Wedding venue
prep guide
Let's Get You Prepared
To ensure both you and your guests have one of the best days ever we have put together this helpful prep guide, filled with all the information you need to help make your day run smoothly at Backpaddock Lakes!
There is no accommodation or camping available onsite from June 2027, with a more streamlined venue offering and pricing focused on the Barn, ceremony lawn and your wedding celebration itself.
Barn Access Times
Your venue access times depend on the package you have booked. Please check your Confirmed Booking Details and invoice in your client portal if you are unsure which access times apply to you.
By The End Of Your Access Period:
By the end of your venue access period you must ensure all external equipment hired or brought to Backpaddock lakes by the wedding party or guests is removed from the venue.
Ensure all rubbish and recycling created above the four wheelie bins provided in your booking is removed from the property.
Return any Backpaddock Lakes equipment or furniture that may have been moved during your hire period to their original location.
The venue must be cleaned to the standard it was supplied in before the end of your access period. Cleaning materials are supplied by the venue and a checklist for what is required to be cleaned will be provided to you based on your booking.
Backpaddock Lakes is not responsible for any lost or missing property so please do a thorough check of all approved wedding venue areas
Wedding Bookings
- Bronze – Wedding Day Package Venue access from 9:30am on your wedding day until 1am.
- Silver – Wedding Day Plus Package Venue access from 3pm–7pm the day before your wedding for setup and ceremony rehearsal, then from 9:30am on your wedding day until 1am.
- Gold – Extended Wedding Experience Venue access from 9am–7pm the day before your wedding, from 9am on your wedding day, and return access the following day for pack-down and collection, with final checkout by 4pm.
- Platinum - Your exact access times will be listed in your Confirmed Booking Details.
Ceremony Locations
The Lake
Overlooking the lake is always a winner at Backpaddock lakes with the stunning greenery and blue skies as your backdrop.
The Jetty
Stunning and intimate the jetty allows you and your partner to stant that bit further back from your guests and wedding party on the shore.
The Barn Doors
A different but gorgeous option for your ceremony giving a gorgeous rustic look to your wedding photos and elevated viewing for your guests.
The Barn
Perfect as a wet weather option the interior of the barn can be set up for your ceremony and then transformed into your dance floor or reception area.
Ceremony Archway Options
Stunning with or without florals you can choose which archway you prefer from our wooden archway, your own option or our octagon archway in your pre-wedding questionnaire.
Wooden Archway
Our wooden archway is a gorgeous warm addition to any wedding and can be dressed up in so many different ways.
White Octagon
Beautiful with bright colours as well as with more boho vibes the white octagon archway is a stunning choose for your wedding.
Tables And Seating
The furniture and equipment included with your Backpaddock Lakes venue hire is equivalent to approximately $4,000+ worth of hire items!
Trestle Tables
We have 23 wooden trestle tables available to use. These measure 2.4m x 0.8m and fit 6 guests per table comfortably (138 seated). You can fit up to 180 guests in total though with 8 guests per table at a squeeze. If you are seating 180 guests we recommend placing the tables in long rows to allow more room.
White Resin Cross Back Chairs
We have 180 resin chairs available to use for your reception inside the Barn only.
These pair very nicely with our wooden trestle tables to create a contrasted look. If you are seating 180 guests we recommend placing the trestle tables in long rows to allow more room. Please note, these chairs have a lower weight rating than wooden bench seats.
DO NOT REMOVE FROM THE WEDDING BARN
All 180 chairs must remain inside the barn at all times and be kept on the polished concrete floor
Fees will be charged if:
- If chairs are removed from the barn
- If any chairs are damaged
- If any chairs are missing
- If chairs are not stacked away properly
ENSURE INSIDE CHAIR PART sits on top of chair as pictured on site. Chair stacking is critical to prevent damage.
Wooden Bench Seats
For the ceremony we have our signature wooden bench seats. There are 31 of these and they seat upto 3 guests each, allowing up to 93 guests to be seated for your ceremony. These can then be shifted inside by your guests or your wedding day coordinator team to be used for the reception if you choose.
