Image: Free the Bird Photography / Venue: Gardens House 

Creative Director of Tommy Collins by Atlantic Group, Tommy McIntosh, has put together a list of his top 10 black tie event venues in Melbourne and the surrounding areas today. We figured an industry legend like Tommy is the go-to guy for the best in venues as he is on the frontline with his crew travelling around from one stunning wedding venue to the next serving up delicious food. 

Plus, Tommy swoons over black tie weddings as much as we do, saying “I love the juxtaposition of a black tie event in the country. Green backdrop settings with white jackets and patent leather shoes and white dresses just creates a magical setting.” So let’s dive into his list, shall we?

Images by Chris Grundy

Number 1 – The Secret Garden by Tommy Collins

Call me biased but our mobile secret garden set in the middle of the CBD is my favourite venue. In year one, our secret garden was set atop Federation Square with breathtaking city views- outdoor dining with the city as your backdrop on one side & the Yarra River on the other. In our second year our secret garden was set the in Docklands with amazing river views and an epic view of the city. Only popping up for six months at a time it keeps the garden fresh and your event very unique.

Images by Nikole Ramsay

Number 2 – Our Private Polo Pitch in Flinders

With 8m high hedges surrounding, a grass court tennis court and a 20m black lap pool and an English Tudor style house, this venue is magic. Our Polo Pitch with an intimate rose garden and fountain creates a magical setting for a ceremony, reception & next day recovery.

Images supplied by Tommy Collins by Atlantic Group

Number 3 – Baie Wines

Baie Wines is located in the Bellarine Peninsula. The grand entry of 20m tall trees line the 50m long drive way leading you up to a picturesque setting amongst the vines on one side and the Bellarine Coastline, which makes for an amazing sunset.

Image: Free the Bird Photography 

Number 4 – Gardens House in the Royal Botanic Gardens

The house was built in 1854 and has recently been given a modern face lift. This house creates an old world back drop. Think Marie Antoinette champagne tower, festoon lighting out front and reception on the grounds.

Number 5 – Mingela Estate

This is your quintessential Australian Outback wedding venue. With a sprawling one level farm house with space for a marquee out front over looking an amazing valley. It even comes with its own herd of kangaroos. The property also comes with a beautiful lake and stone bridge, perfect for a ceremony.

Image by Madeline Kate

Number 6 – Tonic House Rooftop

Set in the middle of the CBD with an outdoor rooftop setting for dining under the stars, then later in the evening finish the night with a jazz bar lounge complete with its own baby grand piano.

Images supplied by Tommy Collins by Atlantic Group

Number 7 – Canvas House

Brand new polished warehouse venue in South Melbourne. Polished concrete & freshly painted exposed beams. This is a polished warehouse wedding venue.

Images supplied by Tommy Collins by Atlantic Group

Number 8 – Pizzini Winery in King Valley

It is quite the hike being 3 hrs out of town but take over for the weekend. Both have huge gum tree’s is perfect for a ceremony, with out door Bocce pitch & old school Italian hospitality is infectious. Recovery by the river eating cheese & drinking French.

Number 10 – Kensington Collective

There is something so romantic about blue stone and red brick. The warehouse has soaring ceilings and distressed timber floors. Creating some opulence in a warehouse again really makes a statement.

Ms Zigzag says: So there you have it brides and grooms to be… Our trusted wedding guru Tommy has done all the research on the best black tie wedding venues for you! Now it’s up to you to go check them out for yourself and lock in the wedding date. Exciting!! 

About the author Tommy McIntosh, Creative Director of Tommy Collins by Atlantic Group: Tommy has become synonymous as ‘the face’ of Tommy Collins. Hailing from Brisbane, a much younger Tommy had a vision, and from behind the bar of many top establishments, quickly learnt that service should be much more than just a well balanced cocktail. With a well pressed suit, an inviting grin and an inherent passion for style, Tommy moved to Melbourne and immediately found himself at home in a thriving city of food and entertainment.

Today Tommy continues to enjoy playing host at events and is never afraid to get his hands dirty. His strength in building client relationships and his endless list of contacts have been integral to the success of the Tommy Collins Group. He is also spreading his expertise by taking the lead throughout the company’s various retail offerings.