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Common Questions for Weddings
Venue & Logistics
Akarana is located on the waterfront in Ōrākei, just minutes from Auckland CBD, with beautiful harbour views and an easy-to-access location for guests.
Akarana offers panoramic waterfront views, modern function spaces, outdoor ceremony locations, and an experienced events team. The venue combines a relaxed coastal feel with a modern, elegant event space.
We can accommodate a wide range of wedding sizes:
- Small weddings: 20–50 guests
- Medium weddings: 60–120 guests
- Large weddings: Up to 200 seated or larger cocktail-style events
While we don’t require full venue exclusive hire, all weddings have exclusive use of their function space. Once you and your guests are upstairs in the event spaces, it feels completely private and separate from the rest of the venue. Full venue buyouts are available if you would like exclusive use of the entire building, but this is not necessary for most weddings.
Yes, there is on-site parking available for guests, with additional nearby on road parking which is un-restricted.
Yes, the venue is fully accessible with lifts, ramps, and accessible bathrooms.
Yes, Akarana offers both indoor function rooms and outdoor waterfront spaces, such as the turf and Te Kawau Room balcony.
Absolutely. We encourage couples to book a site visit so we can show you the spaces, discuss layout options, and talk through your wedding plans.
Venue hire times vary depending on your package and event schedule, but typically include setup time, the event duration, and pack-down time. Our team will confirm timings when planning your wedding.
Early access may be available depending on the event schedule. We will work with you to arrange setup times where possible.
We have private rooms that can be used for the wedding party before the ceremony, one of which is set as a bridal suite.
Yes, we welcome both bands and DJs, and we have AV capabilities to support speeches, and background music.
Yes, we provide tables, chairs, bar leaners, and basic linen as part of the venue hire.
Yes, our spaces are very versatile and can be styled to suit anything from elegant and formal to relaxed coastal or modern minimalist weddings.
It is very unlikely that we would host more than one wedding on the same day. While there may be other events or restaurant service operating in the building, weddings have exclusive use of their function space, and once you are in the event areas it feels private and separate from the rest of the venue.
Yes, the waterfront, marina, lawn, terraces, and surrounding areas provide beautiful photo locations so you don’t have to leave the venue.
Wedding events typically run until midnight, which allows enough time for dinner, speeches, and dancing. Exact finish times can be confirmed when booking, and extensions may be possible depending on the day and package.
Extensions beyond the standard finish time are subject to availability, staff, and licensing requirements. Our events team can discuss options if you’d like to keep the celebration going, but must be arrange prior.
We recommend booking 12–18 months in advance for weekend weddings, particularly during peak wedding season. This ensures your preferred date and space are available.
Yes, all weddings have a minimum spend which varies depending on the day, time, and space you choose. Your events coordinator will provide a full breakdown when discussing your booking.
We allow LED candles. Confetti, glitter, or rice is not permitted on the lawn or indoor spaces.
Yes, public holidays or special dates may carry a surcharge. Your events coordinator will outline any additional costs during your booking discussion.
Your event coordinator will be there to oversee the setup and final arrangements and help you get settled before guests arrive. Once the event is underway, our experienced event operations team will take over to run the service, manage the timeline, and ensure everything runs smoothly for the rest of the evening.
We have trained staff who operate our AV systems on the day. If specialist technical support is required for complex setups (live streaming, multiple microphones, bands), we can arrange additional assistance.
Ceremony Onsite
Yes, we always have an indoor backup option available in case of bad weather, so you can relax knowing there is a plan in place.
Yes, we can provide ceremony chairs, signing table, and basic setup as part of your ceremony package or venue hire.
Yes, one of the benefits of having your wedding at Akarana is that guests can move easily from the ceremony to drinks and the reception without needing transport between venues.
Most wedding ceremonies run for approximately 20–30 minutes, followed by congratulations and drinks.
Yes, the equipment is included in room, and we can help arrange for speakers and microphones for ceremony music, vows, and readings if it’s outside.
