10 Tips for planning your dream waterfront wedding in Auckland
There’s something undeniably special about a waterfront wedding. The natural light, open skies, and ever-changing views create a relaxed yet refined atmosphere that’s hard to replicate anywhere else. Auckland offers some of the most stunning waterfront wedding venues in New Zealand, but planning one comes with its own considerations.
Waterfront ceremony overlooking Ōrakei Basin.
Kiri Marsters Photography & Video
Here are our top 10 tips to help you plan a seamless, stress-free waterfront wedding, starting with the most important decision of all: your venue.
1. Book your venue first - it shapes the whole day
Most couples don’t realise how much the venue influences everything until they’re in the middle of planning. With a waterfront wedding, it matters even more.
The time of your ceremony, where guests sit, where you’ll stand, and when the light looks its best are all tied to the water. Booking your venue early gives you the freedom to plan the day around the moments you actually care about, like saying your vows with the water behind you, not in the harsh afternoon sun.
Before the guests arrive at our waterside ceremony.
Kiri Marsters Photography & Video
2. Think about where you’ll actually spend most of your time
It’s easy to fall in love with a ceremony spot by the water, but ask yourself: where will you and your guests be after that?
The best waterfront weddings are the ones where couples and guests can stay connected to the water, during drinks, canapés, mingling, and sunset - rather than being moved straight indoors.
When you’re viewing venues, picture yourselves with a drink in hand, chatting with friends. Are you still near the water? Can guests wander outside easily? These are the moments people remember.
3. Choose suppliers who won’t pull you away from your own wedding
Couples often tell us their biggest concern is spending the whole day being away from their guests, especially for photos.
A good photographer and MC will plan things so you’re not disappearing for long stretches. That means quick group photos, a relaxed portrait session, and more time enjoying the view, the breeze, and your guests.
If being by the water is important to you, say that upfront. The right suppliers will work around it.
5. Keep photos close and stress-free
Group photos can quickly feel like herding cats, especially when guests are keen to get back to their drink and the view. Keeping both couple and group photos organised and close to the ceremony area helps everything run smoothly, gets photos done efficiently, and keeps the energy relaxed, so everyone can return to where they actually want to be: by the water.
6. Time the day so you don’t miss the best part
Couples often say their favourite moment is the time just after the ceremony, bubbles or cocktail in hand, sun starting to soften, guests relaxed and happy.
Building your timeline so you’re free during this part of the day (rather than rushing to speeches or photos) means you actually get to enjoy being newly married by the water.
7. Let the setting do the heavy lifting
One of the joys of a waterfront wedding is that you don’t need to overdo it. Simple styling lets the water, light, and surroundings speak for themselves.
Most couples end up grateful they didn’t add “too much” - the setting already feels special.
8. Think about transitions between spaces
Whether guests are moving from the ceremony to cocktails, or from an outdoor setting into a marquee, well-planned transitions make a big difference. Music, welcome drinks, signage, and your MC can all help guide guests seamlessly from one moment to the next.
This is especially important in a waterfront setting, where making the most of the space during daylight hours allows guests to fully enjoy the views and atmosphere.
9. Build a timeline around the water and the light
One of the biggest advantages of a summer waterfront wedding is the long evenings and golden light over the water. A well-planned timeline lets you enjoy the best parts of the day, relaxed drinks by the water, soft sunset photos, and an easy transition into the eveningwith, out feeling rushed.
Here’s a summer-friendly waterfront wedding timeline that works beautifully for many Auckland venues:
Suggested waterfront timeline (summer)
2:45pm - Groom, groomsmen, and celebrant onsite
3:00pm - Guests arrive and settle in, enjoying the waterfront setting
3:30pm - Ceremony begins (great light, not too harsh, still warm)
4:10pm - Ceremony concludes
Congratulations, hugs, and the first drink by the water
4:45pm - Group & family photos
Kept close to the ceremony area so guests can quickly return to drinks and views
5:15pm - Guests enjoy canapés and drinks by the water
Couple steps away briefly for relaxed portraits nearby
6:15pm - Guests move into the reception space
The light softens and the water begins to glow
6:30pm - Bridal party entrance & first speeches
7:00pm - Dinner served
7:45pm - Sunset / golden hour photos by the water
A short, calm break from the reception while guests relax with drinks
8:15pm - Remaining speeches & dessert served
8:45pm - First dance
9:00pm - Dancing begins
11:45pm - Last drinks
12:00am - Bar closes / guests depart
10. Trust the people who’ve done it before
On the day, you don’t want to be thinking about weather, timing, or logistics. Trusting your venue team and suppliers means you can stay in the moment - laughing, hugging people, and soaking it all in.
That’s what couples remember years later - not the run sheet, but the way the day felt.
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