Explore Queenstown's Best Wedding Venues

If you’re dreaming of a wedding that feels like a movie scene, one with snow-capped peaks, still blue water, and a sunset that makes everyone go quiet for a moment, Queenstown is the location to say “I do” to. It’s the kind of place where the scenery does half the work for you, and the rest comes down to smart planning and the right venue.

Whether you’re eloping on a mountaintop, hosting a lakefront celebration, or booking out a luxury lodge for a full wedding weekend, Queenstown offers more than just good looks. It has beautiful space and a vibe that suits couples who want something a little bit different, a little bit magic, and a lot personal.

Why Queenstown Is a Wedding Favourite

This is the kind of place where even the drive from the airport can feel like a honeymoon preview. Queenstown sits on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and is wrapped in the Remarkables mountain range—yes, they really are called that—and the views are as dramatic as they sound. You’ve got everything from alpine backdrops to vineyard rows to lakeside lawns, often all within a few distance from each other.

There’s also a strong elopement scene here. If a big party’s not your vibe, Queenstown is made for intimate ceremonies with epic views. Just you, your partner, and a good photographer. And maybe a bottle to celebrate, too.

Start With the Essentials

Before you go hunting for flower arches and swatches, get the basics sorted. First up: guest list. You don’t need final RSVPs, but knowing whether you’re planning for 20 or 120 makes a difference. 

Next, pick a time of year. Summer is a favourite—warm days, late sunsets, everything’s green. But December can be a little unpredictable weather-wise. Autumn is more stable and honestly, a bit of a hidden gem. Gold trees, cooler air, soft light. Winter weddings are moody and romantic if you embrace the cold. Spring brings wildflowers and snow-dusted hills, but again, have a rain plan.

Also, book early. This is a wedding destination. If you’ve got your eye on a certain style or time of year, start locking things in at least 12 months out especially if you’re bringing in guests or suppliers from outside the region.

Queenstown Wedding Locations: What Kind of Venues You’ll Find

Lakeside settings are popular for good reason. The water is calm and there’s a peacefulness that just works for a ceremony. Many couples choose to get married right by the lake, then move to an indoor reception nearby or just keep it all outdoors if the weather holds.

Then there are the elevated spots. If you’ve ever seen a couple standing on a ridge with mountains behind them, that probably happened somewhere around here. High country stations, hilltop clearings, and mountain-access locations are available but you’ll need to factor in access, permits, and backup plans.

Head out of the town centre and you’ll find vineyard properties and countryside spaces with views for days. These areas, especially the ones tucked into valleys or sitting along riverbeds, are perfect for long-table receptions and sunset photos. They offer space, privacy, and that feeling like you’ve stepped into a different world.

Closer to town, there are garden-style venues, smaller boutique spots, and modern spaces with floor-to-ceiling windows that frame the mountains. These suit smaller weddings, elopements, or couples who want style without going full DIY.

Let’s Talk Food and Drink

The local food scene is strong, and it shows up in the catering. Menus lean into seasonal produce, hearty options, and shared-style formats that keep things social and warm. Per-person costs for food and drink usually start around $90 and can go well past $145 depending on the package. That’s inclusive of canapés, dinner, and standard drinks. Some places offer BYO with corkage, while others prefer bar tabs or set drinks packages.

If you care about wine, you’re in luck. Queenstown’s proximity to Central Otago means there’s excellent local wine on offer, especially pinot noir. 

Budget: The Real Stuff

Queenstown isn’t the cheapest wedding destination, but you’re paying for the setting and the experience. Most weddings here sit around $100 to $140 per head, with some higher depending on location, exclusivity, and service level. Some venues charge separate hire fees depending on what’s included. Others operate on a minimum spend model, where your food and drink spend secures the space.

Elopements can be far more affordable, especially if you keep styling and guests to a minimum. You’ll still need to budget for a celebrant, permits (if outdoors), transport, and photography but the simplicity can be a huge plus.

