Settlers Country Manor Wedding Photography
Intro
Nestled in Kumeu, Settlers Country Manor is one of Auckland’s most versatile wedding venues. With stone buildings, mature gardens, and a riverside lawn, it offers a mix of rustic charm and elegant backdrops in one location. I’ve photographed here in all kinds of light and weather, and it’s a dream venue for both golden-hour portraits and wet-weather indoor shots.
If you’re planning your day here, you’ll want a photographer who knows the best photo spots, how to structure timelines around the light, and how to keep things stress-free if the weather shifts. That’s exactly what I bring to the table.
➡️ Take a look at my full-day wedding photography pricing starting from $2,990, or get in touch to check if your date is available.
Best Photo Locations at Settlers Country Manor
One of the strengths of this venue is the variety in such a compact space. Popular backdrops include:
The Gardens – tall trees and manicured paths are perfect for a quiet first look or soft, romantic couple portraits.
Stone Buildings – these textured walls add depth and a timeless, rustic feel, ideal for bridal party group shots.
Riverside Lawn – at sunset, the light here is magical. I always make time for golden-hour portraits by the water.
Indoor Spaces – even if the rain sets in, the verandas and interiors give us warm, atmospheric options.
Because all these locations are within a short walk, we can capture a wide variety of looks without pulling you away from your guests for too long.
Sample Timelines for Golden-Hour Portraits
Settlers Country Manor is especially beautiful at dusk, so I like to build timelines that make the most of that light. A typical 8-hour full-day package (from $2,990) looks like this:
1:30–3:00pm: Getting ready coverage (bridal party prep + details).
3:00–3:30pm: Ceremony in the gardens or by the riverside.
3:30–4:00pm: Family formals near the stone archway (easy access for guests).
4:00–4:45pm: Bridal party portraits in the gardens.
4:45–5:30pm: Couple portraits by the stone walls and riverside (with flexibility for golden-hour).
5:30pm onward: Reception coverage through to speeches and first dance.
If your ceremony timing shifts, I’ll help you re-balance the schedule so we never miss the best natural light.
Recent Weddings at Settlers Country Manor
Every wedding at Settlers Country Manor has its own personality, and one of my favourites to capture was Stephanie & Jankai’s celebration.
Their day blended classic elegance with a relaxed garden vibe. The stone buildings gave us timeless, cinematic portraits, while the gardens and riverside lawn came alive in the late afternoon light. What stood out most was the warmth of their families and the effortless way the venue’s layout kept the flow of the day smooth — from ceremony to photos to reception.
You can see highlights from their wedding here:
👉 Stephanie & Jankai’s Settlers Country Manor Wedding
As more weddings unfold at this venue, I’ll keep adding fresh galleries so you can see how different couples make the most of the gardens, stone walls, and golden-hour riverside portraits.
