The perfect wedding checklist: Amuri Estate
by Metropol | April 1, 2026 8:33 am
When Laura and Sam Arnold began searching for their wedding venue, they knew exactly what they wanted and what they didn’t.
We were looking for somewhere elegant but rustic,” Laura says. “It had to have a wet-weather option and some kind of view or backdrop.” There was one more non-negotiable: their dog, Maverick, had to be part of the ceremony.
Amuri Estate immediately stood out. Set against the rolling hills of Hanmer Springs, the venue offered the balance they were after – refined without feeling formal, relaxed without sacrificing style.
The couple also wanted their wedding to feel like a mini getaway for their guests – a destination celebration without requiring long-haul travel. Hanmer proved ideal. Friends and family could explore the village, unwind in the hot pools, and turn the occasion into a long weekend.
Adding to the appeal was a personal connection. “Hanmer is somewhere Sam and I visit regularly,” Laura says. “There’s something special about knowing the hills in our wedding photos are the same ones we’ll keep returning to.”
Practicality was also important. The Arnolds were drawn to Amuri Estate’s all-inclusive approach. Venue hire includes thoughtful details such as tables and chairs, wine barrels, and twinkling ceiling fairy lights – elements that create atmosphere without added stress.
On-site accommodation allowed the bridal party to settle in the night before and wake to the calm of the countryside on the big day.
A dedicated wedding coordinator was another advantage. With experienced coordinators overseeing the logistics, Laura and Sam were free to be fully present, as were their guests. “We wanted our friends and family to celebrate with us – not manage the run sheet,” she says. At Amuri Estate, outdoor ceremonies take place beneath a floral arch on the manicured lawn, with a tiered grandstand for larger guest lists. Should the weather turn, an indoor space with floor-to-ceiling glass doors ensures the sweeping views remain part of the experience. Guests move to the paved terrace for drinks and canapés before dining and dancing in the light-filled reception hall.
With polished concrete floors, expansive glass doors, and capacity for up to 200 guests, Amuri Estate offers flexibility alongside rustic charm. Partnering with trusted caterers, the venue can accommodate everything from relaxed platters to formal sit-down dinners.
For Laura and Sam, the decision proved simple. “Amuri Estate truly ticked all our boxes,” Laura says. “The day was everything we dreamed of.” Call events manager Vanessa Orr on 027 554 4056 or amuriestate@gmail.com.
Amuri Estate is now offered for sale, presenting a rare, remarkable opportunity for a wedding vendor to acquire this exceptional property and make it their own, carrying forward its legacy while shaping its future.
Source URL: https://metropol.co.nz/the-perfect-wedding-checklist-amuri-estate/