The Marlborough

The Marlborough, formerly The Marlborough Lodge, is a boutique hotel on Rapaura Road, set in sixteen acres of gardens and a working vineyard about fifteen minutes from Blenheim. It takes small weddings on an exclusive-use basis, so the couple and their party have the estate to themselves. The lodge has ten suites plus a twin room and sleeps up to 20 guests, which keeps weddings here intimate and centred on people who stay the weekend. The grounds, gardens and vineyard give plenty of options for a ceremony and photos, with the historic house as a backdrop. Dining is handled in house at the Harvest restaurant, where the kitchen cooks over a charcoal oven using regional produce. Between events there is a swimming pool and a grass tennis court, and the setting suits couples after a private, unhurried celebration rather than a big reception.