The Ultimate Guide to Southland Wedding Venues
- Jul 18
- 16 min read
A local photographer's guide to wedding venues in Southland, with real wedding photos, planning tips, and honest advice.
Wider Southland
Hawthorne Gardens
Location: 173 McIvor Road, Invercargill
Style: Garden Venue
Ceremony: Outdoor/Indoor
Reception: Indoor
Accommodation: No
My Favourite Season: Autumn
Hawthorne Gardens is a beautiful garden wedding venue in Invercargill, offering multiple ceremony locations surrounded by established gardens and plenty of stunning photo spots—all on-site. Its relaxed rustic charm, dog-friendly policy, and indoor backup option for wet weather make it a versatile choice for couples wanting a stress-free celebration in a picturesque setting.
Hawthorne Gardens offers an incredible variety of photo locations, meaning you can capture a diverse gallery without ever leaving the venue. From lush gardens and secluded pathways to the picturesque pond for beautiful reflection shots, there's no shortage of stunning backdrops. The gardens also provide plenty of private spots where you can enjoy a few quiet moments together, while still being just a short walk from your guests during cocktail hour - so you won't miss out on the celebrations for long.
Check out some blogs from this venue:
The Abbey
Location: 644 Collinson Road, Tussock Creek
Style: Garden Venue/Church Venue
Ceremony: Outdoor/Indoor
Reception: No
Accommodation: No
My Favourite Season: Summer
The Abbey at Tussock Creek is a unique Southland wedding venue, combining beautiful gardens with historic character. Couples can choose to exchange vows outdoors amongst the iconic stone ruins or inside the charming restored chapel, offering flexibility whatever the weather. The light-filled entertainment space is perfect for cocktail hour, while the expansive gardens provide a relaxed setting for guests to mingle and enjoy the surroundings.
The Abbey offers a fantastic variety of photo locations, allowing you to stay on-site and make the most of the gardens, historic stone ruins, and surrounding grounds without needing to travel between locations. The ruins create an especially striking backdrop for both ceremonies and portraits, making an outdoor ceremony a great choice if the weather allows. While the chapel is full of character, it's quite intimate, which can make ceremony photography more limited due to the restricted space and shooting angles. Overall, The Abbey's beautiful grounds provide plenty of opportunities for timeless, varied wedding images.
Check out a blog from this venue: Spring wedding at The Abbey
Argyle Cottage Garden
Location: 19 Argyle-Otahuti Road, Waianiwa
Style: Garden Venue/Church Venue
Ceremony: Outdoor/Indoor
Reception: Indoor
Accommodation: No
My Favourite Season: Spring/Summer
Argyle Cottage Gardens is a truly unique wedding venue, offering a romantic setting that feels like it has been taken straight from a storybook. The beautiful old ruins create a magical backdrop for an outdoor ceremony, surrounded by cottage-style gardens and timeless character. For wet weather, couples can move indoors to the charming church space, while the reception area continues the theme with stained glass windows, eclectic details, and a warm, intimate atmosphere. Perfect for couples looking for a venue with history, charm, and plenty of personality.
Argyle Cottage Gardens offers endless opportunities for beautiful wedding photography, with plenty of space to explore and a variety of unique backdrops all on-site. The stunning cottage gardens, surrounding forest areas, and peaceful pond create a mix of romantic and natural settings, while the historic church provides a charming option for creative indoor portraits. With so much variety within the venue grounds, couples can capture a diverse collection of images without needing to travel anywhere on their wedding day.
Check out a post from this venue: Spring wedding at Argyle Cottage Gardens
The Cabbage Tree
Location: 379 Dunns Road, Otatara
Style: Garden Venue/Restaurant
Ceremony: Outdoor/Indoor
Reception: Indoor
Accommodation: No
My Favourite Season: Summer
The Cabbage Tree offers a relaxed and intimate wedding setting with a private outdoor ceremony area and the convenience of an indoor option just steps away in the hall. Perfect for summer celebrations, the close layout allows guests to make the most of the outdoors, enjoying the sunshine and atmosphere without needing to move far between each part of the day. It’s a great choice for couples wanting a simple, comfortable venue with a warm and social feel.
