How to Choose a Wedding Venue in Christchurch
Choosing Your Christchurch Wedding Venue
You’re engaged — congratulations! 🥂 One of the very first (and biggest) decisions you’ll make is choosing your wedding venue. In Christchurch, you’re spoiled for choice with everything from rustic countryside estates to elegant contemporary venues. The space you choose sets the tone for your entire day, so it’s worth taking a little time to get clear on your priorities before booking in tours.
Decide on Your Priorities
Sit down with your partner and talk about the overall feeling you want your wedding to have. Do you imagine a traditional seated meal, or a more relaxed cocktail-style celebration? Is being outdoors surrounded by mountains and rolling hills important? Or do you prefer a modern, elegant space with clean lines?
Write down 3–4 “non-negotiables” — these will guide your venue search and help you stay focused.
Photo credit: Sally Anne Photography
Guest Numbers
Your guest list doesn’t need to be finalised yet, but having an approximate number in mind will help you rule out venues that are too small or too large. Some Canterbury venues are ideal for intimate weddings, while others can comfortably host 100+ with room to spare. Many lend themselves to both small scale and larger celebrations (like Waipuna).
Photo credit: Stacey Cavalier Photography
Be Clear on Budget
Your venue will likely be one of your biggest expenses, so it’s essential to be realistic about budget. Ask each venue for a detailed breakdown:
Does the price include furniture, linen, or glassware?
Is catering in-house or BYO?
Are there hidden charges such as corkage or cleaning fees?
Clear information upfront means no nasty surprises later.
Photo credit: Sarah Clements Photography
Avoid Overwhelm
It’s tempting to book back-to-back tours of ten venues, but that often leads to decision fatigue. Instead, shortlist 4–5 venues that genuinely meet your must-haves, budget, and guest size. You can always expand the list later if needed.
Photo credit: Colour of Shades Creative Media
Viewing Venues
When you’re ready to view, go prepared with questions:
How flexible is the setup?
Who coordinates on the day?
What’s included in the hire fee?
Also pay attention to how you feel meeting the team — you’ll be working closely with them, so you want to feel supported and confident in their experience.
Wet Weather Options
No one dreams of rain on their wedding day, but having a solid Plan B is essential. Ask venues what their wet weather option looks like — ideally, it should be just as beautiful and practical as the outdoor space.
Photo Credit: Stacey Cavalier Photography
The Formalities
Once you’ve found your dream venue, expect to sign a contract and pay a deposit to lock in your date. From there, you can celebrate ticking off one of the biggest wedding planning milestones!
Why Waipuna Estate Might Be Perfect for You
At Waipuna Estate, we pride ourselves on offering couples breathtaking views, luxurious accommodation, BYO flexibility, and a warm, experienced team who care deeply about making your day unforgettable. Whether you’re dreaming of an intimate elopement or a big celebration with everyone you love, we’d love to show you around.
Get in touch to book a viewing or download our wedding packages to learn more.