Dream Wedding Venues in Melbourne

Q: How do I find and book Melbourne wedding venues?

Finding and booking a Melbourne wedding venue is easy with VenueNow, simply follow these steps:1. Enter Melbourne as your location and wedding 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!

Q: How far in advance should I book a Melbourne wedding venue?

On average, VenueNow customers book a Melbourne 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.

Q: Can VenueNow help me find a Melbourne wedding 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.

Melbourne Wedding Venue Hire Guide

You’ve done the big thing and said yes to a lifetime commitment. Now comes the part where you choose the place to make it official.

Melbourne is full of ideal spots to tie the knot and this guide breaks it all down: what to lock in first, what it’ll cost, and where to look, so you can plan a wedding that matches your vision.

Star With The Basics Before You Start Saving Venue Photos

Figure out your numbers. Most places need a rough guest count early. Are you going all-out or keeping it low-key? Knowing who’s coming helps shape your search.

Next up: timing. Spring and autumn are the most popular seasons to get married in Melbourne so if you’re eyeing those, book 12 to 18 months ahead. Winter weddings are becoming a thing too, with cosier vibes and better deals.

Now the fun part: the feel of it. Do you want something formal with a sit-down dinner? A cocktail-style night with music and movement? Something outdoors?Somewhere near a body of water? Or something intimate? Knowing your vibe makes the shortlisting so much easier.

Finding the Best Wedding Venues in Melbourne

Melbourne is versatile. Want a city-vibe? Southbank has rooftop views and sleek hotels. If you’re thinking of riverside with everything in one place like your ceremony, dinner, and party, South Wharf is a place to look into.

South Yarra is romantic and stylish, with gardens and spaces that don’t need much styling. Richmond has some cool warehouses, local venues, and blank spaces for whatever you want to bring in. The CBD is perfect for central access, especially if you’ve got family flying in.

Food and Drinks Packages: What’s Usually Included?

Let’s talk about menus. Nowadays, couples care just as much about the food as the photos and rightly so. Most venues will offer a food and beverage package that includes canapés, mains (usually alternate drop or shared), dessert, and a drinks package. Some go all out with pre-ceremony drinks, grazing stations, or late-night snacks, but you’ll pay extra for those.

As for dietary requirements, most venues have this sorted. Just make sure to confirm how they handle vegan, halal, gluten-free or allergy-friendly meals. And if you want to bring your own cake, bottle, or a family favorite dish for tradition or cultural reasons, ask about corkage.

How Much Are Does A Wedding in Melbourne Usually Cost?

Weddings typically sit at around $120 per guest. At the lower end (simple catering or off-peak dates), you might hit $95 per head. But high-end venues with full packages, premium drinks, and some styling, expect closer to $145 per guest.

Some venues don’t put a price per person but work on a minimum spend, especially if you’re booking the entire space. That gives you more flexibility to splurge where it counts (maybe a smaller guest list, but better food and drinks?).

But here is a smart way to stretch your budget: go for a Sunday or weekday wedding, shorten the drinks package, trim the guest list to your closed circle, or skip full florals for minimal styling. Also ask if any off-season packages or winter discounts are available as some venues include styling or extended hours at no extra cost.

Make It Easy for Everyone to Get There

Convenience matters especially when your guests are juggling outfits, heels, gifts, and maybe a kid or two. The good news is, every suburb on this list is well connected.

Melbourne CBD is a no-brainer for transport, accommodation, and those post-reception walks back to the hotel. Southbank is walkable from the city, with riverside views and tram lines that make guest arrival a breeze. South Wharf is a little tucked away but still accessible, and perfect for keeping everything in one spot.

South Yarra is stylish but chill, just a short train or tram ride from the city and Richmond gives that cool-local energy with the bonus of solid parking options if your guests are driving in.

Wherever you book, include clear transport notes in your invite or website. Note the nearest train stop, parking availability, and any tips for drop-offs or post-party pickups. Your guests will surely thank you for that.

Melbourne Suburbs That Are Perfect for a Wedding

Melbourne CBD is ideal if you want a central, all-in-one experience. You’ll find rooftops with skyline views, hotel ballrooms, historic buildings, and modern galleries all within walking distance of hotels and public transport. It’s especially ideal if you’ve got interstate or international guests flying in.

South Wharf gives you that riverside charm with the bonus of purpose-built wedding venues that are great for larger guest lists. Like industrial warehouses, bars, and blank canvas spaces you can dress up or keep simple. You can often do ceremonies, cocktails, dinner and dancing all in one seamless location.

Southbankbrings the polish. Premium hotels, artful architecture, and restaurants with private dining options. If your dream wedding includes five-star service, Champagne towers, and city views at golden hour, this is your go-to.

South Yarra is the romantic one with stylish venues and gorgeous interiors, courtyard spaces, and those soft, garden-party vibes.

Richmond is ideal for couples who want something a little more relaxed, a little more local. You’ll find converted warehouses, breweries, intimate restaurants, and cool community venues that feel like an expression of your style.

How to Add That Personal Touch for Your Wedding

Forget the overly themed weddings. Personalisation is about meaningful touches.

Play the song you listened to when you first got together. Serve the food you always order on date night. Set up a photo table with pictures of you through the years. Nothing fancy, just printouts or polaroids or have signature cocktails with names that mean something to you.

If you’re building a wedding website or registry, keep it simple but intentional. Curate a few key items, share your story, and add helpful details for guests.

It doesn’t need to be overplanned. Just a few details that feel familiar to the people who know you and the person you’re marrying.

And Before You Lock It In, Ask These:

Once you’ve found a venue you like, don’t rush to sign. There are a few practical things you need to check first, stuff that can save you stress later.

Start by asking what’s actually included in the price. Some venues cover everything like tables, chairs, staff, setup, even a basic sound system. Others just give you the space and leave the rest to you. Get a full list upfront so you’re not surprised later.

Ask if you can bring in your own suppliers. Can you hire your own caterer, DJ, or stylist? Or do they have a list you need to stick to? Some venues are flexible, others aren’t and that can affect your plans.

If you opt for an outdoor wedding, ask what happens if it rains. Is there a backup space? How much notice do you need to make the switch? It’s better to have a Plan B sorted early than scramble at the last minute

It also helps to see the venue in person. You’ll get a clearer picture of the layout, lighting, and flow. These things that don’t always come across in photos.

Lastly, check the cancellation and change policy. Can you shift the date if something comes up? How late can you make changes? What’s refundable and what’s not? Are there extra charges if you run late?

The good venues won’t mind when you ask, to be honest, it will help you feel more confident when you’re ready to lock it in.