Some people spend their whole lives imagining what their wedding day will be like. It can be lavish, simple and pared-back, rustic or deeply romantic. Whatever the style you're opting for, you want your big day to be one-of-a-kind.

Melbourne is full of fabulous wedding venues, each with its own unique selling point. From the heart of the CBD to the coastal fringes and Yarra Valley, VenueNow can help you find and book a truly unforgettable wedding venue.

Best Melbourne neighbourhoods for weddings

From its eclectic suburbs packed with hipper-than-hip restaurants to its gorgeous coastal surrounds, brides and grooms are spoilt for choice in Melbourne. Here are some top suburbs to find our favourite wedding venues:

Melbourne City Wedding Venues

Melbourne CBD is an excellent place to have a wedding and features some of the best wedding reception venues in the state. There are lots of event venues with all different styles and themes. The CBD is full of some of Melbourne's premier wedding venues and is the perfect location because it has something for everyone, from elegant reception halls with 180-degree views of the Melbourne city skyline to locations with an intimate wedding venue. You're spoilt for choice in this vibrant city!

Yarra Valley

The Yarra Valley is the perfect place for an intimate, picturesque wedding. It is the perfect location because it has something for everyone. With its gorgeous wineries, country charm and landscaped gardens, there are many unique experiences in this region of Australia. The quality of this region makes it ideal for a memorable event.

Port Melbourne

Port Melbourne is a suburb of the city of Melbourne and features a number of stunning wedding venues. It is close to the CBD and has many scenic locations that double as stylish wedding venues. Port Melbourne is one of those places you can’t help but fall in love with, from its beautiful beaches to its friendly locals and picturesque architecture. With so much on offer for your big day, it's no wonder this seaside town attracts such a wide variety of couples looking for their perfect venue. Whether you want something chic and modern or laid-back coastal cool, Port Melbourne offers an eclectic range of ceremony and reception spaces that will be memorable long after your special day has come and gone.

Mornington Peninsula

Breathtaking views, pristine beaches and a relaxed coastal lifestyle await those who choose to marry on the Mornington Peninsula, a dream wedding venue location. Wedding ceremonies can be held at beautiful outdoor locations such as The Strand Hotel or Booran Estate Vineyard.

St. Kilda

This Melbourne suburb, located just a short tram ride from the city centre, offers urban meeting places for those seeking a quintessential Melbourne wedding day at a gorgeous wedding venue. Wedding venues in St Kilda range from exclusive spaces such as The Terrace Hotel to more intimate locales like The Queenscliff Hotel or Annie’s Lane Wedding Barn.

Port Phillip Bay

For a seaside bash with that extra touch of glamour, consider an event at one of Melbourne’s many waterfront venues with views of Port Phillip Bay. Wedding celebrations can take place on the beach at a picturesque wedding venue or a hotel with stunning views of the bay.

Aireys Inlet

If you prefer seclusion and privacy to grandeur, head out into Victoria’s stunning coastal surrounds to Aireys Inlet. For a truly unique wedding reception consider one of the area's award-winning restaurants or on a picturesque bushland backdrop.

Best Wedding Venue Styles

Hotel Wedding Venues Melbourne

A grand ballroom at a luxury hotel is an excellent venue for a wedding ceremony and reception. Wedding ceremonies can be held in the ballroom itself or on a nearby outdoor deck. Wedding receptions can take place inside the hotel's grand lobby area, which is often adorned with crystal chandeliers and plush furniture. If you're looking for large wedding venues Melbourne can offer, the InterContinental Hotel Melbourne, the Hyatt Melbourne and the Brighton Savoy are all popular choices.

Small Wedding Venues Melbourne

Small wedding venues are great for brides and grooms that are more fond of intimate weddings with a lower number of wedding guests. The great thing about small wedding venues is that they are often better-priced wedding venues than some of the larger more extravagant wedding venues Melbourne has to offer.

By limiting the number of guests and bridal party at your wedding and choosing intimate wedding reception venues, you'll not only save yourself a bunch of money but also stress less, which is important on your special day!

Rustic Wedding Venues Melbourne

Rustic weddings are a very popular choice for many couples these days. This is because they have the ability to be both rustic and elegant at the same time. Rustic wedding venues provide an opportunity for you to get creative with your wedding reception décor, while still being able to incorporate some of that traditional elegance into it as well.

