Located on the waterfront in the heart of romantic Russell, The Duke is a truly majestic setting providing a stunning wedding destination where you can have your ceremony, reception, and accommodation all in one place.
Our grand ballroom with ornate ceilings, low hanging chandeliers and polished wooden floorboards opens up directly onto sun-filled decks overlooking the sea. The ballroom is fitted with individually upholstered chairs seating up to 150 guests comfortably.
We have on-site wedding coordinators with years of experience in planning and delivering tailor made, personalised weddings. We manage all of the details in the lead up to and on your wedding, day providing unlimited support and assistance so you can relax and enjoy your day without having to worry about the finer details.
With an award-winning restaurant (featured in Cuisine Magazine's Top 100 Restaurants) the Duke offers exquisite cuisine and exceptional service. We create the taste and flavour of the season to make this a memorable celebration for you and your guests. We even take the orders on the day, so all your guests can get exactly what they want!
Our beautiful hand-planted garden is the perfect spot to say, 'I DO', under the 150-year-old Fig Tree, with sweeping views across The Bay of Islands, you will have beautiful photos to relive your Bay of Islands wedding!
The Duke can provide the total wedding experience with 38 room catering for your guests and a bridal suite. Our team will provide you with some PDF Documents to send to your guests, and we can organise accommodation directly with them, so you don't have to worry!
Being New Zealand's first licensed hotel, we pride ourselves in having an extensive wine list offering 100 different wines. We also have a carefully curated selection of craft and premium beers, highlighting our locally produced favourites. Simply choose the wines from our list, and we will charge you on consumption!
The fee to have exclusive use of the Duke of Marlborough Garden, Ballroom, and Veranda:
The fee to hire the Duke of Marlborough's Northland Wedding Venue includes:
(Please note due to noise restrictions bands / Djs need to finish at 12am and the liquor license is until 1am)
We require a minimum spend throughout the year as we are closing part of our restaurant to provide space for a wedding. Get in touch with our team to find out more about your dream Bay of Islands Wedding.
We have 38 Rooms on site, including a Bridal Suite, so at the end of the night you just need to make your way upstairs! We do require that a minimum of twelve rooms in accommodation above the ballroom are booked the night of the wedding due to noise levels. Don't worry, our expert Accommodation Team will assist you throughout the planning of filling these rooms with your guests.
What's more, we give you, and your weddings guests 10% off the entirety of their stay with us! Why not stay for the weekend and make the most out of your Bay of Islands wedding with your friends & family!
The twelve contracted rooms are outlines below. Please note, these prices do not include the 10% discount.
Make the most of your wedding and enjoy a weekend in the sunny Bay of Islands! From boat trips, and day after wedding events, wining, and dining, we really do have it all on our doorstep!
We are one of the leading Bay of Islands wedding venues, and we love sharing our slice of paradise with you and all your friends. Our helpful, and experienced team of Wedding Co-ordinators are always on hand to show you around our venue and have unlimited contact with all our couples.
Our venue is an all in one, with your accommodation, ceremony location, reception, dining, and dancing all under one roof, on the waterfront of Russell. Start your Bay of Islands wedding planning today!
