Finding a wedding venue that feels beautiful, flexible and genuinely welcoming without blowing the budget can feel like a tall order. For couples wanting breathtaking views, multiple photo locations and the freedom to create a day that feels truly like their own, Connemara Country Lodge is quietly winning hearts.
Recently named Highly Commended in the Couples Choice NZ Industry Award for Boutique Wedding Accommodation, this relaxed country venue on a hilltop positioned over the Āwhitu Peninsula farmland offers something refreshingly rare: a stunning setting paired with practical, affordable options and a genuine sense of care.
A venue that feels like home
Connemara Country Lodge is often described as feeling less like a formal venue and more like getting married at a relative’s place, just one with 7.5 acres of landscaped grounds, gorgeous views, and thoughtfully designed wedding spaces.
The property is warm, family-friendly and relaxed, with the owners always on-site and quietly working in the background to support and coordinate with vendors. From the planning stages through to the big day itself, the team works closely with each couple to make sure the celebration reflects exactly what they want.
Spaces designed for beautiful, natural photography
One of the biggest draws of Connemara Country Lodge is the variety of on-site photo locations. Couples can wander anywhere around the house, the chapel, the frame marquee, and the surrounding grounds, including native bush areas, garden spaces, and scenic viewpoints across the property.
There are even signature features like double swings and thoughtfully lit trees and fencing for evening photos.
Flexible ceremony and reception options
The venue includes a covered chapel, a tree-frame marquee with side panels that can be rolled up or down depending on the weather, giving couples peace of mind no matter the season. Fairy lights, uplighting, fence lighting, and illuminated trees are already in place, creating a warm and romantic atmosphere as the sun goes down.
The capacity is up to 120 guests, with parking for up to 50 cars, making it suitable for both intimate gatherings and larger celebrations.
Couples have access from 10am the day before the wedding, the wedding day itself and the morning after to pack down, allowing plenty of time to decorate, rehearse, and enjoy the experience rather than rush through it.
Food and drink freedom couples love
Connemara Country Lodge gives couples the freedom when it comes to catering and beverages. You’re welcome to bring your own food, alcohol, and other drinks, with no venue restrictions. Couples can self-cater, choose their own caterer, hire a spit roast company or even bring food trucks.
A semi-professional kitchen features two ovens, two microwaves, double sinks, and a large island bench. A brand-new utility room and bar area by the marquee includes fridge-freezers, a freezer for ice and a glass-door display fridge, with glassware, cutlery, plates and grazing equipment stored onsite.
Everything you need, all in one place
One of the reasons couples appreciate Connemara Country Lodge is how much is already available on-site. The venue offers extensive hire items at approximately half to two-thirds the cost of standard hire companies, with no delivery or return hassles.
From tables, chairs and bench seating to tablecloths, runners, vases, flowers, signage, wine barrels, bar leaners, garden games, sound system equipment or even bouquets, couples can keep things simple while still styling a beautiful day.
There’s also a large children’s playground and family-friendly layout, making it an ideal option for weddings with younger guests.
Accommodation that elevates the experience
As a quality B&B, Connemara Country Lodge offers three rooms accommodating up to 10 people, with flexible sleeping configurations. Guests staying onsite enjoy a full cooked breakfast, and evening meals can be arranged.
Special accommodation packages are available, including a night-before wedding package for four people, which is perfect for bridal parties, complete with a two-course meal and breakfast in the morning.
Exceptional value with thoughtful packages
Bar venue hire starts at $4,250 + GST, with optional setup services available. Several all-inclusive packages are also offered, including one that covers venue hire and hire items, and another that includes everything plus washing of plates, cutlery and glasses.
There’s also a current special for couples who choose the all-inclusive accommodation package, offering either “book two nights and pay for one” for groups of six to ten, or inclusions like cleaning, rubbish, recycling and a night before stay with meals.
A venue that truly cares
What makes Connemara Country Lodge different from the rest isn’t just the scenery, flexibility or value, it’s the feeling couples walk away with. This is a venue where effort is made, where support is consistent but unobtrusive, and where weddings unfold naturally rather than feeling over-managed.
For couples searching for a relaxed, welcoming wedding venue with beautiful views, flexible options and genuine care at heart, Connemara Country Lodge may be exactly what you’ve been looking for.
IMAGE CREDIT: Photos by Katrina Cooke
