Every corner of Rose & Smith radiates warmth, sophistication, and romance.
Tucked away in the heart of the Wairarapa, Rose & Smith at Tauherenikau offers couples more than just a venue—it offers an unforgettable experience. Blending timeless charm with modern elegance, this beautifully restored 1920s gem is nestled among lush heritage trees and thoughtfully designed to be the ultimate blank canvas for weddings of all sizes and styles. From intimate ceremonies beneath the trees to grand celebrations in the Tea House, every corner of Rose & Smith radiates warmth, sophistication, and romance.
Images above by Tim and Nadine, @timandnadine
How would you describe the atmosphere at Rose & Smith for a wedding celebration?
At Rose & Smith, we welcome our couples and their guests into an intimate, elegant atmosphere filled with warmth, sophistication, and exceptional hospitality. Surrounded by lush heritage trees and beautifully restored 1920s buildings, the venue provides the perfect blend of rustic charm and refined elegance—a truly unique setting for a memorable celebration.
Can couples host both their ceremony and reception on-site? What are some popular ceremony spots around the venue?
Absolutely. Rose & Smith offers multiple outdoor ceremony locations, as well as stunning wet-weather alternatives like The Round Bar and The New Grandstand. Our most popular ceremony spots include the romantic Garden Nook, nestled among the trees, and the dreamy Round Bar Lawn, both offering magical settings for exchanging vows.
What is the venue’s capacity, and do you cater to both intimate gatherings and larger weddings?
The Tea House dining room accommodates seated dinners for anywhere from 60 to 200 guests. Our spaces are flexible and thoughtfully designed to cater to both smaller, more intimate weddings and larger, more elaborate celebrations. The Round Bar is ideal for elopements or intimate gatherings with fewer than 60 guests.
Images above by Tim and Nadine, @timandnadine
How hands-on is your team in helping couples plan and execute their wedding vision?
Booking Rose & Smith means saying goodbye to stress and hello to an enjoyable planning experience. Owner, Director, and Wedding Planner Paula works closely with every couple, offering a personalised and comprehensive planning journey. Drawing on over 20 years of experience planning weddings across New Zealand, Paula ensures each wedding is not only aesthetically beautiful but also seamlessly executed down to the smallest detail.
What sets Rose & Smith apart from other venues in the Wairarapa region?
We offer far more than just a venue. Our venue hire includes all furniture, dinnerware, cutlery, glassware, and access to Paula’s extensive collection of styling props, allowing couples to bring their unique vision to life without added stress or cost. Couples are also invited to our exclusive annual Taste event, where they can experience our food, beverages, and service firsthand, making it easier to finalise their menu and drinks.
Tell us about the food experience—do you offer in-house catering or work with preferred local chefs?
At Rose & Smith, food is a central part of the celebration—it’s an experience in itself. Our signature family-style dining brings guests together over generous, beautifully curated sharing plates. The menu is crafted and cooked over fire and coal in our purpose-built outdoor kitchen by our in-house chef, Dale Keith. Dale’s deep knowledge of the region and passion for seasonal, high-quality ingredients ensure that each menu is tailored to reflect the couple’s tastes, traditions, and the best of Wairarapa produce.
Images above by David Le Photography, @davidle_nz
What does a typical wedding day timeline at Rose & Smith look like?
We are famous for our run sheets! It might sound counterintuitive, but the key to a relaxed and effortlessly flowing wedding day is meticulous planning. Our timeline is carefully refined to ensure both our team and our couples can enjoy the day with complete ease and confidence.
Are there any styling or setup elements that couples particularly love about the space?
Definitely! Couples love our vintage long tables, glamorous bar area, and the beautiful chandeliers that add a touch of elegance. Our venue is designed to be a blank canvas—ideal for any floral or styling vision.
Do you have any special packages or seasonal offerings for weddings?
Yes, we do! Our Winter Edit is perfect for smaller weddings (60–100 guests), offered at a reduced rate of $155 per person. This includes a four-course winter menu, full wedding planning, and exclusive access to preferred vendors at special rates—all with no additional venue or catering fees.
What’s your favourite wedding moment or story that’s taken place at Rose & Smith?
Paula’s favourite moment at every wedding is right before the ceremony—the quiet anticipation and emotion in the air. Helping couples with those final touches—pinning buttonholes, straightening veils, handing parents the tissues they swore they wouldn’t need—and then being the last person to send them down the aisle… it’s a moment full of love, and it never gets old.
Images above by Emily Rose Photography, @emilyrosehamilton
For more information, visit roseandsmith.co.nz and @rose_and_smith.
Rose & Smith