The Cabbage Tree is surrounded by some of Southland’s most beautiful natural backdrops, offering plenty of options for couples wanting variety in their wedding photos. With Sandy Point, native forest, the river, and nearby beach locations all close by, you can capture everything from relaxed nature-filled portraits to stunning golden hour sunset shots. While the hall provides a wet weather option, the indoor space is quite dark, so an outdoor ceremony is the best choice for making the most of the natural light and surrounding scenery.
Check out a blog from this venue: Summer wedding at the Cabbage Tree
The Civic Theatre
Location: 88 Tay Street, Invercargill
Style: Theatre
Ceremony: Indoor
Reception: Indoor
Accommodation: No
My Favourite Season: Any
The Civic Theatre is a truly unforgettable wedding venue, offering a dramatic and unique setting in the heart of Invercargill. Couples can exchange vows on stage with their guests seated in the audience, surrounded by stunning historic architecture and theatrical charm. The reception transforms the stage into a spectacular celebration space, with dramatic lighting and a one-of-a-kind atmosphere that brings the magic of the theatre to life.
The Civic Theatre offers a truly unique setting for wedding photography, with the theatre itself providing incredible opportunities for dramatic and artistic images. The stage, historic architecture, and theatrical lighting create a bold backdrop unlike any other venue. For couples wanting more variety, the nearby Queens Park offers beautiful garden settings, while the surrounding city streets provide an urban, industrial feel. With so many options close by, you can create a diverse collection of images without travelling far from the venue.
Check out a blog from this venue: Autumn wedding at the Civic Theatre
Bill Richardson Transport World
Location: 491 Tay Street, Invercargill
Style: Indoor Classic Car Museum
Ceremony: Indoor
Reception: Indoor
Accommodation: Yes across the road at The Lodges
My Favourite Season: Any
Bill Richardson Transport World is a one-of-a-kind wedding venue, perfect for car enthusiasts, history lovers, or couples wanting to offer their guests a truly memorable experience. The ceremony takes place upstairs in a stylish industrial-inspired space, while the reception is held downstairs amongst the incredible collection of vintage vehicles, trucks, and transport memorabilia. With its unique atmosphere and unexpected setting, it’s a venue that guarantees your wedding day will be unlike any other.
For couples who love cars and trucks, Bill Richardson Transport World offers endless opportunities for unique and memorable wedding photos. The museum space provides incredible backdrops with its collection of vintage vehicles and transport displays, while nearby parks and reserves offer options for outdoor portraits. The reception area has a darker atmosphere, so adding extra lighting through your styling and décor can help create beautiful, well-lit images throughout the evening.
Check out a blog from this venue:
The Church 1914
Location: 201 Ness Street, Invercargill
Style: Indoor modern
Ceremony: Indoor
Reception: No
Accommodation: Yes
My Favourite Season: Any
The Church 1914 is a beautifully restored modern church venue, offering a stylish and intimate setting for wedding ceremonies. With its elegant interior and spacious layout, it provides a stunning backdrop for couples wanting a classic ceremony with a contemporary feel. The grand entrance staircase creates a memorable moment for the bride’s arrival and adds a dramatic touch to the ceremony.
The Church 1914 offers incredible photography opportunities, with its beautiful architecture and abundance of natural light being standout features. The large windows and bright, spacious interiors create the perfect setting for getting ready portraits, while the cigar room adds an old-world charm with a unique atmosphere for creative images. With parks and reserves nearby for outdoor photos, couples have plenty of variety, but the real highlight is the venue’s stunning architectural details that make every image feel timeless.
Check out a blog from this venue: Spring wedding at The Church 1914
Kelvin Hotel
Location: 20 Kelvin Street, Invercargill
Style: Indoor hotel
Ceremony: Indoor
Reception: Indoor
Accommodation: Yes
My Favourite Season: Any
The Kelvin Hotel offers a convenient city-centre wedding location with a dedicated function space on the top floor. Perfect for couples wanting a central venue, it provides a comfortable and practical setting for celebrations with easy access to the heart of Invercargill. The elevated function space creates a private atmosphere for guests to enjoy the day while being right amongst the energy of the city.
