Video by Traveller Audio and Visual
There is something undeniably special about celebrating a wedding in the quieter seasons — crisp country air, golden autumn light, winter fires glowing, and space for families and friends to gather unhurriedly.
As Brackenridge prepares to farewell guests in August 2026, we are offering a limited number of Autumn and Winter weddings in our final season. For couples seeking warmth, intimacy and a truly private setting, this is a rare opportunity to host your celebration in our iconic countryside retreat.
Exchange vows beneath wide Wairarapa skies, share long-table dinners by candlelight, and enjoy exclusive use of the venue so your guests can relax, reconnect and stay together onsite.
If you have been considering Brackenridge for your wedding, this is the season to bring that vision to life.
Sleep up to 84 people on-site | Luxuriate in our gorgeous day spa | Comfortably seat 120 people and enjoy award-winning catering | 14 private acres
From the moment you arrive at Brackenridge Country Retreat & Spa, the pace slows and the magic begins. The rolling green hills and the gentle hush of the countryside—this is where your wedding day will unfold.
Gather your closest friends and family and settle into our onsite accommodation, just a short stroll from your ceremony and reception spaces. Book in for a relaxing treatment at our day spa—perfect for melting away those last-minute nerves. Enjoy local Martinborough wines with canapés on the veranda with your nearest and dearest as the sun dips behind the Tararua Ranges.
Wake up to the stillness of the countryside and the warmth of a winter morning at Brackenridge. Makeup artists from our day spa can come to you, allowing you to get ready at your own pace — fires lit, coffee brewing, and surrounded by the people who matter most.
Our cottages are perfect for families, offering space to spread out and relax before the celebrations begin. Guests can enjoy breakfast, borrow indoor or outdoor games, explore Martinborough, or simply settle in by the fire and soak up the atmosphere.
It’s an unhurried, comforting start to a day that’s all about connection.
Winter weddings at Brackenridge are all about warmth, atmosphere, and choice. Select the setting that best reflects your vision:
With heaters, open fires, and flexible indoor options, winter ceremonies are as comfortable as they are memorable. Whichever setting you choose, we’ll ensure every detail is taken care of — from seating and styling to the smooth arrival of your guests.
Move effortlessly from ceremony to celebration.
Enjoy drinks and canapés on the heated veranda or indoors by the fire, before sitting down to a beautifully prepared meal in the Banquet Room, which can host up to 120 guests. As evening sets in, fairy lights glow, the fires stay lit, and the dance floor comes alive.
With open fires in the Banquet Room, all cottages, and many studios, the atmosphere is warm, festive, and unmistakably Brackenridge — perfect for a winter celebration that feels intimate, joyful, and relaxed.
Let the celebrations linger a little longer with a farewell brunch — or continue your weekend with a cosy stay in one of our cottages or studios before you head off to your next adventure. Share stories, relive the highlights, and say your goodbyes without rushing.
At Brackenridge, your wedding isn’t just one day—it’s an entire experience.
With beautiful indoor and outdoor spaces, onsite accommodation for up to 84, a full-service day spa, and a team who will be with you every step of the way, we make sure every moment feels effortless.
All you need to do is arrive, relax, and celebrate. We’ll take care of the rest.
At Brackenridge, we believe your wedding day should be as effortless and joyful as possible. That’s why our venue hire package includes everything you need for a seamless celebration.
With everything included, you can relax knowing the essentials are taken care of—leaving you free to focus on the personal touches that make your wedding truly yours.
Celebrate your day surrounded by the beauty of our white rose gardens and lush green lawns. With rolling hills and golden late sunsets as your backdrop, your photographs will be nothing short of breathtaking. While you capture those special moments, your guests can relax and enjoy drinks on the covered veranda.
Venue hire rates are set annually – please enquire for current pricing.
There’s something truly magical about a winter wedding at Brackenridge. Enjoy the best light for photography, create stunning seasonal themes, and host a cosy reception beside our roaring open fires. Low season weddings also offer excellent value, making it a wonderful option for couples wanting to create a memorable celebration with a more flexible budget.
Venue hire rates are set annually – please enquire for current pricing.
“Brackenridge is one of my favourite Wairarapa wedding venues to photograph at. You just know that everything is going to be taken care of to the highest standard and run seamlessly. The cottages onsite are perfect for getting ready and the grounds are always beautiful no matter the season. I am always excited to work here.”
Belinda Pratt,
Wedding Photographer,
Aug 2024
“We recently got married at Brackenridge and had the absolute best bloody weekend and day ever!!! The biggest selling point for us was that the ceremony and reception were all onsite, we could stay on site in beautiful accommodation, it came with a great caterer, and of course we got to work with an experienced and dedicated wedding coordinator. If you are an anxious wee bride or just finding wedding planning in general stressful, this is the place to come!!! Thank you for everything! We had the happiest, best day of our life and didn’t feel like even one ounce of stress. I wish we could relive our day. xxx”
Kel & Rudi, Mar 2024
"We had the most incredible wedding day and stay thanks to the team. We couldn’t have asked for anything better. They ensured everything went to plan and made sure all our guests were well looked after. The cottages make for great accommodation for guests convenient and comfortable.
We are so thankful to the Brackenridge team!!"
Priya & Ollie, Mar 2024
"Courtnay and the team at Brackenridge were amazing for our wedding back in March! Courtnay and the team took care of all the set up and little things that popped up so that we could have a great wedding day. 100% recommend Brackenridge. In addition, the grounds were well kept and the accommodation was lovely and comfortable."
Nicky & Alex, Mar 2024
"We had our elopement wedding at Brackenridge last march, everything was so perfect, better than anything we imagined. The wedding coordinator was amazing, she took care of every detail, supporting us and advising with everything, considering that our wedding day was a challenging rainy and windy day. Everything worked well. Brackenridge made our biggest dream to come true, our happiest day ever. The cottage was amazing and comfortable, the bouquet, cake, the food after wedding, bride make up, photographer, celebrant and everything in the package was incredible."
Elaine & Olly, Mar 2024
"We got married at Brackenridge and it was such a fabulous venue! The team were so organised and diligent, we felt we could totally relax and enjoy our wedding to the full extent. What you don’t always realise when looking for a venue, is that having someone there who will manage the day and turn your vision into a reality for you is priceless. I cannot recommend Brackenridge highly enough."
Harry & Alex, Mar 2024
"Couldn't have asked for a better venue than Brackenridge for our wedding in January. The whole team went above and beyond to ensure everything went to plan and our guests have not stopped raving about how it. The cottages were also very comfortable to get ready in and was great to be able to have our guests staying on-site."
Melissa & Michael, Jan 2024
"Spent the weekend at brackenridge for a friend's wedding. It's a fantastic venue. Beautiful landscape scenery in every direction. Facilities are top notch, Would highly recommend."
Chris Fuller
To read more reviews visit our Google page.
