Mount Bruce Lodge: charming Wairarapa wedding accommodation

Mount Bruce Lodge

Julie and Philip have lovingly created a charming place to stay before, during and after your wedding in the Wairarapa.

The three buildings that make up Mount Bruce Lodge have been restored from a derelict state, to now shine in a subtle 1950's style. The Big House, The Little House and the Gallery accommodate up to 14 people in self-contained luxury. Mount Bruce Lodge is ideal for intimate wedding parties, parents and guests to get ready for the wedding and stay the night of, and beyond in the Wairarapa.

If you want to, Mount Bruce Lodge allows brides and/or grooms to preserve the tradition of not seeing each other prior to the wedding by getting ready separately.

Gorgeous natural photo opportunities abound: getting ready inside the houses, on the sunny decks, native gardens, white "wedding hut" and inside the art gallery.

Mount Bruce Lodge is conveniently located 15 minutes drive north of Masterton; and 1 hour south of Palmerston North on State Highway 2. Surrounded by farmland and close to the Tararua Forest Park, there are plenty of outdoorsy, historic and elegant wedding venues to choose from.

Julie says couples marry at various locations in the Wairarapa including "Mount Bruce Hall, the DOC Reserve (Kiriwhakapapa), The Landing in Masterton, local churches; Piahiatua, Mauriceville and others". Coming soon is weddings at Pūkaha National Wildlife Centre, which Julie and Philip, as avid birders, are very excited about. So much so that each bedroom is tastefully styled around different New Zealand native birds.

The Little House accommodates up to four people in two bedrooms with queen beds. The Big House sleeps 10 people in total in the master bedroom (the Shag room!) with four-poster queen bed, second bedroom with queen bed, a room with two singles and a bespoke bunk bed room designed for adults.

Both houses have abundant artworks, lush bathrooms, lounge/dining areas, fully kitted kitchens and laundries.

There are many special touches for brides and grooms included. Hooks are set high on bedroom walls to cater for long wedding dresses. The wedding couple and their guests are welcomed with home baked bread and local jam for breakfast. Coffee and nibbles throughout the first day for everyone are provided. Early check in and late check out to suit wedding parties.

These photos by Sarah Watkins (Lucalia Photography) were originally published in Wairarapa Lifestyle Magazine, Autumn 2019 issue; article "A country affair" by Helen Cordery.

If you would like more tips and advice on planning your Wairarapa wedding, please feel free to check out my Friends page with other local vendors.