Choosing a BYO wedding venue is perhaps the greatest money-saving wedding hack of all time.

What is a BYO wedding venue? As the title implies - a BYO wedding venue is a venue that allows you to bring your own.

However, there are a few variations of BYO.

Some wedding venues allow you to BYO catering and alcohol, some allow BYO alcohol only, some require corkage fees, and others don't.

Sourcing your own alcohol and/or catering is a great way to reduce the per-head cost, and have more autonomy over what's on the menu!

Without further ado, here is our top pick of BYO wedding venues in Auckland.

Bring Your Own Food & Beverages

Waterfall Farm

Framed by willow and oak trees, Waterfall Farm is the perfect venue to bring your festival-style wedding to life. This Kaukapakapa venue features infrastructure for food trucks, a mini-bar you can hire, plenty of lawn games and four onsite glamping tents. The Forest Chapel is an enchanting spot to share your vows, the lawns provide space for guests to mingle, and the permanent marquee sets the scene for a beautiful reception.

THE FINE PRINT
BYO catering, food trucks recommended
BYO alcohol & other beverages, no corkage fee
Walter, the resident caravan bar is available for hire for $1,000 (or you can source your own bar)

Discover Waterfall Farm here.

Vanderosa Farms

Vanderosa Farms is a breathtaking venue set on a ridgeline 300m above sea level. Minutes from Leigh, Vanderosa Farms overlooks Pakiri Beach and acres of farmland. The venue consists of a newly-built Black Barn that seats up to 150 guests, picturesque lawns and boutique onsite accommodation.

THE FINE PRINT
BYO catering, food trucks recommended
BYO alcohol & other beverages, no corkage fee

Discover Vanderosa Farms here.

Songbird Retreat

Songbird Retreat is an idyllic property located an hour north of Auckland and just a minute from Leigh. The Songbird Cottage and Green Barn are gorgeous spaces for intimate weddings, whilst the property welcomes the addition of a marquee for larger celebrations. With gardens as your backdrop and birdsong as your soundtrack, Songbird Retreat is the perfect venue for a garden party.

THE FINE PRINT
BYO catering, food trucks recommended 
BYO alcohol & other beverages, no corkage fee
In-house kitchen facilities suitable for micro weddings

Discover Songbird Retreat, here. 

Leigh Central

Sun-drenched and refreshing as ever, enjoy quintessential New Zealand at Leigh Central. Built from the bones of the old Leigh Hotel, Leigh Central is a beautiful BYO venue overlooking the ocean. Guests love not only the stunning location of this venue but also its flexibility - including the full commercial kitchen and onsite accommodation.

THE FINE PRINT
BYO catering
Full commercial kitchen onsite
Full tableware, including crockery, cutlery, glasses, serving utensils, tables and more.
BYO alcohol & other beverages, no corkage fee

Discover Leigh Central, here.

Bring Your Own Beverages

Glasshouse

Effortlessly stunning and ever so versatile - Glasshouse remains to be a dream venue for brides all over the country. The high ceiling, glass roof and idyllic greenery create a space that is like no other. The landmark of Morningside, Glasshouse is just a short drive from the City and easy to access.

THE FINE PRINT
BYO alcohol & other beverages, charged at $28 pp
Full kitchen with ice Machine and fridges

Discover Glasshouse, here.

Kumeu Valley Estate

Kumeu Valley Estate is a countryside property run by a team of event experts since 2006. The reception building is a barn-like space featuring a traditional bell tower and high vaulted timber ceilings in warm Macrocarpa. Across three acres of luscious grounds, you’ll find numerous ceremony locations, photo opportunities and areas for guests to mingle.

THE FINE PRINT
Optional BYO for all beverages, charged at $20 pp
Tables, Chairs, Table Linen, Napkins, Cutlery, Plates and Glassware included
Commercial kitchen (For onsite caterers, Coast 2 Coast)

Discover Kumeu Valley Estate, here.

Bring Your Own Catering

Beaufords in Totara Park

Beaufords is a charming 1930s homestead set within the glorious grounds of Totara Park, adjacent to Auckland Botanic Gardens. Lush private gardens frame the historic homestead, and a large marquee facilitates full-service, all-weather weddings.

THE FINE PRINT
Self-catering is available at $55pp and includes:
Full access to venue and marquee
A selection of finger food and canapés
Fully licensed bar
Table and chairs
Cutlery and glassware
Chafing dishes and utensils
Staff to help with table service
Full setup and pack down

Discover Beaufords, here

Okahu

A focal point of Auckland's iconic Tamaki Drive, Okahu Bay is a beautiful wedding venue with uninterrupted ocean views. Pair this amazing location with the excellent customer service Okahu is famous for, and you've got yourself a winner!

THE FINE PRINT
BYO catering, no additional charge
Complimentary kitchen facilities, cutlery, glassware etc

Discover Okahu, here