The Kelvin Hotel offers a unique city wedding photography experience, with the rooftop balcony providing a fantastic spot for portraits overlooking Invercargill. Its central location means you’re close to a variety of parks and reserves for natural outdoor images, while the surrounding city streets offer a more urban, modern feel. With so many options nearby, couples can capture a great mix of city, nature, and rooftop views without travelling far from the venue.
Ascot Park Hotel
Location: Cnr Tay Street & Racecourse Road, Invercargill
Style: Hotel
Ceremony: Outdoor/Indoor
Reception: Indoor
Accommodation: Yes
My Favourite Season: Any
Ascot Park Hotel is a convenient and comfortable wedding venue, offering plenty of on-site accommodation for couples and their guests. The venue provides flexibility with the option of an outdoor ceremony on the lawn, surrounded by open space, or an indoor ceremony option if the weather doesn’t cooperate. With everything located in one place, it’s a great choice for couples wanting a relaxed and seamless wedding experience.
Ascot Park Hotel is ideally located with a variety of parks and reserves nearby, offering plenty of options for couples wanting to head off-site for their wedding portraits. While the reception space is quite dark and can be more challenging for photography, it provides a spacious setting that’s perfect for larger celebrations and a lively party atmosphere. With thoughtful lighting and styling, it can still create a warm and memorable evening setting.
Check out a blog from this venue: Ascot Park Hotel wedding
Queens Park Cricket Pavilion
Location: 150 Gala Street, Queens Park, Invercargill
Style: Park based pavilion
Ceremony: Outdoor/Indoor
Reception: Indoor
Accommodation: No
My Favourite Season: Autumn
Located within the beautiful surrounds of Queens Park, the Cricket Pavilion offers a relaxed and scenic wedding setting with plenty of space for an outdoor ceremony. The light-filled indoor reception area provides a comfortable option for celebrations, while the park setting creates a beautiful backdrop for guests to enjoy. With plenty of parking and a convenient location, it’s a practical yet picturesque venue choice.
The Queens Park Cricket Pavilion is a fantastic location for wedding photography, with the beauty and variety of Queens Park right on the doorstep. Couples can explore the gardens, mature trees, and open spaces for a range of natural portraits, with the autumn months being especially stunning as the park comes alive with rich seasonal colours. Having such a beautiful outdoor setting so close to the venue makes it easy to capture a diverse collection of images without needing to travel far.
Check out a blog from this venue: Autumn wedding at the cricket pavilion
Anderson Park
Location: McIvor Road, Invercargill
Style: Park with beautiful historic house
Ceremony: Outdoor
Reception: Indoor in Anderson House
Accommodation: No
My Favourite Season: Summer
Anderson Park is a beautiful wedding venue combining expansive parklands with the charm of a historic homestead. Tucked away from the public, it offers a secluded area for outdoor ceremonies, along with several picturesque locations throughout the grounds to suit different wedding styles. With its peaceful setting, mature trees, and affordable venue hire, Anderson Park is a wonderful choice for couples planning a relaxed summer wedding in one of Invercargill's most scenic locations.
Anderson Park is a dream location for wedding photography, with an incredible variety of photo spots all on-site. The historic homestead is filled with beautiful natural light, making it an ideal place for getting ready photos, while its character, history, and original décor create a timeless backdrop for portraits. The expansive grounds offer endless opportunities for outdoor images, and the seamless flow from the lawns into the house makes it perfect for relaxed summer weddings, allowing you to capture a diverse gallery without ever leaving the venue.
Check out a blog from this venue: Summer wedding at Anderson Park
Queens Park
Location: Central Invercargill
Style: Park
Ceremony: Outdoor
Reception: No
Accommodation: No
My Favourite Season: Spring & Autumn
Nestled in the heart of Invercargill, Queens Park offers a beautiful and versatile setting for an outdoor wedding ceremony. With a variety of gardens, mature trees, tranquil ponds, and open lawns, there are plenty of picturesque locations to choose from. Best suited to small and medium-sized weddings, it's an ideal option for couples wanting a relaxed ceremony surrounded by nature, while still being conveniently located close to the city.
