Everything you need to know about planning a Mudbrick Wedding

As a wedding photographer. I've had the privilege of capturing weddings at venues around the country but Mudbrick Vineyard consistently stands out as one of our all time favorite wedding venues in Auckland.

The venue blends European dream wedding architecture with lots on on site photo locations, amazing food and stunning views of the Hauraki Gulf, every corner of Mudbrick offers a unique setting perfect for a European inspired Auckland Wedding. The venue's flexibility, with its indoor and outdoor ceremony options, means we can capture beautiful images no matter the weather.

We love getting to know our couples and working alongside them throughout their wedding journey, and Mudbrick's welcoming and picture perfect grounds help put everyone at ease meaning we can concentrate on getting the best photos of you and your guests since all the little details are taken care of.

Quick Q&A: Planning Your Perfect Wedding at Mudbrick Vineyard

When is the best time to plan a wedding at Mudbrick?

Mudbrick is a year-round wedding destination with each season offering its own unique charm. Peak months are January through March, so if you have your heart set on these dates, booking early is recommended. However, Mudbrick’s beautiful indoor and outdoor settings make it a stunning choice in any season.

How much will it cost?

In summer, the cost is approximately $220 per person for food and drink, plus a venue fee. Off-peak packages start at $150 per person. The final cost can vary based on your choices, such as wine selection and bar service duration.

What is the food like?

The food at Mudbrick is exceptional, with world-class cuisine crafted from freshly picked, seasonal produce straight from their gardens. Each plate is a work of art, guaranteed to delight your guests and make your wedding dinner a memorable experience.

What are some of the features of the venue that make it special?

Mudbrick offers a picturesque environment with spectacular sea views, mature formal gardens, and hand-hewn mudbrick buildings. The venue's versatility allows for both intimate and larger gatherings, with unique spaces like the restaurant dining room and the mezzanine floor. The breathtaking views of the Hauraki Gulf, Rangitoto Island, and Auckland city skyline add to its charm.

What about weddings in the rain?

Rain is not a problem at Mudbrick. The venue has beautiful indoor options, including the atrium at the Mudbrick Lodge, which offers a romantic and intimate ceremony setting with plenty of natural light. Rain or shine, your wedding will be beautiful and memorable.

How can guests get to and from Waiheke Island?

Guests can take a 35-minute fast ferry ride from downtown Auckland to Waiheke Island. Private buses can transport guests directly from the ferry terminal to the venue, making the journey seamless and stress-free. There are also options for car ferries and private charters.

Is there accommodation?

Yes, Waiheke Island offers a variety of accommodation options, including Airbnbs and Book a Bach rentals. Mudbrick also offers on-site accommodation, ensuring convenience for you and your guests.

A Dream Wedding at Mudbrick Vineyard on Waiheke Island

Tucked away on the beautiful Waiheke Island, Mudbrick Vineyard & Restaurant is the perfect spot for your dream wedding. Just a quick 35-minute ferry ride from downtown Auckland, this stunning venue offers amazing sea views, lovely formal gardens, and charming hand-hewn mudbrick buildings. Mudbrick never fails to bring a touch of class.

Planning your wedding at Mudbrick is super easy. Whether you're looking to book two years in advance or planning a spontaneous celebration just a few months away, Mudbrick has you covered. If you're eyeing the busy months of January to March, it's best to book early. But even if you're on a shorter timeline, the team at Mudbrick is awesome to deal with an will make sure everything goes smoothly, Trust us, not ever venue is lucky enough to have such an awesome team.

The cost of a wedding at Mudbrick can fit various budgets. In the summer, it's about $220 per person for food and drink, plus a venue fee. This can change based on things like your wine choices and how long you want the bar open. If you're looking to save, off-peak packages start at $150 per person. Mudbrick is also helpful in recommending other vendors who work on Waiheke or are familiar with the venue, we love getting to work with our favorite vendors all season.

