Weddings

Your wedding is more than an event to us

We recognize the sacredness of this day and understand it is a pivotal moment in your lives. With this in mind we consider it a privilege to be involved in such a significant occasion in your life journey.

Love dances in the beauty of nature

We believe there is no more perfect place for two souls to celebrate their love for each other than here at Bethells Beach Cottages.

Without exception this is one of the most glorious environments in the country. It’s natural beauty is the perfect backdrop for your wedding day with lush gardens and sweeping views over Bethells Beach and across the Tasman sea.

There are many beautiful settings for your wedding photographs. Among them, Bethells beach with it’s rolling surf and sand dunes, Bethells Beach Cottage gardens, the picturesque Lake Wainamu, lavish Nikau groves, and charming rustic buildings of yesteryear.

Our facilities ensure that all your wedding day needs are met. We cater for up to 120 guests seated or 150 for cocktails in the Pavilion and our large expanse of manicured lawn is ideal should you require a Marquee for a higher number of guests.

We have an outdoor fireplace in the heart of the gardens, large pizza oven and a fully equipped commercial chef’s kitchen to support the preparation of a first class dining experience.

If you require on-site accommodation there are two beautifully appointed cottages and a contemporary apartment to choose from. Te Koinga | Turehu | Wairua

All are positioned to take full advantage of the stunning west coast views and with their north facing aspect receive plenty of warm sunlight throughout the day.

In the evening the Scandinavian hot tub is the perfect place to soak and take in the spectacular sunsets.

We offer a range of wellness and rejuvenation treatments that you may wish to experience before your wedding ceremony. These can be enjoyed in the privacy of your cottage and will help you to look and feel your best. Please view on our Health Sanctuary section for more details on health options.

“When you stay at Bethells Beach Cottages you become one with the elements.
The sights and sounds of nature awaken your passionate spirit and time ceases to exist.
As you look around you’ll realise that love is everywhere but here it just seems to flow a little easier.”

We welcome your enquiries and invite you to take a look at the different wedding options available in the list below. You may then wish to walk the grounds and discuss your wedding day requirements with us in person.

Bethells Beach Cottages offers the ideal romantic wedding venue very near Auckland but far enough away from the city to relax and enthrall your wedding guests.

Wedding/Civil Union Day Options

We are happy to create a tailored experience that meets your individual needs. To help with this process we provide four established options to base your day around. You may like to start with one of these then add your own ideas and design your perfect wedding/civil union day.

We can then work with you to plan and deliver on your personal vision for this special occasion.

If you plan to enjoy a meal with your guests we offer the opportunity to dine Alfresco under the stars in our lovely gardens. Alternatively you may like to be seated inside our hand crafted pavilion which also provides a superb dance floor.

Our four options are based on a minimum of 25 people. If you do have a smaller group please discuss your needs with us and we will provide you with a personalised quote.

All options include:

Venue hire
Provides use of the grounds. This includes access to the amenities in 1 or 2 cottages and parking for your guests. Your number of guests creates the plan for which we will advise you on.

Marriage Celebrant
You may already have someone in mind, however your host Trude Bethell- Paice is a marriage and civil union celebrant and happily offers her services when you hire out the venue.

Decorations and set up
Trude is an expert flower arranger and will lend that same artistic flare to decorating both the cottages and the pavilion. A lovely selection of decorations is supplied but if you desire something more elaborate please discuss your ideas with us and we can quote on your additional requirements. Alternatively we can put you in touch with a professional service provider if you haven’t already selected one.

Beverages
A range of non alcoholic drinks (fresh pineapple/passionfruit punch, juices and lemon minted water), your choice from our selection of fine wines and bubbles and different types of beer all to help you day and guests celebrate in style.

Catering
We have a professional chef and waiting staff. They have extensive experience and take great pleasure in providing a superb array of fine food to match your specific requirements. We have a selection of menu choices and offer either a more informal buffet style or full silver service option. Trude and Cameron our chef will liaise with you directly and help you plan a memorable dining experience.

Additional Services
For those that require it we do have a list of recommended service providers in the local area. Please click on the links below for their contact details.

  • Florist
  • Photographer
  • Make up artist
  • Further accommodation options
  • Transport – bus and mini coaches
  • Cake maker
  • Dressmaker
  • Entertainment

Your four Wedding Day Options:

Option One – Hou Moana (Sea Breeze) -
Venue hire for one hour for your special wedding day celebrations.
You may wish to book festive canapes and beverages.

Option Two – Hou Moana (Sea Breeze) -
Venue hire for two hours for your special wedding day celebrations.
You may wish to book festive canapes and beverages.

Option three – Wairua (Soul and Spirit) -
Venue hire for four hours for your special wedding day celebrations.
Light menu, tables/amentities, light beverages, planning and staff

Option Four – Aroha (Love) -
Venue hire for eight hours for your special wedding day celebrations.
Full buffet menu, all amenities, staff, planning and beverages

In order for us to prepare a quotation for your special day please remember to include the following information:

  • Chosen Wedding day Option.
  • Approximate number of guests.
  • Preferred dates – (please give two for availability if you can)
  • Is the wedding potentially formal or casual.
  • Accommodation requirements, arrival and leaving dates and numbers of guests.
  • Ceremony start and finish time.
  • Guests arrival and departure times.
  • Food and beverage preferences.
  • Decorations – are you planning/preparing your own decorations with our support or using a professional decorator.
  • What type of music system do you intend/envisage – DJ, Internet download, jute box, band.

Please provide as much information on how you wish to create your wedding day (this will allow us to give you the best advice and service)

Simple ideals
The breath taking natural setting of Bethells Beach Cottages is just one of the things that sets it apart from other venues. It is a place of great beauty, peace and tranquility. To maintain and honor this unique environment we do not hold weddings that include:

- Loud live bands or heavy base
- Guest numbers over 120 (unless there are special circumstances)
- Reception parties beyond 11:30pm

We ask for the bar to close at 11:00pm and that all guests not staying at the cottages are on their way by 11:30pm. Bus transport can be arranged to spirit your group home to the city or on to your after party celebrations.