Wooden Picnic Tables
We have four wooden picnic tables which are able to be moved around the venue for use during your cocktail hour and reception. These create a great indoor-outdoor flow during your reception. The tables feature a hole for an umbrella however umbrellas and stands are not currently provided.
Virtual Video Tour
Want to familiarise yourself with the venue before your wedding?
Our video walkthroughs show the Wedding Barn, ceremony lawn, facilities and key wedding areas so you can get a feel for the layout before your setup day.
Venue Bathrooms
The Powder Room
Located in The Barn, our new powder room features a wheelchair access toilet, a large vanity and mirror along with electrical access for hair styling and makeup, perfect for the bride or some touchups during the reception.
BARN BATHROOMS
The Barn also houses 3 ladies toilets, 1 mens toilet and 2 urinals.
Toilet paper is always topped up however we always recommend you bring along extra so that you don’t run out (remember this has to last for all your guests as we are 15 minutes from Waipukurau).
NO ONSITE ACCOMMODATION OR CAMPING
For weddings from June 2027 onward, accommodation and camping are not available onsite.
The Villa is private property and the cabins no longer form part of the wedding venue. Guests, suppliers and wedding parties must remain within the approved wedding venue areas shown on the current site map.
Water
Fresh drinking water is available from The Barn kitchen and the Rustic Black Shed on the wedding lawn.
Power
Backpaddock Lakes operates on an off-grid solar power system with limited capacity.
The solar system can support one chiller at a time, usually the drinks chiller. Any additional refrigeration, heating, catering appliances or other high-draw electrical equipment must be advised to Backpaddock Lakes at least one week before your event so power requirements can be confirmed.
Where additional power is required, use of the large onsite generator may be necessary. This must be pre-arranged with Backpaddock Lakes, with power supplied from the onsite auxiliary power boxes for the predetermined period required.
Please confirm all large or high-draw powered equipment at least one week before your event — Trevor: 021 757 892.
Heating
We have a large portable infrared diesel heater available on request for your day. Should you need additional heating please note that our Solar Power venue cannot support additional heating units that run on electricity and plan accordingly. You can request the portable heater via your pre-wedding questionnaire.
Please note due to health and safety our diesel heater can only be refilled by Backpaddock Lakes staff.
Lighting
To ensure your wedding reception has amazing aesthetics, our festoon lighting inside and outside the barn is included in your booking.
Rubbish, Cleaning And Recycling
Wheelie Bins
Four wheelie bins are provided for your wedding day use and are disposed of for you. Any additional waste or recycling created needs to be removed by the end of your booking. Should you require additional wheelie bins these can be added on in advance via your pre-wedding questionnaire and cost $100 each.
Recycling
Bring your own Fage bags as a recycling option. Set up a recycling station using our two Fage stands.
Bags are available for you to purchase from Farmlands: Purchase information: Farmlands Fage Bags
This is a great way to reduce waste and help your wheelie bins go further, keeping them for general waste only.
Please remember: take your used Fage bags and recycling with you when you leave.
Do not place these on the concrete as this may stain the concrete (Grass or stones please!)
Cleaning
The venue must be left in the same condition that you found it in, all cleaning to be done as per the checklist provided unless you’ve added on any cleaning or rubbish removal services to your booking. Please check your invoice in your client portal to check if you have added this on, if not please ensure all rubbish and equipment is removed by your checkout time and all furniture is put back where it was found.
Lawn Games
Included in all our bookings is the use of our lawn games. These are perfect entertainment options for yourself and your guests during your wedding cocktail hour and a super cute photo opportunity too!
CURRENTLY INCLUDED: Kubb, Petanque, Croquet, Giant Jenga, Corn Hole
Wine Barrel
We have four wine barrels available for styling, signage, cake displays or drinks stations.
Please do not place wine barrels on the concrete where they may get wet as it will damage the concrete and leave marks.
Please take care when moving the wine barrels, as they can scratch or mark painted and concrete surfaces. Charges may apply for any resulting damage and fees may apply
Mic & Speaker
Please bring your own Mic and Speaker!
