Best Engagement Party Venues Melbourne for Hire

Congrats on your upcoming nuptials! Before you get into the logistical marathon of planning a wedding, it’s time to celebrate your newly minted engagement. Melbourne has hundreds of the best engagement party venues to celebrate your special event, each with its distinctive style and personality. From swish cocktail bars to modern blank canvas venues to waterfront warehouses, VenueNow will help you find and book your perfect engagement party venue Melbourne has to offer.

What should I consider before hiring a Melbourne engagement party venue? 

Hosting an engagement party isn’t a requirement, but it's a brilliant way to share the news of your upcoming wedding and to practise planning your big day before the real deal. Read our Engagement Party FAQs so you'll be sure to have all the answers before you start venue hunting.

As you look for a venue for engagement party in Melbourne, keep these things in mind:

Your event type

What type of event are you planning? Are you envisioning a glamorous cocktail party or a casual get-together with friends and family in one of those restaurants with award-winning menus? Knowing the type of event you want will help you narrow down your options for engagement party venues in Melbourne. Consider the atmosphere you want to create and think about how the venue can cater to your specific event style.

Your must-haves

Would you like to work with a caterer or an event stylist of your choice? Don’t forget to ask if the engagement party venue permits external catering and bringing in your own suppliers. Do you need Melbourne event planning specialists for your event? Do you want the party venue set up a certain way? Check with the events team before you book an event stylist and pay for any decor. Don’t worry, though — most venue managers will be more than happy to accommodate requests for engagement parties!

Your budget

Weddings can get pretty expensive, so you probably don’t want to spend too much on your engagement party and then have to scrimp on your big day. Determine a reasonable budget for your engagement party, keep your guest list reasonable, then stay on track by planning your party for the offseason so that you can get a discounted rate. To save even further, don’t forget to compare prices! At VenueNow, you can easily browse engagement party venues by price and view available venue packages with just a few clicks.

The venue’s facilities

Will you need a projector for an audio-visual presentation? Or DJ equipment? Maybe you want a blank canvas space that has a kitchen for food prep or function space with an adjoining courtyard? Make a list of what you need for your engagement party to run smoothly and make sure your venue has them before you book. If you're planning a cocktail-style event , you might want to consider a venue that offers a fully equipped bar and cocktail lounge area. On the other hand, if you're planning a sit-down dinner, make sure the venue has enough tables and chairs to accommodate your guests comfortably.

The location

Your engagement party venue doesn’t need to be in the same city or even the same state as your wedding venue, but it should be convenient for most of your guests. If you’re inviting out-of-towners, look for a centrally located hotel with plenty of parking or public transport options nearby.

The capacity

Your party size is an important factor to consider when choosing an engagement party venue in Melbourne. Hosting your wedding at one of Melbourne's premier wedding venues means you'll have to accommodate a large number of guests, but an engagement party is a more intimate affair. You can get away with booking a smaller venue for your engagement party, which will also save you money. Just make sure the venue can comfortably seat all of your guests!

Best types of engagement party venues in Melbourne 

Melbourne is home to some of the most spectacular indoor and outdoor spaces that are brilliant for engagement parties. Here are some Melbourne engagement party venues we love:

Blank canvas venues

Incredibly versatile and just waiting to be transformed into the engagement party venue your heart desires. Customisable function spaces like lofts and warehouses make excellent venues for cocktail events and other gatherings. There are loads of these airy renovated party venues in Melbourne that are the perfect space to celebrate your special occasion, with flexible space to be easily customised to your liking.

Waterfront venues

River or bay views make the perfect backdrop for engagement party photos! There’s a huge variety of private waterfront party venues in Melbourne that offer views of the gorgeous coastline and that you can hire for your dream engagement party. Enjoy the natural beauty and serenity of Melbourne's waterfront while celebrating this special milestone in your life.

Bars

For casual engagement parties, take advantage of the many unique bars around Melbourne’s lovely city. Many of these venues offer a minimum spend option with no venue hire fees, delicious cocktails and provide in-house catering, which will make engagement party planning much more convenient — and budget-friendly too! One of the perks of choosing a bar as your engagement party venue is the presence of expert staff. These venues have experienced bartenders who are skilled in crafting delicious cocktails and providing exceptional service. They can help you create a customised drinks menu that suits your preferences and ensure that your guests are well taken care of throughout the event.

Pubs

Melbourne pubs are an outstanding choice for engagement parties, offering a budget-friendly and lively atmosphere to celebrate love. Renowned for their welcoming vibe and energetic settings, these pubs boast an extensive range of tap beers, catering to a variety of preferences and adding a special flair to any event. With versatile spaces ranging from cozy corners to spacious beer gardens, Melbourne pubs can accommodate both small and large gatherings. Their affordability and relaxed charm make them a popular option for those seeking a memorable engagement party, where guests can enjoy excellent food, drinks, and a warm ambience without overspending.

