Auckland’s top wedding venue is back in action and ready to host the happiest day of your life!
The last few months have been surreal and somewhat terrifying, to say the least. The world is still grappling with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic with varying degrees of success and failure. Businesses have taken a massive hit and we have all had to adjust to a new reality and a new lexicon of bubbles, social distancing, clusters, masks, contact tracing and other important phrases we hadn’t heard of a few months ago.
Gatherings of people, tourism and hospitality have been impacted for obvious reasons. But, we are one of the fortunate countries. New Zealand went early and went hard and because of that initial pain, we are now back to a semi-normal situation with the clear exception at the border.
Weddings were one of the hardest-hit events with large gatherings of people banned until we made it to Alert Level 1.
We decided to approach the COVID challenge head-on and use the time we suddenly found ourselves with, to think deeply about what we offer and how it could be made – even better. We know that our guests love what we do and this is demonstrated in the hundreds of amazing reviews we receive.
But, we thought “we can always be better, we can take a special experience and we can make it exceptional.”
Auckland’s top wedding venue is excited about hosting your big day
And that is what we have done – Auckland’s top wedding venue is back in action and ready to host the happiest day of your life. We are excited to introduce some delicious new updates to our menus, and multiple enhancements to our nine different locations for your wedding. Our Estate is situated on 10 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens which have been transformed into entertaining areas, ceremony locations and beautiful photo locations that are hard to beat for your wedding photos.
We host only one wedding a day so our team can focus totally on you and your guests and you have access to all our beautiful gardens to create magical and lasting memories.
If you are unfamiliar with our weddings and venue, we’d like to introduce some of our special features and services.
Auckland’s top wedding venue offers nine location choices
We’ve hosted hundreds of weddings at our Estate and we understand no two weddings are the same, everyone has different tastes, styles and personalities and particular needs. That’s why we offer so many different choices for all our wedding couples.
We have nine different options for your wedding ceremony. From our stunning twin Kauri trees nestled amongst ever-green gardens to an impressive water feature as your backdrop, Markovina Vineyard Estate really is the picture-perfect location for your wedding.
Did you know that we are an all year-round venue? So rain, hail or shine you can relax knowing you have a backup plan.
You can have the wedding of your dreams with us. From a classic style wedding to rustic, contemporary or more traditional, we have the setting perfect for whatever style of wedding you have in mind for your special day.
Chestnut Tree
Nestled amongst our picturesque gardens, sits our magnificent broad chestnut tree. With a beautiful stone table to sign your marriage certificate, the chestnut tree is located in a large open space, perfect for larger gatherings. Your guests will enjoy sitting and mingling in this truly stunning area.
Two Kauri Trees
Standing proudly amongst our grounds are two Kauri trees, coupled together they represent the union of two people perfectly. The Kauri trees are set surrounded on either side of magnificent gardens and are green all year round. The Kauri Tree area is ideal for both intimate and large groups of people where you can sit and enjoy the stunning surroundings.
We have options for either a stone, wine barrel or small table for your marriage certificate signing area.
Small Pergoda
Our small Pergoda offers a unique covered outdoor ceremony backdrop nestled into the gardens. Add your personal touch with decorations or leave it bare, our small Pergoda is beautiful and perfect for intimate ceremonies.
Pebble Beach
Perched on the edge of our large pond, sits Pebble Beach as it is affectionately known. With a delightful backdrop of large trees – including Kauri, and manicured gardens this setting is perfect for both intimate and larger groups of people. Signing your nuptials at Pebble Beach is definitely a moment to remember!
The Palms
Located in the same garden area as our Pebble Beach, The Palms is a beautiful native garden with towering trees providing the perfect natural garden backdrop. Surrounded in serenity, the Palms is a peaceful, picturesque and impressive ceremony location to recite your vows.
Cherry Blossom Round
Our newest ceremony location on the estate is something that needs to be seen to be believed. Arching around behind the white pagoda, our raised round allows you to have an enclosed circle ceremony, or facing our beautiful flowering cherry blossom trees.
Barrel Waterfall
Imagine your ceremony set amongst impressive gardens and saying your vows with the gentle sounds of water from our wine barrel waterfall in the background. Surrounded by olive trees for your guests to shade under, you look out to the stunning water feature and the lush bush setting beyond. The barrel waterfall is a popular option in summer, with the many trees providing shade and the open space catering to both large and small groups.
Two stone urns gracefully sit on either side of the small jetty that extends out onto the water behind.
The Barrels
An extraordinary ceremony backdrop of 11 barrels, The Barrels fit right in for the perfect vineyard wedding. With your guests being seated under a canopy of olive trees, there is plenty of shade for those hot summer months.
