A venue for your wedding will be one of your most important and, most likely, costly investments on your big day. As a professional DJ and musician, I've attended hundreds of weddings over the past 25+ years. There are some great venues around, so if you're a couple looking for the perfect wedding venue in Palmerston North or Manawatu, look no further than these top-notch choices.
1) First up, Makoura Lodge in Apiti. Located approximately 45 minutes from Feilding and surrounded by the majestic Ruahine Ranges, this stunning lodge offers couples an intimate and romantic atmosphere to exchange their vows. With exclusive use of the lodge, Makoura offers an indoor or outdoor ceremony area, reception for up to 110 guests, onsite accommodation, delicious catering, boutique bar, beautiful photographic landscapes, and a dedicated friendly team that will create a seamless, personalised, and most importantly memorable day for all.
2) Next up, Roseburn Park in Aokautere. This lush venue has rolling green lawns, beautiful gardens and even a small lake, providing a perfect backdrop to your wedding ceremony. In addition to the great outdoor spaces, Roseburn Park offers a permanently erected marquee, perfect for an indoor ceremony (if the Palmerston North weather doesn't suit) and for your reception. The hosts here are incredibly helpful and make every effort to ensure your day goes off without a hitch (except for the obvious one!) Secluded and private, yet only a 10-minute drive from the centre of Palmerston North, this great venue also offers accommodation packages.
Contact: roseburnpark@gmail.com
3) If you want something more unique, consider Wharerata, located on park-like grounds at the Massey University Campus. The staff here focus on making your day as stress-free as possible, with all costs upfront, ensuring no hidden extras. A walk-in and walk-out venue, all you have to do is supply decorations, and they’ll do the full set-up and clean-up at the end. Wharerata provides excellent facilities for hosting your ceremony, photography locations, reception dinner and dancing the night away. This picturesque venue offers couples an elegant, grand ballroom and a Colonial-style building. It's an ideal spot for up to 500 guests.
Contact: wharerata@massey.ac.nz
4) The Chalet (Boatshed Catering) is a fantastic venue beside the Hokowhitu Lagoon and is perfect for smaller weddings and civil ceremonies. Just minutes from the Esplanade and the Manawatū River, numerous opportunities exist for your wedding day photos. The team at Boatshed Catering offers outstanding catering, helpful staff and plenty of flexibility from start to finish to help ensure that your event is one to remember. With a BYO licence and an on-site bar including glassware, fridges and staff, all you need to do is decide on your preferred alcohol, purchase at wholesale prices, stock up the fridge, and then let the Boatshed team take care of the rest.
Contact: hello@boatshedcatering.co.nz
5) Located on the outskirts of Palmerston North, The Manawatu Vintage Car Club in Kelvin Grove is the place to go for classic vibes. A relatively affordable DIY type option that allows seating up to 140 people, the hire includes 18x trestle tables, 110x chairs, a walk-in chiller, a kitchen, bathroom facilities, a large deck and a spacious lawn area perfect for your ceremony. Decorate the venue to suit your unique taste and style.
Contact: info@creativecatering.co.nz
6) Hiwinui Country Estate is the ultimate venue for gorgeous rural views. Located between Palmerston North and Ashhurst, this estate is the perfect place to tie the knot and offers a range of packages that include ceremony only and ceremony, reception and accommodation. If you'd like to increase the guest capacity for your wedding, there is also an excellent space for a marquee. The team at Hiwinui Country Estate go out of their way to look after their guests and ensure that your big day runs smoothly.
Contact: info@hiwinui.co.nz
7) Lastly, Orlando Country Estate on Rangitikei Line is only minutes away from the accommodation options of Palmerston North city centre. Designed with weddings in mind, Orlando Country Palmerston North includes spectacular views overlooking the manicured rural landscape leading seamlessly to the Ruahine Ranges, allowing wonderful ceremonies, including the magical Orlando Chapel or courtyard setting.
They have created the perfect backdrop allowing your photographer to capture precious moments before inviting guests to celebrate with an Orlando Country reception. This venue offers a breathtaking venue for an intimate affair. Did I mention that Orlando Country Estate also features a driving range?
Contact: info@orlandocountry.co.nz
Summary
So, couples, if you're starting to plan your Palmerston North or Manawatu wedding, consider one of these beautiful venues listed above. It's not an exhaustive list but it's a great place to start. You won't be disappointed!
Please note that none of these recommendations is sponsored. They are based purely on my experiences there.
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