Staveley Co-op Wedding | Britt & Regan | Christchurch Wedding Photographer
When Britt and Regan first told me they were planning their wedding in Staveley, I was instantly excited. As a Christchurch wedding photographer, I love exploring new wedding venues around Canterbury, and this was my first time photographing a Staveley wedding.
The drive from Woodend took just over two hours, but it felt like I'd travelled much further. As I arrived in Staveley, the scenery completely blew me away. The mountains felt incredibly close, the air was crisp and fresh, and the autumn colours were absolutely stunning. If you're looking for a wedding location that showcases some of the best scenery Canterbury has to offer, Staveley is hard to beat.
The day began at Staveley Boutique Accommodation, where both Britt and Regan were getting ready. The girls were upstairs while the boys relaxed downstairs by the beautiful fireplace. Everyone was enjoying Subway, cocktails, and spending time together before the celebrations began. It was such a relaxed way to start their Staveley wedding day.
Before heading to the ceremony, Britt and Regan chose to do a first look on the deck overlooking the mountains. The backdrop was incredible and gave them a quiet moment together before the rest of the day unfolded.
One of the best decisions they made was getting all of their family photos done before the ceremony. This meant they could spend their entire cocktail hour celebrating with guests rather than standing for photos.
Their ceremony and reception were held at the Staveley Co-op, one of Canterbury's most unique wedding venues. I'd seen photos online before, but seeing the Staveley Co-op in person was something else. The space has so much character and worked perfectly for Britt and Regan's relaxed and fun wedding day.
One of my favourite little details from the day was that Britt and Regan hadn't actually decided whose surname they were going to take after getting married. Instead, guests were greeted with a QR code on arrival and asked to cast their vote for which last name the couple should choose. It was such a fun and unique idea, and had everyone talking right from the start of the day!
Just before dinner, we snuck away for some couple portraits at Sharplin Falls, located only a few minutes from the Staveley Co-op. It felt like we'd stepped into another world. Within a short walk we were surrounded by giant boulders, flowing water, native trees, and incredible mountain views. For couples planning a Methven wedding or Staveley wedding, this location is such a hidden gem for wedding photos.
We finished the evening back at the Staveley Co-op where the celebrations continued. Not only did they have an MC, but they also had a Master of Games who kept everyone entertained with quizzes and challenges all about the couple. The laughter coming from the room was constant, and it was such a fun way to bring everyone together.
From the incredible mountain scenery and stunning wedding venues to the relaxed atmosphere and unforgettable laughs, this was a wedding day that perfectly showcased why Staveley weddings are becoming so popular.
If you're planning a wedding in Staveley, Methven, Mid Canterbury, or anywhere across Canterbury, I'd love to hear about your plans. As a Christchurch wedding photographer, I travel throughout the South Island capturing relaxed, genuine wedding days in some of New Zealand's most beautiful locations.
Britt and Regan, thank you for having me there to capture it all. What an incredible day.
