8 Small Intimate Wedding Venues in Auckland (for 20 people or less) | An Elopement Photographer’s Guide
You might’ve realised that finding a wedding venue that has a minimum guest count of less than 50 in Auckland is pretty dang hard.
Don’t worry — I’ve done the legwork for you! In this guide I’ve round up the best venues that cater for micro weddings and elopements. And I’ve personally visited each of these venues, snapped some photos, and chatted with the lovely people behind them.
If you’re looking for a space to say “I do” with your nearest and dearest in Auckland, here’s everything you need to know.
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Why Have a Small Wedding?
Let’s face it: not everyone wants the big, traditional wedding. And honestly? Small weddings just hit different. Here’s why:
More quality time with your people. No need to do the “thank you for coming” rounds for hours — you actually get to enjoy your day!
Budget goes further. Instead of feeding 150 people, you can splurge on an epic dinner, a dream photographer (hi), or a luxurious honeymoon.
Less stress. Fewer logistics, fewer opinions, fewer seating charts = more breathing room.
You can get married somewhere actually special. Small guest lists mean you can say “I do” in places that wouldn’t work for a crowd—like a private garden, a charming barn, or a quirky backyard.
What to Look for in a Small Wedding Venue
Choosing the right venue for a small wedding is a little different from picking a venue for a larger event. With fewer guests, you don’t need a massive space, but you do need somewhere that feels intentional and well-suited to an intimate celebration.
Here’s what to keep in mind:
1. Does the Space Feel Cozy or Empty?
A venue that’s too big can feel empty with a small guest list. Look for a space that feels cozy and inviting, or one that offers sectioned-off areas to create a warm atmosphere.
2. Is There a Minimum Guest Requirement?
Some wedding venues have a minimum guest count, meaning they might require at least 50 or even 80 guests to book the space. This is one of the first things to check before falling in love with a venue. If a venue does have a minimum guest count, it’s always worth asking if they make exceptions for weekday weddings or off-season dates.
3. What Are the Costs (and What’s Included)?
Some venues charge a flat fee for the space, while others have packages that include catering, furniture, and coordination. Be clear on what’s included in the venue hire — do you need to bring in your own vendors? Are tables, chairs, and decorations provided? Are there extra costs for things like setup and cleaning?
4. Indoor vs. Outdoor Spaces (and the Backup Plan)
If you’re planning an outdoor wedding you need a solid Plan B in case the weather doesn’t cooperate. Some venues offer both outdoor and indoor spaces so you can transition smoothly if needed.
5. Does It Feel Like You?
Some couples love a rustic, cozy atmosphere, while others want something sleek and modern. When you visit a venue, pay attention to how it makes you feel—does it match the mood and experience you want for your wedding day?
6. How Easy Is It for Guests to Get There?
With a small wedding, every guest is important, so it’s worth considering how easy it is for them to reach the venue. If you have older family members or guests who aren’t keen on long drives, a venue that’s too remote might be tricky. Think about whether you’ll need to arrange transport, parking, or accommodation for your guests.
7. Can You Personalise the Space?
One of the joys of a small wedding is that you can add more personal touches without the logistics of a huge event. If personalising your wedding is important to you, check how much freedom the venue allows. Some venues have strict rules about decorations, catering, and setup, while others let you bring in your own food, furniture, and décor.
8. What’s the Experience with the Venue Owners/Coordinators?
With small weddings, the relationship with the venue owner or coordinator can make a huge difference. Since your wedding is more intimate, you’ll want to work with someone who understands your vision and is happy to accommodate your needs.
When you visit a venue, get a feel for how helpful and responsive the team is. Are they willing to work with your vision? Do they seem excited about your plans? A great venue team can take so much stress off your plate.