Rooftop Venues

Enjoy captivating views of Melbourne's skyline at these stunning rooftop engagement party venues. Whether you're looking for a chic and trendy space or a romantic and intimate setting, there is a rooftop venue in Melbourne that will suit your style. In addition to the beautiful city views, this ambient space often offers amenities such as open-air seating, stylish decor, and state-of-the-art sound systems. Hosting your engagement party on a rooftop provides a unique and memorable experience for you and your guests.

Boats

If you want to celebrate your engagement on the water, there are lots of boats and yachts for hire in Melbourne. These floating party venues come complete with everything you need for an unforgettable experience, from a fully stocked bar to a dance floor. This premier Melbourne event venue is perfect for those who love the water and want to celebrate their engagement in a truly unique way. Your dream wedding and engagement party can become a reality on a luxurious boat or yacht.

Hotels

For a classic engagement party with all the bells and whistles, look no further than Melbourne’s luxury hotels. An elegant hotel wedding venue is the ideal venue to ensure your guests have a 5-star experience, with dedicated staff to ensure your guests have an event from the moment they arrive until the very end of your special night. With adaptable spaces, customisable, all-inclusive packages and impeccable service, hotels in Melbourne offer a sophisticated and seamless engagement party experience.

Private Dining Spaces

For engagement party celebrants who want to keep the event private in an intimate space with just their closest family and friends, there are many private dining venues in Melbourne. Private dining spaces usually have a range of packages featuring delicious food, bespoke menus, drinks and a great experience.

Restaurants

The perfect engagement party venue if you like a more social affair or if you’re inviting a large number of people to the engagement party. Restaurants offer great options for food with the ability to personalise a menu to your dietary requirements, and customisable beverage packages, plus they come with a knowledgeable and dedicated team who can transform your engagement party venue in Melbourne into a dream celebration. Restaurants also tend to have the option to hire the entire venue, giving you the ability to celebrate in your own private space. Your dream event will be brought to life in the intimate and stylish settings of Melbourne's favourite restaurant hires.

Galleries and museums

If you’re looking for an engagement party venue with a difference, how about a gallery or museum? Melbourne is home to some of the most spectacular art galleries and museums in Australia, many of which offer private event hire. This elegant wedding reception venue is ideal for more sophisticated or themed engagement parties.

Top neighbourhoods in Melbourne to find engagement party venues

Looking for an engagement party venue in the capital city of Victoria? Start your search in these neighbourhoods: 

Melbourne CBD

One of the things Melbourne is best known for is its abundance of charming little alleyways that house some of the most unique eateries, bars and engagement party venues. Melbourne CBD is the perfect location for those who want to be in the thick of the action and have their engagement party close to public transport. Whether you’re looking for a venue in Melbourne that is fancy or quirky, large or small, you’ll be sure to find it in the heart of the city!

Southbank

Southbank, situated along the beautiful Yarra River, is the perfect spot for an engagement party, combining urban elegance with breathtaking river views. This lively area is famous for its diverse dining options, featuring top-tier restaurants, outdoor terrace spaces and stylish bars, suitable for both intimate and large-scale celebrations. In a convenient location close to the city centre, Southbank provides easy access to luxury hotels and cultural attractions, ensuring a memorable experience for all guests. The charming riverside promenade, decorated with captivating public art and vibrant entertainment, sets a romantic tone, making Southbank Melbourne the perfect choice for an unforgettable engagement party.

Port Melbourne

Dotted with beautiful spaces for private hire and boasting panoramic views of Port Phillip Bay, Port Melbourne is the place to go for waterfront engagement party venues. It’s close enough to the city centre that your guests won’t mind the drive.

South Yarra

Known as one of Melbourne’s hippest suburbs, South Yarra, situated south east of the CBD, is chock full of stylish venues that we know you’ll love. From elegant cocktail lounges to swanky bistros, enjoy the very best engagement party venues in this neighbourhood.

Collingwood

If you’re on the hunt for an industrial-chic engagement party venue in Melbourne, then look no further than Collingwood. This inner-city suburb is home to many raw and edgy spaces that can be hired for private events.

Fitzroy

Fitzroy is one of Melbourne’s most creative neighbourhoods and is teeming with personality. It’s the perfect place to host an Engagement party that is a little bit different, with many one-of-a-kind bars and restaurants to choose from.

St Kilda

Looking for an iconic beachside engagement venue In Melbourne, Victoria? Look no further than St Kilda, home to some awesome engagement party venues in Melbourne. With its sandy beaches, colourful nightlife and trendy cafes, this is one neighbourhood you and your guests will love!

