The city of Melbourne is home to several very exceptional wedding halls. A cocktail wedding is a popular choice, and Melbourne has several venues to accommodate it. We’ve compiled a list of our prefered locations for a classy and elegant cocktail wedding reception.
Abbey Of The Roses, Warwick
The Abbey of the Roses in Warwick is a beautiful wedding venue since it is a grand three-story sandstone manor house erected in 1891. The Abbey, located about 130 kilometres south-west of Brisbane, has undergone frequent renovations and features a number of rooms suitable for wedding festivities as well as overnight stays. Beautiful lawns, pavilions, and plenty of room for parties and picture ops are also available.
Jimbour House, Darling Downs
This historically significant Jimbour House, which has been around since 1876, is the ideal venue for your wedding. The old church and beautiful grounds provide the ideal setting for your special memories and images. Elegant wedding venues often have gazebos decked up in chandeliers and a formal rose garden.
Milton Park, Bowral
The old rural estate of Milton Park Estate dates back to the early 1800s, and it has now been transformed into a beautiful five-star hotel. Weddings are place among the gardens and houses, with an emphasis on traditional elements. The gardens, the conservatory, the ballroom, and the orangery are all possible locations.
Gabbinbar Homestead, Toowoomba
One of the most stunning wedding locations in Australia is the Gabbinbar Homestead near Toowoomba. The farmhouse has several beautiful and historic areas that may be used for the wedding ceremony and reception, including a ballroom, a library, a parlour, a front porch, and a courtyard. The gardens and surrounding areas are equally beautiful, making them ideal for weddings, picture shoots, and other special occasions.
Glengariff Historic Estate
One of Australia’s oldest privately owned residences, the 139-year-old Glengariff Historic Estate in the Brisbane Hinterland has been in the same family for six generations. The estate is able to accommodate both the wedding and the reception, and it offers a wide range of wedding packages and venues to accommodate the preferences of the happy couple.
Gunabul Homestead, Gympie
The Gunabul Homestead in Gympie is a fantastic location for any type of celebration. The home’s rich architectural heritage is set against a natural setting provided by the planted grounds. The huge reception hall can host up to a hundred guests, and the bridal party may all enjoy the comforts of the homestead throughout the festivities.
Woodlands Of Marburg, Amberley
The Woodlands of Marburg, which was constructed in 1890 but was not open to the public until the turn of the century, is a highly coveted spot for wedding ceremonies. The plantation-style estate features a century-old church, a vista over the Rose Hill valley, a vineyard, and other outdoor garden locations for wedding ceremonies.
Rose & Crown Hotel
The Rose & Crown Hotel, located in Perth’s historic Guildford district, is one of Western Australia’s oldest hotels, having opened its doors some 175 years ago. The wedding venue is exquisite, and it can accommodate anything from 40 to 160 guests. The hotel is not only beautiful, but also historic, and can accommodate the entire wedding party.
New Norcia Hotel, New Norcia
Built-in 1927 in the shade of gum trees and looking over the nearby township, the New Norcia Hotel is no ordinary wedding setting. The hotel has both traditional hotel rooms and numerous beautiful locations for weddings, such as a verandah and a balcony on the first floor with panoramic views.
Hopewood House
Privately owned and located about 90 minutes from Sydney, Homewood House at Bowral was built in 1884. The estate, with its rich architectural heritage and acres of invigorating gardens, is well suited for a traditional wedding in the breathtaking NSW Southern Highlands area.
Lauriston House
The luxurious Lauriston House, built in 1887, is a historically listed building and one of the most sought-after locations in all of Sydney for wedding receptions. There are open fireplaces, a bridal suite, a dining room with a dance floor, and a beautiful sitting space indoors. It’s the kind of setting that won’t be easily forgotten by your guests during the wedding reception.
Curzon Hall
Sydney’s Curzon Hall, in the neighbourhood of Marsfield, is the perfect venue for a wedding celebration fit for a princess. It was built in 1899 as the architect’s present to Mrs. Harry Curzon Smith. A sandstone castle with sprawling, meticulously maintained gardens, perfect for accommodating large numbers of visitors and staging memorable picture opportunities.
Stanley Park
Stanley Park, a spectacular waterfront estate constructed in the 1890s, is one of the rare options for wedding reception locations. Stanley Park, located just outside of Newcastle, is one of the grandest in the area and is ideal for lavish celebrations. He has the means to host the event’s entirety, from the ceremony to the reception, complete with lodging and plenty of scenic backdrops for photographs.