9. Does the Venue Offer Elopement or Micro Wedding Packages?
If you want an intimate wedding but don’t want to stress over the details, some venues offer all-inclusive elopement or micro wedding packages. These typically include everything from the celebrant to the flowers, so you can just show up and enjoy the day. If you’re drawn to the idea of a small but beautifully designed wedding, these packages can be a great option.
The 8 Best Small Wedding Venues in Auckland
Here are 8 incredible venues perfect for an intimate wedding (and ones that actually welcome small guest lists!).
1. Abel Estate
📍 Kumeu | Garden setting with a lake | Perfect for: Couples who want a full-service wedding with minimal stress
Abel Estate is the bigger sister of Tui Hills (both owned by the same team behind Pop Up Weddings, who specialise in small, stress-free weddings where all the planning is handled), and it’s got that classic, elegant wedding vibe. The estate itself is a picturesque garden venue featuring a lake, a rotunda, and open fields — basically, the kind of place that makes you feel like you’re in a bridal magazine.
Why you’ll love it:
Full-Service – If planning stresses you out, Abel Estate is a dream because their pop-up wedding packages take care of everything — ceremony, celebrant, flowers, photography, even cake.
Lush Outdoor Spaces – The lake and gardens make for a dreamy ceremony backdrop.
All-Weather Options – You can have an outdoor ceremony or move inside if needed.
Things to consider:
If you’re after something more rustic or offbeat, this might feel a bit polished for you. But if you love an effortlessly put-together wedding, this is a fantastic option.
Since it’s a pop-up wedding venue with set packages, you may have less flexibility with vendors.
They have set pop-up wedding dates with limited availability, so check early.
Estimated costs (as of 2025): From $1,999-$4,6999+
2. Tui Hills
📍 Waitākere Ranges | Nestled in native bush | Perfect for: Couples who want a magical, intimate setting in nature
Also part of Pop Up Weddings NZ, Tui Hills is an absolute gem if you love the idea of being tucked away in native bush. This venue is smaller and cosier than Abel Estate, offering lush ferns, greenery, and a secluded setting that feels like your own private retreat.
Why you’ll love it:
The space feels incredibly intimate, and the native bush makes for stunning, moody wedding photos. Their pop-up wedding service (same as Abel Estate) means you can have a stress-free, all-inclusive wedding without lifting a finger.
Things to consider:
If you’re after a wide-open garden space, Abel Estate might be a better fit.
Set packages mean less room for customisation
Estimated cost (as of 2025): From $1,999-$4,6999+
3. Boutique Barn
📍 Puhoi | Historic rustic barn & flower farm | Perfect for: Couples who love vintage charm & DIY rustic weddings
This place is an absolute dream for anyone who loves historic charm and a rustic aesthetic. The barn itself dates back to the 1800s, giving it a beautiful, time-worn character. You can say your vows under a giant tree outside or inside one of the barn spaces, depending on the vibe you’re after.
Why you’ll love it:
Morrae, the owner, is incredibly hands-on and loves elopements—she even grows flowers on-site and sometimes makes bouquets for couples (how sweet is that?)! It’s the kind of place where you’ll feel genuinely cared for.
Things to consider:
If you’re looking for a sleek, modern venue, this isn’t it. It’s got a relaxed, country feel (which is perfect if that’s your jam). You’ll also have to organise your own catering.
Estimated cost (as of 2025): From $1,495
4. Bridgewater Estate
📍 Kumeu | Garden, chapel & forest ceremony spots | Perfect for: Couples who want a stunning variety of ceremony locations
Bridgewater Estate has everything you could want in a small wedding venue — a manicured garden, a charming chapel, a forest canopy, and even a pond ceremony spot. Their recently renovated indoor space is bright, airy, and elegant, doubling as a reception area and dance floor.
Why you’ll love it:
Tracey and Justin (the owners) are lovely and highly organised, making sure your wedding day runs smoothly. I might be a little biased because I actually got married here — and it was an amazing experience! Tracey and Justin run the venue like a well-oiled machine, making sure every detail is taken care of.
