A historic cinema turned stylish wedding venue in the heart of Whangamata.
Tucked away on the beautiful Coromandel Peninsula, Edisons is a one-of-a-kind wedding venue housed in a thoughtfully restored historic cinema. Blending vintage charm with modern elegance, this unique space offers couples a versatile backdrop to bring their wedding vision to life—whether it’s an intimate celebration or a lively gathering of 100 guests. We caught up with the team behind Edisons to learn more about the story behind the venue, the experience they offer, and how they help couples create unforgettable moments.
What sets Edisons apart from other wedding venues in New Zealand?
Edisons, located in the heart of Whangamata on the stunning Coromandel Peninsula, provides a one-of-a-kind wedding experience within the charming setting of the beautifully restored old Whangamata cinema. This unique venue combines timeless elegance with modern amenities, offering couples a memorable backdrop for their special day. With its history and character, Edisons stands apart as a truly exceptional location for weddings in New Zealand.
Can you describe the various spaces available for weddings at Edisons, and how they can be styled or configured for different types of ceremonies and receptions?
Our venue has beautiful large curtains which allow for the space to be split in two, if couples would like to host their ceremony and reception at Edisons. Following the ceremony, our staff are able to reconfigure the venue so it is set up for the reception and the rest of the evening’s festivities. We also have a lovely outdoor laneway which is the perfect spot for cocktail hour.
Our venue is conveniently located just a short stroll from Whangamata beach. If weather permits, some of our couples choose to hold their ceremony at the beach, and then return to Edisons for cocktail hour and the reception.
We have hosted small weddings of 30-40 guests, as well as larger celebrations of 80+, our venue is versatile and can be styled and set up just as our couples envision it.
What inspired the design and atmosphere of Edisons, and how does this influence the overall wedding experience?
Edisons is located in what was previously the Whangamata Cinema, and previous to that a dance hall in the 40’s & 50’s. The building was carefully renovated to restore some of its character features including the original floor boards, vintage wallpaper, light fittings and exposing the beautiful ceiling truss system. We wanted the venue to be ‘blank canvas’ to allow couples to bring their vision and personality to the space, but also wanted to have some of the charm of the old building.
What wedding packages do you offer, and what services or features are included (e.g., catering, lighting, styling)?
Our standard wedding package includes 2 day venue hire, all Edisons furniture (including tables and seating for up to 100), and on the day wedding coordination. We are able to offer recommendations for trusted vendors and partners to help bring their wedding vision to life.
Is the venue suitable for both indoor and outdoor weddings? How do you manage unpredictable weather for outdoor ceremonies?
If our couples are planning to hold their ceremony at the beach and weather doesn’t permit it, our venue is the perfect ‘plan b’ option.
What is the maximum guest capacity at Edisons, and do you provide flexible options for smaller, more intimate weddings?
Our maximum capacity is 100. To create intimacy for smaller celebrations, our space is able to be divided with the large curtains.
How does the team at Edisons work with couples to personalize their wedding day to reflect their style and vision?
Many of our couples come to us with a clear vision for their wedding day, and we love bringing that vision to life. We offer recommendations for trusted vendors and share creative ideas to enhance their plans. Our coordination service ensures that everything is seamlessly put together on the big day, including any personal touches that make it truly special. We understand how important this day is, so we do everything we can to make sure it’s perfect. One of my favorite ways couples add a personal touch is by having a ‘his and hers’ cocktail special for the cocktail hour—it’s a fun and memorable detail.
Are there any specific guidelines or restrictions couples should be aware of when hosting their wedding at your venue?
Music must be turned off and the bar closes at 11.30pm, with all guests offsite by midnight.
What advice would you give to couples looking to create a memorable and seamless wedding experience at Edisons?
Come and meet with us! Although Edisons is a new wedding venue, I have been working in the wedding industry for a number of years now, and know the importance of ensuring every wedding is memorable. The sooner you can lock in your wedding day with us, the better. Once you have secured your date, I would recommend booking the caterer and photographer as these two vendors are typically the most sought after, and are super important in creating/capturing the vibe for your day. We
Could you share any memorable weddings or events that have taken place at Edisons and what made them stand out?
Over the weekend that’s just been we hosted the most beautiful wedding of Lucy and Hikalu. They both work in creative industries, which really showed and they did an amazing job of transforming our venue. They had a couple hundred meters of chiffon fabric that was hung from the truss system, it felt very whimsical and intimate. Later in the evening they had a ‘cup of noodles tower’ (rather than a champagne tower), which included 100 cup of noodles from Japan with personalised labels to their wedding day (Hikalu has Japanese roots)!
Learn more by visiting edisonsevents.co.nz and @edisonsnz. Explore Edisons on the Together Journal Online Directory.
Edisons