Queens Park is one of Invercargill's most versatile photography locations, offering stunning backdrops no matter the season. From colourful gardens and peaceful ponds to tree-lined pathways and open green spaces, there is plenty of variety to create a beautiful wedding gallery. Autumn is especially spectacular with its rich golden foliage, while spring brings vibrant blooms and fresh colour throughout the park. With so many picturesque locations within walking distance, it's easy to capture a diverse collection of images without travelling between spots.
Check out a post from this venue: Spring wedding at Queens Park
The Hideaway 201
Location: 201 Branxholme Road, Winton
Style: Luxury garden venue
Ceremony: Outdoor/Indoor
Reception: Marquee or Restaurant
Accommodation: No
My Favourite Season: Spring & Autumn
The Hideaway 201 is one of Southland's premier wedding venues, offering an elegant setting with beautifully landscaped gardens and exceptional facilities. Couples can choose from several picturesque ceremony locations before celebrating in either the impressive custom-built marquee or the more intimate restaurant space. Standout features include the stunning blossom tree avenue and the tranquil pond, creating a romantic atmosphere that's perfect for a memorable wedding day.
The Hideaway 201 offers an incredible variety of photography locations, all within the venue grounds. The blossom tree avenue, tranquil pond, and beautifully maintained gardens provide stunning backdrops throughout the year, with spring blossoms and autumn colours being particularly spectacular. The custom marquee is a dream reception space for photography thanks to its bright, natural light, while the restaurant offers a more intimate atmosphere. As the restaurant is naturally darker, incorporating candles and additional lighting into your styling helps create a warm, romantic ambiance and beautiful evening photographs.
Check out a post from this venue:
River Ridge Retreat
Location: 348 Catlins Valley Rd, Owaka
Style: Secluded rustic camp
Ceremony: Outdoor/Indoor
Reception: Indoor
Accommodation: Yes
My Favourite Season: Any
River Ridge Retreat is a peaceful, secluded wedding venue that offers an unforgettable destination wedding experience. With enough on-site accommodation for your entire wedding party, everyone can relax and enjoy the celebration without needing to travel. Couples can choose from multiple ceremony locations across the property, while the thoughtful layout creates a seamless flow from the ceremony to the cocktail area and into the reception. One of the biggest highlights is exclusive use of the venue for the entire weekend, giving you extra time to slow down, celebrate, and make lasting memories with your family and friends. Surrounded by nature and away from the hustle and bustle, it's the perfect venue for a relaxed and intimate Southland wedding.
River Ridge Retreat offers plenty of variety for wedding photography, with a range of beautiful locations all within easy reach of the venue. From the picturesque tree-lined avenue and nearby beach to stunning waterfalls, there are endless opportunities to capture a diverse collection of images. With so many scenic backdrops close by, you can create everything from romantic nature portraits to dramatic landscape shots, all while spending more time enjoying your wedding day.
Check out a post from this venue:
Borland Lodge
Location: 347 Borland Road, Blackmount
Style: Secluded rustic camp
Ceremony: Outdoor/Indoor
Reception: Indoor
Accommodation: Yes
My Favourite Season: Summer
Borland Lodge offers a truly unique and secluded wedding experience, tucked away in the incredible landscapes of Fiordland. With plenty of on-site accommodation for guests, it’s a place where everyone can stay together and fully immerse themselves in the celebration. Couples can exchange vows surrounded by the beauty of native New Zealand forest, creating a peaceful and unforgettable setting. The remote location provides a sense of privacy and adventure, with the only thing to keep in mind being the local sandflies that come with such a beautiful natural environment.
Borland Lodge offers incredible opportunities for couples wanting natural, adventure-filled wedding photography. The surrounding native forest creates a beautiful and atmospheric backdrop for portraits, with the remote Fiordland setting adding a sense of peace and wild beauty to every image. For couples wanting even more variety, Lake Monowai is just down the road and provides a stunning off-site location for dramatic landscape photos and a memorable photography adventure.
