Best Engagement Party Venues Canberra for Hire

Congratulations on your recent engagement. Chances are, you're feeling the love and in the mood for celebrating. Lucky for you, Canberra is a city surrounded by beauty and full of wonderful venues that are perfect for an engagement party. From a private dining room for an intimate family dinner to a party-friendly bar, VenueNow can help you find and book excellent engagement party venues in Canberra. Check out our guide below to some of the best spots to celebrate!

Best Types of Venues for Canberra Engagement Parties

There are tons of great engagement venues in Canberra. Our top picks are:

Private Dining Rooms

A private dining room is a fabulous choice if you prefer an intimate atmosphere for your engagement party. They're generally found within restaurants, so you can enjoy the great food being served, and they're also usually cheaper than renting out an entire restaurant for your gathering. From cocktail parties to cozy dinners, private dining rooms can accommodate many tastes and styles to fit your engagement party.

Bars

A bar is perfect if you want a less formal engagement party venue. They are typically found in the centre of the city, so you can take advantage of the excellent nightlife that Canberra has to offer. If you get a bar with a view of the city skyline, you'll have a beautiful background to enjoy your celebrations, making it a memorable experience for you and your guests. It is possible to find several bars in Canberra with private areas or special event spaces where you can relax without strict adherence to formality.

Hotel Function Venues

A function centre is also a versatile venue for your engagement party. These multi-purpose function halls can be rented for both formal and informal parties, ranging from small to large. You're bound to get an ideal function centre for your celebration.

Restaurants

Canberra has many restaurant options for your engagement party, from cozy places to larger dining areas. You can choose from different menu options, including multi-course meals or shared plates, encouraging guests to chat and connect.

Waterfront Venues

Canberra has some stunning waterfront venues. If you want to book a venue with stunning views, a waterfront venue would be the best choice. For a special experience for your loved ones and yourself, book event venues alongside Lake Burley Griffin or one of the picturesque rivers of Canberra. These venues not only offer breathtaking natural scenery but also help to set a laid-back atmosphere that is ideal for celebrating love.

Rooftop Venues

Rooftop venues are perfect for creating a breathtaking backdrop for your engagement party. With stunning panoramic views of the city skyline and natural landscapes, these venues offer a unique atmosphere that your guests will remember long after the celebration. Whether you're looking to host a laid-back gathering with cocktails and canapés or a more formal sit-down dinner, rooftop venues can adjust to fit your vision.

Engagement Party FAQs: Everything You Need to Know

Frequently Asked Questions About Engagement Parties

To assist you in navigating through the planning process with ease, we've compiled answers to some of the most commonly asked questions regarding engagement parties. This guide will help you understand everything from guest lists to appropriate attire:

Who Should Host the Engagement Party?

Traditionally, the engagement party was hosted by the bride's parents to announce the upcoming nuptials to family and friends formally. However, customs have evolved; today, anyone close to the couple—including the couple themselves—can host the event. It could be the groom's parents, a relative, or even best friends who step in to take on the responsibility.

When Should You Hold An Engagement Party?

Determining the best time to hold an engagement party is an important part of the planning process. Generally, an engagement party should be held within a few months of the proposal, but before the wedding planning is in full swing. This timing allows you and your partner to celebrate your new status while keeping the excitement fresh. It also allows friends and family to get to know each other in a relaxed setting, setting the stage for future wedding-related events.

How Many Guests Should We Invite?

Engagement parties are typically more intimate than weddings so that a smaller guest list might be preferable. This helps create a cozy, personal atmosphere and makes it easier to manage logistical details, especially if you plan on hosting the party in a more intimate setting like a home or a small restaurant.

Your guest list should ideally include close family members, close friends, and perhaps a few members from your wedding party if you've already chosen them. Remember, those invited to the engagement party don't necessarily need to be invited to the wedding. However, it is often courteous to include them in both events if space and budget permit.

What Should The Dress Code Be?

The dress code for an engagement party can vary depending on the style and setting of the event, but it generally errs on the side of semi-formal or dressy casual. If your party is being held at a sophisticated venue, you might opt for cocktail attire, which allows guests to dress up a bit while staying comfortable. Smart casual or even relaxed attire could be more appropriate for a backyard gathering or a casual restaurant setting. When deciding on the dress code, it's important to consider the venue, time of day, and overall event theme. Communicate the expected attire clearly on the invitations to ensure everyone feels confident and fits the vibe of the celebration.

What Food Should Be Served?

When planning food for your engagement party, consider the time of day, the venue, and what you and your guests like to eat. A sit-down dinner with a carefully chosen menu for a formal evening event could work well, offering different dishes for various dietary needs. A buffet or family-style meal can help guests mingle and create a relaxed vibe if it's a casual daytime gathering. For a cocktail reception, serve finger foods like hors d'oeuvres or tapas that guests can enjoy while socialising. Including favourites like mini-sliders or gourmet pizzas can add fun, and having a couple of special dishes can make the menu feel personal. Make sure to consider dietary restrictions by providing vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or other options so everyone can enjoy the celebration.

Elevate Your Event with the Right Catering Options

Are Gifts Expected?

Regarding gifts for an engagement party, they are not necessarily expected but are often welcomed. Traditionally, engagement parties are not as gift-focused as bridal showers or weddings. Therefore, guests should not feel obliged to bring a present unless they genuinely wish to. If you prefer not to receive gifts, stating "no gifts, please" on your invitation is perfectly acceptable. This can alleviate guests' pressure and keep the focus on celebrating the engagement.

What Should Our Engagement Party Budget Include?

When planning the budget for your engagement party, several key components must be considered to ensure everything runs smoothly. The venue is often one of the most significant expenses, with costs typically ranging from AUD 65 to AUD 95 per person in Canberra. This price usually covers the space rental and might include basic food and beverage packages. In addition to the venue, your budget should account for decorations, which can add a personalised touch to your event and entertainment if you plan to hire live music or a DJ. Catering is another crucial aspect, as you'll want to provide food and drinks that accommodate your guests' preferences and dietary restrictions. Lastly, don't forget to budget for invitations, party favours, and any additional services like photography or videography to capture the special moments of your celebration.

The Ultimate Engagement Party Checklist

Book the perfect venue with VenueNow today!

Finding the right venue for your engagement party doesn't have to be stressful. VenueNow can help you find and book the perfect space for your event. We offer a variety of venues to fit your needs, so if you need assistance, our events team is available to help. Start today and discover the ideal engagement party venue in Canberra!

How much do Canberra engagement venues cost?

Based on VenueNow's historic data, on average, Canberra engagement venues cost between 50 per person and 75 per person. For example, a 100 person engagement 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 Canberra engagement venues?

Here are some of our favourite Canberra engagement venues:

1. QT Canberra
2. East Hotel Canberra
3. Verity Lane Market
4. Mercure Canberra
5. Rydges Canberra Hotel
6. Midnight Hotel Canberra
7. The Boat House
8. Luna Bar

How do I find and book Canberra engagement venues?

Finding and booking a Canberra engagement venue is easy with VenueNow, simply follow these steps:1. Enter Canberra as your location and engagement 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 Canberra engagement venue?

On average, VenueNow customers book a Canberra 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 Canberra engagement 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.