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The Importance of Security for VIP Weddings

For most couples, a wedding is a personal celebration. But for VIP individuals such as A-list celebrities, athletes, politicians, influencers, business leaders, or well-known families, it takes on an additional dimension: it becomes a public event.Even when the guest list is private and the details are kept discreet, VIP weddings have a way of attracting attention. It becomes a major security event. That is why security is not just an optional service, but a fundamental part of the planning proc...

Garden Wedding Décor: Creating a Magical Atmosphere

A garden wedding offers a unique opportunity to blend the natural beauty of the outdoors with carefully chosen decorative elements. The key is to enhance, rather than overshadow, the existing beauty of your surroundings. In this blog post, we'll explore how to transform an already beautiful garden setting into a magical wedding wonderland....

Inside Shortland Street Star Charisse Uy & Chris Groen’s Dream Wedding at Settlers Country Manor

We are thrilled to share the enchanting details of the wedding of Shortland Street actress Charisse Uy (known for her role as nurse Lovely Rivera) and her husband, Chris Groen, as originally reported by Now To Love NZ which took place at our beautiful estate: Auckland’s Settlers Country Manor.This celebration was not just a wedding; it was a bespoke, narrative event that flawlessly executed two contrasting, yet equally romantic, themes. Charisse and Chris created a truly personalized spectacle...

The Ultimate Guide to Weddings Near Kumeu – Venues, Tips & Inspiration

Kumeu, located in West Auckland, is one of New Zealand’s most picturesque regions for weddings. Known for its rolling vineyards, boutique wineries, and charming countryside landscapes, it has become a sought-after destination for couples looking to combine natural beauty with easy access to Auckland.While Kumeu offers several wedding venues, couples often look for options slightly outside the area to enjoy more privacy and unique countryside settings. That’s where Settlers Country Manor in W...

Auckland’s Most Instagram-Worthy Wedding Moments: Ideas for Stunning Photos

Your wedding day is one of the most magical milestones, and for modern couples, it’s not just about saying “I do.” It’s about capturing breathtaking moments to relive and share for years to come. With its natural beauty, unique venues, and stunning backdrops, Auckland, especially West Auckland, is the perfect destination to curate a wedding album that stands out. From golden-hour portraits to candid laughter-filled reception shots, here’s a guide to help you plan picture-perfect weddin...

The Ultimate Wedding Planning Checklist for Auckland Couples

Weddings are among life’s most cherished milestones, but organizing the perfect wedding day can feel overwhelming, especially when aiming to create meaningful and memorable celebrations. For those planning weddings in Auckland, the process involves finding the ideal wedding venue, organizing the ceremony, and ensuring every treasured moment is perfectly captured in your wedding photos.If you're navigating these crucial steps, we're here to help. Below, we’ll guide you through considerations ...

How to Plan a Green Wedding in Auckland

Making sustainable choices can bring deeper meaning and purpose to planning your special day. A green wedding not only reduces environmental impact but also reflects values many couples cherish today—caring for the planet while celebrating love. If you're considering a green wedding in Auckland, this guide will walk you through key steps, popular options, and tips for making it happen. ...

Top 5 Unique Wedding Traditions from Around the World to Inspire Your Big Day

When planning your wedding, it’s often the little details that make a ceremony truly unforgettable. Whether it's incorporating cultural elements or adding a unique twist, these special touches create cherished wedding moments that reflect your story. For couples planning weddings in Auckland or anywhere else, drawing inspiration from unique traditions around the world can elevate your big day in meaningful ways. Here are five extraordinary wedding traditions to consider while planning your wed...

What to Look for in a Wedding Venue: An Auckland Couple’s Guide

​Choosing a wedding venue is one of the most exciting—and sometimes overwhelming—parts of planning your special day. Auckland offers a variety of stunning venues, from lush vineyards to seaside spots and urban chic locations. To make this process easier, it’s important to prioritize your needs and have a clear checklist to guide your search. Here's what to consider when looking for the perfect wedding venue....

Wedding Venue Capacity Guide: How to Choose the Perfect Size Space

Choosing the right size venue is one of the most crucial decisions you'll make when planning your wedding. A space that's too small can feel cramped and uncomfortable, while an oversized venue might make your celebration feel empty and impersonal. This comprehensive guide will help you determine the perfect venue size for your special day....

Children at Your Wedding: Finding the Perfect Balance for Your Special Day

Your wedding day brings together the people who matter most as you celebrate your commitment to one another. As you plan this momentous occasion, you'll face one important decision: whether to include children in your celebration. This choice affects not only the atmosphere of your event but also the experience of your guests with little ones.At Settlers Country Manor, we've hosted countless weddings with varying approaches to including children. Here's our guide to help you make the best decisi...

A Simple and Stress-Free Approach to the First Dance of Your Wedding Reception in Auckland

Your first dance as a married couple should feel like magic, not a nerve-wracking performance. Whether you’re shy about dancing in front of a crowd or simply unsure where to start, this guide offers a simple, stress-free approach to help you glide into your first dance with joy, confidence, and a smile. Planning your wedding reception in Auckland? You're in the right place....

Crafting the Perfect Dining Experience of your Wedding in Auckland

​Your wedding day in Auckland is a tapestry woven with unforgettable moments, and among the most cherished is the shared meal – your first as a married couple, surrounded by loved ones. The dining experience is far more than just food; it's an opportunity to create atmosphere, express your personality, and ensure your guests feel cherished. In a vibrant city like Auckland, known for its diverse culinary landscape, the possibilities are exciting and perhaps a little overwhelming. This guide w...

