The aisle less travelled
Weddings are made for memories – take the plunge and make it a day to remember with a venue you’re sure to never forget. Here are six of our favourite unique places you could tie the knot in Canterbury. From wild and wonderful adventure to serene heritage and beauty, there’s something for every type of nuptials.
Wild, wild wedding
Orana Wildlife Park is the only open-range zoo in New Zealand. For the ultimate in animal adventure, come get up close and personal with the animals for your wedding! With many locations around the park suitable for your wedding ceremony, including the giraffe platform, couples can get married with giraffes, gorillas, and rhinos for a very reasonable price – bring your celebrant and your paperwork and pay the admission fee, and you’re set! Talk about wild!
Try a tropical tryst
Cuningham House is a stately structure of architectural importance and is listed with the Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga. A spacious staircase leads to a large peripheral gallery where an extensive collection of tropical plants are displayed. Both upper and lower Cuningham House contain fine collections of sub-tropical plants. We’ve seen plenty of wonderful wedding shoots here, but it might pay to investigate with the council about having your wedding in the conservatory.
Keep it friendly
The Ferrymead Friendly Societies Lodge Hall is a relatively new building, designed and constructed in an authentic 1920s heritage style and décor at Ferrymead Heritage Park. The wood panels and throwback aesthetic of the Lodge make it a great option for wedding receptions, parties and celebrations of up to 90 seated people or 100 standing. The venue hire also includes external areas next to the park’s ponds.
Say I do, with drama
Make your nuptials as grand as their venue – the Isaac Theatre Royal is arguably one of the most iconic theatres in our region. With over 1200 seats over three levels with spectacular interiors, you’ll have an exclusive heritage experience. Complementing the magnificent auditorium and stage are several impressive purpose-built event and function spaces, comprising The Gloucester Room, Ravenscar Dress Circle Foyer, and the Grand Circle Foyer.
History and beauty
Set in the scenic Akaroa Harbour, Ōnuku Marae offers a stunning carved Whare Tīpuna (ancestral house), a new and contemporary whare kai (dining room), and a beautiful original church, and lush, peaceful grounds. With the capacity to cater for up to 200 people, you can enjoy a naturally beautiful and historical environment with all the comforts and hospitality of a modern venue. Ōnuku offers a different world you won’t experience anywhere else.
Zippy matrimony
If your aim is to have an action-packed ceremony, why not bring your entire wedding party up to Christchurch Adventure Park? The team can cater for groups with different ideas of adventure – from sightseeing on the chairlift or flying through the trees on a Zipline Tour. The Adventure Park Café has delicious food and a fully licensed bar – get in touch to talk about your union in the treetops.
