MANTELLS,
MT EDEN, AUCKLAND
A photographer's guide to one of Auckland’s best inner city wedding venues.
Why I Love Photographing Weddings at Mantells
If you're looking for a wedding venue that feels elegant, intimate and effortlessly beautiful without leaving Auckland, Mantells is one of my favourite places to photograph.
I've photographed more than 50 weddings here over the years, and it's one of those venues that never disappoints. From the moment you arrive, it feels like you've stepped into a private European courtyard tucked away in the middle of the city.
One of the things I love most about Mantells is how relaxed the day feels. Everything happens in one location, guests can settle in without travelling between venues, and there are beautiful spaces around every corner for photographs.
Unlike larger venues, Mantells creates a warm and intimate atmosphere where couples can spend more time celebrating with the people they love.
As a photographer, I also love the incredible variety the venue offers. The outside entrance, the entrance hall, courtyard and lounge each provide completely different backdrops, allowing me to create a gallery that feels diverse without ever needing to leave the property.
Amanda's expert Tips
- Be efficient with your portrait time and your timeline. Mantells are strict with their timeline, you have 2 hours from the start of your ceremony to the start of your reception. There’s a lot to fit into that time.
- Personalise the venue with styling. I love when couples have a personalised flag with their names at the entrance (styled with flowers too). This is a great photo opportunity (example below).
- Be creative with how you decorate the mantelpiece surrounds in the ceremony area, this will give your wedding a personality of it’s own.
- Split your portrait sessions into two short ones. One before dinner and one after. If you love sunsets go off site for a quick sunset shoot, I like to drive the couple up Mount Eden for gorgeous sunset views. Otherwise, if you’d rather stay put, an evening shoot in the courtyard is a great option.
My Favourite Photo Locations at MANTELLS
The Entrance
The entrance sets the tone beautifully, with elegant architecture that creates timeless portraits from the moment you arrive. Personalise it with styling to make it unique.
the HALLWAY
The hallway is one of my favourite indoor locations. It has beautiful natural light, which makes for very dramatic portraits.
The Lounge
I often use the lounge regardless of the weather. The light is soft and flattering. And the big couch is a great spot for natural relaxed, natural portraits.
the courtyard
The courtyard is the heart of Mantells. The surrounding architecture, greenery and sheltered walkways create beautiful light throughout the day and provide wonderful options even if the weather isn't perfect.
My Biggest Tips for Couples Getting Married at Mantells
Plan Your Timeline Carefully.
The biggest challenge at Mantells isn't finding beautiful places for photos—it's making the most of your time.
Because there's generally around two hours between the ceremony and guests being seated for reception, your timeline needs to be carefully planned.
With a little preparation, it's absolutely possible to capture beautiful family photographs, bridal party portraits and relaxed couple portraits while still giving you plenty of time to enjoy cocktail hour with your guests.
Some couples decide to have a first look (this is where they see each other before the ceremony), I capture their reactions and then we will use this time to get some of their photos done first.
This works well at Mantells as the light is always good around the venue, no matter what time it is we can get great photos.
If you don’t have a first look, I recommend allowing plenty of time for the getting ready photos, so that I can get great group shots of the Bride with Bridesmaids and Groom with Groomsmen before the ceremony. This gets these important shots ticked off the list so there is less to cover later.
Every wedding is different, so I always help my couples build a timeline that suits their priorities.
SUGGESTED TIMELINES
Timeline - with first look
12.30 PM GETTING READY PHOTOS WITH GROOM/GROOMSMEN
1.15 PM GETTING READY PHOTOS WITH BRIDE/BRIDESMAIDS
3 PM FIRST LOOK AT MANTELLS
3.15 PM BRIDAL PARTY/ COUPLE PHOTOS
4 PM CEREMONY
4:30 PM GROUP/FAMILY PHOTOS/COCKTAIL HOUR
5.45 PM COUPLE PHOTOS
6PM GUESTS SEATED
6.15 PM BRIDAL PARTY SEATED
8 PM (APPROX.) SUNSET COUPLE PHOTOS
Timeline - no first look
1 PM GETTING READY PHOTOS WITH GROOM/GROOMSMEN
2 PM GETTING READY PHOTOS WITH BRIDE/BRIDESMAIDS
4 PM CEREMONY
4:30 PM GROUP/FAMILY PHOTOS/COCKTAIL HOUR
5.30 PM COUPLE PHOTOS
6 PM GUESTS SEATED / BRIDAL PARTY PHOTOS IN COURTYARD
6.15 PM BRIDAL PARTY SEATED
8 PM (APPROX.) SUNSET COUPLE PHOTOS
MANTELLS HIGLHIGHTS
REAL WEDDINGS
CLICK BELOW TO VIEW GALLERIES OF REAL MANTELLS WEDDINGS
NATALIE & CARL
MANTELLS, MT EDEN
RACHEL & SCOTT
MANTELLS, MT EDEN
My Verdict
After photographing around 50 weddings at Mantells, it remains my favourite inner-city wedding venue in Auckland.
The food is exceptional, the team are always wonderful to work with, and from a photographer's perspective it's one of the most versatile venues in the city. Every corner offers beautiful light, European architecture and timeless backdrops that work in every season.
If you're looking for a venue that's relaxed, beautifully designed and incredibly easy for both you and your guests, Mantells is a venue I recommend with complete confidence.