Wedding at Hofgut Nonnenau – An exclusive wedding venue on an island in the Rhine
A wedding at Hofgut Nonnenau combines the tranquility and vastness of nature with a distinctive, sophisticated atmosphere. Surrounded by the waters of the Rhine, orchards, and expansive meadows, the setting here brings your celebration to life while maintaining a sense of understated elegance. The location on its own island lends a special intensity to every moment and ensures that your wedding becomes not just a date on the calendar, but a shared experience that will be remembered for a long time to come.
Couples who get married here aren’t just choosing an extraordinary setting—they’re choosing a place with a unique atmosphere: open horizons, natural light, warm materials, and close proximity to nature. This combination makes Hofgut Nonnenau one of the most exciting wedding venues in the Rheingau for many couples in the Rhine-Main region and beyond .
If you’d like to get a comprehensive overview of the region, you’ll find more information here about wedding photographers in the Rheingau.
What kind of couples is Hofgut Nonnenau particularly well-suited for?
Hofgut Nonnenau is particularly well-suited for couples who want a wedding celebration that is natural, elegant, and unique. This venue appeals to those who envision nothing less than an authentic, high-quality wedding atmosphere—without it feeling too formal or austere. Here you’ll find spots for intimate ceremonies as well as spacious settings for an al fresco dinner, yet everything remains cohesive and harmonious.
The combination of open outdoor spaces, sheltered courtyards, natural surroundings, and the exclusive island atmosphere makes Hofgut Nonnenau ideal for couples who want to hold their wedding ceremony, reception, dinner, and celebration all in one place. It’s also an excellent venue for multi-day weddings, such as a relaxed get-together the night before and a shared farewell the next morning.
Hofgut Nonnenau: An Exclusive Wedding Venue in the Rheingau
The Hofgut Nonnenau is more than just a wedding venue—it’s a place with its own identity. The journey to the Hofgut takes you across the waters of the Rhine, as the island is accessible only by the estate’s own ferry, the “Johanna.” This small step into a festive atmosphere creates a sense of something special the moment you arrive: You leave everyday life behind and enter a world that offers space for shared moments.
From the moment you set foot on the island, you’ll sense that this place is different. The orchards, the sweeping view across the Rhine, the tranquility of nature, and the historic walls of the estate all seem to invite you to live your day carefree, with pleasure, and mindfully. There’s hardly a place in the Rheingau that combines so much privacy and natural beauty with such a stylish presence.
Whether it’s a wedding ceremony under old apple trees, a reception in the courtyard, or dinner in the Hofgut Hall: All areas are within walking distance, and short walks connect the various parts of the day into a harmonious whole. This openness and flexibility—combined with an exclusive island atmosphere—make Hofgut Nonnenau a venue that works impressively well both in the summer and during the transitional seasons.
A bird's-eye view of the island
It’s only from the air that it becomes clear why Hofgut Nonnenau is such a special wedding venue in the Rhine-Main region. Surrounded by the Rhine, nestled among old trees, and with direct access to the sun deck and the Rhine Pavilion, the venue exudes an atmosphere that feels both intimate and spacious.
Venues & Capacity for Your Wedding at Hofgut Nonnenau
Sequoia Grove – A Non-Religious Wedding Ceremony Under the Island’s Landmark
The giant sequoia grove on the so-called “Heilige Wiese” is the estate’s landmark and one of the most impressive backdrops for outdoor wedding ceremonies in the Rheingau. The imposing tree provides natural shade and creates a powerful yet serene setting for your vows.
Especially in the summer, a special atmosphere takes hold here: soft light filtering through the branches, relaxing lounge areas, and a sense of openness that makes the island so unique.
Rhine Pavilion & Sun Deck – Dinner with a View of the Sunset
The true centerpiece of many celebrations is the Rhine Pavilion and its adjacent sun deck. Located right on the water, it offers a view of the Rhine—especially in the evening, when the sun slowly sinks below the horizon.
The sun deck expands the pavilion to include a spacious outdoor area for relaxing, toasting, and lingering. This combination of a covered area and an open terrace makes Hofgut Nonnenau one of the few venues in the Rheingau where dinner and the sunset blend so seamlessly together.
Event Barn – A Stylish Alternative for Changeable Weather
In case of inclement weather, the event barn is available as a high-quality indoor venue. It serves primarily as a place to retreat or as a venue for later in the evening.
Wedding Itinerary at Hofgut Nonnenau – Your Perfect Day
Many couples deliberately choose to have a full wedding weekend—I’ve described in detail here why weddings that last several days feel particularly relaxed and meaningful.