South Melbourne

Like the CBD, South Melbourne is filled with many small laneways where you’ll find hip cafes and pubs, art galleries, top-rated eateries and more. 

Brighton Beach

Another popular engagement party venue in Melbourne is Brighton Beach. Located in the southeastern suburbs of Melbourne, Brighton Beach offers a stunning backdrop of golden sand and crystal-clear waters.

Yarra Valley

If a romantic venue is what you’re after, you can’t go wrong with the wineries and estates that dot the Yarra Valley. The area is also filled with stunning venues with enchanting settings for a dreamy wedding.

South Wharf

If you're looking for a unique engagement party venue in Melbourne, consider South Wharf. Located along the Yarra River, South Wharf offers a picturesque backdrop for your celebration. Many venues in this area offer stunning waterfront views and stylish event spaces.

East Melbourne

Another neighbourhood in Melbourne that offers unique engagement party venues is East Melbourne. This charming area is known for its leafy streets, historic buildings, and tranquil parks. It provides a romantic and intimate setting for your special celebration.

How to plan an engagement party in Melbourne

Throwing an engagement party is a great way to share the happy news with your closest friends and family. It also gives you an opportunity to introduce your families (if they haven’t met) and your bridal party. As you start looking for engagement venues in Melbourne, keep these things in mind: 

The weather

Rooftop cocktail events are perfect for celebrating an engagement, but Melbourne’s crazy weather can quickly derail your outdoor party plans. Before you confirm your venue, make sure they have contingencies in place for bad weather. Many rooftop spaces have retractable roofs or umbrellas, as well as heating to keep you comfortable any day of the year.

The theme

Your engagement party doesn’t have to match your wedding theme, but it should reflect your personalities. A beach-themed engagement party might be perfect if you’re getting married by the sea, while a vintage-inspired party would be lovely for a couple who loves all things old-fashioned. Extravagant cocktail parties are a great choice for couples who love glamour and sophistication. Consider what styles and themes resonate with both of you and choose a venue that can accommodate your vision.

For more inspiration, check out these 9 Engagement Party Themes and Venues to Match.

Catering options

A formal engagement party calls for a seated multi-course meal, but there are plenty of alternatives that won’t break the bank. If you want to lower the budget, you can host a cocktail party with a selection of appetisers instead of serving a full meal. Buffets or chef-attended food stations are also great alternatives. 

Food trucks are super fun, but you’ll need a venue with enough space to make this option work. Similarly, if you prefer to have food stations, keep in mind that you’ll need ample space and extra tables. If you choose waiter service, make sure there’s enough room in your chosen venue for the servers to navigate.

A delectable menu is an important aspect of any engagement party. Melbourne is known for its diverse culinary scene, so take advantage of the city's many catering options. From gourmet canapés to elaborate grazing tables, there is something to suit every palate.

Setting the scene

Your party can be as casual or as lavish as you want. But no matter what theme you choose for your engagement bash, it all boils down to creating a festive vibe. Moody lighting care of candles and fairy lights give the event a sultry feel whilst floral arrangements, even simple ones, can really make everything look more romantic and elegant. Your wedding experience starts with the engagement party, and setting the scene is crucial to create an atmosphere that reflects your style and excitement for the upcoming nuptials. Melbourne offers a plethora of stunning venues that can cater to different preferences and budgets, ensuring that you find the perfect place to celebrate your memorable occasion.

Look beyond the usual engagement party venues

Pubs, hotel function rooms, private dining rooms and gardens make great engagement party venues. But you don’t have to limit yourself to these choices. An unexpected venue, such as a karaoke bar, a skating rink or a food truck yard can make your engagement party truly unforgettable.

What are the most popular engagement party venues in Melbourne?

Your engagement party venue will depend on your guest size, budget and the kind of vibe you’re trying to create. To kickstart your venue hunt, check out these top spots for engagement parties:

Hophaus

Hophaus boasts breathtaking views of the river and cityscape, featuring multiple event spaces such as a spacious bar, dining area, and a terrace that overlooks Melbourne—perfect for both corporate and social events. This distinctive venue is characterised by its art deco architecture, a scenic waterfront terrace, and a renowned assortment of both local and international beers, establishing it as a premier destination for private celebrations and relaxed dining experiences. With exceptional service and a vibrant atmosphere, Hophaus is an ideal engagement party venue in Melbourne.

La Di Da

La Di Da stands as a multifaceted venue nestled in the bustling heart of Melbourne's CBD. This establishment boasts an array of offerings, from a vibrant dance floor and exquisite dining options to crafted cocktails and diverse private cocktail function spaces, including an elegant cocktail bar, an exclusive dining area, and a lively nightclub. Its sophisticated yet welcoming ambience makes it the perfect setting for a variety of events, ranging from professional corporate gatherings and birthday party occasions to intimate special celebrations. Conveniently located near Southern Cross train station, La Di Da caters to all event needs with style and ease.

