.
BONUS: After something a little more intimate? Rathmoy Lodge specialise in elopement packages or weddings starting at just 10 people.
Consider: Depending on where you are travelling from you might want to think about accommodation. Good thing the deluxe package includes three nights’ accommodation for up to 10 people at Rathmoy Estate's River Lodge.
Rathmoy Estate | Riverside Wedding Venue | Wedding Venue Rangitikel,
Nestled amidst beautifully landscaped gardens the stunning location of Wharerata sets the stage for a truly magical celebration of love. Designed to be a walk in and walk out venue, you simply supply the team with your decorations, and they’ll do the full set up and clean-up end-to-end. The team have over 30 years’ experience designing and delivering personlised, elegant weddings so you can trust they will work closely with you to bring your vision to life.
BONUS: Wharerata provides the ease of having everything in one location - from hosting your ceremony, photography locations, reception dinner and dancing the night away - even boutique accommodation for the bridal party can be utilised onsite!
Consider: Located at Massey University, parking is limited, so consider buses or other group transportation from the city which is a five-minute drive away.
A boutique wedding venue about 40 minutes from Palmerston North, Pohangina Heights is made up of nine-acres of gardens nestled in the Ruahine Ranges with stunning views of the beautiful valley. With three different outdoor wedding areas to choose from as well as a large venue hall for the reception, you can create a day that is as unique as you. Although it is primarily designed to be a BYO venue (to help you save on costs) the hosts are happy to help where you need!
BONUS: Get around the drive back to the city by camping out with your guests in this oasis.
Consider: To fully appreciate this beautiful piece of paradise, book in a site visit!
This hidden gem on the outskirts of Palmerston North is a terrific, budget-friendly option for your reception. With a large hall, you’ll have space for guests seated in whatever arrangement you prefer, without skimping on the all-important dance floor. Ready for you to make your mark, this hall is a great place to transform into the reception of your dreams.
BONUS: The garden space at the back is a great ceremony option if you want to do everything in one place. And later, it’s a great area for those looking to get some air after dancing the night away!
Consider: The outdoor space doesn’t offer much shade so if you’re planning a mid-Summer wedding, it might be best to hire some umbrellas to keep your guests cool.
Ok, so we realise that technically this isn’t a location! But the best part of the George & Co. clear marquee is that you can set it up (almost) anywhere. It’s the perfect option to elevate your backyard wedding, modernise the rustic farm vibe, or provide an epic wet weather option. The sleek black lining combined with the clear ceiling and walls will have you feeling like you are enjoying the best of New Zealand’s outdoors while sheltering from the seasons.
BONUS: George & Co. are the best of the best when it comes to wedding design and delivery, absolutely talk to them about more than just the venue!
Consider: Already have the perfect venue but need a bit more space? Or maybe you haven’t thought about a wet-weather option. The marquee is a great add-on while keeping it classy.
George + Co | Wedding + Event Planning, Coordination and Hire | Manawatu (georgeandcoevents.co.nz)
Artisan Kitchen
Led by seasoned, award winning chef, Mark Harman, Artisan Kitchen can provide elegant solutions to whatever style of catering you require.
Artisan Kitchen | Wedding and Event Catering | Manawatu-Wanganui, New Zealand
Boatshed Catering
Offering top-class catering solutions at The Chalet or offsite, this delicious food will be memorable for you and your guests.
Crafted and Co.
Food and vibes. Real burgers, delicious doughnuts and fried chicken to die for, the team at Crafted and Co. know how to make your day.
HG Catering
Using locally sourced, fresh produce, HG Catering offers a range of solutions - select the options that work best for you from their wide range of menu.
Jamil's Catering
Offering authentic Brazilian BBQ or classic Kiwi styled catering, Jamil delivers exceptional food in whatever style you like - nibbles, platters or sit down meals.
Not Now James
These experienced wedding and event caterers allow you to completely customise your dining experience, tailoring your catering to your individual tastes.
Not Now James | Corporate and Party Caterer Palmerston North
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