To save a bit, consider getting married around March, April, October or midweek. You’ll often get more availability and slightly better rates, especially for venues that host lots of summer events.

Getting There and Getting Around

Queenstown is well-connected. Flights from Auckland, Wellington and Australia are regular, and the airport is only about less than an hour from the town centre. That means guests don’t have to navigate much after landing, just a quick drive or shuttle to accommodation.

The town itself is walkable, but most venues aren’t. You’ll likely need to organise guest transport especially for rural spots or if alcohol’s involved. Group shuttles, private transfers or even simple carpooling work fine, but factor it into the budget and timing early.

Accommodation is diverse. From lakeview hotels and boutique lodges to Airbnbs tucked in residential areas, there’s something for every price point. Block out rooms if possible, or send guests a shortlist to make their lives easier. 

Make It Your Own (Without Overdoing It)

Here’s the thing: Queenstown doesn’t need heavy styling. A few personal touches go further than an overdone moodboard. Write your own vows. Build in a relaxed timeline. 

Want a live acoustic set during canapés? Go for it. Thinking of a morning ceremony followed by an afternoon cruise? That works here. There’s enough space—literally and creatively—to shape the day your way.

Last Things to Double Check

Before you confirm anything, get clear on what’s included. Ask about weather backup plans, timing restrictions, cut-offs, and what you’re allowed to bring in. Visit the space in person if you can. Pictures are helpful, but nothing beats standing there and getting a feel for it.

If you’re planning from overseas or another part of NZ, consider working with a local coordinator. They know the landscape, the vendors, and the things people forget until it’s too late.

How much do weddings in Queenstown cost?

Based on VenueNow's historic data, on average, Queenstown wedding venues cost between 185 to 275 NZD per person. For example, an event for 100 people could cost between 18500-27500 NZD. Costs may differ based on your food and beverage requirements, AV requirements, event date and time and the type of venue you decide to book.

What should I consider when comparing Queenstown wedding venues?

There are a number of different factors you should consider when comparing Queenstown wedding venues. Firstly, you should review the standing and seated capacity of the venue to see if they can fit your attendees. Next you should review the costs associated with hiring the venue such as venue hire fees, food & drink packages, additional costs such as audio-visual equipment, and whether there is a minimum spend to hire the venue. Other important factors include the location, aesthetic, amenities and facilities of the venue to understand if the venue fits all of your requirements. A great way to do this is review the venue's listings on VenueNow and review their function packs attached to the page.

How do I find and book Queenstown wedding venues?

Finding and booking Queenstown wedding venues is easy with VenueNow. Simply follow these steps: (1) Enter your location, event type and number of people into VenueNow's search engine. (2) Narrow down your search results by adding filters such as your event date and time, preferred room layout and budget. (3) Once you've found some venues you're interested in, visit the venue listings and send your enquiry via VenueNow. The venue will receive your enquiry immediately and respond to you within 24 hours via email. We recommend contacting 3-5 different venues to ensure you get the best price. (4) Venues will respond with a quote via email based on your requirements, and may suggest alternate dates when they can host your event. (5) Once you're happy with the quote, you can confirm your booking with the venue, pay your deposit and start planning your event.

How far in advance should I book Queenstown wedding venues?

On average, VenueNow customers book a venue 90 days in advance of the event. In some cases you are able to find venues that are available at short notice, however, availability for your preferred date and time may be limited. For large corporate events or weddings, we recommend booking your venue at least 3-6 months in advance, to ensure plenty of venues are available and you can lock in the best price for your requirements. Larger events also typically require additional planning with your attendees as well as any suppliers that may be required for the event.

Can VenueNow help me find Queenstown wedding venues?

We sure can! Not only can you find and book venues via on VenueNow yourself or using our Match AI feature, our team of Venue Booking Experts can help you find the perfect venue, collect quotes from multiple venues on your behalf, negotiate the best price with venues and book venues, all for free. Simply send us your event brief and our team will be in contact with venue recommendations within 24-48 hours.