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Edgewater

Weddings at Edgewater

From the moment you step into Edgewater, you’ll be greeted with warmth and hospitality, setting the tone for a truly magical celebration.

Choose from one of five ceremony spots on our park-like grounds nestled along the water’s edge of Lake Wānaka. Following your ceremony, your guests can enjoy a selection of seasonally curated canapés served on the lakeside patio and lawn area — proving the perfect setting for your special day.

What better place than to celebrate your special day than by the waters edge in Wanaka, New Zealand?

Welcome to Wānaka’s only lakefront wedding & accommodation venue.

At our picturesque lakeside location, you will fall in love with the stunning mountain views, making it the perfect spot to indulge and celebrate your special day in a relaxed, natural atmosphere. If you're in search of unique Wānaka wedding venues, you've found the ideal setting.

Our beautiful Central Otago wedding venue is nestled in the heart of Wānaka, sure to add to the magic and beauty of your wedding day. With the South Island's natural charm as your backdrop, this is the place to host your dream Edgewater wedding in Wānaka. Your wedding at Edgewater Resort will be an unforgettable experience, surrounded by the breath taking scenery that only this region can offer.

Celebrate your love in the stunning surrounds of Lake Wānaka

A&J posing in front of the lake front at their central otago wedding venue
Edgewater's reception, one of the Wanaka wedding venues

Wedding Packages

Wānaka’s only lakefront wedding & accommodation venue. You will fall in love with our unique lakeside location and mountain views, as you indulge and celebrate in our relaxed, natural atmosphere. Our superb setting is sure to add to the magic and beauty of your wedding.

A Beef slider platter and karaage fried chicken platter on a white table cloth

Food & Beverage Package

Edgewater offers contemporary cuisine inspired by the local land. The menu is centered around sustainability, changing every season to match the abundance of quality ingredients found in the Central Otago region.

Wedding Accommodation

Our full, intimate and elopement packages include a complimentary night's stay in our Lakeview Deluxe Honeymoon Suite the night before and the night of your wedding.

We also extend a special wedding guest accommodation rate to all our wedding parties.

Edgewater lake wanaka is one of the wedding venues nz has to offer

Our Facilities

Ceremony

Our beautifully tended grounds offer an array of ceremony spots for you to choose from. Say I do with Lake Wānaka and the stunning mountains as your backdrop and then enjoy the abundant photo opportunities to capture the moment with your beloved guests. Should you wish to be whisked away on a helicopter prior to or after your ceremony, our helipad is only a few steps away. If the weather is not in your favour, you can have your ceremony indoors.

Girl alughing playing Jenga in front of the Edgewater Pavilion. People sitting on the patio in the background

Reception

We offer packages to suit your number of guests. We can cater for anything from two people to 100 guests, depending on your vision. For the post-ceremony portion, you and your guests can enjoy some refreshments in our Alcove, spill out onto the lawns and enjoy the endless views, outdoor games and your choice of entertainment.

a platter of Bao Buns that are included in Edgewater's wedding packages

Catering

Our Executive Chef and his team provide catering options to suit, with a range of menus showcasing the incredible range of local produce. We take care of all catering from canapes, to dinner, to late night snacks. We can even prepare platters for whilst you are getting ready and a picnic hamper for you to enjoy while you have your photos taken. We offer an extensive range of beer, wines, spirits and non-alcoholic beverages. Our beverage menus change seasonally so please ask our wedding coordinators for our current offerings.

Accommodation

A great benefit of getting married at Edgewater is that we have on-site accommodation. When you book with us, you and your guests will receive an exclusive price on your desired accommodation for your stay. Our wedding packages* also include a complimentary deluxe suite for the happy couple, for the night prior to your wedding day, and for your wedding night. This also includes a full breakfast! (*Note that our ceremony only package does not include accommodation).

illustration of a New Zealand Elopement where a couple is dancing at their mountain wedding

Customer Reviews

I will never get over how beautiful it was to be married at Edgewater.

The location was everything I dreamed of and more! It was so great having all our guests have the opportunity to stay right 
at the venue and the ease of having everything in the one spot was fantastic.

