Frequently Asked Questions
Weddings
Can we invite guests for the ceremony only?
Yes, you are welcome to invite guests for the ceremony only. We do have a charge based on how many guests you have and what requirements there are, however normally for ceremony only guests they would be staying for the ceremony, canapes & beverages until your guests move inside for the reception.
Do you provide a signing table?
Yes, we provide a signing table with or without a cloth. A wine barrel is available for you as well.
A few of our ceremony locations have a stone signing table in place.
Do you have onsite parking for our guests?
Yes, we have plenty of space for your guests to park for your wedding day.
We also don’t want any guests drinking and driving, so cars can be left overnight and collected by 11am the following day.
To avoid traffic, what time do you suggest a week-day ceremony start?
We recommend having your ceremony start no later than 4pm on a weekday.
Can you get a taxi from Markovina Estate at the end of the night?
Yes, we have a list at the bar that you can use to order a taxi.
We recommend you book one in an hour before the end of the night.
Does Uber pickup in Kumeu?
Yes it does, however sometimes late at night a car may not be close by so also recommend pre-arranging well before you are ready to leave.
Do you have any wet weather photo options?
Yes, we have some great undercover options to get your photos, however it is likely you will still have some opportunity to get outside and have photos taken under trees and capture those special moments. We have a number of umbrella’s available, which also make for a nice prop.
If you do get rained out you can come back the next day (by appointment) to take the photos you are missing.
Can we use the entire property?
Yes, we only book one wedding per day so the grounds will be available exclusively for you and your guests.
Can we use confetti?
We don’t allow confetti, however you can use real or freeze dried rose petals outside.
Do you have music in the gardens?
Yes, we have a range of outdoor speakers in our gardens which your DJ can plug into or you can provide a device with a playlist on.
Can we book a wedding without beverages included?
Yes, however we find if you think your guests are going to have more than 3 or 4 drinks each, you are better off with the inclusive drinks package.
Can we just hire the venue and bring in our own caterers?
Unfortunately not, our packages all include catering as we do have our own kitchen onsite.
Does the beverage package run out?
There is no predetermined limit on the inclusive beverage package. However, we will not serve intoxicated persons or minors.
We will never ask you to pay a bar tab for beverages that are included in the beverage package.
Your guests can still purchase spirits as part of a cash bar or bar tab.
Can we remove dessert or take out food out of the menu to save money?
Meal service is really important to us, so we don’t decrease the quality of the menu to save money.
Do you have a PA (Sound System)
Yes we do. We have garden speakers, surround speakers inside, speakers in our fireplace area plus dance floor speakers your DJ can plug into.
Do you have any dance lighting?
Yes we do. We have a number of great lighting features including our colour changing LED’s, mirror ball for your first dance, disco lighting and lasers.
Are the vines above the dining area real?
Yes they are and they remain green all-year round.
Corporate Events
What is the best size event at your venue?
This depends on the style of event you are after. We can cater for conferences of around 200 seated at tables or approximately 300 seated theatre style.
We have our Indoor Fireplace Area which can be more intimate for smaller groups, or our large main reception room which can open up to accommodate large numbers.
What breakout areas do you have?
We have two main events spaces at our venue, so when breaking out you can split your groups into these two areas so you can spread out, or make use of our multiple garden areas around our property.
Can we hire your venue for a day seminar and evening event?
Yes, we have a number of customers that have their day event and then a formal or themed dinner event during the evening.
Can we theme your venue?
Yes, we can assist you with a theme or you can arrange the entertainment and theming yourselves.
Is the hire of your venue exclusive for our event?
For conference dinners we find they work best as an exclusive event. This is an important factor in booking our venue exclusively if dependent on the date and guest numbers you are looking at.
Is the venue warm?
Yes, we have plenty of heating. Our main dining area has air conditioning and gas heaters. Our mingling area has walls of double-glazed glass and a huge stone fireplace.
Do you have an inside area for mingling?
Yes, we do, you can mingle inside in front of the fire. Depending on the group size for our combined events you can hire this space exclusively for your dining.
Do you open as a cafe?
