Iconic Christening Venues in Melbourne

A christening is one of the first milestones you’ll celebrate for your child and it’s one of the most meaningful. It’s a chance to gather your dearest for a day to celebrate your bundle of joy and a way to celebrate is finding the right venue that can set the tone, helping you create something personal without the stress.

The good news is, Melbourne has no shortage of beautiful spots. Here’s how to find one that fits your vision.

What’s a Typical Christening Celebration Like?

Most christenings start with a ceremony. For traditional baptisms, this usually means a church service with prayers, blessings, and the baptism itself. If you’re planning a naming or dedication day instead, you’ve got more flexibility because it can often be held at your reception venue.

After the formalities, it’s time to celebrate. Families usually gather for lunch or an afternoon meal, with time to relax, reconnect, and take lots of photos. Guest numbers can vary too. Some families keep it to 20 or 30 close relatives, while others invite 50 or more. Expect food, a few short speeches, and often a keepsake table or a cake-cutting moment to mark the occasion.

Where to Host a Christening in Melbourne

Finding the right venue can make all the difference. You’ll want a place that feels relaxed, welcoming, and easy for guests of all ages.

Private dining rooms are a smart pick. In Melbourne CBD and South Yarra, you’ll find elegant spaces where you can enjoy a set menu without worrying about the details. These are perfect if you’re heading straight from a morning ceremony and want a polished, easy lunch.

Gardens and cafes are another great option. In Fitzroy and St Kilda, you’ll find plenty of laid-back venues with greenery, open-air seating, and a more casual vibe. Some even allow you to style the space yourself or bring in your own dessert table.

If you’re planning a larger gathering, small event spaces and boutique venues give you more flexibility. Just make sure the space is pram-friendly, accessible for older guests, and has a few quiet corners for toddlers who might need a nap.

What’s on the Menu? 

Daytime celebrations call for food that’s fresh, easygoing, and crowd-pleasing.

Set menus are a popular choice for christenings, usually sitting around $65 to $85 per person. Most include shared starters, mains, and a dessert. Drinks can be added as a package or charged to a tab, depending on how formal you want the day to feel.

If you want something more relaxed, a grazing table is a perfect fit. It looks great, encourages guests to mingle, and gives people the flexibility to eat when they’re ready. Some venues offer grazing tables in their packages, while others let you bring in your own caterer.

It’s also smart to check if the venue can handle dietary needs. Most venues in Melbourne will happily cater for vegan, gluten-free, or kid-friendly options, just let them know in advance. 

How Much Should You Expect to Spend For A Christening

The average cost for a christening venue in Melbourne is about $70 per person, with some places offering packages from $55 and others reaching $85 for a more premium experience.

Instead of a venue hire fee, most places work on a minimum spend model, you’ll need to meet that amount through your food and drink selections combined.

There are a few easy ways to manage your budget. Hosting a lunchtime event instead of dinner usually costs less and suits a christening’s feel anyway. Sundays can also be cheaper than Saturdays since they’re less competitive for bookings. Another option is choosing a venue that allows BYO catering or drinks, giving you more control (and sometimes a lot of savings!)

Before you sign anything, make sure you know exactly what’s included. Some venues bundle in extras like basic styling, AV equipment, or flowers. Others might charge separately for things like corkage, so it’s worth getting a clear breakdown.

Getting Around: Picking a Venue That Hits The Spot

When you’re inviting family and friends from different parts of Melbourne, location matters. It’s all about making the day easy and accessible for everyone.

Melbourne CBD is hard to beat if you want a central spot. There are plenty of churches nearby, lots of public transport options, and a range of venues for small and large gatherings.

South Yarra offers a stylish, polished feel. You’ll find gorgeous restaurants, boutique venues, and tree-lined streets that set a beautiful tone for the day.

Fitzroy brings a creative, relaxed energy, with charming cafes, courtyard spaces, and plenty of character-filled venues for a laid-back celebration.

St Kilda is a good pick if you want that casual, by-the-water vibe. It’s easygoing, bright, and ideal if you’re looking for semi-outdoor spaces.

Southbank is perfect for river views and central access, with plenty of parking options and venues that suit both intimate and larger events.

If parking or public transport is important for your group, double-check the options near your venue. Central Melbourne can get busy on weekends, so it’s worth planning ahead.

Start Your Venue Search

Melbourne CBD – Easy access to churches, restaurants, and transport, all in one central location.

South Yarra – Chic, stylish, and perfect for a polished, modern lunch or afternoon tea.

Fitzroy – Creative, relaxed, and full of hidden gems for a low-key but stylish gathering.

St Kilda – Beachy and fun, with open-air venues perfect for a bright, casual celebration.

Southbank – Scenic, central, and ideal if you want river views and a more polished feel without leaving the city.

Adding a Few Personal Touches

You don’t have to go big on styling to make the day memorable. A few thoughtful details can make a big difference.

Custom welcome signs, a small guestbook table, or printed prayer cards give the day a personal, polished feel without much effort. A colouring table or small toy station can keep younger guests happy while adults catch up.

The cake is an easy highlight too. A simple cake with your child’s name and the date can be the perfect centrepiece for photos and family memories.

It’s also nice to plan a short thank-you speech during lunch. It doesn’t have to be long or formal, just a few words to thank your guests and acknowledge the godparents and special people in your child’s life.

A Few Things to Double-Check Before You Book

Always try to visit the venue in person. It’s the best way to get a feel for the space and see if it fits your plans. Walk through the setup, check for pram access, bathroom facilities, and think about how the day will flow.

Ask about cancellation policies, overtime charges, and flexibility around your timeline. It’s better to know upfront than be surprised later.

And don’t be afraid to ask for tweaks to the package if needed. Most venues are happy to work with you to create a day that feels just right.

With a little planning, and the right space, your child’s christening will be a day full of joy, love, and memories you’ll treasure for years to come.

How much do Melbourne christening venues cost?

Based on VenueNow's historic data, on average, Melbourne christening venues cost between 50 per person and 75 per person. For example, a 100 person christening would cost approximately 5000-7500. Costs may differ based on your food and beverage requirements, AV requirements, event date and time and the type of venue you decide to book.

What are the top Melbourne christening venues?

Here are some of our favourite Melbourne christening venues:

• Ludlow Bar
• Harbour Kitchen
• La Di Da
• Teller Brunswick East
• Arts Centre Melbourne
• Aviary Hotel
• Eureka 89
• Berth
• The General Assembly
• The Cornerstone Port Melbourne

How do I find and book Melbourne christening venues?

Finding and booking a Melbourne christening venue is easy with VenueNow, simply follow these steps:1. Enter Melbourne as your location and christening as your event type into VenueNow's search engine.2. Narrow down your search results by entering more filters such as number of people, event date, room layout and budget.3. Send enquiries to venues to request pricing and availability (we recommend sending 3-5 enquiries to different venues to ensure you get the best price).4. Review your quotes and connect directly with your favourite venues to book a site visit and finalise your booking.5. Host your event!

How far in advance should I book a Melbourne christening venue?

On average, VenueNow customers book a Melbourne venue 90 days in advance of the event. For larger events and event dates in December we recommend allowing additional time as there may be limited availability.

Can VenueNow help me find a Melbourne christening venue?

We sure can! VenueNow's team of Venue Booking Experts can help you find the perfect venue, collect quotes from multiple venues on your behalf, negotiate the best price with venues and book venues, all for free. Simply send us your event brief and our team will be in contact with venue recommendations within 24-48 hours.