The Gardens and Wildlife of Old Forest School: A Thriving Oasis of Nature and History

When we first arrived at Old Forest School, the grounds were a blank canvas—an expanse of paddock with barely a flower in sight. Every trace of the historic gardens had been erased by time, replaced by fences and grazing land. Over the years, we have worked lovingly to transform the venue into one of the …

dahlia florals at old forest school wedding venue

Old Forest School’s Highly Recommended Vendor List: A Trustworthy Guide to the Best in Bay of Plenty

At Old Forest School, we understand that selecting the right vendors is essential to creating the wedding of your dreams. With so many options out there, it can be overwhelming to find professionals who truly understand your vision and deliver above and beyond. That’s why we’re proud to offer our Highly Recommended Gold Star Vendor …

Old Forest School: Timeless Trends with Heritage and Heart

At Old Forest School, we pride ourselves on being one of the most timeless yet relevant wedding venues in Bay of Plenty, NZ. We’ve perfected a unique balance of elegance and history, creating a venue that is both stylish and rooted in heritage. Unlike flash-in-the-pan trends that come and go, everything we do at Old …

florals outside old forest school wedding venue

Creating an Elegantly Heritage-Filled Rustic Wedding at Old Forest School

For couples dreaming of a wedding filled with vintage elegance and rustic charm, Old Forest School offers the perfect canvas. Nestled in the scenic Bay of Plenty, NZ, our venue is a treasure trove of vintage finds, heritage furniture, and old-world charm, making it an unforgettable setting for a beautifully styled wedding. From carefully restored …

The Pongakawa Railway Sign Comes Home to Old Forest School

Here at Old Forest School, we’ve always been dedicated to preserving and celebrating the unique history of the Pongakawa Valley. Our historic venue is a treasure trove of vintage charm, where stories from the past seem to whisper through the trees, the original school buildings, and the curated collection of heritage items we’ve lovingly gathered …

Meet Teddy and Tim: The Beloved Miniature Donkeys at Old Forest School

At Old Forest School, we’re not just known for being one of the best wedding venues in Bay of Plenty, NZ— we’re also home to two very special residents who have stolen the hearts of couples and guests alike. Teddy and Tim, our beloved miniature donkeys, are rescue brothers who found their forever home here …

Embracing the Beauty of Inclement Weather Weddings at Old Forest School

At Old Forest School, we know that nature has its own plans, and sometimes those plans include a bit of rain or even a full-on cyclone! But rest assured, our Bay of Plenty wedding venue is prepared for every weather scenario. From the historic Schoolhouse to the charming Tabernacle and spacious Noshery, we’ve designed our …

Old Forest School: A Music-Lover’s Dream Wedding Venue in Bay of Plenty

At Old Forest School, we believe music is at the heart of every unforgettable wedding celebration. We warmly welcome live bands, DJs, and acoustic artists, making us a favourite among musicians and music-loving couples alike. Unlike other venues, Old Forest School offers flexibility with music arrangements that enhances every part of the day. With thoughtfully …

outdoor florals at old forest school wedding venue

Floral Inspiration for a Rustic Wedding at Old Forest School: Seasonal NZ-Grown Blooms and Sustainable Post-Wedding Ideas

Flowers are a key element of any wedding, adding beauty, romance, and a touch of nature to your big day. At Old Forest School, our rustic, vintage venue in Bay of Plenty, we encourage couples to embrace the seasons by choosing locally-sourced, NZ-grown flowers that enhance the charm of our heritage setting. From spring wildflowers …

Why Choose a Forest Wedding at Old Forest School in the Bay of Plenty?

Imagine exchanging vows under a canopy of towering trees, surrounded by the whispers of nature and bathed in soft dappled light. At Old Forest School, we bring this dream to life. Nestled deep in the heart of the Bay of Plenty, our venue combines rustic elegance with historic charm, creating a forest wedding experience unlike …