No, sorry we only open for booked events. However, during the lead up to Christmas, we have a number of dates that are opened as a combined Christmas afternoon function. That means that you can book a table of 10 or more.
Do you have a garden bar open?
Yes, we have a bar set up in our outdoor covered courtyard which is close for you and your guests to enjoy a drink.
Do you have any garden activities or games?
Yes, we have a number of petanque courts around the gardens and we also have giant jenga and a selection of lawn games on request.
Can small companies book into your themed events?
Yes, we open selected dates for combined themed events. These are usually for our Dine & Dance, Medieval Feast and Boogie Nights events. Other themed events are usually opened for exclusive events.
Can we hire your venue exclusively?
Yes, you can, however, it does depend on the total guest numbers. We also have a private dining area you can hire exclusively for your company for groups of 80.
Celebrations
Can we bring in our own activities to entertain the children?
Yes, simply tell us what you are planning to do and we will make sure you are in the best place in our gardens to give you the space you need.
Do you provide music and entertainment or can we provide our own?
We have a full music system for music both in the gardens and inside. We have a selection of mingling and dinner music however you are welcome to bring your own device and plug it into our system or arrange your own DJ, live music or entertainment.
How soon should I book my engagement party?
It does depend on the number of guests you are wanting at your event and what time of year you are wanting your celebration, so please contact us to find out more. For most engagement party bookings, we open up our venue 3 months in advance.
Can we decorate the venue?
If you have booked an exclusive event, yes you can.
Do you provide music?
We have a PA system and you can bring your own device that plugs into our system. You can also arrange your own DJ or live music.
Is the price the same for children?
Children 5-12 are half price of per person cost of your selected day. Children 0-4 are free.
Can we eat outdoors?
The most common is for guests to have their canapes outside and sit inside for their main meal however if you do want to have a more casual event, potentially a gourmet BBQ or continuous nibbles there is no problem enjoying that outside.
School Balls
Do you only offer a buffet menu?
No, we can also offer a plated meal or sharing platters at the table.
If you want something different, simply get in touch and we can put a package together for you.
Do you provide security?
No this is something that you would need to arrange.
How long is the booking for?
Our school ball package is a five hour venue hire. You can come in prior to the start time for any theming you want to do.
What are your minimum numbers?
Our School Ball package is based on a minimum of 100 students. You can book for less, however an additional venue hire charge may apply.
Cuisine & Catering
Can we BYO alcohol?
Unfortunately we do not allow BYO beverages.
Can we bring our own caterers?
We do have our own kitchens and chefs on site, so we do not allow outside catering. However, you are welcome to use your own suppliers for a cake or guest favours. If you would like a special dish on your menu, please contact us.
How much alcohol is included in the package?
There is no predetermined limit on the inclusive beverage package. However, we will not serve intoxicated persons or minors.
Does your menu cater for dietaries?
Yes, we do have specific dishes available in each of our menus to cater for these requirements. We can also cater for other specific requirements when requested.
Can we change the menus?
We have a range of menus you can select from or if you want something quite different, just tell us and we can create something for you.
Memorials
What is the minimum spend to use your venue to host a memorial service?
$5,000 for venue, food and beverages.
Can we BYO?
Sorry no, we don’t have a BYO option however you can simply run a cash bar for your guests. We also have EFTPOS facilities.
How long are we able to be at the venue?
Usually your service will be approximately an hour, usually after the service our guests will stay on for 2 to 5 hours after the service depending on what food service has been booked.
What are your minimum numbers?
You can have a very intimate service for just your close family. There is no minimum number that you need to book.
When do I need to confirm numbers?
We do need your best estimate 72 hours prior. This is invoiced and paid prior to your day, we will arrange to cater for that number of guests. If on the day you have a few more guests that arrive our kitchen is able to increase the amount of food to cater for the increased guests.
Markovina Vineyard Estate is a distinguished premier wedding and event venue, ideally located in the scenic heart of Kumeu, Auckland.
Contact Details
Phone: (09) 4128608
84 Old Railway Road
Kumeū, Auckland 0892
New Zealand