Fernhill
The Fernhill Estate, a landmark in Penrith since its construction in the 1830s, is a beautiful setting for a wedding. With its sandstone home and vast rural gardens, Fernhill is widely regarded as one of Australia’s finest and most prestigious country estates. It’s early in the game for their wedding services, which is what makes them stand out.
Peppers Manor House, Southern Highlands
Located in New South Wales’ Southern Highlands, the Peppers Manor House is a true country manor with a rich history and a reputation for hospitality. A wedding at Peppers Manor House, with its beautifully restored manor and picturesque grounds, offers a wide range of options for the bride and groom, their guests, and the event’s overall aesthetic.
Cropley House, Baulkham Hills
Cropley House is a popular wedding location in Western Sydney due to its classically designed architecture and beautiful grounds. There are elegant ballrooms and halls available for your wedding reception and ceremony, as well as a beautifully landscaped rose garden and gazebo to use as picture backdrops.
Saumarex Homestead, Armidale
The Saumarez Homestead is a two-story, thirty-room Edwardian home in Armidale, New South Wales’ tablelands. The farmhouse, which was constructed between 1888 and 1906, may be rented out for special events of any size. The Saumarez Homestead is unparalleled when it comes to hosting a genuine Australian country wedding.
Elizabeth Bay House
There was a time when the Elizabeth Bay House in early Sydney was the most luxurious residence in the colony. Elizabeth Bay House is one of Sydney’s most underrated wedding locations, and for good reason: it overlooks Sydney Harbour and is just the right size for smaller ceremonies and receptions.
Terrara House Estate
The Terrara House Estate, on the south coast of New South Wales (NSW), may be the idyllic rural wedding destination you’ve been searching for. The natural beauty of the area, with ancient trees, groomed lawns, formal hedges, and other such features, complements the charming antique architecture in the background beautifully.
Koendidda
Koendidda Country House, a two-story Victorian home with a rich history, may be found at the end of a tree-lined lane in North-East Victoria. The construction of the home, which began in 1857, was finished in 1858 and required 333,000 hand-made bricks. They don’t brag about the wedding venue, but it’s there!
Summerfields Estate & Country House
Although it’s one of the more modern buildings on this list (it was built as a bed & breakfast in 1998), guests nonetheless report feeling immersed in a classic atmosphere. This residence on the Mornington Peninsula was designed to evoke the stately estates of the American Northeast. It has gorgeous main house, terraces, and lawns, and it has semi-formal gardens.
Campbell Point House
Campbell Point House is a magnificent beachfront mansion hidden away amid the Bellarine Peninsula’s quiet villages. It’s a fantastic wedding destination, and it’s only a short drive from Melbourne, therefore it’s only accessible for private hiring. Only a select number of weddings every year can take use of their ceremony and reception catering services.
Rippon Lea Estate
As one of Australia’s major suburban estates, the National Heritage-listed Rippon Lea House deserves special recognition. This wedding site is beautiful and about ten kilometres from Melbourne. They have everything you need for a fairytale wedding here: a beautiful ballroom, an orchard, a fernery, and a picturesque lake.
Normanby House
As it only hosts one wedding each day, The Normanby House is one of Melbourne’s most sought-after and exclusive wedding locations. The Normanby home was built in the early 1900s and is conveniently positioned just 15 minutes from Melbourne’s central business district, making it an ideal venue for a traditional wedding.
Grange Bellinzona, Hepburn Springs
Grange Bellinzona, located in the picturesque and historic town of Hepburn Springs, is a beautiful, heritage-style home that blends in perfectly with its surroundings. Enjoy the vast spaces and gorgeous backgrounds just over an hour from Melbourne’s central business district, and infuse your wedding with a feeling of history, culture, and timeless beauty.
The Convent, Daylesford
The Convent is a one-of-a-kind wedding location that sits atop Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens and looks out over beautiful Daylesford. Manicured grounds, an old church, and a massive glass conservatory all contribute to the opulence and mystique of a 19th-century home. The versatility and beauty of this location make it ideal for any occasion.
The Royal George Hotel, Kyneton
The Royal George Hotel’s bursting bluestone brick elements and beautiful balcony overlooking Piper Street make it a picture-perfect setting for wedding receptions. This location boasts a garden for ceremonies, ample seating, a private bar, and a dance floor.
Eynesbury Homestead, Eynesbury
The grounds of the Eynesbury Homestead make a picture-perfect backdrop for a wedding and celebration. The property’s lush gardens are a popular venue for ceremonies, and the estate provides several picturesque backdrops for wedding party photos. There’s bound to be a wedding package that suits your needs among the many that are available.
