When choosing a venue for a funeral you are not restricted to churches or chapels. Club rooms, community halls, hotels, homes, theatres, parks, gardens or simple graveside services are alternatives. Consider the accessibility of the venue and whether there is room for seating and catering.
Karori Small Chapel
Karori Small Chapel & Crematorium
Designed by noted Wellington architect, John Sydney Swan, this small chapel was built in 1909. There are six stunning stained glass windows designed and crafted in Dublin, commissioned by William Ferguson. The small chapel seats 24 people, the perfect venue for a close and intimate funeral service or committal.
Karori Cemetery, Old Karori Road – click here for more images & directions
Karori Main Chapel
Karori Main Chapel
The main chapel seats up to 140 people. With ample parking and easy access this chapel is a non-denominational venue.
Karori Cemetery, Rosehaugh Avenue, Karori – click here for more images & directions
Old St Paul’s Cathedral
Old St Paul’s
Old St Paul’s underwent major seismic strengthening work in 2019 / 2020. Works are completed and it is now available for funerals and events.
Designed by Rev. Frederick Thatcher and built in 1865 entirely from native timbers, Old St Paul’s is an example of gothic revival architecture. The former cathedral is a magnificent non-denominational venue in central Wellington which seats up to 450 people.
34 Mulgrave Street, Thorndon – click here for more images & directions
Wellington Cathedral of St Paul
Wellington Cathedral of St Paul
In 1938, Architect Cecil Wood was inspired by the Stockholm Town Hall, the Art Deco architecture of Southern California, and the neo-Byzantine-style of Westminster Roman Catholic Cathedral in London. Close to Parliament, the cathedral seats up to 1000 people.
Neatly tucked within the Cathedral is the Lady Chapel, formerly serving the parish of St Paul’s at Paraparaumu. Built from native timbers, predominantly rimu, it is a charming and intimate space that seats 60.
cnr Molesworth & Hill Streets, Thorndon
The Pines Chapel
The Pines
The Pines is a stunning funeral venue. Nestled in the hills of Houghton Bay the chapel has floor to ceiling windows and uninterrupted coastal views towards the South Island.
The chapel has seating for 120 with standing room. Equipped with sound system and screen.
Just 15 minutes’ drive from central Wellington with off-road parking.
Tony and Shirley are the most welcoming and generous hosts and will happily cater the event.
50 The Esplanade, Houghton Bay
Whenua Tapu Chapel
Whenua Tapu Chapel & Crematorium
Whenua Tapu Chapel was designed by Friedrich Eisenhofer, awarded the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to architecture and known for his eco-buildings.
It seats 90 people and is fully equipped for audio and visual presentations.
Set well off the main road – even the parking area is well designed and beautifully planted.
Airlie Road, Pukerua Bay
