In these uncertain times, one thing is (unfortunately) certain – if you’re tying the knot in the near future, your guest list is limited to just 20 of your nearest and dearest people. With so many soon-to-be-wed couples left in limbo right now, we thought we’d offer you a round up of venue options to suit a smaller celebration.
MELBOURNE
In Melbourne, you can take your pick from some of the city’s finest hidden gems, thanks to the team at Spring Street Events. Their venues are scattered across the city, and are all so “very Melbourne”!
At the Melbourne Supper Club, you can say “I do” in front of the iconic Art Deco window overlooking Spring Street, or right next door is the cosier Tea Room. For a different feel, a level above is the ever popular rooftop bar, Siglo.
Image via The Melbourne Supper Club – Spring Street Events
One of the city’s most popular ceremony venues is undoubtedly the Royal Botanic Gardens, but perhaps not as well-known is Gardens House – a private property on the grounds of the gardens. This historical homestead dating back to the 1800s has been transformed into a truly impressive wedding venue. The Terrace and Palm Lounge are best suited to smaller cocktail parties.
SYDNEY
In Sydney, you can’t go past the historic Gunners Barracks in Mosman, with spectacular harbour views. It can cater for more than 100 guests, but the main room would be equally lovely for a smaller wedding of 20. It’s owned by the same group who runs The Tea Room QVB and Dunbar House – also worth a look.
Image of Gunners Barracks by Birch & Wattle Photography via Polly and Christos’ Romantic Blush Pink Wedding at Gunners Barracks
If harbour views in a modern setting is what you’re after, Park Hyatt Sydney is located right on Sydney Harbour – with private rooms well suited for a smaller wedding.
CANBERRA
The Boat House restaurant is located in Barton, right on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin, with three private dining rooms to choose from for your intimate celebration. A little way out of Canberra, you’ll find Poacher’s Pantry – a stunning country location featuring fabulous regional produce, with the restaurant ideal for smaller groups.
Image of Poacher’s Pantry by Thorson Photography via Michelle and Piero’s Vintage Country Wedding
BRISBANE
With guest numbers capped, it seems the ideal time to get hitched outdoors in the sunshine state. When it comes to city parks, you’re spoilt for choice – there’s New Farm Park, Kangaroo Point Cliffs, River Quay Green South Bank, just to name a few, and let’s not forget the Brisbane City Botanic Gardens or Mount Coot-tha Botanic Gardens. Your small group can easily move on to a private dining room for post-ceremony celebrations.
Image of Mount Coot-tha Botanic Gardens by You Can’t Be Serious Photography
via Cara and Ben’s Garden Inspired Wedding
DARWIN
The warmer winter climate of the Top End also lends itself to outdoor weddings, and The George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens offer some stunning backdrops for your ceremony.
Image by Casey Gray Photography via Jessy and Bradley’s Laid Back Rustic Boho Wedding
PERTH
Perth’s beautiful Boatshed Restaurant boasts spectacular 180 degree views of the Swan River, the city and Kings Park and its private dining room is ideal for a small group gathering. If beachside is more your style, The Rendezvous Hotel Perth Scarborough will happily accommodate your smaller guest list.
Image of Boatshed Restaurant by Merge Photography via Chloe and Sam’s Rustic Perth Wedding
ADELAIDE
The Playford Adelaide – a member of the exclusive MGallery by Sofitel collection – is a boutique hotel in the heart of the city’s cultural precinct, and hosts weddings for a minimum of 10 guests. If you’re keen to venture away from the city, there’s the stunning 19th-century Victorian mansion and heritage gardens – Auchendarroch House, with function rooms catering for a minimum of 20 guests.
HOBART
It wouldn’t seem right to limit yourself to a city venue in Tasmania, with so many stunning yet intimate options across the beautiful island state. The possibilities are endless but some stand-outs include Stefano Lubiana Wines and Osteria just out of Hobart; Eagles Nest Retreat, near Cradle Mountain in the north west; or Avalon Coastal Retreat, boasting breathtaking views of Tassie’s east coast.
Image of Stefano Lubiana Wines and Osteria via Italian Inspired Wedding Venues in Australia
About Melissa Polimeni Marriage Celebrant: As a celebrant, my job is getting to know couples and crafting memorable and engaging marriage ceremonies. I will treat your wedding day as I would my own special occasion – with joy, excitement, care and consideration, careful attention to detail and constant support.
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