Overnewton Castle
It may seem strange that an Australian couple would be married in a castle, yet that is exactly what you can do at Overnewton Castle. This historic mansion was built in 1849 and is on a sprawling estate with gorgeous grounds, making it an ideal location for a wedding. All of your guests will have a wonderful time at your wedding because of the beautiful setting and the abundance of natural light.
Werribee Park, Werribee
The Werribee Park Mansion Hotel & Spa provides a picture-perfect setting for a wedding. Despite its age (it was constructed in the 1870s), the venue’s theatre, pavillion, and marquee make for spectacular reception settings, and the expansive, well maintained grounds are ideal for a wedding ceremony.
Montsalvat, Eltham
Montsalvat has a rich history and distinctive architecture, making it one of Australia’s earliest and most prominent artist colonies. Both the spectacular Upper Gallery and the more smaller Bluestone Chapel are available for wedding ceremonies, and a wide variety of reception options, from formal sit-down meals to casual cocktail hours, are available for the celebration that follows.
Grand Pacific Hotel
The Grand Pacific Hotel, a Victoria landmark since its 1875 construction and renowned for its panoramic ocean views, can be found just across from Lorne Pier. Because of the meticulous restoration work that was done, it is now a popular venue for weddings of all sizes, with a ballroom, wine room, and bar all at the guests’ disposal.
Como House
The National Trust’s Como House and Garden is a beautiful and informative look into local history. A unique blend of traditional Italianate and Australian Regency style, it stands out from the crowd. The colonial home and the wonderfully planted grounds provide a stunning backdrop for weddings.
Billilla Mansion
The Billilla Ancient Mansion in Brighton is one of Melbourne’s most exclusive residences, and it is also a wonderful historical site with a stunning formal garden and historic mansion. Weddings of all sizes and price ranges may now be accommodated in the meticulously redesigned grounds and property.
Carrick Hill
Even though it’s just around a 15-minute drive from the heart of Adelaide, Carrick Hill is a major cultural destination because to its substantial heritage building and over 40 hectares of grounds with gardens and native woodlands. It’s a great all-in-one spot for weddings, with options for both the ceremony and the reception.
Kingsford Homestead
Kingsford Homestead, located only 45 minutes from Adelaide, is one of the newest and most beautiful wedding locations in the Barossa. The mansion was constructed in 1856 and is located in the picturesque Barossa region, where the wine and cuisine are out of this world.
Martindale Hall
Martindale Hall, a remarkable historic structure in Mintaro that was finished in 1880, makes quite an impression. An unforgettable wedding may be held at this grand home, which can be rented out in its whole.
Anlaby House
The unique Anlaby House is in a prime location for visitors to the tourist hotspots of Kapunda, the Barossa Valley, and Clare. One location to consider for a wedding is this gorgeous manor home surrounded by 10 acres of grounds complete with shade buildings, glasshouses, rose gardens, and tiered lawns.
Ayers House
Located on the main thoroughfare of Adelaide, near to the Botanic Garden, Ayers House is a boutique wedding venue that exemplifies the sophistication of the city. The 160-year-old, architecturally notable home is in the ideal location for a wedding and features many spectacular event spaces.
Seppeltsfield Winery
Among the world’s finest vacation spots, Seppeltsfield is among the very best. The estate has been standing successfully since 1851, and it offers capacity for everything from intimate gatherings to massive parties. It’s the whole package, with a rich history and excellent wine produced on-site.
Collingrove Homestead
Collingrove Homestead, a national trust historic homestead, is cosy and private, making it a wonderful location for a wedding. Collingrove, in the centre of the Barossa Valley, offers a number of beautiful settings for nuptials, from rural paddocks to groomed gardens to century-old trees to a gazebo. Lovely!
Conclusion
We hope this list helps you narrow down your options for a stately house wedding location in Australia. You should do your homework before deciding because each of these places has its own advantages and disadvantages. Finally, remember to book ahead of time because many of these locations are in high demand.
Content Summary
- Abbey Of The Roses, WarwickThe Abbey of the Roses in Warwick is a beautiful wedding venue since it is a grand three-story sandstone manor house erected in 1891.
- Jimbour House, Darling DownsThis historically significant Jimbour House, which has been around since 1876, is the ideal venue for your wedding.
- Milton Park, BowralThe old rural estate of Milton Park Estate dates back to the early 1800s, and it has now been transformed into a beautiful five-star hotel.
- Gabbinbar Homestead, ToowoombaOne of the most stunning wedding locations in Australia is the Gabbinbar Homestead near Toowoomba.
