FAQs
Got a Burning Question?
I Googled ‘venues for hire Auckland’ and Mantells popped up… what’s the process for hiring one of your venues?
If you’re planning a wedding at either Mantells Mt Eden or Mantells Tāmaki Drive, this is what you can expect:
Enquire by email or phone
Either Jane or Tania will send you some info about our hire rates and organise a time with you to check out the venue (if you’d like a walk through, which we always recommend!)
You’ll receive our booking forms and T&Cs, as well as our banking details for the deposit
Once your deposit is received, we’ll lock in your date, send you a receipt & touch base to confirm all the finer details
6 months before your event, we’ll send you a reminder for the second deposit
As your wedding gets closer, you’re welcome to organise a quick rehearsal. When your final numbers are confirmed we’ll also create a run sheet, which we’ll go over with your MC on the day
Just before your wedding, you’ll receive your final invoice (full payment is required prior to the event)
Your suppliers (photographer, florist, cake delivery, lighting, DJ etc.) are welcome to come and set up from 9.30am on the morning of your booking
Your wedding day is here! You arrive, have the best day of your life, then settle up the bar tab at the end of the night
If you’re planning a function/corporate event, the process is similar to the above. Get in touch to learn more.
Do I have to pay corkage on BYO wine & champagne?
No - it doesn't cost you a thing to supply your own wine and champagne, which can mean huge savings!
All we ask is that the bar tab covers a minimum of beers and non alcoholic beverages on consumption. The bar tab can also include spirits, or you can have a cash bar for spirits.
Are you fully licenced?
Yes, both of our venues are fully licensed to supply and serve alcohol.
Can we organise our own catering?
No, you can’t bring in your own catering, but you wouldn't want to anyway because food is what we’re famous for! Our chefs are some of the best in Auckland and we have a great selection of menus to cater for any event.
When can I come & check out the venues?
We’d love to show you around our venues and will happily coordinate a time to meet with you most mornings (apart from Sundays) between 9.30am and early afternoon.
Because we need to work around any events that may be happening, bookings are essential. Get in touch to book a viewing here.
Do you offer food tastings?
No, we don’t - but again, our foodie reputation speaks for itself...
“Our guests were amazed by the quality and amount of food :) one even commented it was better than a Michelin star restaurant! Please pass on our thanks to the whole team!
”
Keen to know more about our menus? Our chefs would be happy to talk you through them.
If I’m supplying my own wine/champagne, can I take home any leftovers?
You sure can! Please note no other beverages are BYO and no food is able to be taken off site, except for leftover wedding or birthday cake.
Do you have on-site AV?
We don’t have AV equipment on site (besides music), but you’re more than welcome to bring your own. You’ll just need to coordinate the installation & pack down with us.
What happens if we go into lockdown just before my event?
If we go into Level 4 or Level 3 due to covid-19 and you’re unable to have your event, our team will work with you to move your booking to another date.
If you need to postpone your event for other reasons, please note our terms and conditions state there’s no refund available if you cancel within 6 months. If you cancel outside the 6 month window, you’ll be eligible for a partial refund.
Can we play our music through your sound system?
Yes - there are connections for an iPad and laptop at your disposal at both venues.
If you don’t bring a playlist you’re welcome to use our background music, but if you plan on dancing the night away, you’ll need to provide your own device & playlist.
If you have special music for your wedding ceremony, each song will need to be on a separate playlist please.
What’s the difference between your venues - how do I know which one is right for me?
Our Mt Eden and Tāmaki Drive venues are both beautiful, yet unique (Mt Eden has a very private & ‘European’ vibe while Tāmaki Drive is all about those water views & arched windows). It pays to have a look at both of them if you can!
Your numbers might also dictate the best fit - Mt Eden seats 74 (or 106 in summer with the use of the courtyard). Tamaki Drive is much larger, and can seat 160 (or up to 250 standing).
Whichever location you choose, the Mantells experience is exactly the same - amazing food, warm staff & an atmosphere worthy of your event or big day.
Is there a microphone available?
Yes, there’s a cordless microphone at both Mantells Tāmaki Drive & Mantells Mt Eden that you’re welcome to use.
Will you cut & serve my wedding cake?
Absolutely! We also have a cake stand & cake knife if needed.
Do you cater for specific dietary requirements?
Yes, we cater for all types of allergies and dietary requirements (our talented chefs will make sure the vegetarians & coeliacs of the group won’t go hungry!).
What if it rains on the day of my event?
Both our Mt Eden & Tāmaki Drive venues have an inside option for your ceremony, reception or function to take place comfortably - because you’ve got better things to worry about than the weather ruining your day, right?
What items are included in my hire fee?
Pretty much everything you need to host your event! We supply linen (white damask tablecloths and serviettes), glassware, tables and chairs, candles, cutlery, an easel and small styling touches like candles and Mantells flowers (floating white roses in large glass bowl vases, along with white Phalaenopsis orchids & usually a bunch of white lilies).
It’s up to you whether you turn up and use the venue as is (elegant & understated) or bring in your own additional items such as place name cards, floral installations etc
Our rates structure is: venue hire, per person food cost, and staff (waiters & chefs, depending on your final numbers). Beverage wise, you’re looking at BYO wine and champagne with no corkage, bar tab for beers and non alcoholic beverages on consumption (this can also include spirits, or you can have a cash bar for spirits only).
Is there parking available?
Mt Eden doesn't have any dedicated car parks available for guests, but we’ll save 2x carparks at the front door for the bridal party (plus there’s lots of off-street parking available around the village).
Tāmaki Drive has 40 on-site car parks, as well as free parking on the street.
Due to the great central location of both venues, however, we find most people end up taking a taxi or Uber!
Can I bring confetti into the venue?
We don’t allow confetti or flower petals at either venue, but silk petals are fine!
Can I have a DJ or band?
If your event is at Mantells Mt Eden, you can have a DJ (but no band, sorry).
If your event is at Tāmaki Drive, you’re welcome to have either a DJ or band.
Please note your music will need to meet our resource consent for noise levels at both venues.
Can we have a photobooth at our event?
Of course! You’re welcome to organise a photobooth at either Mantells venue.
What happened to ‘Mantells on the Water’ - is this venue still operating?
We had Mantells on the Water (in Westhaven) for 10 years, where we hosted many memorable weddings, functions and music gigs.
In 2018, we stumbled across an even better seaside location in a magnificent building - so we decided to pursue this opportunity and turn the space into what’s now known as Mantells Tāmaki Drive.
To be able to focus on the new venue (as well as Mt Eden), we decided to close Mantells on the Water on 22 December 2019.... but this venue will always hold a special place in our hearts!
