Over on our Instagram we asked you for ANY weddings related questions you might have, to put to our fabulous weddings team! Our Weddings Managers, have answered the top 6 below, more coming watch this space…

How far in advance do I need to book my wedding?

Not as far in advance as you may think, the closest we would normally see a wedding book is 3 months from the date. We also have couples book 1 or 2 years prior though – it really depends on personal circumstance and what you are looking for. If you have your heart set on a Saturday in January, February or March, our most popular months, then 2 years prior is your yard stick. If you are more flexible on date then even 3 to 6 months out is totally doable.

How much will my wedding cost?

At Mudbrick, in summer, you will be looking at $220 per person approximately on food and drink plus a venue fee. There are many variables that affect the final cost, such as which wines you wish to serve, if you choose to pop champagne or bubbly after your ceremony, and how late you want the bar tab to last. If you have more budget to play with then you can go all out, and if you want to keep to the approximate cost per head than we let you know when you are reaching that after dinner. You can also fix the cost per head on off-peak dates with our package that starts from $150pp. In addition you will book a celebrant, photographer and florist – all of whom we can help recommend.

How do I know which season I should book in?

What are the seasons like on Waiheke? Waiheke is a wine-maker’s paradise as the weather is generally a little milder than across the Hauraki Gulf in the city, and the island has its own micro-climate. We hold weddings all year round and therefore of course see all weather – sunny, cloudy, windy and rainy days – and are prepared for all at Mudbrick. But come rain or shine, we have a gorgeous ceremony setting for you and reception location that are perfect in any weather. Photographers take stunning photos whether inside or outside, so you can choose a date that works best for you rather than worrying about the weather. 

How will my guests get to Waiheke and do they need to stay the night?

This is a very common question and quite often couples are surprised by the answer! Your guests can come along to your wedding directly from the city, leave on the last ferry and not miss a thing. Fullers ferry company runs an hourly or half-hourly passenger-only service from Auckland CBD, and the last ferry Mon-Sat is 12.30am (half past midnight). For guests wanting to stay and bring a vehicle, SeaLink runs a car and passenger ferry from Half Moon Bay (east Auckland) and from the city centre. There are private charter options available as well. 

What happens if it rains on my wedding day?

A favourite saying of Bob – veteran of the Mudbrick Cellar Door – is “rain on your wedding day is good luck!”. Far from the nightmare you may imagine, rain at Mudbrick is not a problem – you simply marry indoors! The atrium at the Mudbrick Lodge is a permanent part of the property, fully covered and weather proof, and offers a romantic, intimate ceremony setting. Its high beams, greenery and plenty of natural light give an indoor-outdoor feel. And any photographer worth their salt will get stunning photos in the atrium – and, if you are brave, out in the rain!! Nothing puts a dampener (if you’ll excuse the pun) on the love witnessed and shared on your wedding day. It’s a celebration no matter the weather!

Does Mudbrick have a wedding planner?

We have a venue wedding planner (me!) and an on-the-day coordinator to help deliver your wedding.  I help with any questions in the lead up to your wedding and can talk with suppliers, friends and family etc. On the day, our coordinator makes sure everything runs smoothly as per your runsheet for the Mudbrick side of things and can help with ceremony timings and answer any last minute questions from your MC. Our coordinator hands over to the restaurant manager for the reception.