- The farmhouse has several beautiful and historic areas that may be used for the wedding ceremony and reception, including a ballroom, a library, a parlour, a front porch, and a courtyard.
- Glengariff Historic EstateOne of Australia’s oldest privately owned residences, the 139-year-old Glengariff Historic Estate in the Brisbane Hinterland has been in the same family for six generations.
- The estate is able to accommodate both the wedding and the reception, and it offers a wide range of wedding packages and venues to accommodate the preferences of the happy couple.
- Gunabul Homestead, GympieThe Gunabul Homestead in Gympie is a fantastic location for any type of celebration.
- The Woodlands of Marburg, which was constructed in 1890 but was not open to the public until the turn of the century, is a highly coveted spot for wedding ceremonies.
- The plantation-style estate features a century-old church, a vista over the Rose Hill valley, a vineyard, and other outdoor garden locations for wedding ceremonies.
- Rose & Crown HotelThe Rose & Crown Hotel, located in Perth’s historic Guildford district, is one of Western Australia’s oldest hotels, having opened its doors some 175 years ago.
- The wedding venue is exquisite, and it can accommodate anything from 40 to 160 guests.
- New Norcia Hotel, New NorciaBuilt-in 1927 in the shade of gum trees and looking over the nearby township, the New Norcia Hotel is no ordinary wedding setting.
- Hopewood HousePrivately owned and located about 90 minutes from Sydney, Homewood House at Bowral was built in 1884.
- The estate, with its rich architectural heritage and acres of invigorating gardens, is well suited for a traditional wedding in the breathtaking NSW Southern Highlands area.
- Lauriston HouseThe luxurious Lauriston House, built in 1887, is a historically listed building and one of the most sought-after locations in all of Sydney for wedding receptions.
- Curzon HallSydney’s Curzon Hall, in the neighbourhood of Marsfield, is the perfect venue for a wedding celebration fit for a princess.
- Stanley ParkStanley Park, a spectacular waterfront estate constructed in the 1890s, is one of the rare options for wedding reception locations.
- The Fernhill Estate, a landmark in Penrith since its construction in the 1830s, is a beautiful setting for a wedding.
- With its sandstone home and vast rural gardens, Fernhill is widely regarded as one of Australia’s finest and most prestigious country estates.
- Peppers Manor House, Southern HighlandsLocated in New South Wales’ Southern Highlands, the Peppers Manor House is a true country manor with a rich history and a reputation for hospitality.
- A wedding at Peppers Manor House, with its beautifully restored manor and picturesque grounds, offers a wide range of options for the bride and groom, their guests, and the event’s overall aesthetic.
- Cropley House, Baulkham HillsCropley House is a popular wedding location in Western Sydney due to its classically designed architecture and beautiful grounds.
- Saumarex Homestead, ArmidaleThe Saumarez Homestead is a two-story, thirty-room Edwardian home in Armidale, New South Wales’ tablelands.
- The Saumarez Homestead is unparalleled when it comes to hosting a genuine Australian country wedding.
- Elizabeth Bay HouseThere was a time when the Elizabeth Bay House in early Sydney was the most luxurious residence in the colony.
- Elizabeth Bay House is one of Sydney’s most underrated wedding locations, and for good reason: it overlooks Sydney Harbour and is just the right size for smaller ceremonies and receptions.
- Terrara House EstateThe Terrara House Estate, on the south coast of New South Wales (NSW), may be the idyllic rural wedding destination you’ve been searching for.
- KoendiddaKoendidda Country House, a two-story Victorian home with a rich history, may be found at the end of a tree-lined lane in North-East Victoria.
- Although it’s one of the more modern buildings on this list (it was built as a bed & breakfast in 1998), guests nonetheless report feeling immersed in a classic atmosphere.
- This residence on the Mornington Peninsula was designed to evoke the stately estates of the American Northeast.
- Campbell Point HouseCampbell Point House is a magnificent beachfront mansion hidden away amid the Bellarine Peninsula’s quiet villages.
- It’s a fantastic wedding destination, and it’s only a short drive from Melbourne, therefore it’s only accessible for private hiring.
- Rippon Lea EstateAs one of Australia’s major suburban estates, the National Heritage-listed Rippon Lea House deserves special recognition.
- This wedding site is beautiful and about ten kilometres from Melbourne.
- Normanby HouseAs it only hosts one wedding each day, The Normanby House is one of Melbourne’s most sought-after and exclusive wedding locations.
- The Normanby home was built in the early 1900s and is conveniently positioned just 15 minutes from Melbourne’s central business district, making it an ideal venue for a traditional wedding.