Getting Ready
Many of my couples begin their wedding day at the Hyatt in Mainz or at one of the nearby boutique hotels along the Rhine. The combination of urban comfort and the Hofgut’s island-like atmosphere later in the day creates an exciting transition from a peaceful start in the morning to the special setting of the Nonnenau.
From Mainz, you can easily reach the estate, and the ferry ride itself is sure to be the first memorable moment of the day. Brides also have the option, upon request, to change clothes on site—for example, to deliberately stage the “first look” or their arrival on the island.
Civil wedding ceremony
Civil ceremonies are not held on the island itself. Many couples therefore combine their celebration with a civil wedding ceremony in the surrounding area—for example, at one of the historic civil registry offices in Mainz or at stylish venues in the Rheingau and the Rhine-Main region. You can find an overview of suitable options in my article on the most beautiful civil registry offices in the Rhine-Main region.
A Non-Religious Wedding Ceremony Under the Giant Sequoia
An absolute landmark of the estate is the sequoia grove on the so-called “Holy Meadow.” The massive tree provides an impressive, natural backdrop for outdoor wedding ceremonies—powerful, providing shade, and yet serene in its presence.
On warm summer days in particular, a special atmosphere takes hold here: the light filters softly through the branches, guests gather in the shade of the tree, and the moment feels both open and cozy. Many couples choose Hofgut Nonnenau precisely because of this spot—because there’s hardly a more natural and, at the same time, more stylish setting for saying “I do.”
Champagne reception under the sequoia or on the sun deck
After the wedding ceremony, the bride and groom and their guests often gather at Mammutbaumplatz or on the sun deck right on the Rhine. Under the shade of the giant sequoia, a relaxed, almost Mediterranean atmosphere takes hold—guests stand together in small groups, glasses clink softly, and the island feels like a sheltered haven far removed from everyday life.
Alternatively, the sun deck, with its view of the water, offers an open, airy setting for the reception. The Rhine lies right before you, the light glints off the water’s surface, and the moment of arrival feels intentional and special.
Photo shoot
The Hofgut Nonnenau offers a variety of photographic backdrops: from the orchard to the courtyard to the open meadows along the Rhine. Especially in the late afternoon, the warm light creates atmospheric, natural-looking photos.
Dinner & Party at the Rhine Pavilion or Garden Pavilion
Dinner is usually held at the Rheinpavillon—right on the water’s edge, with an unobstructed view of the Rhine. During the meal, the light slowly shifts across the river as the sun sinks toward the horizon, bathing the sun deck in warm evening light. It is precisely this moment that makes Hofgut Nonnenau so special for many couples.
The pavilion’s open, covered design combines shelter with a sense of spaciousness: You’re not sitting in a closed-off room, but can feel close to nature and enjoy your evening in an atmosphere that feels both light and exclusive.
Depending on the size of the group, the party that follows will either move to the garden pavilion or remain in the Rhine Pavilion. Both venues provide the setting for a lively yet elegant celebration where the architecture, lighting, and natural surroundings remain a prominent part of the experience.
Lighting & Photo Opportunities at Hofgut Nonnenau
From a photographic perspective, the Hofgut Nonnenau is one of the most diverse locations in the Rheingau. The orchards and open meadows create a soft, atmospheric light in the afternoon, especially during the golden hour, when the sun is low and long rays of light stream through the landscape. The courtyards and historic rooms exude a sense of harmony thanks to natural materials and warm tones. Even in changeable weather, atmospheric, timeless photos can be captured in sheltered areas.
The island as a whole also offers perspectives that are rare elsewhere: the waters of the Rhine, the play of light over the river, reflections on the water, and the open horizon create a photographic diversity that will enrich your visual story.
My Experience as a Wedding Photographer at Hofgut Nonnenau
With over a decade of experience in wedding photography, I’ve had the privilege of photographing numerous couples at special locations throughout Germany and around the world. Hofgut Nonnenau is one of those venues that never ceases to fascinate me, thanks to its combination of natural surroundings, exquisite architecture, and plenty of room for personal expression.
As a wedding photographer based in the Rhine-Main region, I regularly work with couples in the Rheingau, so I know the area very well—not only professionally but also personally. This familiarity helps me recognize the island’s unique lighting conditions early on and guide you through your day in a relaxed manner—from that first glance to the quiet moments in the evening.
I know where the light is best, how to use natural transitions between different parts of the celebration to my advantage when taking photos, and which locations on the island of Nonnenau yield the most emotional, vibrant, and elegant photos. My focus is on telling your story honestly and naturally: with a keen sense for the small moments and big emotions that make your day so unique.
This is how we create photos that will still move you even many years from now and will always take you back to that special day on the Rhine island of Hofgut Nonnenau.