Rustic style has many different meanings and can range from country chic, which is what most people think of when they hear "rustic," all the way through to something like a log cabin or barn-style rustics. No matter what kind of rustic wedding venue Melbourne you choose there will be ways in which you can mix up that country feel with more modern touches such as crystal chandeliers

Unique Wedding Venues Melbourne

If you're looking to hold your dream wedding in the perfect wedding venue then you'll want to book something a bit more unique. Weddings are an event that is supposed to be one of the most special moments in a person's life, so it only makes sense that you want your wedding venue to be perfect. But if you're struggling with finding the right place for your big day, don't worry - there are plenty of unique venues out there just waiting for you!

Indoor Wedding Venues Melbourne

As the Melbourne weather is so unpredictable, many couples are turning to indoor wedding venues in order to get married.

The best indoor wedding venues are often those which feature a lot of natural light and have the ability to hold ceremonies and reception all in one spot. That means there's no need to worry about getting dressed up for two different events or dealing with inclement weather on your special day.

Another great aspect of an indoor wedding is that it gives you more options when it comes to décor. With outdoor weddings, you're limited by what Mother Nature will allow - but inside a building, there are no limitations on how much creativity you can inject into the event!

Garden Wedding Venues Melbourne

Holding a wedding ceremony and reception on the grounds of Melbourne's Royal Botanic Gardens is an idyllic way to celebrate with friends and family. Wedding ceremonies are held at either the Edwardian Band Rotunda or under one of the many archways along paths throughout the gardens, while receptions are typically hosted on grassy lawns near fountains or near the popular Wedding Tree.

Church Wedding Venues Melbourne

A sweet chapel wedding ceremony in a historic church is perfect for couples looking to keep things simple without neglecting their religious roots. Holding your church ceremony and wedding reception at a historic church in Melbourne is a memorable way to celebrate. Wedding ceremonies are typically held in the church's sanctuary, while receptions take place inside or outside on grand lawns.

Winery Wedding Venues Melbourne

Weddings in Melbourne are all about the location and there's something so romantic about getting married at a vineyard or winery. Wineries are the ultimate wedding venue because they often have beautiful grounds with a stunning backdrop of picturesque scenery, allowing you to enjoy your big day without having to worry too much about decorations or other arrangements.

Cafe Wedding Venues Melbourne

With Melbourne being the café centre of Australia, it is naturally full of lots of cool, quirky and unique wedding reception venues, perfect for a wedding on a budget. In fact, cafés are some of the most affordable wedding venues Melbourne has to offer,

Blank Canvas Art Gallery Wedding Venues Melbourne

The blank canvas of a gallery is the perfect place for an unforgettable wedding reception.

Modern and unique, these galleries offer a blank canvass to create whatever you want on it. You can use your creativity to design everything from the tablescape to the flowers and decor in order to make this day uniquely yours.

The best part about using a gallery as your wedding venue is that there's no need for traditional décor such as wall or table centrepieces, which can be expensive and time-consuming! Instead, focus on what you love most - like adding props into your photos or creating custom menus with personal messages just for each guest. And don't forget: while some people might see venues without walls as lacking boundaries, they're actually ideal

Outdoor Wedding Venues Melbourne

Tents, marquees, gardens, parks and beaches are all great places to have an outdoor Melbourne wedding. Wedding ceremonies can take place inside gazebos, tents, marquees or under a canopy of trees. The wedding reception venue can be an open-air function space with a retractable roof for bad weather. An outdoor wedding venue in Melbourne is perfect for those looking to enjoy their big day surrounded by lush greenery and tranquil surroundings.

Intimate Wedding Venues Melbourne

A Melbourne wedding in a private dining room provides the perfect setting for intimate celebrations. Wedding ceremonies can be held inside or outside, and receptions typically take place on a veranda with views of gardens below.

Barn Wedding Venues Melbourne

Couples looking to enjoy an outdoor wedding that is still luxurious might consider holding their celebration at one of Melbourne's luxury farms. Wedding ceremonies are typically held in a beautifully restored barn, where the bride can then walk down an aisle of hay bales to meet her groom at the altar.

Waterfront Wedding Venues Melbourne

Holding your Melbourne wedding ceremony and reception on the waterfront is a memorable way to celebrate. Wedding receptions usually take place at one of Melbourne's beautiful waterfront restaurants or bars. They can also be held on a boat sailing across the bay. Melbourne charter boats make for a truly unique wedding venue.

Boutique Wedding Venues Melbourne

Melbourne is the perfect place for a small, intimate wedding celebration. The city has so many beautiful boutique hotels and restaurants- it's no wonder Melbourne is often referred to as Australia's foodie capital! Couples looking to enjoy an outdoor wedding that is still luxurious might consider holding their celebration at one of Melbourne's luxury farms. Wedding ceremonies are typically held in a beautifully restored barn, where the bride can then walk down an aisle of hay bales to meet her groom at the altar. And don't forget: while some people might see venues without walls as lacking boundaries, they're actually ideal for those looking to create more intimacy on their big day (not that you need any help with that!).