Check out a post from this venue: Summer wedding at Borland Lodge
Niagara Falls Cafe
Location: 256 Niagara-Waikawa Road, Tokanui
Style: Rustic cafe with garden
Ceremony: Outdoor
Reception: Indoor
Accommodation: No
My Favourite Season: Summer
Niagara Falls Cafe offers a charming and unique wedding setting, tucked away in a peaceful and secluded location. Surrounded by beautiful gardens, it provides a relaxed outdoor atmosphere with plenty of old-world character. The historic-style cafe creates a warm and inviting reception space, making it a wonderful choice for couples wanting a wedding venue with charm, personality, and a more intimate feel.
Niagara Falls Cafe offers a beautiful mix of indoor charm and nearby natural scenery for wedding photography. The reception space is filled with lovely window light, creating a warm and flattering atmosphere for photos throughout the day. With stunning beach locations just a short drive away, couples can easily add coastal portraits and dramatic landscapes to their wedding gallery, making the most of the secluded Southland setting.
Check out a post from this venue: Summer wedding at Niagara Falls Cafe
Woolshed Function Center at Southern Field Days
Location: 575 Waimumu Road, Waimumu
Style: Rustic farm
Ceremony: Outdoor
Reception: Indoor
Accommodation: No
My Favourite Season: Summer
Field Days offers a relaxed rural wedding experience with everything you need in one beautiful on-site location. The outdoor ceremony takes place on the lawn, creating a classic countryside setting, before guests move into the rustic woolshed-style function centre for the reception. With its open rural surroundings and easy flow between spaces, it’s a great choice for couples wanting a laid-back celebration where everyone can enjoy the entire day without needing to travel between locations.
Check out a post from this venue: Autumn wedding at the Woolshed Function Center
Tikana Lodge
Location: 374 Livingstone Road, Thomsons Crossing
Style: Rustic farm intimate wedding venue
Ceremony: Outdoor
Reception: Marquee or stables
Accommodation: Yes
My Favourite Season: Summer
Tikana Lodge is a rustic and intimate wedding venue, perfect for couples wanting a smaller celebration surrounded by the beauty of the Southland countryside. With a charming lawn area for intimate outdoor ceremonies and on-site accommodation, it offers a relaxed setting where couples and their closest guests can enjoy the day together. The rustic stables add extra character and create a warm, country atmosphere that makes this venue truly unique.
Tikana Lodge offers a beautiful selection of photo locations all within the venue grounds, allowing you to stay on-site and make the most of your wedding day. The rustic stables, charming accommodation, and surrounding gardens provide a variety of warm, character-filled backdrops for portraits. With its countryside setting and relaxed atmosphere, it’s a perfect location for capturing intimate, natural wedding photos without needing to travel elsewhere.
Gore Town & Country Club
Location: 2 Bury Street, Gore
Style: Function Rooms
Ceremony: Indoor
Reception: Indoor
Accommodation: No
My Favourite Season: Any
The Gore Town and Country Club is a versatile wedding venue offering a large, flexible space that can be transformed to suit your wedding style. Located in central Gore, it provides a convenient indoor setting for both the ceremony and reception, making it a practical choice for couples wanting everything in one location. With plenty of room to create your ideal atmosphere, it’s a blank canvas venue ready to be personalised for your celebration.
Hawthorne Den Inn
Location: 141 Waikaka Road, Willowbank
Style: Garden & Chapel venue
Ceremony: Indoor/Outdoor
Reception: Indoor
Accommodation: No
My Favourite Season: Spring/Autumn
Hawthorne Den Inn is a charming garden wedding venue located just outside Gore, offering a romantic and unique setting for couples wanting something a little different. With beautiful gardens, a quaint chapel for ceremonies, and an eclectic reception space full of character, the venue blends vintage charm with a relaxed atmosphere. It’s a wonderful choice for couples looking for an intimate celebration surrounded by personality and charm.
