Matakana has become such a hub for weddings over the last few years, and honestly, I feel pretty lucky to get to shoot in this part of the world so often. I get asked all the time for venue recommendations, so I thought I’d put together my honest picks, the ones I keep coming back to and genuinely love working in.

The Stables

I shoot roughly half my wedding season at The Stables, so at this point I reckon I’m basically part of the furniture there, in the best possible way. I know this venue inside and out, the light, the best corners for portraits, the flow of the day, all of it. If you want a photographer who already knows a venue like the back of their hand, this is one of them.

Songbird Retreat

This one’s personal. I actually got married at Songbird myself, and I’ve since gone on to shoot several elopements there too. It might just be the most beautiful place I know to say your vows, intimate, quiet, and stunning without trying too hard. Whether you’re planning a big wedding or a small one, this is genuinely my top pick.

Vanderosa Farms

The views up there are incredible, gorgeous whether it’s tucked under a blanket of cloud or lit up on the brightest summer’s day. The ceremony spot alone will take your breath away, and there’s plenty of room to bring in a food truck or a drinks caravan if that’s the vibe you’re after. The reception barn modern rustic, with heaps of space for everyone to get out on the dance floor once the sun goes down. Jesse, the owner, is always happy to help get us further up the hill too, for those epic couple shots basically up in the clouds.

Leigh Central

A brilliant choice if you’re after a bigger, more fun wedding, so relaxed, with plenty of space and plenty of energy. There’s also an incredible sunset spot nearby that I used for my own wedding photos, the kind of view that makes for genuinely stunning golden hour portraits. I’ve even had these sweet little horses show up during the sunset shoot, so cute !

Plume

Plume brings such a relaxed, garden party feel to a wedding day. It’s rustic and stylish, and the food is genuinely fantastic. Spring and summer are the best time to shoot here, when the vines are green and lush. Their villas next door are modern rustic and gorgeous for getting ready in too, which means once the dancing wraps up, you’re not going far at all, you’re already home.

Being local to Matakana helps too, and not just when it comes to the venues. Over the years I’ve picked up a good list of spots nearby for first looks and bridal portraits, Omaha Beach for that wide open, golden light, a secret little forest just out of the village that feels like something from a storybook, even a sunset spot at a friend’s place I love for dreamy, golden hour shots.

So whichever venue you land on, chances are I’ve already got somewhere gorgeous nearby to sneak off too. If you’re still deciding between these Matakana wedding venues, get in touch and I’m always happy to chat through which of these might suit the kind of day you’re picturing. Having shot at all five, I can usually give you a pretty honest read on what each one’s actually like to get married at, not just what it looks like in photos.”