Hobbiton Weddings invite couples to marry in the real-world home of The Shire in Matamata, New Zealand. Set among rolling hills, lakes, and handcrafted Hobbit Holes, it’s one of the country’s most enchanting wedding venues. Couples can exchange vows in the Hobbiton Gardens or on Yard Flat overlooking the Party Tree, then celebrate inside the famous Green Dragon Inn, Party Marquee, or Millhouse. Every celebration blends cinematic charm with rural beauty, creating a wedding experience straight from Middle-earth.
A place where many a story and journey have begun
Hobbiton Weddings are about more than a venue – they’re about stepping into a story. For some, it’s nostalgia; for others, it’s the chance to make new memories in a land that feels timeless. As one puts it, “It’s not a wedding at a movie set – it’s a wedding inside a world.”
What a way to start your journey together.
There are few places on earth where fiction and reality blend so seamlessly that you forget which is which
Deep in the green heart of Waikato, the rolling hills of Hobbiton Movie Set still hum with the quiet charm of Middle-earth – and now, they’re offering their gates to lovers seeking a little movie magic on their wedding day.
Imagine exchanging vows beneath the Party Tree, surrounded by blooming gardens and those famous round-doored homes. The same paths once trodden by Bilbo and Frodo now lead couples toward their own adventure. Whether it’s a grand celebration or a quiet elopement, Hobbiton has been re-imagined as one of New Zealand’s most distinctive wedding destinations.
Hobbiton Weddings - The Shire, Your Way
Couples can choose between two beautifully crafted ceremony settings:
The Hobbiton Gardens – a peaceful, handcrafted paradise bursting with colour, where rambling vines and flower beds frame your vows. Nestled among the Hobbit Holes, this private garden captures the gentle spirit of The Shire and creates a truly intimate atmosphere for you and your guests.
Yard Flat – a sweeping green plateau set above the Hobbit Holes, overlooking the lake and the famous Party Tree. The open setting is ideal for larger celebrations and can be styled to suit your vision, offering a panoramic view that perfectly blends the pastoral beauty of the Waikato countryside with the fantasy of Middle-earth.
After the vows, the celebrations continue in true Hobbit style. The Green Dragon Inn offers the warmth and cheer of a traditional tavern, complete with open fireplaces, wooden beams, and glowing lanterns reflected in the lake outside. Guests can gather for hearty, banquet-style feasts paired with Hobbiton’s exclusive Southfarthing™ Ale, cider, and ginger beer – brewed only for the Inn.
For larger parties, the Party Marquee sits beside the Green Dragon, decorated with colourful bunting, painted canvas walls, and soft lantern light reminiscent of Bilbo’s 111th birthday celebration. Its hillside position overlooks the set, creating a magical backdrop for speeches, dancing, and late-night laughter under the stars.
Couples seeking an intimate gathering can choose The Millhouse, a charming venue just across the bridge from the Inn. With carved wooden details, stone hearths, and candlelit tables, it provides a cosy setting for smaller receptions, elopements, or private dinners – a storybook ending to the perfect day.
A Fairytale Made Real
Hobbiton weddings are layered with detail. From handcrafted mugs of cider and locally inspired menus to guided tours through the set itself, every moment reflects the creativity and care that built The Shire.
Couples and photographers are guided through the 12-acre movie set, weaving between Hobbit Holes, across the stone bridge, and along the lake where the reflections of lanterns dance on the water. Iconic spots like Bagshot Row, the vegetable gardens, and the Party Field create unforgettable backdrops for photos – each one a glimpse into Middle-earth brought to life.
Hobbiton Weddings - The details
- Location: 501 Buckland Road, Hinuera, Matamata – approximately 45 minutes from Hamilton or Rotorua, and 2 hours from Auckland.
- Ceremony Options: Choose from the handcrafted Hobbiton Gardens or the panoramic Yard Flat, each offering privacy and breathtaking scenery.
- Reception Venues: The Green Dragon Inn, The Party Marquee, or The Millhouse – all fully themed, licensed, and catered by Hobbiton’s in-house team.
- Photoshoots & Elopements: Private, guided experiences on the set with access to the most iconic filming locations.
- Availability: Open daily, year-round (closed Christmas Day).
- Access: Guests are transported from The Shire’s Rest Café via Hobbiton’s private coach – ensuring the magic begins the moment you arrive.
- Contact: events@hobbitontours.com | www.hobbitontours.com