Best Wedding Venues Sydney for Hire

So, the big question has been asked. The word’s out. Your phone’s filled with happy messages, and you’ve probably already started thinking about what your wedding might look like. One of the first (and biggest) things on that list? The venue.

Figure Out the Key Details First

This part isn’t exactly glamorous, but getting it sorted early will save you a heap of time later. First, ask this yourself: how many people are you inviting? You don’t need a final list, just a ballpark. Knowing if you’re dealing with 40 guests or 140 makes it way easier to filter through the options.

Then think about the season you’d like to get married in. In Sydney, spring and early autumn are always in demand. The weather’s great, the light’s perfect, and venues fill up quickly — especially on Saturdays. If you’ve got your heart set on a certain date, it’s worth locking it in sooner rather than later.

Also, give some thought to how the day might run. Will everything be in the same location? Ceremony in one place, reception somewhere else? Sit-down meal or something more relaxed? You don’t need to figure it all out now, but even a rough plan helps guide your decisions from here.

Venue Styles That Suit a Sydney Wedding

There’s no single “wedding venue” type in this city which is part of the appeal. Sydney has a way of offering everything, and that means you can find something that fits your vibe rather than forcing your day to fit the space.

If convenience is high on your list, start with the CBD. It’s packed with rooftops, hotels, and beautifully restored buildings that make everything easy, from getting ready to getting home. Guests can walk between spots, stay close by, and if you’re hoping for those big city skyline shots, this area delivers without trying too hard.

If you’re into something off the book, Chippendale is full of creative spaces which are great for couples who don’t want a cookie-cutter kind of day. The spaces here have character, but still give you room to make them your own.

Over in Surry Hills, you’ll find restaurants that turn into wedding venues, especially if you’re planning something intimate. It suits couples who care more about atmosphere, food, rather than formality.

If you want waterfront views without heading too far out, Pyrmont is a solid choice. The venues here are right on the harbour, but far enough from the city centre to feel calm. It’s the kind of place where you get those dreamy sunset views and the whole day flows easily from ceremony to reception.

Double Bay and Bellevue Hill bring a coastal feel with a bit more privacy. These areas lean elegant and suit couples who want something refined without it feeling over the top.

And then there’s Ultimo, which is a little more under the radar, but worth checking out. It has a handful of venues that suit well if you want something simple done well.

What It Costs to Get Married in Sydney

Most Sydney weddings land somewhere around $120 per guest, though that number can shift depending on what kind of day you’re planning. Some venues offer simpler packages starting at $95, while others push up closer to $145 if you’re including top-shelf drinks, extra courses, or longer venue hire.

It’s not always priced by the head. A lot of venues work with a minimum spend instead, which gives you more room to decide where the budget goes. You might scale the guest list back and put more into the bar, or keep styling low-key and focus on the food.

If you’re watching your spend, Sundays and weekdays tend to be gentler on the budget. Winter weddings often come with better availability, fewer booking pressures, and some added value like extra hours or bonus inclusions.

Even trimming the timeline can help. A well-planned two-hour reception with drinks, music, and good food can feel just as full as a five-hour sit-down dinner.. Smaller doesn’t mean less, it just means more intention behind every choice.

Getting There (And Getting Home Without the Stress)

Even the most stunning venue loses points if it’s hard to reach. Sydney’s pretty generous with transport options, but location still matters. The easier you make it for your guests to arrive (and leave), the better their day will feel.

You're ahead if you're hosting in the CBD. From trains to buses and ferries, the area has good links to many nearby hotels. And it helps if people fly in or stay the night.

Surry Hills and Chippendale sit close to Central Station, so getting there’s not a problem. Parking, though, can be hit or miss. If your venue doesn’t have a carpark, give people a heads-up. 

In Double Bay or Bellevue Hill, things are more laid back. Such suburbs are best for guests driving in or ridesharing. 

Couples nowadays are more practical. A Google Maps pin or QR code added to the invite helps people find the venue, closest parking, or shuttle stop if you have one. It may just be a small detail, but your guests will thank you for it.

Make It Feel Like Yours (Without Doing Too Much)

A big wedding doesn’t need to feel like a big production. Often, the details people remember most are the quiet, thoughtful ones. It might be a playlist full of songs that mean something to you both. It could be holiday photos printed on each table. Some couples write personal notes for every guest. It feels more personal and less formal.

Digital invites or wedding websites help tie it all together. You can include more than the usual timings and location, maybe a mood board for outfits, a few travel tips, or a little note thanking your guests in advance. These little things make the day feel more connected.

And when it comes to gifts, more couples are steering away from traditional registries. Instead, they’re asking for things they’ll actually use like dinner experiences, short getaways, Airbnb credit, or memberships. Guests love the idea of giving something they know you’ll enjoy, not just something to fill a shelf.

Ask These Things Before You Book Anything

Once you’ve found a venue you love, ask the nitty-gritty questions. It’s worth asking a few things to make sure you know exactly what’s on the table.

First up, what’s included? Some venues give you everything from tables, chairs, staff, audio, etc. Others might just offer the space. You’ll want to know what’s covered and what you’ll need to organise separately so there are no surprises down the line. Can you start styling the day before? Will you need to clean up and clear out that same night? 

If there’s any outdoor area, make sure you know the backup plan. Is there a covered option? An indoor space? How quickly can they flip the setup if the weather changes?

Another important one is to ask about suppliers. Some places let you bring in your own team while others work with a set list of vendors. It’s good to know how much control you’ll have. 

It’s also smart to ask about reschedules or cancellations. Life happens, and you’ll want to know where you stand in case plans shift.

And honestly, nothing beats seeing the space in person. What looks dreamy online can feel different once you’re inside. You’ll get a sense of how the space flows and whether the vibe feels right for your crowd. 

You don’t have to plan it all at once, just start with what you do know. The kind of day you want. The people you want there. The energy you’re going for. Once you find the space that fits, the rest tends to follow.

How much do Sydney wedding venues cost?

Based on VenueNow's historic data, on average, Sydney wedding venues cost between 150 per person and 225 per person. For example, a 100 person wedding would cost approximately 15000-22500. 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 wedding venues?

Here are some of our favourite Sydney wedding venues:

1. Villa Orme
2. 12 Micron
3. L'Aqua
4. Orso Bayside
5. Dockside
6. The Tea Room QVB
7. Centennial Homestead
8. The Royal Botanic Gardens Sydney
9. Watersedge
10. Athol Hall

How do I find and book Sydney wedding venues?

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

How far in advance should I book a Sydney wedding 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 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.