— The ceremony
Say it in the valley.
Exchange vows on the lawn with rolling hills and protected native bush behind you, and only birdsong for company. No other guests, no other bookings, nobody else's schedule.
— Intimate Weddings · Helensville
— Elopements & micro weddings
Black Barn Valley Retreat is an intimate wedding venue near Helensville, in north west Auckland, for couples who would rather gather twenty-five of their favourite people than two hundred acquaintances. The whole property is yours alone: a modern black barn, two entertainment decks, a spa pool and a private valley wrapped in native bush.
Up to twenty-five guests on the day, with up to eight staying overnight in the Main House, and a two-night minimum so the celebration is never rushed.
— The ceremony
Exchange vows on the lawn with rolling hills and protected native bush behind you, and only birdsong for company. No other guests, no other bookings, nobody else's schedule.
— The long table
A long table on the lower deck, the valley turning gold, and your favourite people gathered around. Bring your chosen caterer to create a wedding dinner to remember.
— The night before, the morning after
Weddings are a 2 night minimum, so the couple and up to 6 more sleep on site across 3 king bedrooms and the upper lounge. Spa under the stars, then a slow breakfast on the deck.
— The practical details
25 invited guests in total, including the 8 staying overnight. A two-night minimum gives you time to settle in.
Approved professional suppliers are additional to the guest limit and must be disclosed before the event.
Only confirmed accommodation guests may stay overnight. Parking is limited to 7 cars.
A 25% deposit and written confirmation secure your date. The balance is due 30 days before your event; bookings within 30 days require full payment.
A refundable NZ$1,000 security bond is payable before the event.
— Intimate wedding pricing
| Item | Calculation | NZ$ |
|---|---|---|
| Main House 8 overnight guests | 2 nights × $1,104 | 2,208 |
| Additional day guests 17 joining the 8 staying | 17 guests × $55 | 935 |
| Accommodation & day-guest total | 3,143 | |
| Refundable security bond Paid separately before your event | 1,000 | |
| Total including refundable bond | 4,143 | |
Illustrative pricing based on the rates shown. Your final quote confirms the cost for your dates and any extras. Catering and other suppliers are arranged separately. The bond is refundable under the event terms.
Every wedding is quoted individually. Tell us your dates, your numbers and the shape of the day, and we will come back with a quote and confirmation of the date. Equipment, seating, layout and any extras are confirmed in your quote. You are welcome to bring your own planner, stylist and caterer.
Enquire about a wedding— From the journal
What it really costs and how two nights run, day by day: Planning an intimate wedding near Auckland.
— Intimate weddings
Up to 25 invited guests on the day, including up to 8 staying overnight in the Main House. Approved professional suppliers are additional and must be disclosed before the event. Any exception to the invited guest limit requires written agreement. The retreat suits elopements, micro weddings and intimate weddings rather than large receptions.
The Main House is NZ$1,104 per night for 8 guests, with a 2 night minimum for weddings, plus NZ$55 per additional day guest up to 25. Every wedding is quoted individually.
Yes. Weddings are a 2 night minimum, so the couple and up to 6 more guests can stay in the 3 king bedrooms and upper lounge on both nights.
Outdoors, in the valley, with the lawns and protected native bush as the backdrop. The long table on the lower deck and the spa pool are all part of the day.
About 45 minutes north west of central Auckland by car, near Helensville, and around 1 hour from Auckland Airport.
Equipment, seating, layout and any extras are confirmed in your individual wedding quote. You can bring your own approved planner, stylist and caterer.
“Absolutely blown away by how beautiful the home was. Photos do not do this place justice.”
Verified guest · Airbnb
— Planning your day
Start with our small wedding in the valley: the setting, the food and the experience of staying together for the weekend.
The upper deck is covered. Talk through the wet-weather arrangement for your group with Louise, including seating and catering, before finalising your plans.
For the budget and schedule, read about intimate wedding costs and the two-night stay.