Queenstown is home to some of the most spectacular wedding venues in New Zealand – and I’ve been lucky enough to photograph weddings at some of the best. If you’re planning your Queenstown wedding and looking for a location that feels just right, this guide is for you.
These venues are beautiful, full of character, and well-loved by the couples I work with – and I’ve included real insights from photographing at each one, so you can get a feel for the vibe, light, and atmosphere on the day.
✨ 1. Ayrburn
Best for: Stylish celebrations with top-tier food and wine
Vibe: Chic, modern heritage, and full of charm
Ayrburn is one of Queenstown’s newest and most talked-about wedding venues – and it lives up to the hype. Set on a historic estate with modern touches, it’s ideal for couples who want a refined but relaxed day with exceptional hospitality.
📍 Location: Arrowtown
📷 Photography tip: The mix of textures (stone, wood, water, greenery) creates beautiful variety in portraits.
🏰 2. Thurlby Domain
Best for: Romantic, rustic weddings in nature
Vibe: Secret garden meets historic ruins
Thurlby Domain is a Queenstown classic. With its ivy-covered ruins, tree-lined driveway, and hidden nooks, it feels completely timeless. It’s a dream to photograph in any season – whether it’s golden leaves in autumn or soft summer light through the trees.
📍 Location: Near Lake Hayes
📷 Photography tip: The golden hour through the trees is pure magic for couple portraits.
🍇 3. Stoneridge Estate
Best for: Elegant, intimate weddings with a European feel
Vibe: Tuscan-inspired, romantic, elevated
Stoneridge Estate is perched above Lake Hayes and surrounded by vineyards, gardens, and stone buildings. It has a fairytale quality, especially at sunset, and offers an all-in-one experience with accommodation, ceremony, and reception spaces all on site.
📍 Location: Lake Hayes
📷 Photography tip: Sunset down by the lake, with the chapel in the background, is always a winner.
🍷 4. The Winehouse
Best for: Laid-back luxe weddings
Vibe: Relaxed, elegant, surrounded by nature
The Winehouse in Gibbston Valley strikes the perfect balance – it’s relaxed but refined, with an open lawn, gorgeous homestead, and incredible Central Otago food and wine. The vibe here is warm, welcoming, and effortlessly beautiful.
📍 Location: Gibbston Valley
📷 Photography tip: The front lawn ceremony space gets soft, flattering light all afternoon. The access to the river with views of the waterfall make for dreamy sunset photos.
🪟 6. Lake Hayes Estate Pavilion
Best for: Private events with flexibility
Vibe: Elegant blank canvas with a beautiful natural setting
The Lake Hayes Pavilion is a great option for couples who want to bring in their own vendors and really make the day their own. With mountain views, a private lake, and a sleek modern interior, it’s incredibly versatile and ideal for stylish, personal weddings.
There is enough space at the the venue to have a ceremony on the lawn overlooking the lake, but you can also consider having your ceremony elsewhere and your reception at the Pavillion.
📍 Location: Lake Hayes Estate
📷 Photography tip: The light off the lake creates gorgeous reflections for couples portraits.
🚢 7. Walter Peak Station
Best for: Adventurous couples who want something truly memorable
Vibe: Remote, wild, and beautifully unique
Walter Peak is accessed via the vintage TSS Earnslaw steamship – and arriving by boat gives your day a sense of adventure from the very beginning. The homestead gardens, lakeside views, and mountain backdrop create a setting that’s both peaceful and dramatic.
📍 Location: Across Lake Wakatipu, reached by boat
📷 Photography tip: The ride across the lake offers candid, emotional moments – and the late afternoon light at the homestead is stunning for portraits.
🌿 5. Wonder and Full
Best for: Creative couples who want something truly different
Vibe: Modern, intimate, natural
Wonder and Full is a boutique venue designed with sustainability and creativity in mind. Think architectural details, lush gardens, and unique indoor/outdoor spaces. It’s a great option for couples wanting a more design-forward, intimate day.
📍 Location: Close to Jacks Point
📷 Photography tip: The light-filled spaces are perfect for detail shots and documentary-style moments and the landscapes around Jacks Point are unbeatable for portraits.
Final tips for choosing your Queenstown wedding venue
- Consider your guest list size – Some venues suit intimate groups better than large parties.
- Check the lighting – Ask your photographer how the light will hit your ceremony space at the time of day you’ve chosen.
- Think about access and logistics – Especially for older guests or out-of-towners.
- Always ask about a wet weather backup plan – Even in summer, Queenstown can surprise you.
Looking for a Wedding Photographer who knows these venues?
I’ve photographed weddings at all of these venues – so I know how to work with the light, space, and flow of each one. If you’re planning your Queenstown wedding and want relaxed, natural photos that feel like you, I’d love to chat.