10 stunning wedding venues in Melbourne
One of the best things about having a wedding in Melbourne is the number of options you have when looking for a venue. Finding the perfect venue that suits your personalities and has the capacity for your number of guests, along with a menu that you’re excited about, can be tricky if you’re not familiar with it all. After over a decade in the industry and shooting at a multitude of venues, I’ve created a top 10 list that I hope will get you inspired and help guide you in your planning process. Scroll through and you’ll find a variety of venue vibes including warehouse, winery, modern, industrial and classic. Once you add your own personal touch to these spaces, they become a place you’ll remember for years to come.
The Substation www.thesubstation.org.au
1 Market St, Newport VIC 3015, Australia
Capacity: 80 - 200 people
The Substation holds a special place in my heart as it’s where I had my own wedding reception. It’s huge, industrial and has a New York warehouse charm to it. It makes a statement from the moment you enter with its breathtakingly high ceilings, and as you proceed up the metal staircase (there’s also lift access), you enter a grand dining room, which can be transformed as you please. Even if you choose to go for the minimalistic approach, its original raw form is enough to impress anyone.
Half Acre www.halfacre.com.au
112 Munro St, South Melbourne VIC 3205, Australia
Capacity: 264 seated, 400 cocktail
Part of the Food & Desire venue list (a company I have enjoyed working closely with for years now), Half Acre is a relatively new offering that has a modern warehouse feel. The best part? It’s only a stone’s throw away from the CBD, tucked away in the quiet streets of South Melbourne. The team are passionate and excellent at what they do, and I always love shooting there.
Gather & Tailor www.gatherandtailor.com.au
Unit 11/41-59 Sims St, West Melbourne VIC 3003, Australia
Capacity: 150 seated, 200 cocktail
I fell in love with this venue after shooting Brent & Georgia’s wedding. It has a very gritty warehouse feel and is a hidden gem near a container yard in West Melbourne. The cactus wall out front is a gorgeous spot to photograph couples at, but inside promises just as much fun, and I’ve documented many beautiful weddings in this space.
Stokehouse www.stokehouse.com.au/melbourne
30 Jacka Blvd, St Kilda VIC 3182, Australia
Capacity: 150 seated, 270 cocktail
Stokehouse is your classy ocean front venue. Architecturally unique and interesting, it boasts a modern interior fit out and the views are fantastic, especially if there’s a nice sunset on the horizon. If your interest has been sparked, be sure to check out Cameron & Roberta’s special day at Stokehouse.
Harley & Rose www.harleyandrose.net.au
572 Barkly St, West Footscray VIC 3012, Australia
Capacity: Up to 90
This is your charming neighbourhood restaurant with plenty of personality and fun to be had — in other words, a dream venue for me to shoot. You’ve got a naturally relaxed vibe, a winning combination of outdoors and indoors and an upstairs room perfect for merrymaking. If you love a let-your-hair-down cocktail-style wedding, you’ll be in your element here.
Siglo www.siglobar.com.au
2/161 Spring St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Capacity: 80 Seated, 150 Cocktail
Siglo is your definitively sophisticated rooftop terrace perched on the edge of Spring St. One of my fondest memories of this venue was when we were wrapping up Shaynee & Adriano’s portrait session at the Parliament steps on Spring St — as we were heading back, we could hear the music from their reception ringing out in the streets. You have to head through an unassuming black door and after climbing a couple of flights of stairs, you’re in your own little world. Another great benefit of having a wedding here is the option to shoot at the semi-circle windows at The European downstairs, which are one-of-a-kind.
Coombe Yarra Valley www.coombeyarravalley.com.au
673-675 Maroondah Hwy, Coldstream VIC 3770, Australia
Capacity: 150 Seated
A luxurious, manicured estate with pretty hedges and some amazing backdrops. It’s also the former home of opera singer Dame Nellie Melba. The spiral staircase is a favourite, as are the pencil pines near the pool. Coombe is on the edge of the Yarra Valley, which is about 48km from Melbourne’s CBD.
Glasshaus inside & outside www.glasshausfloristonline.com
52-54 Stanley St, Richmond VIC 3121, Australia &
44 Cremorne St, Cremorne VIC 3121, Australia
Capacity: 85 seated, 120 cocktail
If you’re a plant lover, this place is right up your alley with its lush greenery — you’re literally in a glasshouse surrounded by all the flora and fauna you could ever imagine. With the two locations (inside & outside), all the heavy lifting has been done. You could literally not touch a thing and it would be the perfect backdrop for your wedding day. Both venues are within walking distance of each other in Richmond — and there’s a quintessential Melbourne charm to the location and its surrounding streets.
Metropolis www.metropolisevents.com.au
Level 4/3 Southgate Ave, Southbank VIC 3006, Australia
Capacity: 140 seated
Metropolis is an elegant venue on the edge of the Yarra River with city views and giant windows that let you soak in our beloved city. With super tall ceilings, it feels very grand and is the ideal space to throw a big party.
Butler Lane https://www.peterrowland.com.au/venue/melbourne-butler-lane/
2 Shelley St, Richmond VIC 3121, Australia
Capacity: 180 seated, 300 cocktail
Nestled in the back streets of Richmond, Butler Lane has a beautiful indoor and outdoor vibe going on. Its ivy wall, brickwork and modern fit-out work really well together and it isn’t hard to see why newish kid on the block is a crowd favourite.