What does a wedding in Melbourne cost?

The average cost of a wedding in Melbourne is about $33,000, which is close to the national average. Couples usually invite around 100 guests, which means that the average cost per head is about $330. If you’re expecting 200 guests, expect to pay upwards of $66,000. If you’re having 300 guests, you’ll be spending at least $99,000 — and so on.

The overall cost is also significantly affected by the wedding date. Summer and fall weddings can be as much as 40% more expensive than those held in the winter. 

Tips for hiring a wedding venue in Melbourne

Whether you’re looking to have a small ceremony in a charmingly rustic barn or a cocktail wedding in a luxury hotel, there are things you have to be aware of when booking a Melbourne wedding venue. 

Watch out for hidden costs

Before you sign off on your wedding venue, check the fine print. Sometimes, the initial quote makes it seem like you’ll be able to have an affordable night, but that’s only because some costs aren’t yet factored in. Make sure that all expenses — service charge, corkage and other extras — are included in the price.

Check out nontraditional venues

There are heaps of wonderful (and affordable) venues out there, many of which you might not have considered. Lots of Melbourne bars and lounges accommodate weddings and similar events. A rooftop bar reception is perfect for couples who want a fun and laidback wedding vibe! Some libraries, museums, art galleries and theatres also host wedding receptions — and make for truly picturesque settings. Some of the most unique receptions we’ve seen were in zoos, aquariums, castles, stadiums and boats!

Look for venues that save you money

Whilst you might think starting with a blank canvas (like your backyard) will help you stay within budget, what usually happens is the exact opposite. The cost of setting up a space not typically used as a wedding venue can really add up. Things like flowers, tables, vases, barware, linen, portable restrooms and many other necessities will have to be purchased or rented. Meanwhile, you can get all these and more (like valet parking) if you choose a venue that does weddings all the time.

How to plan a Melbourne wedding on a budget

You can have the wedding of your dreams without going into debt. Here are some great ways to keep costs down when planning a wedding on a budget:

Reduce the guest size

The two biggest spends on the typical wedding budget — venue and food — have a per-head cost, so it makes sense to shrink the headcount if you want to cut costs. Remember that the smaller the guest list and wedding party, the less you spend on food, drinks (pre-dinner drinks and throughout the night), flowers and other elements.

Get married during an off-season month

Vendors typically increase prices by as much as 30–40% during peak season. Whilst this may not work for everyone, you can significantly reduce your wedding costs by avoiding high-traffic dates. The same goes for skipping a Saturday wedding and getting hitched on a weekday instead.

Go for a brunch or lunch reception

There are several ways this helps you stay within budget. First, a brunch menu is usually less expensive than dinner entrees. Second, it allows you to skip the all-night open bar. Third, the venue you’re eyeing could be more affordable if you book it for a morning or early afternoon reception.

Frequently Asked Questions about Melbourne wedding venues

What does a typical Melbourne wedding venue cost?

The average cost of a wedding venue in Melbourne is around $16,000 or $160 per head. Most Melbourne wedding venues have a minimum cost of $5,000 to $10,000. Wedding packages are about 30–40% higher during peak season.

What is the cheapest month for a wedding in Melbourne?

Wedding venues in Melbourne generally cost less if you get hitched in winter. The months of June to August are considered off-peak season for weddings.

What is the most expensive part of a wedding?

On average, the wedding venue accounts for almost half of the entire wedding budget. This cost may include food, drinks, the wedding cake and hire items such as tables, chairs, china, cutlery and linen. Keep in mind that service fees and taxes may add another 30% or so to the initial quote.

How do you plan a wedding on a $1,000 budget?

Working with a strict budget doesn’t mean sacrificing your vision for the wedding. The surest way to reduce costs is to trim the guest list (think about who you really want to share your big day with) and avoid highly sought-after seasons. You may also want to look for wedding spaces that can host both the ceremony and reception to eliminate expenses for vendors who have to set up at both locations.

Is 2 years too long to plan a wedding?

Whilst most engagements last a year or less, how long you wait until getting married is really up to you. Two years is perfectly fine if a couple are long distance, are trying to save more money for their nuptials or want more time to research vendors. However, waiting too long could also mean that you end up adding more and more items to your wedding day and going over budget.

Need help sourcing dream wedding venues in Melbourne?

Speak to the events team at VenueNow for free and discover the perfect Melbourne wedding venue at the best price.