When it comes to planning a wedding, the venue really sets the tone. Years down the road, when you look back on your big day, so much of that warm nostalgia comes from the place where it all happened. 

Everyone has their own style and preferences, but we thought it’d be fun to share a few of our favourite spots. Beyond just the atmosphere, the location should feel right and make your guests feel at home.

If you’re planning a wedding in Dunedin and still hunting for the perfect spot, maybe this list will help you.

1. Larnach Castle

Address: 145 Camp Road, Pukehiki

Phone: +64 3 476 1616

Business hours: Contact for more info

Website

There’s nothing more romantic than being wed in a Gothic revival masterpiece, and that’s exactly what Larnach Castle is all about. 

Its strength lies in its uniqueness. New Zealand doesn’t have many castles, so this venue can set your wedding apart.

The architecture makes a statement with its ornate ceilings, a sweeping staircase, and lace verandas. Every corner looks like it belongs in photos.

The ballroom is also where much of the celebration happens. It can host anywhere from 80 to 180 guests, with the option of expanding to 270 if you add a marquee.

Guests also benefit from practical touches like a cloakroom, fitted bar, and modern facilities. It makes the grandeur feel less intimidating and more inviting.

There’s also accommodation. We’ve heard that the rooms are beautifully decorated as well. For couples who want to keep close family and bridal parties nearby, this is a win.

That said, this venue isn’t for everyone. It sits firmly in the premium category, and we understand. But if you’re willing to make your wedding look like a fairytale, it’s a strong competitor. 

Castle as a venue was stunning

“Attended a wedding there. Castle as a venue was stunning. Accommodation was fantastic and the meals were amazing. Wait/bar Staff were friendly, helpful and did a wonderful job, thank you.”

– Lilith 76, Google review

Great place with beautiful views! 

“Great place with beautiful views! Perfect location for a wedding, pre-wedding photography…the Cafe is great. I found the price is cheaper than other places, considering the location and service. Great customer service from entrance to departure, including Cafe service!”

– Roman Mortuza, Google review

2. Glenfalloch Garden Café & Restaurant

Address: 430 Portobello Road, Macandrew Bay

Phone: +64 3 476 1006

Business hours:

• Monday to Tuesday: Closed
• Wednesday to Thursday: 9:30 AM – 3 PM
• Friday: 9:30 AM – 11 PM
• Saturday to Sunday: 9:30 AM – 4 PM

Website

If you’re opting for a garden wedding, Glenfalloch might work for you. It’s one of those places where you don’t need to overdecorate because the setting itself is so beautiful.

You’ve got ancient trees, seasonal flowers that change with the time of year, and views over the Otago Harbour that make wedding photos look incredible.

Their ceremony options are pretty versatile. The Bridal Lawn is open and grand with the harbour right behind you, while the Deck feels more intimate. We love that it gives clients a choice.

The reception space is the chalet-style restaurant, which can seat up to 130 guests. Couples we spoke to said it fit their big weddings and even live bands without feeling crowded. 

You also don’t have to stress out anymore since they handle all the coordination. We’ve heard the staff always checks in on everyone and makes sure everyone’s happy.

They offer full packages with staff, setup, and cleanup. That also means that if you’re the type of couple who want total creative control, they might feel a bit too limiting for you. 

They did not disappoint!

“My husband and I were married at the beautiful Glenfalloch this year. It was our first choice wedding location, and I had heard excellent things about the gardens and events there. It did not disappoint! From start to finish, organising our wedding at Glenfalloch was a straightforward, enjoyable, and memorable experience. The wedding coordinator, Monica, is clearly passionate about weddings and helping couples curate their special day. The gardens are beautifully serene with a ceremony lawn that overlooks the harbour. It set the scene for incredible wedding photos with a large variety of settings. The restaurant transformed into the perfect reception area that was big enough for our large wedding and a band. The food was delicious, and all of the staff put great effort into our day. We are very grateful to the Glenfalloch team, and I would highly recommend them as a wedding venue.”

– Bethany Astwood, Google review

Everything was perfect

“Wow! Just wow! The team at Glenfalloch have been amazing. We organised our wedding remotely from Australia, and choreographed it with the arrival in Dunedin of our cruise ship. Everything was perfect – venue, food, logistics, flowers, celebrant. The weather was great and showed off the spectacular gardens. Thanks so much to Alex, Monica and the team. You were fabulous.”

– M B, Google review

3. Camp Estate

Address: 100 Camp Road, Larnachs Castle

Phone: +64 3 476 1616

Business hours: Contact for more info

Website

Camp Estate is all about intimacy. When you book, you get the whole house to yourself. 

With only five bedrooms, it’s not meant for huge guest lists. However, we think that’s what makes it so appealing if you’re planning something small and personal. 

It’s surrounded by courtyards, but inside, there’s a grand staircase that sets a really elegant tone. It’s a luxurious venue for something that’s tucked away in a quiet spot.

Food and service are a big plus here. We’ve heard from wedding guests that the meals were outstanding. 