Things to consider:
Their pop-up wedding options are only available on certain days of the week, so flexibility is key. Bridgewater is also a traditional wedding venue and a popular spot for both big and small weddings, so book early!
Estimated cost (as of 2025): From $2,500
5. Ginagin
📍 Franklin | Charming garden venue run by a celebrant | Perfect for: Couples who want a truly personal and relaxed venue
Ginagin is one of the most personal, lovingly crafted venues on this list. Owners Margaret and Hank spent over 20 years transforming their garden into a lush, private wedding space. Margaret is even a celebrant herself, so she can legally marry couples right there!
Why you’ll love it:
The love and care that’s gone into this place is so evident. It’s quiet, peaceful, and has a truly personal touch that bigger venues can’t offer. Margaret & Hank genuinely care about every couple, and with a celebrant on-site, you can get married without hiring an external celebrant.
Things to consider:
It’s a very relaxed space, so if you’re after something super structured, this might not be for you. It’s not a traditional venue, so expect a homely vibe.
Estimated cost: Available on request.
6. Winsford Gardens
📍 Ramarama | Lush forest + gardens | Perfect for: Nature lovers who want a fairytale setting
This place blew me away when I first visited. Despite being just off the highway, it feels completely secluded, surrounded by towering trees, a stream, and a lake. It’s basically a wedding venue meets a secret forest hideaway.
Why you’ll love it:
Peter and Dianne (the owners) have spent 20+ years perfecting the gardens, and their landscaping expertise is chef’s kiss — I felt like I was in a fairy forest. It’s one of the most peaceful venues I’ve seen and perfect for outdoor weddings.
Things to consider:
It’s mostly outdoor, so you might need a wet weather backup plan, like a marquee. You’ll also need to bring in vendors for catering.
Estimated cost: From $1,650
7. The Shed Collective
📍 Oratia | Affordable barn-style venue | Perfect for: DIY couples who want flexibility
If you’ve been to the Oratia Farmer’s Markets, you’d be famliar with this space. The Shed Collective is one of Auckland’s most budget-friendly small wedding venues without sacrificing charm. It’s a rustic, green barn-style venue tucked away in Oratia, giving it a countryside feel while still being super close to the city.
Why you’ll love it:
At just $100 per hour, this is one of the most budget-friendly wedding venues in Auckland. Unlike traditional venues that require set packages, The Shed Collective lets you bring in your own caterers, decorations, and furniture. Want a food truck? Go for it. Want a cosy picnic-style wedding? Absolutely!
This is perfect for couples who want a chill wedding without the pressure of a big, formal event. And the process is so easy — just flick an email to Emily (the owner) to chat about dates, and you’re sorted.
Things to consider:
On the day of, there’s one person on-site to help, but they’re not a full wedding coordinator, so you’ll need to handle logistics yourself. Saturdays can be popular, and weddings can only start from 1:30 PM onwards.
Estimated cost (as of 2025): $100/hour, making it one of the most budget-friendly venues on this list!
8. Woodvale Lodge
📍 Waimauku | Luxury lodge with gardens & a rural backdrop | Perfect for: Couples who want a wedding that feels like a retreat
Woodvale Lodge is a hidden gem in Waimauku, offering a boutique wedding experience with a stunning natural setting. With accomodation included, you can just roll out of bed right into your intimate ceremony.
This boutique lodge is warm, luxurious, and designed for intimate weddings. They source everything locally and cater to each couple’s unique needs. Bonus: the property has cows, and they can be part of the backdrop if you want. 🐄
Why you’ll love it:
The venue is private and caters to small weddings only, meaning no interruptions and complete exclusivity. Unlike DIY venues, Woodvale Lodge offers full-service wedding packages including catering, styling, and coordination if you want a stress-free experience. And it accommodates up to 16 guests — perfect for keeping the party going into the night (but no noise after 10:30PM!).
