Weddings at The Elms

A very warm welcome to The Elms Chapel and Gardens

Congratulations on your engagement.  We are delighted that you are considering The Elms, a place of great historical and spiritual significance, as the venue for your wedding. We know that you will always treasure your memories of this special occasion, so we will to do whatever  we can to make your day perfect.

The property is administered by The Elms Foundation, a Charitable Trust set up to preserve it for future generations.

Background

The Historic Elms Mission Station

These tranquil grounds and old mission buildings are steeped in history. The site for the Te Papa Mission Station (now The Elms) was  chosen in 1835. In January 1838 Rev. A.N.Brown and his family arrived, and made this beautiful place their home.

The small mission library was completed in 1839, with Brown himself building the chimney. Here were kept the precious books so important for life in an isolated settlement.  Here, too, were held important meetings with the leaders of church and state.

The attractive mission house was completed in 1847 and replaced the original raupo house in which the Browns spent the first ten years of their life in Tauranga. Even the joinery work was made on site by skilled carpenters. The graceful spiral staircase is a beautiful example of their work.

The house and library are regularly open between 2 and 4 pm on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays. If you wish, you may arrange for your guests to enjoy a guided tour of these buildings.

The History of the Chapel

The first chapel was built from raupo (rushes), which grew in abundance nearby. It was replaced in 1843 by a weatherboard  chapel with a shingle roof. Missionary William Williams described it as "a neat little building with Gothic windows and doors."

The chapel fell into disrepair after the death of Archdeacon Brown, and was demolished.

Some fifty years later a replica chapel, based on a photograph of the old chapel taken in the 1860s, was erected on the original site.

The chapel was dedicated in 1965 by Rev. R.E.Marsden, great great grandson of Rev. Samuel Marsden, the founder of the New Zealand mission. The interior was fitted out with pews from St Peter's Church, Tauranga. The wall panels came from various sources, including the old Bank of New Zealand building in Wellington. The chapel, which seats about 70, is an attractive location for small weddings

The Story of the Belfry and Bell

Rev. A.N.Brown ordered a church bell from London while he was stationed at the Matamata mission station in 1834. The story goes that Brown was in the Waikato when the ship carrying the bell arrived in Auckland the following year.

Although local residents were keen to receive the bell, the captain insisted that he must deliver it to Brown  himself. As he was unable to do so, he took it all the way back to England, bringing it out again on the ship's next voyage. This time it was safely handed over to its rightful owner.  The bell was hung on a simple free-standing belfry beside the raupo chapel.

In 1887 Euphemia Maxwell,  and her daughters took up residence at the mission station. The bell was lent to St Peter's Presbyterian church, where it was damaged. It was returned to The Elms, where it hung silent on the belfry. In 1929 the bell was recast by an Auckland foundry.

The bell was rededicated on 29th November 1929, the 100^th anniversary of Alfred  and Charlotte's Brown's arrival in the Bay of Islands.

Photography in the Historic Gardens

A stroll through the gardens reveals attractive settings at every turn. The many mature trees, oak, elm and chestnut, rimu and kauri provide dappled shade; extensive lawns are ideal for group photos; our old buildings offer unusual backdrops.

The many garden seats allow your guests to relax and enjoy the pleasant surroundings while your photographer captures your special memories.

Your wedding at The Elms

What you are booking:

• § Yours will be the only wedding at The Elms for the time you book.
• § Your reservation is for a total of three hours: one hour before and two hours after the start of the scheduled ceremony time.
• § You may hold the ceremony either in the grounds or in the Chapel. If you plan an outdoor wedding, but the weather is bad on the day you can move into the Chapel.
• § The Chapel has seating for 70 people.
• § Bridal cars can be driven right to the Chapel doors.
• § There is an electronic organ, but must provide your own organist.
• § You may bring your own sound system and play music of your choice.
• § No candles no naked flames. The historic gardens and buildings are irreplaceable.
• § No smoking anywhere on the property.
• § Power can be supplied in several locations in the gardens.
• § Chairs and trestle tables may be hired.
• § You may book a guided tour of the house and library for your guests. An extra charge is made.

You provide

Your preferred registered Marriage Celebrant or Minister of Religion.

Your own music

Your own floral decorations

Please Note

• § There are no facilities for holding receptions.
• § Once your ceremony time has been confirmed, it cannot be changed without prior consultation with The Elms' Supervisor. The times before and after may already be booked.
• § Though every consideration will be given to wedding parties, you should be aware that the grounds remain open to the public. It is possible that guided groups from cruise ships will be shown round the property during a wedding.

Charges

• § The fee for a wedding is $400(GST inclusive).
• § $200 (non-refundable) is to be paid on confirmation of booking.
• § The balance of $200 (non-refundable) is due four weeks before the date of the wedding.
• § Hire of chairs (50 available): $2 each
• § Trestle tables (2 available): $2 each
• § Guided tour of the House and Library $5 per guest. Or by prior arrangement.

Use of gardens for photography only

If you are married elsewhere and come to The Elms to have photos taken there is a fee of $100. It is essential to book in advance.

Rehearsals

The Elms Supervisor is on duty from 8.30am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday.  Where possible, rehearsals should be arranged within these hours.  At other times an additional fee will be charged.

 

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Wedding Enquiry
Bride's name
Groom's name
Contact Name
Email
Phone contact
Further Details

Conditions for use of The Elms

1. No vehicles are allowed past the Chapel gates except with the approval of The Elms Supervisor (or other authorised agent)
2. No animals are permitted on the property without prior approval
3. No nails, pins, staples etc are to be put into or on any walls or furniture
4. There is to be NO SMOKING on the property
5. NO CONFETTI should be brought into the Chapel or the grounds
6. No food or alcohol is to be brought on site without the prior approval of The Elms Supervisor
7. Music or other noise in the grounds must be kept to levels acceptable to The Elms Supervisor and well within the level approved in the bylaws of the Tauranga City Council

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