Thank you so much for all your hard work in making our day as perfect as it was! I know that without Laura and Leni we wouldn't have had such an amazing day. We truly couldn't have asked for a better way to start our married life than with the experience we had at Edgewater. All of our guests were blown away by everything too; we heard compliments not only about how beautiful the venue was but also how great the food was and how friendly all the staff were. So a big thank you to the whole crew that were involved on the day!

We had such a great day and everyone kept on saying how lovely everyone was (we of course knew that already), how lovely the venue was, and also how good the food was. Couldn't stop talking about the food!

Everyone was raving about the venue, and particularly the food! The staff were all so incredible, and I think Dan and I will have to make a point of coming back yearly for our anniversary! But again, we can't thank you enough for everything! It really was the most incredible stay, and of course, the wedding day itself was honestly the best.

Honestly, I could not have imagined the day going any better. From the get-go, Edgewater has been nothing but lovely, informative and incredibly helpful. The vendors they had for us were all so amazing. As a nervous bride, I was obviously stressed but between Alex, Laura and Leni, they made me feel so much at ease and looked after us so well. I can't recommend the Edgewater team enough for weddings. Not only is the location sublime, it's the people who really did it for us. And for this, we are eternally grateful.

Related FAQs

How do we go ahead and book?

Once the date has been decided, we will send out a confirmation form with all of the T&Cs as well as an invoice for the deposit. Once both are received, your wedding is all confirmed!

How much is the deposit?

We take a $2000 non-refundable deposit to secure the date.

When is our final balance due?

The final venue hire balance is due 3 months prior to the wedding date and the catering charges and any additional extras are due 14 days prior to the wedding date.

Can we change the date once the booking is confirmed?

Deposits are usually non-transferable, as if your booking is cancelled or postponed at short notice, we are unlikely to be able to take another booking for that date. We do try to be as flexible as possible so please do get in touch if you need to move your date and we will try our best to find a solution.

What if I need to cancel the wedding?

We will always look at postponing as a first option, if this is not a possibility and you need to cancel, the $2000 deposit is non-refundable. If you need to cancel within 3 months, the full venue hire will be non-refundable and for any bookings cancelled within 14 days, the catering will be non-refundable.

What does the Intimate Wedding Package include?

Our Intimate Wedding Package is suitable for up to 30 people, it includes use of our grounds on the day (we won’t book more than one wedding a day) and our Pavilion or Alcove for your reception, depending on the guest number as well as two nights in our honeymoon suite. For a full list of inclusions, please see our Intimate Wedding Package section.

What does a Full Wedding Package include?

Our Full Wedding Package is suitable for weddings of 31 guests and more, it includes use of our grounds on the day (we won’t book more than one wedding a day) and our Alcove and Pavilion for your reception as well as two nights in VIP Suite accommodation. For a full list of inclusions, please see our Full Wedding Package section.

Do you offer a Reception Only option?

We can offer a Reception Only Wedding Package. Please contact us at [email protected] for more details.

What does the Elopement Package include?

The Elopement Package is a set package for 2-4 people (including the wedding couple). It includes use of the grounds and a three-course meal for up to four guests in our restaurant and two nights stay in our honeymoon suite. For a full list of inclusions, please see our Elopement Package section.

What does a Ceremony Only Package include?

A Ceremony Only Package includes use of our grounds on the day (we won’t book more than one wedding a day). There is the option to add on a private venue for post-ceremony celebrations. For a full list of inclusions, please see our Ceremony Only Package section.

How many guests can I have at my wedding ceremony?

We don’t have a hard limit on the number of guests that can attend a wedding ceremony but we would usually suggest no more than 150 guests just in case there is bad weather and we have to move the ceremony indoors. We have 45 white chairs that are included in the wedding package, you are welcome to hire more if needed.

Where are the ceremony sites?

You are welcome to get married anywhere on our grounds, the three most popular ceremony sites are situated over by our helipad, in front of the pavilion and down on the Lakeside in our newest edition to our ceremony spots. Elopements are welcome to marry on the lakefront.

Please see our wedding locations illustrated map here.

What are the wet weather options?

We will always try and make the wedding ceremony work outside, even if it means waiting for a break in the weather! If this is not possible and we have to move the weddings indoors, our first option will be the Alcove. If your wedding party is too large for the Alcove, we have the option of using our conference room upstairs.

What time can I hold my wedding ceremony?