The Kitchen
The kitchen is stocked with simple plates & cutlery and is suitable for preparation and serving (not commercial grade). The space includes an urn, a fridge with a small freezer & large drinks fridge.
Should your caterer need to use heating appliances they will need to bring their own power source as our venue is run on solar power which only supports complex heating appliances. This is to ensure you do not lose power during your event.
Not included: Glassware, linen or tableware.
Weber BBQ
You can also use our small weber BBQ at The Barn during your hire period.
Chilly Bin
You have use of our approximately 300L chilly bin. Suitable for keeping additional drinks cold and perfect to station beside an outdoor bar.
Parking
Vehicles must use the designated accessways and parking areas shown on the current site map.
Vehicles must not be driven or parked on the ceremony lawn or within any private or restricted areas unless specifically authorised by Backpaddock Lakes.
New access and parking arrangements are being developed as part of the site changes from May 2027. Your most current map will be included in your Venue Prep information before your wedding.
No vehicles are to drive or park on the ceremony lawn.
Please ensure you and your guests all adhere to these rules to ensure the venue stays pristine for the next couple and their guests as well.
Dry-Hire
Backpaddock Lakes is a dry-hire venue. Unless additional services are specifically listed in your Confirmed Booking Details or invoice, you are responsible for arranging your own bar staff, transport, setup team, coordinator, planner, safety personal and any other suppliers required for your wedding.
You can check out our Recommended Vendor List for vendors you may like to use.
PRIVATE & RESTRICTED AREAS
The Villa (Private residence) and surrounding private areas do not form part of the wedding venue.
Guests, suppliers and wedding parties must remain within the approved wedding venue areas shown on the current site map.
Private and restricted areas are not available for photography, supplier setup, guest access or wedding activities unless specifically approved in writing.
Recommended Vendors
Over the years we’ve had the chance to work with many vendors in the region and we know that while planning an event can be exciting, sometimes it’s also daunting. For that reason we’ve put together a list of our favourites for you to make the job easier. View our list of wonderful local wedding and event vendors.
Photo ACCESS
Wedding photography must remain within the approved wedding venue areas shown on the current site map.
Please make sure your photographer is familiar with the new venue access boundaries before the wedding day and has reviewed the latest map.
Photography access at Backpaddock Lakes has changed significantly for weddings from June 2027 onward. If your photographer has photographed at Backpaddock Lakes before, please make sure they are aware that some areas and previously used photo locations are now private or restricted and will no longer be available, including areas such as the river access and wetlands.
These changes form part of the new, more streamlined venue offering from June 2027 and are reflected in the updated venue pricing structure.
Private and restricted areas are not available for photography unless specifically approved in writing by Backpaddock Lakes. Any additional access is subject to prior approval, availability, privacy and health and safety considerations, and will incur an additional access fee which must be invoiced and paid before the event.
Confetti
Please ensure all confetti being used is biodegradable. If you choose to use confetti on your day, you are required to clean this up to ensure that the venue is pristine for the next couple. A leaf blower is a great tool to bring along if you have one.
Petals are a great option outdoors as unlike rice paper, if it rains they don’t get stuck to your shoes. Bubbles are another great option that requires very little clean up.
PHOTO TIP: The more you have and the bigger the pieces, the better it will photograph!
Furbabies
Pets are welcome for the ceremony only and only with prior approval from Backpaddock Lakes.
Because Backpaddock Lakes is a working farm, these restrictions help protect both our farm animals and visiting pets from potential biosecurity and onsite hazards.
All dogs must:
- Have a dedicated minder and leash at all times
- Remain within the approved ceremony and wedding venue areas
- Stay out of all private and restricted areas
- Be kept away from farm animals, buildings and other areas not approved for wedding access
- Have all dog waste collected and removed immediately
- Leave the property after the ceremony unless otherwise specifically approved in writing
Please be aware that bait may be used onsite in some buildings, so dogs must remain on a leash and under close supervision at all times.
What To Bring
Toilet Paper
Although we will ensure the barn is stocked, you will need to ensure you have additional rolls for your event.
Ice
You’ll want to ensure you have plenty of ice for your drink stations and the approximately 300L chilly bin if you are using it.
