Choosing your wedding venue is one of the first major decisions in wedding planning — after setting your wedding budget and drafting your guest list. Your venue shapes the atmosphere, logistics and overall cost of your day.
In New Zealand, couples often face one key decision early on: should you choose an all-inclusive wedding venue, or organise a DIY or BYO wedding?
This guide will help you compare the options clearly, avoid hidden costs, and choose the type of venue that suits your priorities.
When Should You Book Your Wedding Venue in New Zealand?
Approximately 70–75% of New Zealand weddings take place on a Saturday, most commonly between November and April. Popular venues often book 12–18 months in advance for peak summer dates.
If you're flexible with weekday, winter or off-peak dates, you may secure availability sooner — and often at a reduced rate. See our guide to planning a winter wedding in New Zealand for cost-saving ideas.
All-Inclusive vs DIY vs BYO Wedding Venues: What’s the Difference?
1. All-Inclusive Wedding Venues (Hotels, Vineyards, Estates)
An all-inclusive venue typically provides:
- Catering and bar service
- Furniture (tables, chairs, linen)
- Staff
- Sound system
- Basic styling
- On-site coordination
Examples in New Zealand include vineyards, luxury lodges, and hotel venues in regions such as Matakana, Auckland, Bay of Islands and Coromandel, and Central Otago.
Pros
- Clear pricing structure
- Less logistical stress
- Fewer suppliers to coordinate
- Often more cost-efficient than expected
Cons
- Less flexibility
- Restricted catering or alcohol choices
- Minimum spend requirements
2. DIY / Dry Hire Wedding Venues
A DIY venue could be a private property, farm, hall or blank space. You bring in everything — including marquee, catering, furniture, staff and bar setup.
This approach offers creative freedom but requires serious organisation.
What many couples underestimate
- Hireage costs (tables, chairs, glassware, cutlery, kitchen equipment)
- Refrigeration for alcohol
- Bar staff
- Power generators
- Toilets if facilities are limited
- Pack-down and clean-up
We chose a DIY venue ourselves. While BYO alcohol saved money upfront, hireage and logistics significantly reduced the perceived savings.
3. BYO Wedding Venues
Some venues are semi-inclusive but allow you to bring your own alcohol (often with corkage). This can provide balance between structure and flexibility.
Always check:
- Corkage fees
- Glassware provision
- Bar staff requirements
- Noise restrictions
- Licence hours
Which Type of Wedding Venue is Most Cost Effective in NZ?
Surprisingly, many all-inclusive venues can be more cost effective once you account for hidden DIY costs.
Your wedding venue can represent 40–50% of your total budget, especially if catering is included. Before committing, review your figures using a structured budget plan such as our Little White Book Wedding Planner or downloadable Wedding Planning Pack.
Key Factors to Compare Before Choosing a Venue
Guest Capacity
- Does it comfortably fit your estimated numbers?
- Is there room for dancing and speeches?
- Is there a wet-weather ceremony option?
Budget Impact
- What percentage of your total budget will this consume?
- Are there minimum spend requirements?
- Are overtime charges clear?
Accessibility
- Is it accessible for elderly or disabled guests?
- Is parking adequate?
- Is accommodation nearby?
Style & Atmosphere
Choose a venue that already aligns with your aesthetic. A rustic barn requires less transformation for a relaxed wedding than a formal ballroom.
Catering & Alcohol Policies
Some venues require in-house catering. Others allow external vendors. Review our guide to choosing wedding catering options before deciding.
Questions to Ask Before Signing a Wedding Venue Contract
- What is included in the base fee?
- What are the cancellation terms?
- Are there sound or curfew restrictions?
- Is exclusive use guaranteed?
- Are candles, fireworks or confetti permitted?
- Is there a wet weather contingency plan?
- What are the overtime fees?
Before signing, review your venue choice against your priorities. Our guide to wedding priorities and budget planning can help clarify this decision.
Once You’ve Booked Your Venue
Once your venue is secured, everything else becomes easier. You can finalise your date, book vendors, design your floor plan and create your on-the-day timeline.
If you are still exploring regions, see our venue guides for:
Final Thoughts
There is no universally “right” choice between an all-inclusive, DIY or BYO wedding venue in New Zealand. The best decision is the one that aligns with your budget, guest experience, stress tolerance and personal priorities.
Take your time. Do the maths. Visit in person. Read every clause carefully.
And most importantly — choose the venue that feels like the right backdrop for your marriage, not just your wedding.