Things to consider:
It’s a private lodge, so booking well in advance is recommended.
Estimated costs (as of 2025): From $4,400
Found your dream venue?
If you’ve found this list helpful, it’s just the start of how I can help you! If you're planning a small wedding or elopement, I'd love to document it for you — because your wedding deserves photos that truly preserve the feeling of the day.
Alternatives to Small Wedding Venues
The search for a small enough wedding venue that works for you giving you a headache? Good news — you don’t actually need one!
Eloping means you get to have your wedding wherever you want — you’re not bound to the need to have a venue.
Instead of booking a structured space, you could exchange vows in the middle of nature, rent a cozy Airbnb, or turn your wedding into an adventure.
1. Elope in a Stunning Natural Location
New Zealand is packed with breathtaking landscapes, many of which are either free or require just a small permit fee. If you love the idea of getting married somewhere untouched and wild — imagine saying your vows on a black sand beach with the waves rolling in, beneath the towering trees of a native forest, or on a clifftop overlooking the ocean at sunset! Some stunning ceremony locations near Auckland include Karekare Beach, the Waitākere Ranges, and the dramatic Muriwai Cliffs.
Choosing nature over a traditional venue means skipping expensive hire fees, allowing you to put your budget toward experiences, photography, or an epic honeymoon.
It also gives you the ultimate flexibility to have your ceremony at sunrise, under the stars, or in a place that holds personal meaning for you. However, there are a few things to keep in mind. Some public land requires a permit for ceremonies, so it's worth checking local regulations. Since nature can be unpredictable, having a backup plan — like a cozy Airbnb or an alternative sheltered spot — is always a good idea.
Loving the idea of a nature elopement? Check out my step-by-step guide on how to elope in NZ.
2. Rent an Airbnb for a Cozy, Private Wedding
For couples who love the idea of a relaxed, homey atmosphere, renting an Airbnb can be the perfect alternative to a formal venue. Instead of moving between multiple locations, you can get ready, have your ceremony, and celebrate — all in one private, beautifully designed space. With so many unique Airbnbs in New Zealand, you can find a place that feels just right for your wedding day.
One of the biggest perks of an Airbnb wedding is that it allows you to create a day that feels personal and unrushed. There are no rigid venue rules, no strict timelines, and no pressure to wrap up by a certain time.
You can decorate however you like, cater in your favorite foods, and celebrate at your own pace. Plus, it’s often more affordable than a traditional venue. That said, not all Airbnbs allow events, so always check with the host first. And since space can be limited, this option works best for elopements or very small weddings.
If that sounds like you, I’ve put together an Airbnb Wedding Guide for you — with 15 of the best Airbnbs that allow weddings in NZ and more.
3. Make Your Wedding an Adventure for the Both of You
Who says your wedding has to take place at a fixed location? For couples who love travel, the outdoors, and new experiences, an adventure elopement can turn your wedding into an unforgettable journey. Whether it’s hiking to a mountain summit, taking a helicopter ride to a remote alpine peak, or kayaking to a secluded waterfall, the possibilities are endless.
An adventure elopement allows you to be fully present with each other, without distractions or expectations. Instead of focusing on the logistics of a big event, you get to experience something truly unique together. The memories you create will be as much about the journey as they are about the vows themselves. While adventure elopements do require extra planning — such as considering fitness levels, safety, and potential weather changes — they offer an unmatched sense of freedom and connection.
Ready for the Elopement of Your Dreams?
Hey I’m Shelby!
I’m a wedding photographer specialising in cinematic elopements and intimate weddings that capture the real, authentic you. From finding a jaw-dropping location to recommending incredible local vendors, and creating a personalised timeline, I’m here to make the whole process feel easy and exciting.
Your wedding day is about connection and presence, and I’ll make sure it feels like it’s just the two of you in the world.
You’re not like everyone else, and your wedding day shouldn’t be either.
