An elegant, fully supported wedding venue set in the heart of the Wairarapa.
Rose & Smith is one of those venues where everything simply works beautifully.
The setting is private and green, the spaces flow naturally from ceremony to dining, to dancing, and behind the scenes there is genuine structure and experience guiding the day. It feels relaxed for guests and effortless for couples, which is exactly what a wedding day should feel like. For full-day celebrations in the Wairarapa, it’s a beautiful balance of style, warmth, and thoughtful planning support.
At a glance
- Location: Tauherenikau Racecourse Road, State Highway 2, Tauherenikau 5771
- Venue Type: exclusive-use venue surrounded by bush and open Wairarapa landscapes
- Ceremony Spaces: Indoor and outdoor options that transition seamlessly with the weather
- Reception Spaces: Restored teahouse with a rustic, refined blank canvas aesthetic (up to 200 seated guests)
- Inclusions: Quality furniture, lighting and sound, styling room with curated pieces for your day, BYO alcohol
- Style: Rustic yet refined, country luxe feel, a versatile blank-canvas space
What's unique about Rose & Smith
- Onsite planning and coordination from Paula Bevege, an exceptional planner with 20+ years of expertise
- Wedding day coordination and rehearsal management is included
- A range of indoor and outdoor spaces that all flow together seamlessly
- In-house chef, Dale Keith, who has decades of experience
- Fresh, local Wairarapa produce and thoughtful plated or family-style options
From a Photography Perspective
Rose & Smith delivers on both variety and flow, so wedding photography feels natural and expressive.
- Multiple portrait backdrops within walking distance including garden nooks, established trees, river access, paddocks, grandstand structures and racecourse vistas
- Easy transitions between ceremony, portraits, dining and dancing without long travel
- Indoor light that is flattering for reception photos
- Unique pockets of light amongst both natural landscapes and architecture
The environment supports a day that can be tailored to suit you, calm, candid, rich with atmosphere and little details that show up beautifully in imagery.
Why we love Rose & Smith
Weddings at Rose & Smith feel immersive from the moment guests arrive. The gardens, bush, teahouse and open skies are all connected, so the day unfolds naturally through each space. Portraits happen along the way as the light shifts through the trees, long tables fill with beautiful, seasonal food, and the evening settles into a warm, candlelit atmosphere inside before dancing outside under the fairy lights. With Paula’s thoughtful planning and a truly exceptional dining experience anchoring the celebration, everything feels polished yet relaxed. It’s one of the Wairarapa’s premium venues, yet it still retains a genuine warmth that makes it a pleasure to be part of and to photograph.
Considering Rose & Smith for your wedding?
It’s a rare venue that feels purposeful in both design and execution. If your day is about connection, thoughtful planning, and plenty of beautiful natural light, then this is a place worth exploring.
I photograph a limited number of full-day weddings each year in the Wairarapa and know this venue well. If you’re planning your wedding here, I’d love to hear about your vision. Enquire to check availability and start the conversation.
AUGUST & VINE AT ROSE & SMITH
