Explore Sydney's Best Christening Venues

It’s a big day for your family and you want it to be meaningful and special and choosing the right venue can make all the difference. You’ll want somewhere that feels warm and welcoming, but also practical enough for a gathering that often includes a mix of kids, older relatives, and busy parents.

With that in mind, Sydney has plenty of venues that make that possible. From inner-city spots to green courtyards, there’s something for every kind of celebration including those that fit a christening.

What Happens at a Christening?

Most christenings start with a ceremony. For baptisms, this usually takes place at a church and includes prayers, blessings, and the symbolic act of baptism with water. After the official part, it’s time to eat, relax, and spend time with friends and family.

Who Should Celebrate With You?

The guest list often includes close family, godparents, relatives, and family friends. It’s common to invite 30 to 80 guests. Some keep it small and others go all out. There’s good food, a few speeches or toasts, and sometimes a cake cutting or keepsake table. Some families also adds games as part of the celebration. 

What Kind of Venues Work for Christenings?

Not every venue fits the vibe of a christening, so it helps to look for places that feel warm, calm, and a little bit elegant but still family-friendly.

Restaurants with private dining rooms are perfect if you want good food and minimal fuss. In Sydney CBD and Chippendale, you’ll find spots with set menus and dedicated event staff. These are ideal for a lunch after a church ceremony nearby.

Cafes with courtyards or garden venues work really well too. Woollahra and Moore Park have a mix of venues that offer a more relaxed, outdoor feel. These suit midday celebrations and often give you the option to bring in your own styling or dessert table.

Small function rooms, converted spaces, or boutique venues can give you more control if you’re planning a bigger event or want to add personal touches. Just check that they’re accessible for prams and older guests, and have enough space for high chairs, play mats, or a quiet spot for naps if needed.

Food and Drink Options for Christenings

Daytime events are best paired with food that’s easy to enjoy. Nothing too heavy, and options that suit all ages.

Set menus are popular at restaurants and usually range from $65 to $85 per person. You’ll get a structured meal with shared starters, mains, and dessert. Drinks can be added as a package or kept on a bar tab.

Grazing tables are another go-to. They’re visually impressive, easy to nibble, and work well if you’ve got toddlers running around. Some venues include grazing options in their packages, or you can bring in a caterer if the venue allows it.

Always check for dietary flexibility, venues should be able to cater for allergies or offer gluten-free, vegan, or kid-friendly options.

How Much Are We Talking About for A Christening?

On average, venues in Sydney charge about $70 per person, with some going as low as $55 and others sitting closer to $85 for full-service packages. There are some venues that don't charge a hire fee but will have a minimum spend, especially for private spaces. 

One of the easiest ways to save money is to book a lunchtime event instead of a dinner. Lunch menus are usually cheaper, and a midday gathering fits perfectly with a christening. You can also look at Sundays instead of Saturdays, since venues are often more flexible and a little more affordable then. Another way to trim costs is to choose a place that allows BYO catering. It gives you the freedom to pick your own food and drinks, and often ends up costing less than a full venue package.

Also, ask what’s included. Some venues will cover styling, AV, and even florals. Others may charge extra for things like cake-cutting or corkage.

Let’s talk about location

Most christenings happen around central or inner Sydney, so guests are likely coming from different parts of the city.

Sydney CBD is packed with public transport options and close to major churches, ideal if you want to keep things walkable and accessible. 

Chippendale is als near and has some beautiful hidden venues, including heritage restaurants and converted spaces which you can play around with if you’re keen to do some styling.

Moore Park has more open space and is great for families driving in. There’s usually decent parking or nearby street access.

Woollahra is a quieter, greener option with a mix of elegant venues and local charm. It’s ideal for smaller gatherings and has a relaxed pace that suits daytime events.

Parking can be tricky in the CBD, so if you’ve got guests with prams or elderly relatives, look into venues with on-site parking or valet. 

Better yet, leave a note in your invitation on where is the best spot to park so guests don’t have to spend time looking for parking spaces on the day.

Suburbs to Start Your Search

Sydney CBD - Central, polished, and packed with churches and event venues. Great if your ceremony is in the city and you want to head straight to lunch.

Chippendale - Trendy and artistic with lots of heritage charm. Great for private dining rooms, rooftop terraces, and cool courtyard spaces.

Moore Park - Spacious and more relaxed. Look here if you want somewhere outdoorsy, with room for kids to run around and easier parking.

Woollahra - Elegant and low-key. Think boutique venues and chic garden settings. A good pick for smaller, stylish celebrations with a soft, family feel.

Adding A Personal Touch Into Your Celebration

You don’t need a big theme, but a few details can make the day more personal.

Custom signage or welcome boards are simple but memorable. Add a little area for keepsakes, like a guestbook or prayer cards. If you’ve got kids attending, include a low table with colouring pages or toys. And don’t forget the cake, personalised toppers or a cake with the child’s name and date are a nice keepsake for photos. You can also consider little cupcakes or donuts too!

You may also include a short toast or thank you speech to the godparents and guests. It brings everyone together before the meal starts and adds a warm, personal moment.

Some Final Things To Consider Before You Lock-in Your Venue

Visit the venue in person if you can. Make sure it feels right, check for pram access and bathrooms, and ask what’s included in the package.

Read the cancellation policy. Life happens, especially with kids. Confirm the start and end time, and check what happens if you go over.

Timing matters too. And that includes weather and seasons. If you want an outdoor venue, make sure to check weather forecasts especially during wet seasons. And that also includes checking in the venue if they provide shade or covers for these kinds of emergencies.

And finally, don’t be afraid to ask for custom packages. A good venue will work with you to shape the event your way and make it even more special.

How much do Sydney christening venues cost?

Based on VenueNow's historic data, on average, Sydney 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 Sydney christening venues?

Here are some of our favourite Sydney christening venues:

• Villa Orme
• Royal Exchange Sydney
• Verandah Bar
• The Alcott
• Sydney Showroom Space
• Watersedge
• Kittyhawk
• 12 Micron
• L'Aqua
• Cropley House

How do I find and book Sydney christening venues?

Finding and booking a Sydney christening venue is easy with VenueNow, simply follow these steps:1. Enter Sydney 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 Sydney christening venue?

On average, VenueNow customers book a Sydney 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 Sydney 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.