Cuisine & Wine at Hofgut Nonnenau
The culinary offerings focus on high-quality, regional ingredients and creative, seasonal cuisine. Menus can be customized individually with the on-site professionals—whether it’s a multi-course dinner or a casual meal featuring local specialties. Accompanying wines from the region can also be incorporated to round out your day with culinary delights. Many couples take advantage of the opportunity to host a get-together or wine tasting the evening before to make the weekend even more personal.
For catering, I recommend Haas Catering and Essen für Uns. Both companies are based in Mainz, know the Hofgut Nonnenau inside and out, and regularly cater weddings there. What’s especially nice is that their modern, Mediterranean-inspired cuisine is a perfect fit for the island’s relaxed atmosphere and long summer evenings under the open sky.
Important Planning Tips for Your Wedding at Hofgut Nonnenau
To ensure your wedding is perfectly planned, it’s worth coordinating with the event team well in advance, as particularly popular months between May and September are often booked up long in advance. The island’s location creates a unique logistical situation: the trip across on the venue’s own ferry, the “Johanna,” is part of the experience and should be factored into your schedule. Parking is available on the banks of the Rhine; from there, guests cross the Rhine to the island.
The technology, lighting, decor, and musical arrangements will be carefully tailored to the nature of your celebration. A well-thought-out lighting concept is especially worthwhile for open-air evening events, as it perfectly showcases the natural ambiance of the estate.
In the Rheingau region, there are numerous hotels and accommodations in Eltville, Oestrich-Winkel, and the surrounding area that are ideal for your guests—whether they’re staying for the weekend or just attending the wedding day.
Many couples deliberately choose to spend an entire weekend celebrating their wedding: from a get-together on Friday to the wedding ceremony and reception on Saturday and brunch on Sunday—the island offers a peaceful, secluded setting for all these moments.
Are you planning your wedding at Hofgut Nonnenau?
If you can imagine getting married on this special island in the Rhine, I’d be happy to accompany you as your wedding photographer—with a calm, documentary style and a keen sense of light and atmosphere.
Hi, I'm Marco
I live with my wife in Mainz and have been photographing weddings in the Rheingau and throughout the Rhine-Main region for many years. I’m particularly familiar with venues like the Hofgut Nonnenau, not only because of their architecture, but also because of the atmosphere they create for weddings.
My style is calm, documentary-like, and unobtrusive. I observe rather than stage, and capture the moments that truly define your day: glances, touches, subtle emotions, and memorable moments. Especially at a venue like Hofgut Nonnenau, this creates a visual story that stands the test of time.
With over 170 five-star reviews and more than a decade of experience, I work with couples who value authenticity, quality, and a relaxed working relationship.
Frequently Asked Questions About Weddings at Hofgut Nonnenau
Can you have a civil wedding at Hofgut Nonnenau?
No. Civil weddings cannot be held on the island itself. Many couples choose to hold the legal part of their wedding in the surrounding area, often at historic registry offices in the Rheingau region.
Is it possible to stay overnight at the estate?
No. There are currently no accommodations available on the estate itself. However, many couples choose to stay at nearby boutique hotels or vacation rentals on the island so they can wind down the evening in a relaxed manner and start the next morning without feeling rushed.
What is the process for guests returning home—especially with regard to the ferry service?
It’s easy to plan your ferry trips, since the schedules are set in advance and the ferries run reliably. You can work with your guests to choose a convenient departure time so that no one is rushed. You can also arrange shuttle service to the ferry terminal, ensuring that the trip home is comfortable and hassle-free for everyone.
Is it possible to have an outdoor wedding ceremony?
Yes. The sequoia grove on the “Heilige Wiese” in particular offers an extraordinary setting for outdoor wedding ceremonies. The imposing tree provides natural shade and creates a powerful yet serene atmosphere with a view of the surrounding meadows and the Rhine. Especially during the summer months, this location is one of the main reasons why many couples choose Hofgut Nonnenau.
How do guests get to Hofgut Nonnenau?
Guests arrive via the property’s own ferry, the “Johanna,” which runs regularly between the banks of the Rhine and the island. The short crossing is part of the experience and creates an atmospheric moment of arrival.
Are there any hotels or places to stay nearby?
Yes. Many couples and guests stay overnight in Mainz or Wiesbaden—for example, in upscale city hotels or boutique accommodations along the Rhine. There are also numerous stylish lodging options in the surrounding area between Mainz, Eltville, and Oestrich-Winkel. Thanks to the excellent transportation connections, it’s easy to combine urban comfort with the unique island atmosphere of Nonnenau.