Indoor Stone Fireplace
The Otago schist fireplace is our indoor ceremony option and it’s every bit as beautiful as our outdoor settings. With its high stud ceilings, massive fairy light chandelier and large windows that look out onto the gardens – it’s an excellent choice for an indoor wedding. Our exquisitely crafted stone fireplace acts as a beautiful backdrop to say your vows.
Our covered courtyard space exudes charm and comfort and is completely functional for indoor weddings and events.
You can find more information and images of our stunning settings for your ceremony on our website here.
Our new menu
From arrival platters to canapés, dinner and desserts we have on offer an excellent gourmet range to cater to all tastes, cuisines and palates.
We have crafted alongside our fabulous chefs, a delicious new menu full of flavoursome and mouth-watering dishes like roasted lamb shoulder stuffed with pine nuts and fresh herbs accompanied with mint and cranberry chutney, to the bacon-wrapped chicken breast with garlic mash and green pea puree followed by a decadent dessert offering including a selection of our homemade cheesecakes.
From freshly baked bread to speciality gourmet seafood platters, our chef will work with you to create a tailor-made menu that is perfect for your wedding day.
We have options for buffet-style food, sharing platters, cheeses, and an excellent range of drinks from wine, beer to spirits and non-alcoholic choices.
Table settings and décor
We have thought of everything to take the stress out of planning your wedding, all the details – even those finer details that are often forgotten – we’ve got you covered.
We have dedicated a section of our website to blog posts to give you ideas and inspiration for your wedding day. You can find inspiration for a range of topics including wedding favours, DIY décor, wedding trends and so much more.
We can customise our table settings, décor and more to suit your style and make it the perfect day, just like you have imagined.
Help with wedding planning
We know and understand the long list of planning that goes hand in hand with organising a wedding. At our Estate we are your one-stop-shop for all your wedding planning needs, to make it easy for you during what can otherwise be a stressful time.
We have put together a complete guide for all your wedding planning needs. Find more information about:
- Our top ten tips for planning a wedding
- Guides for simple wedding planning – without the stress
- Last minute checklists
- Winter wedding trends
- And so much more
We can help with wedding planning and offer advice about the different options for your wedding. If are planning a wedding at Markovina Vineyard Estate, or would like to book a tour get in touch with us to see how we can help you, it would be our pleasure to assist and show you around.
We have a variety of information on great photographers, celebrants and transport options for your big day. We can assist you in finding the perfect people to make your day – perfect!
Customer Service
Our main focus is you. Everything we do is about making sure you have the best day possible and that your guests have a truly memorable time.
We listen to what you want. It’s your big day and we want it to be the best day for you, your spouse-to-be and your guests. We strive to make your day as stress-free as possible and we are happy to offer our knowledge and guidance to couples who are planning a wedding.
We’re so proud to have hosted many couples and their guests to create wonderful memories of their wedding day. We have thought of everything to make planning your wedding a breeze. Our team pay attention to details, the small and the big – and even the ones you haven’t yet thought of.
Other important considerations
We’ve taken all the guesswork out of planning a wedding at our Estate.
We can put you in touch with suitable celebrants, photographers, DJs and bands, hire companies and even nearby accommodation if you require it, and can organise travel and transport to and from your accommodation.
Our professional staff carefully consider every detail for your day, leaving you and your guests to thoroughly enjoy your day and create lasting memories.
Find out more about our suggested accommodation options here.
What our guests say
“We just had our wedding at Markovina this weekend and we’re amazed with all of the staff – the service was absolutely excellent and the hospitality was superb!” Stefan, N.
“The venue was tastefully decorated to capture the special day of the bride and groom. Visitors can walk around the beautiful garden or just enjoy the indoors if it’s too cold or wet. The food was just superb! From the wine to the starters to the main course. It was well presented and taste was top notch!” Ashley,P.
“Fantastic place for celebrating special occasions especially and ideally as a wedding venue with a variety of packages suitable for any budget. Thoroughly recommend. A gorgeous and delicious selection of buffet style dinner and dessert. The outside grounds are such a delight and well landscaped.” Jeff, F.
“Wow! What a beautiful venue for a wedding, with it’s vast green gardens and lots of gorgeous shaded spots to hide from the scorching hot sun.” Annie, B.
Our aim is for you and your guests to have a magical day!
We are excited about what the rest of the year has in store. From our tantalising new handcrafted menu to our meticulous gardens Markovina Vineyard Estate has something for every couple.
We are one of Auckland’s top wedding venues with a spectacular venue, our service is fantastic, our food delicious and impressive, and we will turn your special day into one you will never forget.
Come and have a tour of the gardens and our venue, we guarantee you will find something you love. We are here to help and would love to hear your ideas!
If you have any questions about planning your wedding, view our venue or to book your spot, get in touch today.
