Top 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 choose from, 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 in Melbourne.

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. As you look for engagement party venues in Melbourne, keep these things in mind:

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 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, 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 a 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.

Best types of engagement party venues in Melbourne 

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

Blank canvas venues

Incredibly versatile and just waiting to be transformed into the engagement party venue your heart desires. Blank canvas 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 available for engagement parties, and they can be easily customised to your liking.

Waterfront venues

Ocean views make the best 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.

Bars

For casual engagement parties, take advantage of the many unique bars and pubs around Melbourne’s lovely city. Many of these venues offer a minimum spend option and provide in-house catering, which will make engagement party planning much more convenient — and budget-friendly too!

Private dining rooms

For engagement party celebrants who want to keep the event private and intimate with just their closest family and friends, there are many private dining venues in Melbourne. These restaurants come in all shapes and sizes, but they’re always available for engagement parties — no other guests permitted!

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 and drinks, plus they come with knowledgeable event stylists who can transform your engagement party venue in Melbourne into a dream celebration.

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 its abundance of charming little alleyways that house some of the most unique eateries, bars and engagement party venues. 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!

Port Melbourne

Dotted with beautiful event spaces for private hire and boasting stunning coastal views, 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 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.

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. 

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 for a dreamy wedding.

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.

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.

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. 

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: 

Grace Darling Hotel | Engagement Party Venue

A heritage venue infuses your event with old-world charm and sophistication. This beautiful 19th-century venue, Melbourne’s second oldest pub, is a culinary and cultural institution that also happens to offer several fabulous spaces for private functions. The restaurant and bar offers an array of catering options and beverage packages, all with a focus on locally produced food and beer. 

Captain Melville | Engagement Party Venue

Located in the city’s oldest public house, this popular after-work hangout and function space has all you need for a memorable engagement party. A light-filled indoor courtyard and a balcony bar make it ideal for large gatherings; while a 24-hour license ensures that you and your guests can party all night long. The venue comes with a dedicated events team to help you tailor the space to your vision and is conveniently located close to public transport and parking facilities.

Boatbuilders Yard | Engagement Party Venue

This expansive waterfront function venue and beer garden boasts multiple indoor and outdoor function spaces with a minimalist industrial look, making it a versatile spot for special functions. You and your guests will be treated to views of the river and the cityscape, as well as a quirky food and drinks menu that’s sure to delight.

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 $200 for the venue. For a larger gathering, venue hire can go as high as $20,000 (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 $5,000 — 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.