We promise that we will only ever book one wedding a day which means that you can have your pick of times to have your ceremony. Most couples will choose a mid afternoon wedding to allow time for photography before the wedding reception.

Can I have a wedding rehearsal?

Absolutely! This will be organised with your celebrant. Please do let us know when you want to book as we may have to work around other weddings that may be booked in.

Do you include chairs for the wedding ceremony?

We have up to 45 white wedding chairs that are included in the wedding package. If you need any more or would prefer a different style, we are happy to recommend local companies that hire wedding furniture.

How about a wedding arch?

We do not have a wedding arch on site, this will need to be hired by an external company. Please check that installation is included when hiring a wedding arch.

What about music and a microphone for the ceremony?

Your celebrant will be able to help you to organise all of this. Alternatively, we are happy to recommend local musicians if you want live music for your ceremony. Please check in with us if electricity is needed as this is not an option at all ceremony locations.

Are any of your ceremony locations private?

As a public hotel, all of our ceremony spots are situated in areas that are open to public viewing. We will always try and provide a level of separation and privacy for all ceremonies but we cannot guarantee complete privacy for wedding ceremonies.

What are our options if arriving from Queenstown airport?

We are happy to help you arrange a transfer from Queenstown airport to the resort. We usually recommend hiring a car to use whilst here as public transport in the region is limited.

Is there parking at the resort?

If you are staying at the resort there will be parking included with your room. We will happily reserve parking spaces for bridal cars arriving on the day. For all remaining guests, parking is limited and will be on a first come, first serve basis. If you have a lot of guests arriving by car we recommend that they car-share. Street parking is available close by.

What about organising transport for guests staying off-site?

We will happily recommend local companies that can help you get your guests home safely. Please note that it is recommended that this is organised well in advance due to limited availability.

Can helicopters take off and land at Edgewater?

Absolutely! All of our wedding packages include use of our onsite helipad.

Can you help us to book a helicopter?

Whilst we cannot make the booking for you, we are happy to recommend local companies that are familiar with the resort.

Where is the best place to fly for photos?

The most popular landing location and the one that you see in all the iconic mountain shots is Coromandel Peak, just a quick 5 minute flight from Edgewater.

Do you offer a wedding planner?

Whilst we are on hand to help and guide you on hosting your wedding at Edgewater and will coordinate your wedding day, we do not offer a full wedding planning service. We recommend hiring an external wedding planner if you need help with creating a custom wedding budget, designing and customising your theme or styling of your wedding and having someone to book and manage all of your vendors. Many couples prefer to do this themselves, but we are happy to recommend local planners and stylists if you would like help guiding you through.

What is wedding coordination?

In the lead-up to your wedding, we will be on hand to understand the expectations of your wedding day, assist with organising a suitable timeline for your day, guide you through a recommended setup for the reception and help you with your menu and beverage choices. On the day we will coordinate your vendors, set up the ceremony chairs, set up the reception room and make sure that everything runs smoothly so that you can relax and enjoy your big day!

What do we do after our ceremony?

Once all the hugs and congratulations are done, your photographer and/or videographer will usually take control and start rounding friends and family up for some photos. After this is done, you will head off either alone or with your bridal party for photos. If you are having a helicopter we recommend leaving at least 30 mins from ceremony end to take-off.

What happens to our guests?

Whilst you are off having your photos taken, we will look after your guests. We recommend during this time that you put some platters and canapes on for your guests, this will allow them some time to mix and mingle and get some bites in before the wedding reception. During the warmer months we will have lawn games available. Some couples choose to have some live acoustic music or entertainment during this time. We recommend either a cash bar or tray service during this time as you want your guests to save themselves for the reception! Some couples choose to have their wedding photos taken prior to their ceremony so that they can enjoy this time with their guests.

What is included with the wedding reception?

- Tables (Rectangular or round)

- Ghost back chairs (up to 150)

- White or black tablecloths

- White or black napkins

- Crockery, cutlery & glassware

- A wine barrel for your cake

- Bar leaners for cocktail functions or gift tables

- Set up & pack-down down the reception

- All staffing

- A pop-up bar for larger weddings

- A sound system for background music

- Fairy lights on the ceiling

- A dance floor for larger weddings

Do we have to use your stuff?