Check out a post from this venue: Summer wedding at the Hawthorne Den Inn
The Farm Chapel
Location: 445 Te Tipua School Road, Gore
Style: Farm & Chapel venue
Ceremony: Indoor/Outdoor
Reception: Indoor
Accommodation: No
My Favourite Season: Any
The Farm Chapel offers a unique rural wedding experience, combining rustic charm with a relaxed farm setting. Couples can exchange vows in the beautifully restored, relocated country church or choose an outdoor ceremony on the lawn surrounded by farmland. The reception is held in a distinctive on-site airport hangar, creating a spacious and unexpected celebration space with plenty of character. It’s a perfect venue for couples wanting something different, with a mix of rustic elegance and rural charm.
The Farm Chapel offers a fantastic on-site photography experience, allowing couples to capture their wedding portraits without needing to leave the venue. The rustic church, farm surroundings, and unique airport hangar provide a variety of character-filled backdrops. The hangar is a standout feature, especially when the large doors are open, allowing the beautiful rural views and natural light to become part of the reception atmosphere. The only consideration is that the church itself is quite small and intimate, which can limit photography angles during the ceremony.
Check out a post from this venue:
Dolomore Park
Location: 70 Dolamore Park Road, Gore
Style: Park
Ceremony: Outdoor
Reception: No
Accommodation: No
My Favourite Season: Spring/Summer
Dolamore Park is a beautiful garden and park setting located just outside Gore, offering a peaceful outdoor wedding location surrounded by nature. With plenty of open spaces and scenic areas to choose from, couples have flexibility when planning their ceremony. The park also provides a variety of beautiful backdrops for wedding photos, making it a great option for couples wanting a relaxed outdoor celebration.
Check out a post from this venue: Spring wedding at Dolomore Park
Fiordland Lodge
Location: 472 Te Anau,State Highway 94
Style: Luxury Lodge
Ceremony: Outdoor/Indoor
Reception: Indoor
Accommodation: Yes
My Favourite Season: Spring/Summer/Autumn
Fiordland Lodge offers a luxurious and unforgettable wedding experience surrounded by some of New Zealand’s most breathtaking landscapes. With stunning views across the lake and mountains, couples can choose between an outdoor ceremony on the lawn or an intimate indoor celebration inside the beautifully rustic lodge. With on-site accommodation available, the entire wedding party can stay together, relax, and enjoy a truly special destination wedding experience in comfort and style.
Fiordland Lodge offers incredible photography opportunities, from the comfort of staying on-site to the adventure of taking a helicopter into the mountains for truly spectacular images. The lodge itself provides beautiful backdrops, with stunning views, rustic character, and fantastic getting ready spaces filled with atmosphere and natural light. Whether you’re after intimate lodge portraits or dramatic Fiordland landscapes, this venue offers endless options for creating unforgettable wedding photos.
Check out a post from this venue:
Manapouri Airport
Location: 42 Aviation Drive, Airport, Manapouri
Style: Rustic Airport Venue
Ceremony: Outdoor/Indoor
Reception: Indoor
Accommodation: No
My Favourite Season: Any
Manapouri Airport offers a unique rustic wedding setting surrounded by the incredible mountain landscapes of Fiordland. With its distinctive character and remote location, it provides a memorable backdrop for couples wanting something different. The venue offers an indoor option for unpredictable weather, while the surrounding scenery creates endless opportunities for adventure, including the option to take a helicopter into the mountains for truly breathtaking wedding photos.
Check out a post from this venue:
Fiordland Historic Cruises
Location: 85 Lakefront Drive, Te Anau
Style: Intimate Vintage Boat
Ceremony: Outdoor
Reception: No
Accommodation: No
My Favourite Season: Summer/Autumn
Fiordland Historic Cruises offers a truly unique and intimate wedding experience on the stunning waters of Lake Te Anau. Couples can choose to exchange vows aboard the beautifully restored vintage boat or travel to a secluded island ceremony location surrounded by the incredible Fiordland scenery. With breathtaking views, a sense of adventure, and a setting unlike any traditional venue, it’s a perfect choice for couples wanting a memorable and private celebration.
Check out a post from this venue:
Choosing your venue is one of the biggest decisions you'll make when planning your wedding. I hope this guide has helped you picture what each Southland venue is really like. If you'd like to see full wedding galleries from any of these venues or chat about your plans, I'd love to hear from you!
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