A blank canvas with a view
We’re a true dry-hire venue, giving you the freedom to create a wedding that feels completely your own. Choose your caterer, planner and other suppliers, bring your own drinks, style the space your way and celebrate without set menus or corkage fees.
Set against the lake, surrounding farmland and the Ruahine Ranges, the venue provides a beautiful backdrop throughout the day. With both lakeside and sheltered ceremony options available, you can also plan confidently for changing weather.
FROM CEREMONY to CELEBRATION
The ceremony lawn
Say your vows beside the lake on our open ceremony lawn, with wooden bench seating for up to 93 guests. Choose from the white octagon or timber archway, both included with your venue hire.
The Wedding Barn
Our purpose-built Wedding Barn opens out towards the lake through large sliding doors. Gather beneath the festoon lights for dinner, speeches and dancing, with seating for up to 180 guests.
The lake & grounds
The lakefront and jetty provide beautiful settings for your wedding portraits without leaving the venue. Step away for a few sunset photographs, then return to your celebration within minutes.
A wedding weekend, not just a day
Spend more than just the wedding day together. Arrive early to set up and rehearse, celebrate your wedding, then slow things down with a relaxed gathering the following morning.
With our Silver and Gold packages, your closest people can stay in the Villa and cabins, with designated camping areas available for additional guests.
The big stuff is sorted
Your venue hire includes many of the practical pieces that can otherwise be difficult to source. You bring your people, suppliers, planner, styling and personal touches — we provide the foundations for your day.
guests seated
trestle tables
ceremony seats
Ceremony benches
31 wooden bench seats, providing ceremony seating for up to 93 guests.
Two archways
Choose from our white octagon or timber archway, or arrange to bring your own.
Tables & chairs
23 trestle tables and stunning white resin chairs to seat 180.
Lawn games
A selection of outdoor games for guests to enjoy throughout the day.
Wet-weather plan
A sheltered ceremony option is available in the Wedding Barn if the weather changes.
Marquee space
Space is available for an additional marquee or outdoor dance floor, hired separately.
The landscape sets the tone
The lake, farmland and distant ranges change with every season, creating a different backdrop throughout the year.
Summer
Long days, golden grass and warm evenings beside the lake.
Autumn
Earthy tones, softer light and rich seasonal colour.
Winter
Crisp days, open skies and views towards the Ruahine Ranges.
Spring
Fresh green grass, longer days and new growth across the property.
“Backpaddock Lakes hosted the greatest day of our lives. We knew it would bring to life everything we had envisioned, and it did that and more. We had endless comments from our family and friends about how beautiful and special the venue was, with our DJ even saying it was one of the most epic venues he had ever played at. We’re Wellington locals, but Backpaddock Lakes has given us a lasting love for Hawke’s Bay. Just get married here — that would be our recommendation.”
MAKE A WEEKEND OF IT
Add the lake & cable park
Add private cable park hire and lake activities to create a relaxed, festival-style wedding weekend. Guests can enjoy wakeboarding and other organised lake activities at an arranged time during your stay.
Camp on site
With our Silver and Gold packages, designated onsite camping areas are available for additional guests, allowing more of your people to stay close to the celebration.
SIMPLE PAYMENT STAGES
Your venue hire is divided into three payment stages, making it easier to plan ahead. Payment Plans available too.
Secure your date
Your non-refundable booking retainer confirms the venue and secures your date.
Five months before
Your second payment is due five months before your wedding.
Three months before
The remaining balance is due three months before your wedding.
Let's talk about your day
Tell us your preferred date or season, approximate guest numbers and what you are planning. We’ll send through our current availability and wedding information so you can see whether Backpaddock Lakes is the right fit for your day.
021 757 892 · 021 740 399
Ashley Clinton, Central Hawke’s Bay