FAQ's

L’or - ronj - er - ree . . with emphasis on the 2nd syllable . . et voila!

L’Orangerie is the French way of saying ‘The Orangery’ and an Orangery is a protected place, usually a glasshouse, where citrus (typically oranges) can grow in cooler temperatures.  There are many examples of these beautiful spaces attached to large historic homes across the UK and Europe and we chose to build a very modest one on the end of our country home . . so that is where our name comes from . . 

We open for the Spring and Summer months between October and March each year

We have a capacity of 110 guests including children

A wheelchair can safely and easily navigate all areas of the Venue but do remember our surfaces are either grass or gravel.  While our loos are spacious there is a low step to access them.  It  may be preferable to consider hiring in wheelchair appropriate loos which we are happy to do.

We are open from 10am until 12 midnight.

• Thoughtful attention to all communications with L’Orangeries’ owner and host who brings a wealth of experience to the detailing of your celebration
• Plenty of time to ‘dress’ your day with access to the Venue between 10am - 2pm the day before your celebration
• Signage including a ‘Wedding’ sign at the front gate and directional signs to the Venue and parking area.
• A choice of ceremony locations ranging from a magical ‘narnia-like’ walk through the back of a quaint rustic Barn and into The Forest beyond . . to a candlelit occasion in our gorgeous Old Barn if the weather is not kind.  Or maybe an intimate ceremony on one of our many lawn areas under the trees with stunning views of the Bay Of Plenty coastline
• A Signing Table for completing the Marriage Certificate
• Use of our fabulous Old Barn measuring 20m x 10m and lit up with a chandelier, fairy lights and festoon lights in outdoor areas
• Use of our wooden refectory tables, historic church pews and vintage school chairs for dining
• Use of our vintage collections of dinner plates (one per guest), glassware (one wine glass and one champagne saucer per guest) and heavy silver cutlery should you wish to incorporate them into your table styling
• One large Glass Water Dispenser
• Wine Barrel Bar Leaners with Umbrellas which furnish the Terrace adjacent the Old Barn
• Vintage ‘troughs’ which are filled with ICE and Beer during the afternoon
• Outdoor cane lounge furniture on the lawn adjacent the Terrace
• A serviced and much admired ‘loo shed’ themed to unobtrusively complement the Old Barn while providing clean, spacious facilities that accommodate both guests and the bridal gowns

• We have an upright glass door bar fridge but usually a Chiller Trailer is also required for larger groups
• Extra glassware if required 
• A good supply of Paper cups for use with the Water Dispenser
• Linens . . at a minimum L’Orangerie requires a Table Runner for the guest tables (2.4 x 450mm) although larger, fully draped table cloths are often used especially on the Bridal Table
• Protective spill proof coverings for any tables being used as Grazing Tables, Buffet Tables and/or Childrens Tables  
• Flowers . . lots of flowers . . the most beautiful decorative addition to our Old Barn!
• Serving platters and a knife for The Cake
• Bags (not chilly bins) of ICE for use in the self service Beer troughs located on the Terrace.  Salt Ice lasts longer but be sure to bring Non Salt Ice too for use in the Drinks Dispensers.
• A roll of Rubbish Bags (x10) . . ‘Big Black Sacks Great Garden’ are the ones that fit our bins.

We offer our guests the day before their celebration from 10am - 2pm for setting up and/or rehearsal

• We ask that no nails, screws or power tools are used in the decorating of our Venue
• We ask that the tables, church pews and chairs in the Old Barn are not used to stand on . . you will need to  bring a ladder if required
• Our large barn doors open to magnificent views but also the wind if there is any.  Consider using heavy bottomed vases for flowers and menus/place names etc that won't blow away so that we can open up to the view regardless of the weather.

• The tables measure 2.4m long x 750mm wide and they seat maximum 10 guests per table (5 guests each side)
• We recommend the Bridal Table has no more than 4 guests per table (seated one side only)
• The Old Barn can accommodate a maximum of 11 tables for guests and up to 3 tables for the Bridal Party

We are happy for guests to use candles on the tables if they are contained in large, heavy bottomed vessels . . something similar to an Agee Jar that will not tip or spill hot wax.  

Guests are welcome to use their own Suppliers.  New Suppliers will need to make contact with L’Orangerie before Wedding Day to discuss our procedures and New Caterers will need to visit the Venue to ensure they are familiar with our facilities.

There is no ‘kitchen’ at L’Orangerie so Catering Teams need to be fully mobile facilities.  Power and Water is available on site.  There is an expectation that Caterers bring sufficient staff to serve food and remove all tableware and serving dishes at the end of the meal.  After the meal the Catering Team will need to scrape and thoroughly rinse plates and cutlery at the wash up station located beside The Barn. 

L’Orangerie is suited to Duo Bands and DJs.  We have an in-house sound system running top quality RCF powered speakers which all DJs and Musicians are expected to play through.  If live music is planned outdoors during the afternoon at the Ceremony and/or pre dinner then musicians will need to bring their own battery powered equipment.  

Yes it can!

Yes L’Orangerie is a BYO Venue where our guests can bring Champagne, Sparkling Wine, Beer, Craft Beer, Cider and our Bar Staff will serve it.

We do not charge Corkage Fees but we do ask that you take away all your bottles, cans and rubbish during packout.  

Our staff work hard throughout the day/evening collecting bottles/cans and bagging them according to glass colour etc.  Your bottles/cardboard/rubbish will all be neatly sorted, stacked and ready for recycling when you return to the Venue after your celebration.

We do! . . our Team have been together for many years and we excel at making your guests feel comfortable and well looked after while keeping the Venue tidy throughout the day/evening.  Usually 2x Bar Staff will be needed at your celebration and their hours of work will be tailored around your plans for Wedding Day.  The Team cost $25/hour/Bar Staff.

If the weather is not kind the Ceremony takes place inside The Barn where an aisle forms naturally . . entering through a huge set of Barn doors and moving towards the view at the northern end of The Barn.  The Ceremony takes place on the wooden Dance Floor backdropped by our magnificent view . .

Natural compostable confetti (leaves and petals) can be accommodated on grass areas . . we do ask that no confetti is thrown indoors, on any gravel areas and/or in The Forest where the petals cannot easily be removed from the pine needles

Unfortunately with the abundance of long summer grasses which look so beautiful during our Wedding Season we cannot accommodate any form of flame

Generally we do not encourage animals here at L’Orangerie out of respect for all our own domestic and farm animals.  However if there is a special family pet that needs to be part of the Ceremony and a photo or two, then we are open to chatting through how that might be managed

YES! The L'Orangerie Team are happy to liase with your Florists, Hire Companies and any other suppliers to expertly prepare the venue for your Day. This service includes table setting and arranging any personal items of decor provided.