No! You are more than welcome to organise/hire your own items if you have a special theme/look that you are going for. Most items can be substituted for your own from glassware to furniture to linen. We are happy to recommend local vendors.

What is the capacity for the reception venues?

Our Alcove can seat up to 30 guests, our pavilion up to 100 and by joining the two rooms and the addition of a marquee (this is hired from an external company at an additional fee) we can host weddings for up to 150 guests.

What are the table layout options?

Our recommendation based on your guest numbers would be as follows:

- 5–30 people: one long rectangular table. There is also the option for a sweetheart table.

- 30–60 people: two long rectangular tables with an option for a sweetheart table or a bridal table (holds up to 14 guests).

- 60–80 people: either three or four long rectangular tables or round tables with an option for a sweetheart table or a bridal table (holds up to 14 guests).

- 80–150 people: round tables with a bridal table (holds up to 14 guests).

If you have over 100 guests, depending on your chosen table layout, you may wish to have our staff remove some guest tables after dinner to make more space for dancing.

What time does the party end?

Music needs to be off by 11pm on weekdays and 11.30pm on weekends. The reception room needs to be vacated by midnight. We can arrange for our hotel bar to stay open past this time but we will require adequate notice of this so that we can arrange for staffing.

Is there a dancefloor?

For weddings of over 30 people, the adjoining Alcove can be used for a dance space, there is space here for a band or DJ to set up. Please let us know if you require a dancefloor for an intimate wedding and we can let you know the available options.

We do have the space for an outside dancefloor should you want one, however you will need to hire this from an external hire company.

Is there a sound system and can we play our own music?

There is a sound system in the Pavilion that can be connected to your own device via an aux cable, alternatively, we can supply an iPad that can be plugged in and you can sign into Spotify to access your playlists. The Alcove has a small portable speaker that acts the same, or can be connected to our restaurant sound system. Please note that all speakers are designed for background music only. If you are after a party vibe, we recommend a live band, DJ, or hiring a professional speaker.

How about menus, seating plans and place name cards?

These will need to be arranged yourselves and are not included in the venue hire. We do have an easel and A1 frame that you are welcome to use.

Does the reception room have heating and AC?

Both the Alcove and Pavilion have great heating systems which make for a lovely cosy winter wedding. Neither room has AC but the windows and doors open fully onto the lawns in the summer, creating a beautiful summer breeze from the lake.

Do we have access to an outdoor area as part of the reception?

Our Pavilion offers a great indoor/outdoor flow with bi-fold doors. During the warmer months you will have use of the outside area where we set up a seating area and lawn games. This area can be accessed until 10pm. Please note that our resort and grounds are non-smoking.

What time can we start setting up?

Reception set-up is normally from 10.00 am on your wedding day, once our hotel breakfast service has finished. Sometimes if there is no function the day prior, we may be able to have the venue set up earlier, but this will be subject to availability and can only be confirmed 7 days prior to the wedding day.

When do our food & beverage choices need to be made?

We require your menu choice 30 days prior to the wedding, final confirmed numbers and dietaries are due 14 days prior to the wedding and this will act as the minimum number that you will be charged for.

Can you cater to allergens and dietaries?

Our team can cater for all dietary requirements, certain dietaries may require a separate plate of food as the chosen menu may not be suitable.

Whilst we always try to accommodate all food allergens, please be aware that our kitchen uses all ingredients and whilst we take great steps to minimise the risk of cross contamination, we cannot guarantee that all ingredients are safe to consume for people with specific allergies.

Can we arrange external catering or bring our own food?

No, we do not allow any external catering or BYO. The only exception to this is your wedding cake.

Can we byo alcohol?

We do not allow any alcohol bought from off-site to be consumed in our reception area. If there is a specific beverage that you want at your wedding, please do get in touch and we can discuss the options.

How much to people usually spend on drinks?

The average spend for a wedding is between $50-65 per person (based on 2022/23 figures). This is based on house wines and beers, if you select premium wines or spirits, the spend may be higher.

Once the bar tab is reached, can guests purchase their own drinks?

Of course, if you choose to have a bar tab, once the limit is reached we can switch over to a cash bar.

How are drinks served?

For larger weddings in the Pavilion, a private bar is included in the venue hire. For smaller weddings, we offer table service.

Location

54 Sargood Drive
Lake Wānaka 9305
New Zealand

Enquiry

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