Temperance Hotel

Nestled in the vibrant heart of South Yarra along Chapel Street, the Temperance Hotel seamlessly blends modern aesthetics with distinctive allure. This premier venue boasts a range of versatile spaces ideal for everything from cozy dinners to grand festivities. With options for both indoor and outdoor gatherings, it caters flawlessly to diverse events including birthdays, corporate gatherings, and more. Enhanced by features such as live music, DJ nights, and happy hour deals, the Temperance Hotel offers an unmatched setting for a special occasion.

Little Lon Distilling Co

Nestled within a historic 1877 red brick cottage in the heart of Melbourne's CBD, Little Lon Distilling Co. pays homage to the area's colourful history, once known as the city's slums and red light district, by crafting exquisite small-batch gins. Every bottle is a tribute to Melbourne's vibrant spirit, weaving together history, nostalgia, and the essence of the city into a meticulously distilled spirit that continues the area's legacy.

Rokeby 100

Rokeby 100 stands as a versatile, contemporary industrial venue located in Collingwood, perfectly suited for a diverse range of events including engagement parties, weddings, birthdays, and corporate gatherings. This venue boasts excellent public transport connectivity and is equipped with features like a full container height roller door to facilitate effortless setup. Moreover, Rokeby 100 partners with leading industry experts to customise the space according to the unique requirements of each event. Perfect for other events too. Whether you're planning a birthday bash, product launch, or another private function, Rokeby 100 is an ideal choice.

Harbour Kitchen

Harbour Kitchen, nestled in Melbourne's vibrant Docklands, offers unparalleled waterfront views that encompass the new harbour, the city's skyline, Marvel Stadium, and the Bolte Bridge. Since opening its doors, it has rapidly risen in popularity as a choice venue. The space is versatile, featuring customisable catering options and elegant decor, making it perfectly suited for a range of events from corporate meetings to private parties. Its prime location, attentive staff and flexible facilities further enhance the appeal, ensuring a memorable experience for all attendees.

Hopscotch Melbourne

Celebrate your engagement in style at Hopscotch Melbourne. Hopscotch Melbourne is the perfect venue to celebrate your engagement in style. Located in Southbank, this trendy and vibrant venue offers a unique and unforgettable experience for you and your guests. With its modern and funky interior, Hopscotch Melbourne provides a fun and energetic atmosphere that will set the tone for a memorable engagement party. The venue boasts multiple spaces including a spacious indoor area, a rooftop terrace, and a lively beer garden. Whether you're looking to host an intimate gathering or a larger celebration, Hopscotch Melbourne has the flexibility to accommodate your needs.

Yarra Botanica

Another popular engagement party venue in Melbourne is Yarra Botanica. A two-level floating bar and eatery on the Yarra River in the heart of Southbank, Yarra Botanica offers a unique and picturesque setting for your engagement party. With its stunning views of Melbourne's skyline and the Yarra River, this venue creates a romantic and magical atmosphere that will leave a lasting impression on your guests.

How much does it cost to hire an engagement party venue in Melbourne?

Event space hire rates vary widely depending on the location and the capacity of the venue, as well as the amenities available. For a smaller engagement party, you may want to set aside at least 0 for the venue. For a larger gathering, venue hire can go as high as ,000 (or more, depending on the type of venue).

Minimum spend

Many engagement venues work on a minimum spend basis, which means you only need to pay a certain amount for food and drinks to secure the space for your event. Expect to pay a minimum spend rate of about ,000 — again, this depends on the location, the venue capacity and the menu.

Bar hire

If you’re looking to host your engagement party at a bar, you’re in luck. Bar hire can be priced according to a per person fee, minimum spend or a package rate.

Event packages

Venue packages typically include a set food and drinks menu, though some venues also include additional event services like entertainment and venue setup in the price. It’s up to you to decide which is most economical and convenient based on your guest size.

Looking for an elegant wedding venue?

Do you want an events venue that is modern and stylish? Or one with a view of the ocean? Maybe you're looking for a venue by the beach?

There are many different types of engagement party venues in Melbourne with engagement party packages, so it's important to do your research before making a decision, finding the perfect function venues for your event can be tricky. But don't worry, we've got you covered!

VenueNow has a wide range of engagement party venues to choose from all around Melbourne, so you're sure to find the perfect place for your event!

Check out our website now and browse through our comprehensive list of engagement party venues in Melbourne. We've got all the information you need to help you host the perfect event, including venue photos, capacity information, price guides and more!

You can also get in touch with our team of experts to discuss your event requirements and get expert advice on planning the perfect engagement party, corporate event and everything in between!