Mudbrick's special micro-climate makes it a fantastic venue all year round, with each season bringing its own magic. From sunny days to the cozy feel of winter, the venue is ready for any weather. You can choose between beautiful indoor and outdoor ceremony options, both offering stunning views of the Hauraki Gulf, Rangitoto Island, and the Auckland city skyline. The indoor space even has a clear ceiling, letting in lots of natural light and creating a warm, inviting atmosphere. This makes photographing

Mudbrick's grounds offer a variety of photogenic spots. The Tuscan-inspired landscapes, grassy hilltops, vineyards, and clay driveways mean we can capture a range of looks without leaving the venue. This keeps you close to your guests and saves time on travel.

The venue provides a great range of backdrops, from sweeping views to cozy garden nooks. Sunset photos at Mudbrick can be particularly beautiful and we often take time with the couple to sneak up into the hills at golden hour, but timing is key. We often find sunset falling during speeches, so it's worth planning ahead if you want to catch that golden light.As photographers, we're happy to help with timeline planning to make the most of the venue and lighting conditions. Our experience here can help you balance photo opportunities with the flow of your day.

Mudbrick also always delights with their food. Known for its world-class cuisine and award-winning wines, the venue provides a beautiful dining experience. The menus feature seasonal produce from their gardens, fresh and flavorful dishes that complement the overall venue. The complimentary wine tasting offered before the wedding allows couples to select the perfect wines to match their menu, a nice chance to add a personal touch.

Overall, Mudbrick provides a solid foundation for a Waiheke Island wedding. While no venue is perfect, its combination of scenery, onsite options, and typically smooth service make our job as photographers easier and often leads to happy couples.

What We Love About Mudbrick Vineyard from a Photographer's POV

As a wedding photographer, Mudbrick Vineyard is a dream venue. The natural beauty of the surroundings, from the lush vineyards to the manicured gardens, provides endless opportunities for stunning photos. The venue’s Tuscan-inspired architecture, with its hand-hewn mudbrick buildings, adds a timeless and elegant backdrop to every shot. The clear-ceiling indoor ceremony space floods with natural light, making it perfect for capturing those intimate moments, even on a rainy day. The panoramic views of the Hauraki Gulf, Rangitoto Island, and Auckland city skyline offer a breathtaking setting for outdoor ceremonies and sunset photos. Mudbrick’s diverse scenery ensures that every photo is unique and every moment is beautifully captured, making it a true gem for wedding photography.

From a logistical standpoint, Mudbrick excels. Their experienced team understands the needs of vendors, including photographers. They're adept at coordinating the day's events, which allows me to focus on capturing moments rather than managing timelines. This efficiency is invaluable, especially during the more hectic parts of a wedding day. The venue's culinary offerings also deserve special mention. While my focus is on photography, I've observed that Mudbrick's food and wine consistently impress guests. Happy, satisfied guests translate to more natural, joyful photographs - an often overlooked but crucial aspect of wedding photography.

Mudbrick’s commitment to providing a seamless and memorable wedding experience, combined with its stunning location and exceptional service, makes it a top choice for couples looking to celebrate their love on Waiheke Island

The Perfect Canvas

Mudbrick Vineyard has a distinct European charm that shines through in its details. The cobblestone floors and wrought iron chairs lend an authentic, rustic elegance to the space. Crisp white tablecloths provide a classic backdrop for table settings, while the large windows frame stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

One of the venue's strengths is its inherent character. We've photographed numerous weddings here where couples didn't need to go overboard with decorations. The venue's natural beauty and architectural features speak for themselves. The stone walls, wooden beams, and vineyard views create a warm, inviting atmosphere that requires minimal extra decor and can actually mean a cost saving in the end if you are smart about it.

In our experience, it's always easier to work with a venue that has good "bones" rather than trying to transform a blank or characterless space. Mudbrick's existing charm means that even simple floral arrangements or candles can have a big impact, enhancing the already beautiful setting without overwhelming it.

Ready to Plan Your Dream Wedding at Mudbrick Vineyard?

Planning a wedding can be overwhelming but we promise we have done this lots of times before.

Get in Touch:

Have questions or need more details? Send us a message.

Let's chat about how we can make your wedding day perfect.

We’re here to help every step of the way, from the first email to the final delivery of your wedding photos.

Contact us to start planning. We can’t wait to be a part of your special day

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