Love, laughter, and happily ever after

Your wedding day is by far one of the most important and special days of your life. And as the reality of your new engagement sets in and the excitement starts to build, you’ll want to get started on the wedding planning process. Nelson Magazine has bought together some of the key players in the wedding industry. Read ahead for ideas and inspiration for local vendors who are here to help and support you throughout one of the biggest events in your life.

Iconic day, iconic venue

Nestled in seven acres of beautiful woodlands and gardens, Fairfield House is one of Nelson's most loved historic homes. The magical venue and unique heritage building is a perfect wedding location offering stunning spaces for your ceremony, reception, photographs and dance.

Conduct your ceremony surrounded by nature. Make a spectacular entrance from the woodland path into the meadow, an open grassed area with terraced rock walls and large stone steps, surrounded by magnificent old trees. The west courtyard, an intimate bricked outdoor area, is delightful for a summer evening’s reception. The ballroom could be your dining room with French doors giving a view out over the cathedral. The wooden floored gallery makes a romantic dance room; all are connected by wide verandas perfect for drinks and chats. The diversity of the spaces means you can tailor the day to suit your own taste and needs.

Fairfield House – Its beauty, warmth and grandeur are yours to enjoy.

Take the stress out of your wedding

Pop Up Events owner Alex Bradley has been creating and organising events for the past ten years. He is a registered celebrant and loves to be able to take part in one of the most special days in a couple's life, connecting two hearts as one for the rest of their lives. He takes pride in any event that he is part of, whether it is a small intimate gathering of a few people to ticketing support at an event with 25,000 people, he will put the same level of detail and attention into both.

Let Alex and his team take the stress out of your wedding day by having them coordinate a package that perfectly suits your needs. From ‘on the day’ coordination, ‘set up and pack down’ options to ‘the full package’ and ‘pop up weddings’, providing wait staff and bar staff, to hire items, the team at Pop Up Events have you covered without any hassle. “Get in touch with us today to see what we can offer.”

Individually designed bridal wear

Creating individually designed and exquisitely detailed unique bridal gowns, MADCAT design director Jill Alexander can create anything from a 1920’s beaded lace dress to a steampunk multi-layered creation complete with Victorian style corset and bustle skirt. Or perhaps a gracious 1950’s ball gown or an empire line gown from the 1800’s time of Jane Austen’s novel Pride and Prejudice? Each dress is made to measure from scratch in Jill’s Nelson workshop.

“Every one of my wedding dresses is unique and is designed especially for each individual bride. My 40 years plus of experience as a fashion designer, fashion lecturer and pattern cutter provides a unique opportunity for me to work together with my brides to achieve the dress of their dreams, enhancing their body shape and ensuring it is within their budget.”

Bridal Wear by Jill Alexander also specialises in wedding dress alterations and offer a wedding day dressing service for brides within the Nelson region.

Experience a wedding like no other

Located near Greymouth, Shantytown Heritage Park is a replica gold-mining village which offers a private rainforest-embraced venue filled with award-winning historical attractions and relics of yesteryear. The entire town creates a welcoming environment for friends and family and a visually stunning opportunity for wedding photos on your chosen day.

A quick tip: The two most popular locations for exchanging your vows at Shantytown are their faithfully restored 1866 Interdenominational Church, complete with seating for 80 guests or the 10-metre-high water wheel, which makes an incredible cascading outdoor backdrop.

While you enjoy post-ceremony photos around the township and heritage trains, guests can head to the fully licenced Golden Nugget Saloon for refreshments. Followed by swinging open the double doors to the Miner's Hall reception venue so everyone can dine, dance and finish your memorable day in style.

Shantytown's dedicated event management team operates under the much respected 'West Coast Events Centre' banner. With over 15 years of experience, their expertise covers a wide range of solutions across all tastes and budgets. It is best to contact the staff directly for personalised advice.

Romantic weddings in a spectacular setting

Built in 1879, Melrose House offers a truly exceptional wedding day experience, from the ceremony to photographs in the house and grounds. One of the last surviving ‘grand’ historic homes in Nelson, with beautiful architecture and a park-like setting, Melrose House is the perfect venue.

The bridal party and guests will enjoy exclusive use of the house during your special day. The bride, groom, and members of your wedding party are welcome to use the upstairs rooms for wardrobe changes for reception and/or departure. The gardens, with magnificent heritage trees, garden beds, sweeping lawns and woodlands surrounding Melrose House, are well-hidden from the street and ensure memorable photographs of your wedding day.

Melrose Café is the exclusive catering provider for all weddings held at this stunning location.  Passionate café proprietors, Cindy and Terence, will collaborate with you to create a delectable menu to suit your catering requirements. Contact Melrose House to arrange a tour and discuss plans for your extra special day – “At Melrose House we want your dream of the perfect wedding to become a reality.”

A perfect start to your perfect day

Located in a stunning villa at 98 Nile Street, Mabin House Body & Skin Sanctuary is the ideal place for couples to enjoy some relaxation and pampering within a private and serene environment. A family-run business, Tina and Jess provide a luxuriant range of divine couples and wedding packages to suit your needs, including couples' beauty and massage treatments with full body massages, Double Bubbles, Cloud Nine Facials, and a range of bridal and make-up packages to ensure you look fabulous for your special day.

Mabin House provides services from lashes and brows to advanced skin therapies, massage, spa treatments and more. "Jess and I are very passionate about the business. We complement each other well,” says Tina.

“Your wedding is a very special day and a good excuse for some old-fashioned pampering! From natural day looks to evening glamour, we can help you feel and look gorgeous using our beautiful range of quality make-ups from Quoi, Blinc and 1Skin. If you'd like to build your own special package or have any enquiries, please get in touch. We can customise a package to suit you and your loved one.”

