Find your Wedding Venue in Melbourne

Wedding Venues Hire Guide

As we’ve already mentioned, organising a wedding in Melbourne can get overwhelming, but you don’t need to stress too much – we’re here to make it headache-free. Don’t know where to begin your wedding venue search? Here’s our handy list of tips that will help you get started.

• Start by writing down your guest list – Why is this so important? Doing this will help you accurately establish your budget and decide on the size of your venue. We’re listing both big and small wedding venues in Melbourne, so whether you’re organising an intimate reception or a huge bridal bash, we’ve got you covered.

• Have different dates in mind – This is a crucial element to be aware of when planning a Melbourne wedding. The most sought-after wedding venues book out really early in advance, so having several alternatives for your wedding date will increase your choice of venues. Remember: the more dates you have to choose from, the more chances you have of securing your dream venue!

• Create a list of your non-negotiables – Are you 100% sure you’d like to work with an external caterer of your choice? Remember to check if the wedding venue you’ve picked allows you to bring your own food. This applies to other services, too – there are cases where some wedding venues in Melbourne work with recommended suppliers only. It’s always better to ask and the friendly venue managers will be happy to assist!

 How much does it cost to hire a wedding venue in Melbourne?

So, down to the really important element: the hire fees. It’s a big subject, but we’ve got all the answers you’re looking for. Check out our guide below!

• Many wedding venues in Melbourne (especially banqueting halls) charge a hire fee. Average rates may differ a lot depending on the location and the size of the venue. For instance, hiring a wedding hall for 200 people in Brighton may cost less than $1000, while prices for blank canvas spaces for 300 hundred in Kensington can go for over $5000.
• If you’re hiring a restaurant for your wedding, keep in mind that most of them work on a minimum-spend basis. This means you need to spend a certain amount on food and drinks, but at the same time, you’re not paying a cent for using the space. Sounds like a fair deal, doesn’t it? Minimum spend rates for weddings in Melbourne usually range between $4000 and $10000, depending on the size of your reception and the menu itself.
• How about an all-inclusive wedding package deal? Heaps of venues in Melbourne have special event offers for weddings. These usually consist of a set food and drinks menu, sometimes with other event services included in the price. Per-person rates range between $40 for very basic packages and up to $150 for extended ones. As a rule of thumb, in Melbourne wedding packages below $100 are considered a pretty good deal!

A guide to wedding locations in Melbourne

Last but not least, you might be wondering which part of the city is the best one for hosting a wedding. We’re more than happy to share some of our favourites. See the list of the most popular areas for weddings in Melbourne below and get inspired:

• Melbourne CBD – Love those one-of-a-kind picturesque alleyways? Melbourne Central Business District is the ultimate destination for a unique urban wedding. The area is full of amazing restaurants and bars with rooftop terraces, many of which would make the perfect backdrop for your big day.

• Port Melbourne – Enjoy the very best of the Melbourne coast, from converted warehouses to stunning beachside wedding venues. Whether you feel like hosting an industrial style modern wedding celebration or tying the knot with the wind in your hair and sand between your toes, Port Melbourne venues are sure to impress.

• South-East Melbourne – Dreaming of a picturesque wedding on the Mornington Peninsula, or in a historical venue that tells a story? You’ll find what you’re looking for in South-East Melbourne.

What are the most popular wedding venue types in Melbourne?

• Garden venues – Perfect for rustic receptions and couples who love all this boho, garden venues are one of the biggest trends right now in Melbourne and all around Victoria. And the cherry on top? Many of them focus on local produce and sustainability, so you can expect top-notch catering, too.

• Industrial venues – We know lofts and warehouses with a truly unique character and heaps of industrial chic. Venues of this kind can be easily customised to make your wedding celebration truly personal. Melbourne is full of them, and we’re stoked to help you pick just the perfect one.

• Hotel venues – If you’re expecting a lot of guests coming from other parts of Australia (and from abroad), hiring a hotel venue for your wedding is your best bet. This way you’ll have both the reception and the accommodation sorted in one building. To top it all off, Melbourne hotel venues are often beautifully located in the most sought-after areas of the city. What’s not to love?

FAQs about Wedding Venues in Melbourne

How far in advance should I secure the wedding venue?

On average, couples start their venue hunt a year before the wedding, but no later than 9 months before. The wedding season falls anywhere between September to May, so if you’re planning a reception in that time frame, you should start your search ASAP to have the best option still available on your dream date.

What is usually included in the wedding package?

Usually, wedding packages include the venue hire fee, catering, decorations, tables, chairs, and an open bar. However, it may depend on the type of wedding package you choose - basic wedding packages will include fewer extras than all-inclusive wedding packages.

Who pays for the wedding?

There are no ground rules on who should pay for the wedding. It can be the bride and groom themselves, or their families who evenly split the costs between each other. So don’t be afraid to discuss that matter with your families, as it will help you draw up a reasonable wedding budget.

What type of affordable venues can I book for my wedding reception?

With a sprinkle of imagination, any venue can be transformed into the ideal space of your dreams! However, the most popular and inexpensive wedding venues are restaurants, bars, warehouses, lofts, and gardens. Spaces like art galleries, museums, or even zoos offer competitive prices, so they are also definitely worth considering!