So you need a Catholic church... an Auckland guide.

You don't believe in God but you are getting married and for some reason you now need a Catholic church. A church never entered your wedding plans but now you need to rethink the plan... Where to start?

The priest is probably a good place to start. There are so many out there and getting the right one can be hard (We went through 2 before finding one that we were happy with). They can be a great help. Use him, he knows stuff. Book him early, the good ones are really busy.

Then there is the marriage course. You won't be able to have a Catholic wedding without attending a registered course. The Auckland course, Pre-Marriage Education, is quite good. They do not try to preach to non-Catholics and is mostly filled with practical topics that apply to everyone. The most ammusing part is a lengthy questionare that you fill in alone then compare answers with your partner with one on one help with a married couple. Some funny questions about sexual orientation thrown in there, just in case you hadn't let your partner know. The second part consists of a skill enhancement course covering the following topics...

• Exploring our origins
• Building a shared understanding of Marriage
• Sharing ourselves - Intimate communication
• Coping with difference - Managing conflict
• Intimacy/ Sexuality- Giving Love, Giving Life
• To Have and to Hold – Sacrament of Marriage

Then there in the wedding service. Your priest should give you a list of things you must have in the service as well as a list of optionals like hymns and readings. We had decided that hymns weren't for us so kept them out and kept the readings to the required number so it ended up being a nice short 20-30min wedding which is what we were looking for. Then there is the option of having the service with or without Communion. It can get confusing but the priest will have all the answers.

Now that the formalities are over with, The Church...

The Catholic Diocese of Auckland has a list of all the parishes and web links for the churches that have their own websites. Here are a few of my favourite.

Saint Peter's Catholic Parish Waiheke Island.

This one gives you great views and lets all your guests feel like they are having a mini holiday visiting the island. Fees apply to non residents but with a great location and views like that who would mind?
Waiheke is also great for the reception, think picnicking in a vineyard. And off to Stony Batter for photos.

St John the Baptist, Parnell.

It dosn't have its own website but your priest will be able to help you with information. Its one of the oldest Auckland Catholic churches. Good for mid sized weddings, I would guess 100 to 150 guests. Located roughly halfway up Parnell rise it is in the heart of the action. A cute modest church with a choir loft. This one would look great with some bright flours and a coulourful bunting out the front. Maybe one like this.

(One I made, send me a message if you are interested in something similar)

How bout a Church outside of Auckland? Pouhoi has a great little church.

Church of Saints Peter and Paul.

And you don't even have to stick to a Catholic church. Some Anglican churches will let you rent their churches and allow you to bring your own priest.

The Holy Trinity Parnell has 3 great churches for use to all who will pay. Here are some descriptions about guest capacity from their website.


St Stephen’s Chapel: Judge Street, Parnell: is a tiny historic chapel best suited for small numbers. If you are marrying in St Stephen’s, there are space restrictions which can affect the number of your attendants and it is not possible to gather more than 45 guests within this church.

This is a great little church (We were married here, and even got to ring the bell at the end of the service. We had the bunting pictured above across the door and it gave such a great festive feel.) Because of the size it is great if you just want a small personal wedding. There is a grave out the back full of roses and a cute picket front gate. There is even a small organ inside for live music.

St Mary’s-in-Holy Trinity, Parnell Road, is a large wooden church, formerly the cathedral and now placed within the grounds of the new Holy Trinity Cathedral. Up to 500 people are able to gather in the Nave of St Mary's.

Defiantly the prettiest large church in Auckland. Open during the day for visitors. Why not head to Parnell for a coffee or lunch and check it out.

Holy Trinity Cathedral, Parnell Road, is the new Cathedral, the regular place of worship for the parish and our many visitors, as well as being a centre for numerous civic events and concerts. Up to 1100 people are able to gather in the Nave of Holy Trinity Cathedral. For those with a smaller number of guests, speak to the priest about using the Chancel which provides for approximately 80 people.

Don't want to leave anyone off the guest list? This is the church for you. Heaps of natural light and one of the most amazing ceilings I have seen in Auckland architecture. The great courtyard out front for all your guests to gather after the ceremony and a pretty garden with a wandering path down the side.


I hope this has helped. Always visit a church before deciding, remember to go inside too. What looks good on paper may not be what you really need. Don't be afraid to ask lots of questions (bring you pen and paper, it all gets a bit confusing a seeing a few they start to merge). Bring a friend, they might have some ideas that you have not thought of. And don't be afraid to say no.

Good luck and have fun.