RUTH & CHRIS AT MARTINBOROUGH TREE CHURCH
Ruth and Chris were married on a warm January afternoon at Martinborough Tree Church in the Wellington region, surrounded by 80 of their closest friends and family. Their day unfolded as an elegant garden party celebration, thoughtfully styled and beautifully suited to the living chapel that makes this venue so distinctive.
Martinborough Tree Church is unlike any other wedding venue in New Zealand. The ceremony space is formed entirely from living trees, sculpted into a chapel shape over time. In summer, the foliage is full and luminous, creating a soft canopy of filtered light that feels intimate yet open to the landscape. It is a venue that carries both architectural presence and natural serenity.
Having photographed weddings at Martinborough Tree Church before, I knew how the January sun would move through the chapel and where the golden light would fall across the surrounding gardens. That familiarity allows for calm, intuitive coverage rather than reactive positioning. For couples considering getting married at Martinborough Tree Church, understanding how the space works in real conditions makes a significant difference.
Ruth and Chris embraced the venue’s natural elegance. Their celebration felt effortless. Refined but relaxed. Structured yet spacious enough to breathe. What follows is both their story and a detailed guide for couples planning a Martinborough Tree Church wedding.
GETTING MARRIED AT MARTINBOROUGH TREE CHURCH
The Living Chapel Ceremony Space
The ceremony space is sculpted from living hedges shaped into a traditional chapel silhouette. The aisle leads through manicured gardens into an enclosed green cathedral that feels both private and expansive.
Guest Capacity
Ideal for intimate to mid-sized weddings. Ruth and Chris hosted 80 guests comfortably with clear sightlines and natural flow.
Reception Options
The venue is primarily known for ceremonies. Many couples host their reception at nearby vineyards or marquee setups in the Wairarapa region.
Summer Weddings at Martinborough Tree Church
January offers full greenery and long daylight hours. The foliage is dense, creating soft filtered light for ceremony photography.
Lighting Considerations
Midday light can be strong in peak summer. A later ceremony time enhances depth and reduces overhead shadows.
Weather Backup
As an outdoor venue, contingency planning is essential. Clear marquee hire or nearby indoor reception venues are common solutions.
Parking and Access
On-site parking accommodates guests comfortably. The gardens are well maintained and accessible.
RUTH & CHRIS’ WEDDING AT MARTINBOROUGH TREE CHURCH
Their ceremony began in the late afternoon, when the summer light softened across the hedged walls of the chapel. Chris waited at the front beneath the curved canopy while guests settled into the garden seating.
Ruth’s entrance through the garden pathway felt cinematic yet grounded. The foliage framed her approach, creating a natural aisle of light and shadow. The ceremony was personal and composed, with vows echoing gently within the living walls.
Afterward, guests gathered across the manicured grounds for champagne and conversation. The surrounding gardens provided layered backdrops for portraits, allowing us to move between structured symmetry and organic greenery.
Golden hour in Martinborough during January stretches generously. We stepped away briefly as the sun dipped lower, using the tree-lined boundaries and open lawns for relaxed, documentary-style portraits.
TIPS FOR PLANNING YOUR WEDDING AT MARTINBOROUGH TREE CHURCH
Schedule your ceremony later in summer
Aim for 4:30pm or later to avoid harsh overhead light.
Consider guest comfort
Provide shade umbrellas or parasols for peak summer heat.
Think about reception proximity
Choose a nearby vineyard or marquee location within 15 minutes to ease transport.
Plan florals to complement greenery
Soft whites, muted blush, or structured arrangements work beautifully against the living chapel backdrop.
Allocate time for portraits in surrounding gardens
The venue grounds offer multiple portrait zones beyond the chapel itself.
Have a wet weather strategy
Secure marquee options early in the planning process.
Factor wind into styling
Lightweight veils and décor should be secured in Wellington region breezes.
PHOTOGRAPHING WEDDINGS AT MARTINBOROUGH TREE CHURCH
The chapel’s enclosed greenery creates natural framing that works exceptionally well for documentary coverage. Reactions, subtle glances, and movement feel amplified within the living walls.
Summer lighting can be dynamic. Understanding how light filters through foliage is essential for maintaining even skin tones and depth.
Golden hour portraits benefit from stepping slightly beyond the chapel to use the wider grounds. The contrast between structured hedge architecture and open rural landscape offers visual diversity.
For couples who value candid storytelling, Martinborough Tree Church lends itself beautifully to unobtrusive coverage.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT MARTINBOROUGH TREE CHURCH WEDDINGS
How much does it cost to get married at Martinborough Tree Church?
Venue pricing varies depending on guest count and package inclusions. Couples should contact the venue directly for current rates.
How many guests can Martinborough Tree Church accommodate?
It comfortably suits intimate to mid-sized weddings. 80 guests fit well for ceremony seating.
Is there a wet weather option?
As an outdoor venue, couples typically arrange marquee backup or secure a nearby indoor reception venue.
Can you have your reception there?
Most couples host ceremonies at the Tree Church and receptions at nearby Martinborough vineyards or rural venues.
Is summer a good time to get married there?
Yes. January offers full greenery and extended daylight.
If you’re planning a Martinborough Tree Church wedding and want photography that feels natural, considered, and deeply attuned to the space, I’d love to hear about your plans.