Yes, live musicians such as acoustic guitarists, violinists, or singers are welcome for ceremonies.
Supplier access times will be arranged with our events team depending on the event schedule for the day.
Yes, couples arrange their own celebrant, minister, or registrar for the ceremony.
Yes, we work with a number of excellent local celebrants and are happy to provide recommendations.
Ceremony rehearsals may be possible depending on venue availability. Please speak with our team to arrange a suitable time.
Our events team will help coordinate timings, supplier access, and venue setup, but your celebrant or planner usually runs the ceremony itself
Guests can move to the bar or terrace for drinks and canapés while you and your wedding party have photos around the venue or nearby waterfront locations.
Yes, you are welcome to bring flowers, arches, aisle runners, or other styling items. Our team can help coordinate setup locations and timing.
Yes, many couples choose to repurpose ceremony flowers for the reception, and we can assist with moving these where possible.
Ceremony start times are flexible and can be coordinated with your chosen reception schedule. Most weddings start between 2:00 pm–5:00 pm, but we can discuss timing to suit your day and natural light for photos.
Waterfront lawn: up to 120 seated
While the venue doesn’t have permanent shade structures on the lawn or terrace, our team can help you organise temporary solutions, such as umbrellas, marquees, or other options, to keep guests comfortable.
Guests are welcome to enjoy drinks after the ceremony. During the ceremony itself, we recommend leaving drinks until the post-ceremony drinks reception.
Yes, we can provide water stations or bottled water for guests, especially for outdoor ceremonies.
Yes, dogs are welcome at the ceremony, but we ask that they are well-behaved, on a lead, and supervised by a guest. Our team can advise on the best ceremony locations and timing to ensure everyone — human and canine — has a safe and enjoyable experience.
Reception
Your reception can be held in either our Te Kawau Room or Combined Rooms.
- Indoor seated reception Te Kawau Room: up to 200 guests
- Indoor seated reception Combined Rooms: up to 70 guests
- Smaller private rooms: ideal for 20–50 guests
Our team will help you select the right space for your guest list.
Absolutely. Couples are welcome to bring in flowers, no flame candles, table décor, or hire an external stylist. Our team can advise on layouts and timing for setup.
Yes, tables, chairs, and basic linens are included in your reception hire. Additional styling, chair covers, or specialty furniture can be arranged with your planner or suppliers, for which we can assist.
Yes, our spaces are highly flexible and can suit formal, coastal, modern, or relaxed themes. Our team can provide advice on what works best with the room layout and flow.
Yes, Akarana has in-house catering and bar services. You can choose from set menus, shared platters, or cocktail-style options. Beverage packages can be tailored to your preferences.
Yes, there is a dedicated space for cake presentation and cutting, with staff support for setup and service.
Yes, live bands and DJs are welcome. Our main function room has AV capabilities to support music, speeches, and dancing.
Yes, our spaces are family-friendly. We can help you arrange seating and catering options suitable for children.
Reception hire typically includes setup time, your event duration, and pack-down time. Exact hours will be confirmed in your wedding package.
Yes, access for decorating, florists, or suppliers can be arranged, subject to your event schedule.
Accordion Content
Catering
We offer flexible catering options including plated dinners, shared platters, buffet-style meals, or cocktail-style canapés. Menus can be tailored to your wedding style and the size of your guest list.
Akarana provides in-house catering to ensure quality and smooth service.
Yes, we can accommodate allergies, vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and other dietary needs. Please advise us in advance so we can plan accordingly.
Yes, we can arrange for a tasting in the lead up to your wedding. Please note that charges do apply.
Options include:
- Plated service with wait staff
- Shared platters for each table
- Cocktail-style canapés during drinks
- Buffet-style meals (for larger, casual events)
Yes, many couples combine canapés for the drinks reception, plated mains for dinner, and shared desserts or a dessert table afterward.