Menus are even tailored to your taste. But you have to remember, they don’t allow bring-your-own (BYO). It might not bother a lot of people, but it’s worth noting if you had your heart set on serving your own wines or spirits.

One of the coolest extras is its connection to Larnach Castle, which is just down the road. There’s a location fee, but if you’re feeling it, it’s probably worth it.

I had my wedding here and the staff were unbelievably helpful and supportive

“…The rooms were cosy, clean and well-appointed. From the grand staircase to the jacuzzi and amenities in the bathroom, this hotel exceeded all my expectations. There’s even a fireplace in our room. It’s set in a very quiet spot with gorgeous courtyards in the front and the back of the estate. There is a salon with a fireplace where you can enjoy pre-dinner drinks and cocktails. I had my wedding here and the staff were unbelievably helpful and supportive. It was such a memorable experience, and I will definitely be staying here again.”

– Alan Yap, Google review

A 5-star in my books, highly recommended

“Went to a wedding here, an amazing place, location to die for even on a misty day, the staff, service, and the food were outstanding, a 5-star in my books, highly recommended. Some guests stayed and said they were very impressed with the rooms and service.”

– Noelle McKenzie, Google review

4. Grandview Gardens

Address: 95 Currie Rd, Outram

Phone: +64 3 486 1407

Business hours:

• Monday to Wednesday: 8 AM – 10 PM
• Thursday to Saturday: 8 AM – 11 PM
• Sunday: 8 AM – 10 PM

Website

Grandview Gardens feels like stepping into a countryside fairytale. The gardens are filled with lavender paddocks, rustic stone walls, and little ponds. We can already see wedding guests taking pictures at every corner, and that’s a huge strength. 

Inside, the atmosphere continues. With exposed wooden beams, a big open fire, and a stage for a band, it feels warm and inviting.

It’s actually bigger than it looks online, so you don’t have to worry too much about squeezing in your guests. 

Jo, the owner, has hosted a lot of weddings. She knows how to keep everything running smoothly. 

We’ve heard a lot of good reviews about her, so all you need to do is show up on your day.

They also have a BYO alcohol policy with no corkage fee, so you get to stick to your budget and still have professional staff serving.

That said, it’s not a package deal type of place. You’ll need to bring in your own caterers, florists, and other suppliers (though Jo has great contacts to recommend). 

The venue has so much character to it

“Myself and my husband, just had our wedding at Grandview Gardens, and it was so perfect! Jo and her team made everything so much easier for us. All we had to do was show up on the day, and it all ran smoothly. The venue has so much character to it, and the gardens are just so perfect, so many options to choose from, where you would like to get married. Thank you so much, Jo and team, for everything!”

– Anita Brenssell, Google review

So many different areas to get photos or even get married

“Had our wedding here and it was perfect. Jo is amazing, she helps you make the best decision for having a wedding here. Jo and her staff were absolutely amazing, and the garden is spectacular, with so many different areas to get photos or even get married. Definitely recommend.”

– Lauryn, Google review

5. Lochend Woolshed

Address: 261 Tomahawk Road, Ocean Grove

Contact: [email protected]

Business hours:

• Monday to Thursday: 9 AM – 10 PM
• Friday to Saturday: 9 AM – 12 AM
• Sunday: 9 AM – 10 PM

Website

It’s easy to see why couples fall in love with Lochend Wooldshed. It’s very peaceful—tucked away among old trees, native bush, and with beautiful views over the Tomahawk lagoon.

We get a rustic character from it, but it doesn’t feel run-down at all. The big wooden tables and chairs that come with the venue match the space so perfectly. 

They’re also pretty flexible. There’s an outdoor ceremony site between huge macrocarpa trees.

If the weather doesn’t play nice, you’ve got a big indoor reception area. It can seat up to 120 guests comfortably. There are also gardens, courtyards, and a lounge area.

Julz is the heart of the venue, though. Couples rave about how friendly and helpful she is, whether it’s answering questions or pointing you to great local vendors.

Now, there are a couple of things to keep in mind. The road in is a bit bumpy and partly gravel, so it’s not great for buses. Private cars are really the only option, and parking is limited to 40 cars. 

If you’re looking for a picturesque setting, this is the perfect place

“We had an absolutely wonderful experience at Lochend Woolshed! From start to finish, Julz was incredibly friendly and welcoming, ensuring everything was smooth and stress-free with her prompt responses and helpful guidance. The venue itself is breathtaking—peaceful, full of rustic charm, and offering countless stunning spots for photos. If you’re looking for a quiet, picturesque setting for your wedding, this is truly the perfect place. We couldn’t recommend it more highly!”

– Joel Theissen-Papp, Google review

It was such a special place to share with our family and friends

“Julz was the most amazing host, and the woolshed is a fantastic wedding venue. We celebrated our marriage in autumn, where the weather was crisp but woolshed warm. Colours and surroundings are a unique part of Dunedin, few get to experience, and it was such a special place to share with our family and friends. Thanks to Julz and everyone who made the magic happen!”

– John Boyle, Google review