Experience the wedding of a lifetime

Established over 30 years ago, Helicopters Nelson is a well-known and respected aviation company owned and operated by a large and very passionate aviation family. Alongside tourism and commercial operations, the team specialise in creating luxury, tailored and unique helicopter tours in and around the Top of the South, offering helicopter charter services to some of the country’s most stunning remote locations. Whether you’re looking for an active adventure or a romantic escape – anything is possible with Helicopters Nelson.

Experience the wedding of a lifetime with their Heli Wedding package. Enjoy an intimate ceremony in an alpine location, escape by helicopter to a remote beach for photographs, or surprise guests and land at your reception venue in style. Enjoy a unique Heli-picnic with your favourite person and be dropped into areas that can’t be reached by vehicle, or if you are looking for a truly unique experience or have a dream flight in mind, Helicopters Nelson also specialise in creating bespoke itineraries for their clients. They love to make dreams come true!

Casual gourmet food using the best ingredients

With over two decades of cooking experience, Craig and his Beat Kitchen catering team are the perfect solution to your wedding function needs. Working from their bespoke mobile commercial kitchen they can cater to any event and location across the Nelson Tasman region. “The substance of our specialty - casual gourmet - is about freshness and deliciousness that comes from the available local and seasonal ingredients. Bringing our own kitchen ensures that your meals are freshly prepared and there is an efficient use of time, money and ingredients.”

As a qualified chef, Craig has worked across New Zealand, Melbourne and in the French Alps. He was also a head chef at a large restaurant in Wellington, managing various functions. “Our menu isn’t limited to specific cuisine or type of food. As experienced chefs, we can tailor the menu to suit your event. If you have a theme, let us know and we are happy to get creative with you on the menu.”

The ultimate honeymoon destination

Falcon Brae Villa is set high on a hilltop above the Motueka River with 360-degree views across the surrounding mountains, magnificent Kahurangi National Park, and river below. The modern, contemporary-designed building captures the spectacular views and offers guests complete privacy within its luxurious spaces. This award-winning residence features a large central lounge area with sunken bar, grand piano, media theatre, and a stunning collection of New Zealand and local art.

Falcon Brae Villa’s private chefs offer the very best in cuisine using quality, local, sustainable produce, and when matched with local wines and the spectacular views you have an un-matched culinary experience. Explore the property’s 18km of bush walks, relax with an in-house massage, lounge beside the pool, or take aim at the golf greens, and make your honeymoon a luxurious experience to remember.

Raise a glass with Nelson’s finest

A great wedding has a few key elements – two people getting married, friends and family in attendance, good music and great beer. Fortunately Nelson is home to the Sprig + Fern and they can ensure your wedding guests enjoy a great drop while celebrating your special day.

Sprig + Fern can supply you with 50 or 30 litre kegs, with all the gear you will need including ice banks, gas and a pouring system. Any leftover beer can be poured into riggers ensuring there is no wastage. Or they can provide cans or bottles of beers, ciders and seltzer.

Based in Richmond, Sprig + Fern are the perfect fit for any wedding. So give their friendly team a call and see how they can help you make your day even more special.

A special occasion deserves a special setting

One of the most iconic and flexible wedding locations in Nelson Tasman, Founders Heritage Park is close to Nelson city centre and accommodation, flexible for a variety of budgets, sizes and styles and has on-site parking.

Beautiful mature gardens, charming streets and character buildings help create a memorable day. The Park has a variety of venues to suit any size, including Old St. Peter’s Church, The Granary, Jaycee Room, marquee sites, The Energy Centre, or hire the whole heritage park for exclusive use of all the venues and enjoy privacy for the entire evening (the Park remains open to the public for normal business hours).

If you prefer, you and your friends and whānau can take control of organsing your day, alternatively, if you wish to relax and let the professionals work their magic, the team at Founders Park work alongside some of the best creative brains in Nelson, and can suggest suppliers who are familiar with the Park and its facilities; from event organisers, theming, entertainers, sound and lighting, floral artists and caterers, as well as marquee and equipment hire specialists.

Host your special day at New Zealand’s oldest yacht club

Established 1857, Nelson Yacht Club on Wakefield Quay, is an outstanding location for your wedding celebrations. With stunning waterfront views the Aurora Lounge, on the second floor, offers unrivalled scenery across the Nelson Harbour to The Cut and beyond.

The expansive 14m x 15m lounge with a large, dedicated dance floor, works well for events and parties of all sizes says club manager Tim Fraser-Harris. “We are fortunate to have Chanté Whitehouse and the team from Nourish Catering based in the Aurora Lounge creating delicious cuisine that delights. With their combination of fun, creative and inspiring catering options, Nourish can tailor menus to suit your budget for everything from full wedding breakfasts, through to standing dinners, grazing tables and corporate events.”

An awesome venue for weddings, conferences and parties, Nelson Yacht Club is also home to the fantastic Nahm restaurant. For outstanding vistas and fantastic food, contact the Nelson Yacht Club online or by email manager @nelsonyachtclub.org.nz. “We recommend getting in touch early in your planning.”

Nelson Tasman’s premier romantic garden wedding venue

Gardens of the World is set on six acres of sweeping grounds, the gardens offer a dazzling array of blooms, majestic avenues, open lawns and an expansive lake for photos, ceremonies and receptions.

Their team appreciate that attention to detail, both big and small, is essential to ensuring a perfect day. Their large 15 x 9 metre marquee allows you to have your ceremony no matter the weather, or to stay a bit longer to enjoy a beautiful garden reception. Gardens of the World have equipment for hire and work alongside many other local companies to ensure you have the perfect wedding experience.

Whether you’re planning a grand affair or something more intimate, Gardens of the World provides the perfect setting to celebrate, entertain and relax.