Yes, all catering includes professional staff to serve, clear tables, and ensure a smooth dining experience.
Yes, child-friendly menu options can be provided to suit younger guests.
Timing is flexible depending on your schedule. Typically, canapés are served immediately after the ceremony, followed by the main meal during the reception, and dessert toward the end of the evening.
We’re happy to discuss incorporating special dishes, cultural foods, or family favourites, provided it meets food safety requirements.
Yes, and it is delicious!
Beverages
Yes, we provide table service for drinks during the reception and a staffed bar. Cocktails and other beverages can be arranged, and we can accommodate a mix of cash bar and tab service if preferred.
Yes, we allow BYO wine or champagne. Corkage fees are $30 per bottle for still wine and $35 per bottle for champagne.
Yes, a minimum spend applies to cover staffing costs. Our team can help you plan a bar option that fits your needs.
Yes! We’re happy to discuss options outside our standard list and can help source or prepare your preferred beverages.
Absolutely. We provide a range of non-alcoholic and low-alcohol drinks so all guests can enjoy a beverage throughout the celebration.
Yes, security staff are included in the beverage package to ensure a safe and well-managed event.
Yes, drinks can be served immediately after the ceremony or during the drinks reception. Table service or bar service options can be arranged to suit your style.
Yes, we can accommodate cash bars or a combination of tab and cash bar options.
Final Details
Final guest numbers are typically required 3 weeks before your wedding. This will be the number used for catering and staffing.
Dietary requirements should be provided with your final guest list. Please clearly identify each guest and their dietary requirement so our kitchen and service team can manage this smoothly on the night.
Final payment is usually due prior to the wedding once final numbers and details are confirmed. Your coordinator will confirm the exact due date and provide a final invoice.
- Final guest numbers
- Dietary requirements
- Seating plan
- Wedding day timeline
- Supplier contact details
- MC and speech timing
- Playlist or music details
- Table numbers or names
- Any styling or décor setup instructions
Yes, if you are having a seated reception, we will require a seating plan and table numbers prior to the wedding so we can set the room correctly.
Styling items can usually be dropped off 1–2 days prior to the wedding by arrangement with your coordinator.
Supplier access times will be scheduled with your coordinator depending on your ceremony and reception times. We will create a schedule to ensure all suppliers have access when needed.
Yes, our team will work with you to create a timeline for the day including ceremony, drinks, dinner service, speeches, cake cutting, and dancing.
Your suppliers should contact your event coordinator in the lead-up to the wedding. On the day, our events and operations team will be onsite to assist with access and setup.
We recommend nominating a family member or friend to collect gifts, cake, and personal items at the end of the night. Our team will assist with packing remaining decorations where possible.
Yes, please let us know if you would like supplier meals arranged for photographers, bands, or other vendors who will be onsite during the reception.
After booking your wedding with us, we include an additional site visit and a final details meeting closer to your wedding date to go through timings, layout, catering, beverages, and all final arrangements.
The final details meeting usually takes place around 4–6 weeks before the wedding, once you have a better idea of guest numbers, styling, and your wedding day timeline.
- Wedding day timeline
- Ceremony setup and location
- Reception layout and seating plan
- Catering and dietary requirements
- Beverage service and bar tab
- Supplier arrivals and setup times
- Styling and decorations
- Music, speeches, and cake cutting
- Final guest numbers and next steps
Yes, we include an additional site visit so you can walk through the spaces again, confirm layout plans, and finalise details with your coordinator.
Yes, ceremony rehearsals can be arranged if required, depending on venue availability. These are usually scheduled a few days before the wedding and coordinated with your celebrant.
Not always. Many ceremonies are simple to run with the celebrant guiding everyone on the day, but rehearsals can be helpful if you have a larger wedding party or specific ceremony timing to practice.
- Guest list and dietary requirements
- Seating plan
- Timeline or run sheet
- Styling ideas or floor plan
- Supplier list and contact details
- Any questions you still have
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