Design Your Wedding at St Christopher’s
St Christopher’s is a beautiful venue awaiting the opportunity to host your own memorable day.
St Christopher’s is deconsecrated, which means you can design your own ceremony, whether it is a religious or civil service, or renewal of vows.
Breathtaking Design
St Christopher’s Seatoun was designed by renowned Wellington Architect William Feilding. It was built in 1932 in the Romanesque Revival style. It has a beautiful wooden interior and plaster interior with exquisite stained glass windows so makes it the perfect place for any type of wedding whether it be traditional or modern. St Christopher’s provides a great canvas for you to add your own uniqueness and make it special to you.
We are located in the seaside village of Seatoun on the Miramar Peninsula in Wellington. Nestled beneath pohutukawa trees and only a stone’s throw away from the beach. The location provides many stunning backdrops for your wedding photos.
St Christopher’s and Seatoun Village Hall history
The Seatoun Village Hall which sits beside St Christopher’s is the original church which was built in 1913. St Christopher’s was built in 1932 from funds raised by the congregation and served as a Presbyterian parish church until both buildings were sold in 2015.
Both the church and the village hall are managed by a charitable trust, Miramar Peninsula Community Trust who ensure that both venues continue to be enjoyed by locals and everyone for a variety of events and occasions.
Note* The Church has a Yellow Notice regarding earthquake resilience. This is a standard earthquake-prone Building Notice for general buildings. It means the building has been assessed, is earthquake-prone and the owner has typically 15 years to strengthen or demolish the building.
Explore St. Christopher's virtually
Book Your Ceremony at St Christopher’s
Venue Hire: NZD $650 (incl GST).
There is also a NZD 250 refundable bond required which is returned to you after your ceremony providing all has been left clean and tidy.
Organ: There is an additional NZD $50 (incl GST) to use the organ in your service.
Only organists may play the organ. We have an organist we can refer you too and any playing fee is paid to them directly.
*PLEASE NOTE
Participants of events held at the Seatoun Village Hall and St Christopher's must comply with the Government Covid regulations in place at the time.
Frequently asked Questions
Who can get married at St Christopher’s?
Everyone!
St Christopher’s is not a parish church so you may celebrate a religious or a civil service here. We are welcoming of all people and embrace a variety of faiths, cultural traditions, and backgrounds.
When are weddings held?
Weddings may be held on any day of the week, at any time you wish and all year round. Peak season tends to be more busy, so get in touch to enquire about your perfect dates!
What about the celebrant or minister?
You may arrange your own civil celebrant or minister of religion.
What about the ceremony?
You may have a religious or civil service. Secular or religious readings are frequently used during the ceremony. Your choice of music and readings are key ways to personalise your service. Weddings vary in duration but typically, a wedding ceremony takes between 30-40 minutes depending on how you personalise it.
How many guests can attend our wedding?
St Christopher’s can seat 130 people comfortably.
Is St Christopher’s suited for small weddings?
Yes, certainly. The timbers make the place feel warm and welcoming even with very few people attending. We have weddings as small as four and up to 130.
What wedding decorations does St Christopher’s provide?
We do not provide any decorations.
Can we bring our own decorations?
Absolutely, that is all part of the ‘Design your our Experience’ at St Christopher’s. You are welcome to bring anything that makes St Christopher’s unique to you. Please feel free to bring in your own ribbons, flowers and greenery to tie to the ends of the pews. You can also hang an assortment of lights from fairy to festoon. All look magnificent in the setting. Please note that items must not be glued, pinned or nailed to the timbers or the furnishings.
Can confetti be used?
We do not allow confetti (rice, paper bombs, etc.) of any type inside or outside of the church. Fresh or dried rose petals outside the church are an acceptable alternative for confetti. Bubbles are also a nice option for outside.
Are we allowed to use candles?
Yes you can use candles in the church so long as someone is responsible for ensuring that they are extinguished properly after your ceremony. As mentioned more and more couples are choosing to use both fairy lights and festoon lights to emphasise the high wooden ceilings. They are a really stunning alternative to candles.
Can we have the bell's at our wedding?
Unfortunately we do not have church bells.
What about the music?
We have a very simple set up in the church. There is a century old Tracker organ (additional fee may apply) that is able to be played by an organist. We can put you in touch with the Wellington Organists Association. We also have a simple PA Sound system ( Bluetooth compatible) with two handheld microphones. Alternatively, you are welcome to bring in your own music and sound system. The acoustics in St Christopher’s are extra special.
Can we bring our own Musicians?
You are most welcome to bring your own musicians. Please discuss your plans and requirements with our Coordinator.
What about a rehearsal?
We recommend a rehearsal one or two days prior to the wedding day.
Who needs to be at the rehearsal?
It’s important that you bring along everyone who will be directly involved in the ceremony including your full wedding party, any junior members such as flower girls and page boys, parent(s) or guardian(s) friends or family members who will do the readings.
Will the church be closed to the public during our wedding ceremony?
Yes, the church will be exclusively yours on the day and for two hours after the ceremony. This will allow ample time for your photographer to take photos after your ceremony of you and your guests.
What's the parking like?
There is no parking on the grounds but there is ample street parking available in the streets around the church and of course along the waterfront and in Ferry St. We have one roadside accessible park.
Can we eat and drink in the church?
Unfortunately food and drink is not permitted in the church. We do have the Village Hall next door for any post ceremony functions. This can range from a simple afternoon tea, drinks right through to the reception. The hall accommodates up to 80 people seated and 120 standing.
Do you have in house caterers?
We do not have in house caterers. You are free to bring in any caterers that you choose including food trucks.
Get in touch to chat
We'd love to hear from you, and look forward to chatting about how we can help you design your dream day!
For additional information about St Christopher's and the Seatoun Village Hall, please contact our Coordinator, Ana Frka. She will be more than happy to show you around both venues and email you more detailed information.
