Grassy field in the foreground with a town, trees, and distant mountains under a soft, hazy sunset sky. The scene is calm and natural, with warm light and gentle colors.

L'Orangerie . . the Venue

Our home L'Orangerie . . now offered in all its unique charm as a venue for your enjoyment. A picturesque, peaceful country garden encompassing wooded forests, parklands of trees, fields of golden summer grasses, breathtaking sunsets and a romantic fairy-lit Barn . . all created over many years by a passionate gardener with a penchant for the whimsical.
This is an event and wedding venue like no other . .

A wooden building stands on the right, overlooking green rolling hills under a blue sky with scattered clouds. A glass sits on a reflective table in the foreground. The scene is calm and sunlit.

A place where time stands still . .

The city is left behind as the countryside unfolds and you quietly ascend the hill to L'Orangerie. The long wooded driveway opens to rolling fields where the sheep and cows laze contentedly under huge shady trees. You wind your way to the grass carpark where you are surrounded by vast stone walls and scented plantings. Your entrance to the venue's timeless old Barn is a grand sweep down a staircase of stone.  Our Barn welcomes with flowers, music, warm festive lighting and a view that stops your guests in their tracks . .

A winding gravel path curves through a lush, green grove of trees with sunlight filtering through the leaves and low shrubs lining the path.
A bride and groom sit on stone steps outdoors, laughing and leaning into each other, surrounded by lush green bushes and trees. The bride wears a white dress and veil; the groom is in a black tuxedo.

The Ceremony

In a forest which is just . . well . . enchanting

The forest is a surprise . .
Guests meeting and greeting among the clipped, parklike lawns and gardens, are ushered toward the entrance of an antiquated little barn, softly framed with billowing drapes . .
And just like the wardrobe in the fabled storybook 'Narnia' . . the barn is open at the back, and magically guests find themselves in a heavily wooded forest carpeted with pine needles. A curving boardwalk leads deeper into the woods where the bride and groom exchange their vowels floating among the trees on a subtly cantilevered deck . .
The Little Forest is a natural wonderland . . simply and thoughtfully enhanced to celebrate marriage. 

But we are not a one-size-fits-all kinda establishment! Some guests prefer the open spaces, coastal views or country vibes for their celebration, and these are also options within the expansive grounds at L'Orangerie. We are happy to accommodate you and your guests in the location of your choice . .    

A white sheer curtain is tied back with greenery and white flowers against a corrugated metal wall. The curtain pools on the gravel ground, with a rusty chain partially visible underneath. Tall trees are in the background.
A wooden pathway winds through a forest of tall, closely spaced trees. Two baskets with small items sit on the path, and a group of orange chairs is arranged nearby, suggesting an outdoor event setup.
A young boy in a light blazer, dark pants, and a straw hat walks in a forest, looking up and smiling, framed by blurred adults' legs in the foreground.
Rustic open-air barn with long wooden tables set for a meal, surrounded by mismatched chairs. Wooden beams, a barrel, and corrugated metal walls add to the country atmosphere. Natural light filters in from outside.

The Barn

A wonderful space created for laughter and good times . .

The Barn was purpose built from old telegraph poles and well aged corrugated iron to provide an authentic rustic backdrop for sumptuous styling and wedding gowns . . the photographic opportunities are truly inspiring . .
Designed for maximum impact, a broad stone staircase welcomes guests. They descend towards huge double barn doors which frame the spectacular view. Guests literally take a breath and are drawn through the Barn to the warm north facing terrace where the Bay Of Plenty lives up to its name . . farmland, forests, mountains, city lights, sweeping coastline . . on and on . . the mighty view stretches on forever . .
The lawn areas around the Barn provide for mingling during canapes, outdoor music and games with plenty of space for both larger groups and those that want to find a quiet moment away from the crowd.
As the day turns to evening and guests start to wonder what the delicious Catering smells are going to produce for dinner, the L'Orangerie Sunset turns the paddocks to gold and once again this amazing venue naturally and superbly knocks 'stunning' out of the park . .

Sunlight streams through large windows onto a row of empty wooden chairs and a long table set with white cloths, in a rustic room with wooden benches, a ladder, and exposed walls.
A rustic wooden frame holding a wedding seating chart decorated with small white flowers, displayed on an easel. People are blurred in the background at the event.
A rustic table setting with a pink patterned plate, white napkin, menu, and knife. Glassware, small jars, and simple cutlery are arranged neatly on a textured table runner over a wooden table.

The Service

Nothing is a problem . . we are here to help

L'Orangerie is a family business built on our reputation for beautifully presenting our gorgeous space and looking after our guests.
Rebecca loves to tell the story of a brilliantly laid back wedding day with several All Blacks on the guest list. The bride was MORE than customarily late and the Marriage Certificate got lost . . but more relevantly . . the party ran out of beer! Rebecca made the trip to town for more supplies and the festivities proceeded with plentiful hydration.
As a team we recognise that for many people, putting on a Wedding Day, or any special gathering, is daunting and plans don't always go the way you intended . .
                                               man plans . . god laughs
After more than a decade of hosting celebrations we like to think we have seen, assisted with and/or sorted most eventualities . . but we confidently invite you to put us to the test! 

A bride and groom stand in a sunlit field at sunset, sharing a kiss. The bride holds a bouquet, and both are dressed in formal wedding attire, with rolling hills and soft golden light in the background.
A young boy in a light blue shirt and beige pants holds a bouquet of purple flowers with a ribbon, standing outdoors near a wooden chair with a "wedding" sign, surrounded by greenery.

Small people at L'Orangerie

Our rural location includes lots of open space and herds of grazing animals can often be seen from the venue grounds. It is a family friendly place where children can run freely.  Our family 'pets' include an affectionate chocolate labrador 'Molly' and far too many kunekune piglets who love a belly scratch.

Two young girls wearing light-colored dresses run barefoot through a grassy area surrounded by trees, with sunlight streaming through the leaves, creating a serene and playful outdoor scene.