- Grange Bellinzona, Hepburn SpringsGrange Bellinzona, located in the picturesque and historic town of Hepburn Springs, is a beautiful, heritage-style home that blends in perfectly with its surroundings.
- The Convent, DaylesfordThe Convent is a one-of-a-kind wedding location that sits atop Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens and looks out over beautiful Daylesford.
- The versatility and beauty of this location make it ideal for any occasion.
- The grounds of the Eynesbury Homestead make a picture-perfect backdrop for a wedding and celebration.
- The property’s lush gardens are a popular venue for ceremonies, and the estate provides several picturesque backdrops for wedding party photos.
- There’s bound to be a wedding package that suits your needs among the many that are available.
- Overnewton CastleIt may seem strange that an Australian couple would be married in a castle, yet that is exactly what you can do at Overnewton Castle.
- This historic mansion was built in 1849 and is on a sprawling estate with gorgeous grounds, making it an ideal location for a wedding.
- All of your guests will have a wonderful time at your wedding because of the beautiful setting and the abundance of natural light.
- Werribee Park, WerribeeThe Werribee Park Mansion Hotel & Spa provides a picture-perfect setting for a wedding.
- Montsalvat, ElthamMontsalvat has a rich history and distinctive architecture, making it one of Australia’s earliest and most prominent artist colonies.
- Grand Pacific HotelThe Grand Pacific Hotel, a Victoria landmark since its 1875 construction and renowned for its panoramic ocean views, can be found just across from Lorne Pier.
- Como HouseThe National Trust’s Como House and Garden is a beautiful and informative look into local history.
- The colonial home and the wonderfully planted grounds provide a stunning backdrop for weddings.
- Billilla MansionThe Billilla Ancient Mansion in Brighton is one of Melbourne’s most exclusive residences, and it is also a wonderful historical site with a stunning formal garden and historic mansion.
- Even though it’s just around a 15-minute drive from the heart of Adelaide, Carrick Hill is a major cultural destination because to its substantial heritage building and over 40 hectares of grounds with gardens and native woodlands.
- It’s a great all-in-one spot for weddings, with options for both the ceremony and the reception.
- Kingsford HomesteadKingsford Homestead, located only 45 minutes from Adelaide, is one of the newest and most beautiful wedding locations in the Barossa.
- Anlaby HouseThe unique Anlaby House is in a prime location for visitors to the tourist hotspots of Kapunda, the Barossa Valley, and Clare.
- One location to consider for a wedding is this gorgeous manor home surrounded by 10 acres of grounds complete with shade buildings, glasshouses, rose gardens, and tiered lawns.
- Ayers HouseLocated on the main thoroughfare of Adelaide, near to the Botanic Garden, Ayers House is a boutique wedding venue that exemplifies the sophistication of the city.
- The 160-year-old, architecturally notable home is in the ideal location for a wedding and features many spectacular event spaces.
- Seppeltsfield WineryAmong the world’s finest vacation spots, Seppeltsfield is among the very best.
- Collingrove HomesteadCollingrove Homestead, a national trust historic homestead, is cosy and private, making it a wonderful location for a wedding.
- Collingrove, in the centre of the Barossa Valley, offers a number of beautiful settings for nuptials, from rural paddocks to groomed gardens to century-old trees to a gazebo.
FAQs About Wedding Venue In Australia
How Much Does A Wedding Venue Cost In Australia?
Australia’s average wedding venue cost is $6,000, with most couples spending between $3,000 to $11,000. These are only averages, and pricing varies widely depending on whether in-house catering is included.
Who Pays For The Wedding In Australia?
According to tradition, the bride and her family should cover most expenses, including the bride’s dress, venue hire, cake, decorations and other services. The groom’s main responsibilities are to pay for the engagement ring, honeymoon, and the bride’s flowers.
Do You Pay For Guests At Destination Weddings?
Guests should be expected to pay for their transport to the destination wedding, whether a plane ticket, train ticket, a tank of gas, etc. Also, guests cover their hotel room stay, although the bride and groom may be able to arrange a discounted price when booking the wedding package at the hotel.
What Percentage Of The Wedding Budget Should Be The Venue?
The biggest chunk of your wedding budget will go to the biggest investment, often the venue. Our study found that couples typically spend about 30% of their overall budget on the setting of their weddings.
What Does The Bride’s Family Pay For At A Wedding?
Nowadays, perhaps a sweet grandmother offers to purchase your gown, or perhaps you’re paying for it on your own. But, of course, the bride’s family also pays for big-ticket items such as a wedding planner, the bachelorette party, and ceremony reception costs (music, guest favours, rentals, etc.).
