If you’re dreaming of a vineyard wedding close to Auckland, Bracu Estate in Karaka is one of the most romantic settings you’ll find. Surrounded by 70 hectares of olive groves, this Mediterranean-style estate offers couples the best of both worlds, a peaceful escape only 40 minutes from the city, with world-class food, wine, and wedding facilities.

I photographed Jared and Olivia’s wedding here, and their day perfectly showcased everything that makes Bracu Estate such a stunning venue.

Why Couples Choose Bracu Estate

Location: Just 40 minutes south of Auckland, tucked away in the Bombay Hills.
Ceremony options: Outdoor settings like the Olive Grove, Fountain Pond, or Garden Gazebo, plus the Pavilion for all-weather security.
Reception capacity: The Pavilion holds up to 160 guests seated or 190 cocktail style, with an adjoining courtyard and bar.
Food and wine: Created on site by Bracu’s award-winning kitchen.
Accommodation: Estate House, Harvest House, and Olive House can host wedding parties and family for a full weekend.

Ceremony options at Bracu Estate

Couples can choose from several settings: the romantic Olive Grove, the tranquil Fountain Pond, the Garden Gazebo, or the all-weather Pavilion. There’s even a Marquee option for larger celebrations and a new Velarium space. Whatever the season, there’s a backdrop that fits.

Stay on site

Bracu has three boutique houses for wedding parties. The Estate House sleeps up to 10, the Harvest House sleeps 8, and the Olive House sleeps 6. Many couples use these for bridal party prep or to host close family, turning the wedding into a whole weekend escape.

Jared & Olivia’s Bracu Estate Wedding

Olivia spent the morning with her bridesmaids in one of the houses on the estate, laughter and chatter filling the rooms as they got ready. The energy was high, dresses hanging on the windows, champagne glasses clinking.

Meanwhile, Jared arrived with the groomsmen in their special cars, dressed sharp and ready for the day ahead. The Pavilion provided the perfect indoor ceremony space — light streaming in, family gathered close, a warm and peaceful atmosphere.

After the vows and celebrations, we slipped away with the couple for portraits. Chauffeured up to the top of the hills, we caught the sunset overlooking the olive groves. It was the perfect pause in a fast-moving day, a chance for them to breathe in the first moments of married life together. That sunset, golden and still, was the most beautiful backdrop before they headed back down to set the dance floor alight.

The whole day felt warm, relaxed, and family-focused — exactly the vibe many couples hope for.

The Best Photo Locations at Bracu Estate

The Olive Grove – romantic, Mediterranean feel.
The Lake & Fountain Pond – peaceful reflections and greenery.
The Vineyard Rows – especially stunning at golden hour.
The Hills Above the Estate – sweeping views, a must for sunset portraits.
The Pavilion & Courtyard – elegant architectural lines, perfect for group shots and reception candids.

Past couples often say their favourite photos came from the hilltop at sunset, with the olive groves stretching out below. It’s consistently the moment where the day slows down, and the beauty of the estate really shines.

Tips for Planning a Bracu Estate Wedding

Timing: Golden hour is magical here — plan your timeline to sneak away for 15 minutes at sunset.
Guest numbers: Bracu is best for weddings up to 160 seated; it feels intimate without being cramped.
Ceremony backup: The Pavilion means you’ll never stress about Auckland weather.
Stay onsite: With boutique accommodation options, you can turn your wedding into a full weekend with family.
Food & wine: Couples rave about Bracu’s menus — make sure you allow time to enjoy the food, not just rush through.

FAQs

How many guests can Bracu Estate hold? Up to 160 seated, 190 cocktail style.
Where is Bracu Estate? Karaka, about 40 minutes south of Auckland CBD.
Can you have an outdoor ceremony? Yes, options include the Olive Grove, Garden Gazebo, and Fountain Pond.
Is accommodation available? Yes, Estate, Harvest, and Olive Houses sleep small groups of 6–10 each.
Best time for photos? Sunset from the top of the hills, plus portraits in the olive groves.
What happens if it rains? Bracu’s Pavilion is a stunning indoor space that works beautifully as a wet-weather backup. Couples don’t need to stress about the forecast.
Does Bracu Estate provide catering? Yes, all food and wine are prepared by Bracu’s award-winning restaurant team, known for their seasonal menus and estate-grown olive oil.
Can Bracu Estate host large weddings? The Pavilion holds up to 160 guests seated or 190 cocktail style, and with a marquee it can expand for larger parties.

Bracu Estate is consistently listed as one of the top vineyard wedding venues in Auckland, thanks to its blend of Mediterranean charm, flexibility, and fine dining.

Book Your Bracu Estate Wedding Photographer

Here’s how their celebration unfolded:

Bridal portraits in the Estate house before the ceremony — the chatter and excitement palpable as Olivia and her girls got ready.
Groomsmen portraits on arrival, suited up and arriving in style in their special cars.
The ceremony inside the Pavilion, with light pouring in and family gathered close.
Cocktail hour in the courtyard, while guests mingled and we moved into family portraits.
Bridal party portraits around the grounds, balancing laughter and elegance.
Cake cutting and dinner in the Pavilion.
Sunset portraits — whisked away up the hill while guests enjoyed dessert, overlooking the olive groves and vineyards.
First dance and dance floor to finish the night with energy and celebration.

It was warm, relaxed, and beautifully Bracu, the perfect mix of family focus and romantic vineyard atmosphere.

I only take on a limited number of weddings each year, which means my services are intentionally exclusive. If you’re planning your own Bracu Estate wedding, I’d love to hear about your plans and capture your day in a way that feels true to you.

Contact Me