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Is there onsite accommodation?

While The Stables isn't currently available as accommodation, this may change in the future. If it does, we'll contact all booked couples with the option to add it to their wedding package. 

There are a multitude of Airbnbs in our immediate area, alongside several motels and good old fashioned pub style accommodation available in nearly Amberley.

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Is there a getting ready space?

If available, The Stables can be booked before your ceremony as a private space to relax, get ready, and enjoy those special moments before saying 'I do'

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What are the toilet facilities?

A toilet is available within The Stables and if required we will also provide a flushable portaloo for your guests.

An accessible toilet is also available in the main homestead by prior arrangement. 

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How late can we stay?

Our venue hire concludes at 9:00pm

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Who takes care of the clean up?

For our Pop Up Weddings, Elopement and Microwedding packages, we'll take care of the clean up for you, including rubbish removal. We simply ask that rubbish is placed in the appropriate bins provided. 

For Blank Canvas events, we ask that you leave the venue in the same condition you found it, including removing all rubbish at the end of your event. 

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What are our catering options?

You're welcome to work with whatever catering option best suits your vision and budget.

Some popular options we have had past couples use before are:

• Fully catered, from grazing boards to seated buffets.

• Food trucks and icecream vans.

• Gourmet woodfired pizzas.

• Self catered / Potluck style

• We have even had couples BYO BBQ along with a selection of meats and side salads!

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Can we bring our own alcohol?

Yes, we are fully BYO with no corkage so you are welcome to bring your favourite drinks to enjoy with your guests. 

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How do we keep our drinks cold?

For our Micro weddings we provide ice buckets,  you simply bring the ice. You're also welcome to bring a chiller trailer or chilly bins if you prefer. 

For our elopements and Pop Up Weddings we provide both the ice buckets and ice, so everything is ready for you. 

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Is there a kitchen available?

You're welcome to use the kitchenette space within The Stables, which contains a mini fridge, plenty of bench space and basic kitchen utensils.

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Is there somewhere to store our cake?

Yes, provided it fits within the small mini fridge at The Stables.

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Can we bring Confetti?

Absolutely. We welcome natural, biodegradable confetti such as dried petals or leaves. 
If you'd prefer something a little different, we also offer bubble machines for a fun (and photo friendly!) bubble exit. 

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Can we play our own music?

Of course! We have a small portable speaker and microphone available for you to use. Alternatively you are welcome to bring your own portable speaker if you prefer. 

Acoustic musicians are always welcome too. 

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Are there plenty of photography locations on the property?

A resounding yes! Every corner of the Starling Homestead offers something unique. From our European inspired courtyard garden to the wide open paddocks with the hills stretching across the horizon. The distinctive red barn of the main homestead is also a popular backdrop.  The result is a wedding gallery that's rich in variety and full of character. 

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Can we have a 'first look' before the ceremony?

We LOVE a first look and are happy to make this happen for you for all our wedding packages. We'll work with you and your photographer to ensure everything runs smoothly. 

 

We are keen on a Pop Up Wedding but also want to arrive separately and have that 'walk the aisle' moment - is that doable?

Absolutely! While our Pop Ups follow a carefully planned schedule, there's still plenty of flexibility to personalise your wedding day experience. 

Whether you'd like a traditional aisle entrance, a first look, private vows, or other special touches, we'll guide you through all of your options in the Pop Up Wedding planning guide and timeline you will receive after your booking. 

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How far are you from the airport?

Christchurch international airport is 48km away, or around a 40 minute drive, making us an easy destination for guests travelling from out of town. 

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How far away is the nearest Town?

Amberley is approximately 10 minutes away and has several liquor stores, a supermarket and a range of cafes and eatery's. Its also home to several excellent caterers and suppliers if you're arranging your own catering. 

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What happens if it rains?

We always have a back up plan. If the weather isn't on our side, we'll work with you to seamlessly move your ceremony undercover so your day is still beautiful and stress free. 

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How close are you to the local wineries?

We're surrounded by them! Several wineries are just a few minutes from the Starling Homestead, with many more within a 10km radius - perfect for extending your wedding celebrations with a wine tasting, long lunch, or post wedding catch up. 

 

How much is the deposit and when is it due?

A deposit of 25 - 50% is required to secure your booking, depending on your wedding package. The remaining balance is due two weeks before your wedding day. 

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Do you offer payment plans?

We're happy to work with you to make budgeting for your wedding as stress free as possible. Within reason, you're welcome to pay for your wedding in smaller instalments leading up to your wedding day. As long as your balance is paid in full by the due date, we're flexible with how you get there.

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Can we come for a viewing?

Absolutely, we'd love to show you around. 

To help us balance weddings with family life, viewings are only available during the warmer months and have limited availability on weekends. Weekday viewings are usually the easiest to arrange. 

 

How many guests can we invite?

As a family run venue, our guest numbers and wedding packages evolve with the season of life we're in. For the 2026/2027 wedding season, we've capped our weddings at a maximum of 24 people. We expect this to increase again in future seasons, so if you're planning further ahead, please keep us under consideration!​

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Please refer to each package for its specific guest limit. 

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Is there parking for guests?

Yes, we have off street parking for 9 vehicles and ample room for a bus or shuttle to drop off and pick up guests. 

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Can our dog be part of our wedding day?

Yes! We know pets are family too. 

Well behaved dogs are welcome at all weddings (excluding our Pop Up Weddings) provided they are trustworthy around livestock and remain on a lead at all times. 

Our own dogs will be safely secured during your wedding. Please remember to bring your own water bowl and doggy bags. 

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Can we bring in our own decorations?

Absolutely! While all the set up and decorating is included in the majority of our packages, you are welcome to bring in your own décor or meaningful mementos for your elopement or micro wedding. 

If you'd prefer complete creative freedom, our new Blank Canvas package gives you the opportunity to set up and style yourself. 

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How much time do we get to set up?

With our Blank Canvas package, your set up and pack down time is included in your venue hire period. We encourage you to plan your timeline carefully, allowing plenty of time to prepare, decorate and pack everything away at the end of the hire period. 

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Do we have to use your recommended vendors?

Not at all - you are welcome to work with vendors of your choosing. While we have a wonderful network of trusted local vendors that we love working with, you're under no obligation to use them. You are able to bring in your own photographer, florist, celebrant, caterer, or any other supplier that you like.

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The only exception to this this is our Pop Up Wedding Packages, where all your essential vendors are included as part of the package. ​​​

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Are you LQBTQ+ friendly?

Absolutely - 1000%!

Love is love, and everyone is warmly welcomed. 

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