Image by We Are Twine

Having spent my entire life thinking of the perfect wedding day, finally finding my Prince and to see him go down on a bended knee marked a very momentous shift in my very being! I am the girl who has dreamed of this day since I was old enough to understand Disney and now all my dreams are coming true! We’ve searched high and low for a venue we absolutely adore in South East Queensland. Our guiding requirements were:

  • South East Queensland or Northern NSW
  • Room for 50-100 people
  • Romantic in feel and Black-Tie worthy
  • Beautiful surroundings for photographs
  • Space to be married- Chapel on property or church near property

After compiling a list of the most suitable contenders we managed to narrow it down and here I have come up with our top 10 black tie venues to swoon over!

Customs House – Brisbane CBD

A heritage listed landmark of the beautiful CBD, set riverside just near the Story Bridge. I would always drive past this stunning building almost every day when I lived in Brisbane and think to myself “That’s where I want to have my wedding”. Having been a part of a magnificent shoot here many years ago featuring our gowns, I was so excited to finally have the chance to enter the building and see the interior- it certainly did not disappoint. High ceilings, exquisite architecture and an insanely delectable menu. If a chic, black-tie wedding is what you’re after then look no further!

Evergreen Garden Venue – Gold Coast, QLD

We were lucky enough to have our engagement photos taken at this dreamy location. Every nook of this lush venue provides the backdrop to a beautiful photo opportunity. Catering for up to 60 people Evergreen is the perfect venue for an intimate wedding with a fairy-tale essence! Featuring perfectly manicured grounds, beautiful sandstone details, a stunning garden staircase and statuesque front gate, the owners have created an absolute Eden here. With options to have a beautiful silk-lined marquee to hold your reception within, you could not find a dreamier venue for your nuptials!

Image by We Are Twine

Summergrove Estate – Northern NSW Hinterland

A truly breathtaking venue, think rolling hills and endless views beyond belief. This property offers so many options for both ceremony and reception with their beautiful chapel, picturesque gardens and their new purpose built barn. The chapel on the grounds is just to-die-for and the huge white wedding barn is the only of it’s kind in Australia. Custom built to offer any bride (or groom) that Pinterest worthy wedding they have always dreamed of! It’s the place of daydreams and the perfect estate to host an elegant black tie wedding with a little bit of ‘relaxed country feel’.

Images by Begitta

The Abbey of the Roses – Warwick, QLD

The history and grandeur of this exquisite venue is beyond compare. Robbie and I took a road trip out to see the stunning Abbey in all her beauty. What I like to call a “semi-destination” wedding venue, her beauty is enough to rival the most gorgeous French Chateau. We fell absolutely in love with the charm and grace of such an amazing building, offering multiple wedding packages including ceremonies held in the stunning gardens or in the onsite chapel. Additionally hosting up to 27 guests in their B&B style accommodation that feature beautiful antiques and lush bathrobes (I’m a sucker for those details!). It’s the perfect venue for an exquisite upscale black tie wedding and the perfect ‘Happily Ever After’!

Images by Begitta

Brisbane City Hall – Brisbane CBD

My favourite memory of Brisbane City Hall is the first time my fiancé, Robbie, attended my show at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Festival. We had only been together a month or two and I can remember thinking how absolutely gorgeous he looked in a suit and just how perfect we would look getting married at a grand venue like Brisbane City Hall. Yes even after a month! We’re both very Old-World-Glamour types and this venue is glamorous down to the last detail. The awe-inspiring (colour changing) dome rooftop is completely insane. Not to mention how perfect the venue is for photos. Treating your guests to this kind of grandeur would be a wedding they would never forget.

University of Queensland – St Lucia, QLD

UQ has endless amazing options of places and spaces to host your ceremony, reception and cocktail hour. With additional options to have a marquee put up on the grounds, meaning you can tailor a package to suit your budget. The surrounding gardens, ponds and buildings really set the scene for your guests and The Great Court is absolutely awe-inspiring with its tall pillars and green lawns. It’s the perfect backdrop for those stunning gown shots and loved up candids with your man in his tux.

Deux Belettes – Dalwood, Northern NSW

Set out in beautiful Alstonville, Northern NSW, fairytales like Cinderella certainly took place in places like Deux Belettes. The owners have constructed the building over the last 30+ years in a labour of love for all things French. It is a divine establishment with no inch untouched by exquisite detail. When we went to view this venue we just fell in love, boasting gorgeous living spaces with accommodation, sweeping lawns and of course the most picturesque French interior and exterior.

 

Images by Begitta

Old Government House – Brisbane CBD

The Old Government House building is set on the grounds of the stunning Queensland University of Technology and adjoining the Brisbane Botanical Gardens. This 150-year-old building sets the tone for a chic, elegant, endlessly scenic wedding. With options to have banquet dining within the house itself or just next door and up amongst the clouds at Room Three Sixty with panoramic views of the beautiful Brisbane city skyline. We just loved the stately old world feel of this striking building. The perfect backdrop for a tux and a high-drama gown!

Coolahbah Downs Private Estate – Gold Coast Hinterland

Robbie and I recently had the pleasure of being a part of a bridal party for our dear friends at this stunning venue. The chapel on the grounds is so quaint and beautiful and the staff were absolutely magic. The homestead is set upon 10 acres and the white draped marquee offering such a beautiful atmosphere for a sit down dinner. The grounds have endless photo opportunities to capture the love and fun of your day. With accommodation available on the grounds it really has everything you need to make your day perfection!

Gabbinbar Homestead – Toowoomba, QLD

There is something intimately magical about the Gabbinbar Homestead. A private country estate featuring a magnificent historic home set on spectacular grounds; it’s simply breathtaking. With multiple stunning ceremony locations, accommodation and my absolute favourite part – The Conservatory – featuring a stunning glass roof and windows to view the surrounding landscape and at night to dance under the stars! It makes my heart flutter just imagining a magical first dance here!

Ms Zigzag says: There is no better person to share the latest and greatest in top wedding venues than a bride-to-be that has recently checked them out firsthand herself! Thank you Begitta – and we are absolutely loving following your wedding planning journey and can’t wait for the big day! For more on Begitta’s wedding plans, check out her blog, The Atelier, here. 

About the author Begitta: Specialising in Custom Designed Couture gowns Begitta creates one-of-a-kind gowns for one-of-a-kind brides, Sourcing the most beautiful fabric from the worlds treasure chests with access to stunning silks, specialty fabrics and embellishment to ensure the finest quality materials and most beautiful gowns. With deluxe hand treatments as a feature and Couture finishing techniques as learned from the artisan couturiers in Paris. Additionally Begitta releases exclusive bespoke collections yearly -available for purchase in your size.