Elevate your wedding experience at Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat, your exclusive haven for a destination wedding that beautifully blends privacy, elegance, and nature. Nestled on 66 hectares of alpine land and located within the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, our Retreat offers an enchanting backdrop that will make your special day truly unforgettable.

Imagine saying your vows against the majestic views of Aoraki / Mount Cook and the shimmering waters of Lake Pukaki. Our venue provides endless possibilities for both daytime and evening celebrations, ensuring your wedding is as unique as your love story.

We have four luxury villas, with two offering lakeside views across to Aoraki / Mount Cook and the other two showcasing views of the Ben Ohau Range and the tawny Mackenzie country. All villas have their own outdoor hot tub. Guests staying with us can indulge in a variety of on-site activities including tennis or pickleball on our picturesque court, pétanque and over five kilometres of walking tracks. In the winter, guests can enjoy the fun of curling on our specially designed rink. For a rejuvenating experience, we offer tailored wellness packages that include massages and yoga sessions.

Our private Pukaki Observatory provides a range of stargazing experiences that can be incorporated into your wedding package. Our Billion Star Dining experience features a 6-course fine dining menu followed by dark sky stargazing. This experience made it into the TIME World’s Greatest Places list for 2024. Additionally, our Royal High Tea is a lovely way to celebrate before or after your wedding with your closest friends and family. There is so much to see and do on-site, along with diverse terrain and colours that can be beautifully captured by your photographer.

With the convenience of five helipads on-site, you can arrive in style, while our accessible roads ensure easy transportation for all your guests.

Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat is the ultimate destination wedding venue, offering a spectacular and unforgettable experience. Whether you choose to exchange vows under a starry sky or celebrate with world-class dining, your wedding day here will be nothing short of magical.

Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat offers a stunning backdrop of Aoraki / Mount Cook and Lake Pukaki, creating a truly unforgettable experience for weddings, honeymoons, and anniversaries. Our two wedding lawns are the Lakeside Lawn and the Lavender Lawn. The Moraine, our restaurant, can also be used for wedding ceremonies as well as for receptions.

Couples can choose from a range of dining experiences, with ultra fine dining options available. Additional meals such as dinner the night before the wedding or a lunch the following day can be added, as well as a high tea experience for guests.

For those seeking exclusivity, the entire Retreat can be booked, allowing for exclusive use of the accommodation and facilities. This provides the opportunity for beautiful shots of preparation and intimate moments throughout the celebrations. The wedding can also be extended into a honeymoon stay, making for a seamless transition from ceremony to relaxation.

Different venues at the Retreat offer flexibility in booking options, catering to various budgets. The two lawns can be hired separately for smaller gatherings, while a marquee on the lawn option provides a larger event space. The Ashley Mackenzie Villa is perfect for elopements or intimate gatherings, while The Moraine offers a spacious indoor venue for larger weddings or as a wet weather alternative.

With its breathtaking scenery, luxurious accommodation, and exquisite cuisine, Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat offers a truly magical setting for celebrating love and special occasions. Whether it’s a grand wedding reception or a quiet getaway for two, the Retreat provides a unique and unforgettable experience for every guest.