5 Effortless Ways to Stay Subtly Sober at Your Wedding

​Your wedding day is a whirlwind. From the moment you start getting ready to the last song on the dance floor, it’s a day packed with huge emotions and tiny, perfect moments you’ll want to remember forever.But let's be honest, at a classic Kiwi wedding, there can be a lot of pressure to have a drink in hand. Between the champagne toasts and the open bar, navigating the day sober can feel like a challenge. What if you want to be fully present for every conversation, every laugh, and every t...

7 Ways to Have a Truly Child-Friendly Wedding in Auckland

you're planning your dream wedding, and you absolutely want the children in your life to be part of your special day. Maybe it's your own little ones, your nieces and nephews, or the adorable kids of your closest friends. You love them dearly, but be honest—kids at weddings can be absolutely adorable and completely unpredictable. One moment they’re twirling on the dance floor in mini formalwear, and the next they’re having a meltdown because their chicken nuggets touched their peas. If you...

Flipping the Script: 5 Auckland Wedding Traditions Being Turned on Their Head

Let's be honest – planning a wedding can feel overwhelming when you're torn between family expectations and your vision. While your nan might have strong opinions about proper wedding protocol, modern Auckland couples are confidently rewriting the rulebook. They're creating celebrations that genuinely reflect their personalities rather than following century-old customs that no longer resonate.The beauty of planning your wedding in Auckland is the incredible flexibility our vibrant city offers...

10 Fun and Unique Hens Do Ideas in Auckland

Planning a hens do in Auckland can feel overwhelming. With so many ideas, so many activities, and so many ways to make the day unforgettable, it could feel like a big task. Whether you’re after a relaxing garden gathering, a creative workshop, or an adrenaline-packed adventure, the key is balancing fun experiences with downtime in a beautiful space.One way to elevate your hens day is by hosting part of it at Settlers Country Manor, a charming and versatile venue just outside Auckland. With gor...

The Ultimate Maid of Honour Guide for New Zealand Weddings

Being chosen as a maid of honour is an honour and a big responsibility. From supporting the bride in the months leading up to her wedding, to managing logistics on the day, your role can make a huge difference. This guide covers everything a maid of honour in New Zealand needs to know, with practical advice, NZ-specific ideas, and tips to make the bride’s experience unforgettable....

Average Wedding Cost NZ 2026: Complete Guide to Planning Your Wedding

Planning a wedding in New Zealand is a joyful journey, but it can also be daunting when you see how quickly the numbers add up. Over the past decade, weddings here have become more personalised, more elaborate, and inevitably more expensive. By 2026, the average cost of a New Zealand wedding is projected to reach around NZ$87,600, a steep climb from NZ$58,800 in 2023.From the venue to catering, photography to entertainment, couples are investing more in creating meaningful, one-of-a-kind experie...

How to Propose in a Way She’ll Never Forget

​In New Zealand, the art of the proposal blends heartfelt intention with unique local flair: a scenic walk along our rugged coastline, a vineyard sunrise in the Waikato, or an intimate setting amid West Auckland’s leafy hills. At Settlers Country Manor, tucked within seven acres of heritage gardens in Kumeū, just 30 minutes from Auckland’s city centre, we know that a memorable proposal sets the tone for the journey ahead.Whether you are planning to ask the question within the timeless bea...

5 Tips to Find the Perfect Wedding Venue in New Zealand

​Choosing the perfect wedding venue is one of the most important decisions in planning your big day. In New Zealand, couples are blessed with an extraordinary range of options, from the rolling vineyards of Hawke’s Bay to the dramatic coastlines of the South Island, and from urban elegance in Auckland to tranquil countryside estates. Each setting offers a unique backdrop, yet finding a venue that aligns with your personal story and vision can feel overwhelming....

Creative Guestbook & Gift Table Ideas for Your Auckland Wedding Day

Planning your wedding involves countless decisions, big and small. While selecting the perfect wedding venue in Auckland, dress, and menu often take center stage, thoughtful touches like your guestbook and gift table deserve special attention, too. These elements create meaningful touchpoints for guests and capture memories you'll treasure long after your garden wedding celebration.We've witnessed countless creative interpretations of these spaces at Settlers Country Manor, one of Auckland's pre...

A Complete Guide to Planning Your Perfect Winter Wedding

In New Zealand, winter weddings possess a rare and captivating charm. The crisp, invigorating air, the soft glow of shorter days, and the season’s tranquil landscapes create a naturally intimate and romantic atmosphere that few other times of year can offer. There is a quiet magic in exchanging vows while nature embraces a softer palette, making winter the perfect season for couples seeking a celebration that feels both personal and extraordinary....

How to Choose the Right Photographer for Your Wedding Day

Your wedding photographs are far more than images. They are a visual story of your love, your celebration, and the fleeting moments that make your wedding day unforgettable. In New Zealand, couples are blessed with an extraordinary variety of landscapes and venues, from lush vineyards and rugged coastlines to vibrant city rooftops and tranquil countryside estates.Yet, even the most skilled wedding photographer cannot achieve their best work without the right setting. Your venue is the canvas, ...

8 Wedding Entertainment Ideas Your Guests Will Never Forget

Weddings in New Zealand are as much about shared experience as they are about ceremony. From Auckland’s golden coastal sunsets to the tranquil countryside of Kumeū, modern couples are reimagining what a wedding reception can be. No longer confined to dinner and dancing, today’s celebrations are immersive, story-driven experiences, moments designed to surprise, delight, and linger in memory long after the final song.Here are 8 entertainment ideas to make your reception not just beautiful, bu...