Umbrellas
Umbrellas are a great idea to hire for a summer wedding as it can be quite hot. Our picnic tables have holes in them for umbrellas or you could stand a few around with some bean bags from your event hire vendors.
Rain Umbrellas
Always be prepared for rain, it’s a great idea to ensure you bring a bunch of umbrellas for your guests or check with your photographer if they have umbrellas for your photos if the forecast looks poor.
Speaker & Mic
You’ll want to ensure you have a speaker and mic for your wedding celebration.
We do not provide this.
Outdoor Speaker
Don’t forget to consider music outdoor and a mic and speaker for your ceremony. Your celebrant may provide something for the ceremony but you’ll want to ensure you have great mingling music throughout your cocktail hour too.
We do not provide this.
Sunscreen
Never forget the sunscreen. It can get very hot here in the summer months and the last thing you want is sunburn during setup or on your wedding day!
(Bronze package doesn’t have day-before setup.)
Bug Spray
With the wetlands and lake being so close it’s always a great idea to bring along some bug spray for yourself and your guests.
Hand Towels
As we are dry-hire, we don’t provide this, please ensure you bring along hand towels for the bathrooms and have enough to last the entirety of your event.
Tea Towels
Please ensure you bring along tea towels to dry any of the kitchen equipment used as these are not provided. Make sure to consider the number of days and people who are attending.
Blankets & Throws
Always a great idea to bring a basket of throws to your wedding, especially for those that want to embrace the indoor outdoor flow of our venue.
Extension Cables
Never be caught out, always make sure you’ve thought of how you are going to power things during your event.
Tea, Coffee, Milk
Never forget the coffee & Tea!
Glassware, Cutlery & Plates
We do not provide glassware, please ensure you either bring this yourself or that your caterer provides it.
Only basic cutlery and plates are provided in the Barn, please ensure you either bring or hire these for your event.
Fage Bags (Wool press bags for Recycling)
Bring your own Fage bags as a recycling option. Set up a recycling station using our two Fage stands.
Bags are available for you to purchase from Farmlands: Purchase information: Farmlands Fage Bags
The Don'ts
To ensure you and your guests have the best time and our future couples can enjoy our venue please make sure yourself and any of your guests follow the rules of our venue.
Please refer to your contract for a full list of terms and conditions.
- Please don't staple anything to the barn wood or interior as it cannot be repaired.
- Do not use candles, open flames, braziers, fireworks or other open-fire items unless specifically approved in writing by Backpaddock Lakes.
- Don’t place wine barrels on our concrete where they can be rained on as they stain the concrete.
- Please be careful and considerate where you place any outdoor cooking stations as they will stain the concrete.
- Do not enter private or restricted areas
- Do not use the lake unless it is specifically included in your booking
- Please do not stack any furniture near glass or windows. Often we have high winds and this is a safety hazard.
- Please do not park on the ceremony lawn or do any burnouts at the venue. It damages the property and lawn for the next couples. Damages incurred will result in a charge.
- Don’t forget that your party needs to be wrapped up by 1am due to health and safety at the venue.
- Do not allow guests or suppliers into the Villa area or any other private or restricted areas.
- Do not park outside designated parking areas
If It Rains
After your ceremony please ensure the ceremony benches are returned to the black barn shelter and not left in the rain so that don’t get damaged.
Make The Most Of It
If it does happen to rain on your wedding day, make the most of it. Make sure you’ve got a couple of clear or white or even black umbrellas and go dance in the rain and have some photos taken! Rainy stormy photos are so gorgeous in their own way!
Alcohol Consumption
It’s a great idea to appoint bar staff to ensure that no one gets too intoxicated. During a wedding event while alcohol is available the lake is out of bounds with no exceptions to ensure everyone follows health and safety rules and stays safe while having a great time. A designated person must be responsible for ensuring safe behaviour near the water.
End Of The Night
Wedding celebrations must conclude by 1am at the latest.
All guests and suppliers must leave the venue within the access times that apply to your package.
Your package price is based on the specific access period agreed at the time of booking. Remaining onsite beyond your confirmed checkout time changes the agreed package access and may result in additional venue hire charges and/or reasonable costs being deducted from your refundable venue bond.
