Planning a wedding is one of the most exciting (and sometimes stressful) experiences of your life. One of the biggest decisions you’ll make is whether to host your ceremony and reception in the same place or split them between two venues.

While some couples love the idea of moving between locations, more and more are choosing all-in-one venues – and it’s easy to see why. Here’s why hosting your ceremony and reception at the same venue can make your wedding day smoother, more enjoyable, and more memorable.

1. Stress-Free Logistics

The last thing you want on your wedding day is to worry about travel. By hosting both parts of your celebration at the same venue, you remove the hassle of organising transport between locations for you, your wedding party, and your guests.

At VR Rotorua Lake Resort, couples can exchange vows on the shores of Lake Rotoiti and then step straight into a lakeside reception without missing a beat. In Auckland, VR Airport Gateway’s Grand Ballroom and light-filled Function Rooms mean you can move seamlessly from “I do” to your reception – all under one roof.

2. More Time to Celebrate

When everything’s in one place, you spend less time travelling and more time celebrating. That means more opportunities to mingle with guests, capture special photos, and actually enjoy the day you’ve worked so hard to plan.

Instead of rushing from ceremony to reception, you can relax and soak in every moment.

3. Cost Savings

Booking one venue instead of two can save on hire, transport, and décor. Both VR Rotorua Lake Resort and VR Airport Gateway Auckland offer three wedding packages or fully custom options, plus a complimentary suite for the couple and on-site accommodation for guests – making it simple to plan and budget with ease.

4. Cohesive Style and Atmosphere

Holding both events at the same location allows you to create a unified theme and atmosphere. From the ceremony backdrop to the reception décor, everything flows beautifully when styled within one space.

At VR Rotorua Lake Resort, couples often pair their outdoor lakefront ceremony with an elegant indoor reception, keeping the natural beauty of the lake as a consistent theme. At VR Airport Gateway, the Grand Ballroom provides a dramatic canvas that works seamlessly for both parts of your day.

5. On-Site Accommodation for Guests

Having accommodation right at the venue makes things even easier for you and your guests. Out-of-town friends and family don’t need to worry about booking taxis or driving after the reception — everyone can simply relax and enjoy the evening.

• Rotorua: With 42 beautifully designed rooms, including Lake View Suites and a complimentary Bridal Suite, VR Rotorua Lake Resort is perfect for making your wedding a weekend getaway.

• Auckland: VR Airport Gateway offers 70 well-appointed rooms just minutes from Auckland’s airports, making it ideal for guests flying in from around New Zealand or overseas.

Make Your Wedding Seamless with VR Weddings

Choosing a venue that hosts both your ceremony and reception isn’t just practical, it’s the key to a stress-free, joyful, and unforgettable wedding day.

Whether you picture a romantic lakefront celebration in Rotorua or a grand ballroom reception in Auckland, VR Weddings has the perfect venue to bring your dream day to life.

Explore our wedding packages or call 0800 87 9337 to speak with our team about planning your ceremony and reception in one perfect place.