For packages with next-day access, all final pack-down, collection, cleaning and checkout requirements must be completed by the checkout time specified in your booking.
Cable Park Hire
Cable Park Hire is an optional add-on and is not included in standard wedding venue hire unless listed on your invoice.
Bookings are subject to availability and must be arranged in advance.
Your booked Cable Park time will be confirmed separately and must fit within your approved venue access arrangements.
The Cable Park is not available during winter. The Cable Park can still operate in the rain. Bookings are strictly non-refundable or transferable to another date due to weather or any reason.
For Cable Park Bookings
Each booking slot is for 3 Hours, suitable for up 15 participants depending on how long each person wants to ride. With beginner and advanced courses specifically designed for wakeboarding our Cable Park is a great place for kids wanting to learn to wakeboard and waterski as well as adults and is for any skill level. There are no intimidating wakes from boats and our system has a fully adjustable speed system operated by experienced instructors so you can ride comfortably at your own pace.
- 3 Hour Cable Park booking with one Cable System operating.
- All equipment needed including boards, skis, life jackets and helmets.
- One on one instruction with our experienced operators for each participant before use.
- Self-Guided access to our paddle boarding, kayaks and Jumbo Paddle Board for the duration of your Cable Park Booking.
- Togs
- Wetsuit (if you don't like the cold)
- Towels
- Warm Clothes
- Sunblock & Bug Spray
- Food and Water (non alcoholic beverages are welcome)
Have a group larger than 15 wanting to ride? Get in touch for a quote and availability for two Cable Systems and additional operators.
Please note that on days other than your wedding day, the Cable Park can be hired out to the public if not booked by you.
Recreational Lake Use
Standard wedding venue hire does not include recreational use of the water.
Any Cable Park, kayaking, paddleboarding, boating or other lake activity must be booked or approved in advance and listed in your booking details.
While alcohol is available the lake is out of bounds.
Please note that on days other than your wedding day, the main lake can be hired out to the public if not booked by you via our website.
Kayaks & Paddle Board Hire
Your booking does not include use of the water unless listed on your invoice however you can add this on. If you have added on a Cable Park Booking you will have use of our kayaks, paddle boards and Jumbo Group Paddle board for the duration of your Cable Park Booking.
If you’d like to use the lake or add on hire for any equipment get in touch now to check availability!
Swimming
Swimming is only permitted where recreational lake use has been specifically included in or approved for your booking.
Should boats be present the lake is out of bounds for swimmers, swimmers may use the Cable Lake instead if it is unoccupied by a booking.
No swimmers may be under the influence of alcohol. No one is permitted to climb or play on the cable park jumps due to health and safety.
The Barn Layout
Please note - The site is evolving from June 2027 and this map may continue to be updated.
Areas marked in red are private and are not expected to change.
The most current version of the site map will be provided before your wedding and must be shared with your key suppliers, particularly your photographer, coordinator and catering team.
Health & Safety Notice
A Health & Safety handover is required before your wedding.
The timing will be arranged based on your booked package and access period and may take place in the days leading up to your wedding or at an agreed time before venue use begins.
The handover should be attended by the Client or the person responsible for venue setup, supplier coordination and checkout.
The handover will cover important information such as the location of spare gas bottles, fire extinguishers, evacuation points and any other smaller details.
We’ll also provide checklists for the Buildings and Grounds, which must be completed before departure for bond repayment approval (if applicable).
Please notify Backpaddock Lakes of any significant injury, incident, hazard or damage that occurs during your Hire Period.
Please notify us if any first aid supplies are used so they can be replaced before the next booking.
Getting To Us
Backpaddock Lakes is located at 312 Speedy Road, Ashley Clinton 4288
The Bridge on Burnside Road is closed due to Cyclone damage. Unfortunately this is not reflected on Google Maps, please study the map apps to get familiar with your preferred route.
There are two other options to get to Backpaddock Lakes and you may wish to warn any vendors or guests traveling up to Backpaddock Lakes from the South of the bridge closure so that they aren’t delayed.