You’re in for a treat today as we have rounded up 28 brilliant new wedding and event venues in Melbourne and regional Victoria. From riverside idylls to lofty rooftop spaces, from private dining to the perfectly picturesque, these brand new (or beautifully revamped), diverse wedding venues may even take your fancy as your wedding shower, engagement, hen’s or buck’s party venue too.
P.S. Want more Victorian wedding venue ideas? Find the best Melbourne function spaces – that Polka Dot Wedding has personally loved forever – by clicking here!
1. Studio Amaro – Windsor
Is “Roman Holiday” your favourite rom-com of all time? We know just the place for you. At Studio Amaro you can take over the intimately-lit basement bar or the entire ground floor restaurant or both. Both possess mid-century modern Italian vibes thanks to interior designer Wendy Bergman, of Bergman & Co, and her retro colour palette, cosy corduroy seating and muted lighting. Toast to your new life together over many Negronis with a side of calamari fritti. And don’t forget to BYO DJ (directly imported from 1950’s Capri, preferably). Photographer: Jana Langhorst.
Capacity: 80 seated, 160 standing
2. Studley Park Boathouse – Kew
Also on the Yarra River- but with a more relaxed air – is the revamped Studley Park Boathouse. Surrounded by Melbourne’s largest bushland park, this charming 1863 venue enjoys dappled natural light and river views. Choose from three spaces (there’s a garden for ceremonies too). The Perch is versatile with indoor/outdoor options and its own verandah. The riverside Pergola embraces an al fresco atmosphere with a little coverage just in case. Otherwise, there’s the Conservatory with plenty of natural light and old-world charm. Definitely consider making your grand arrival via row boat.
Capacity: 60 seated, 130 standing
Wood-fired pizzas and crowd-pleasing cocktails are a winning combo at any party. Add in uninterrupted 270-degree views? Now that’s just gilding the lily. Blossom Rooftop – on the 14th floor of the Pullman Melbourne on Swanston hotel – is one of Melbourne’s highest rooftop bars. We think every celebration of love deserves flowers. Local artist Lisa King obliges here with her murals of blooms inspired by the still life artists of the Dutch Golden Age Plus, there’s plenty of room inside; so no need to worry about the perils of fickle weather.
Capacity: 80 seated, 200 standing
4. Rooftop at QT – Melbourne
Our hotel rooftop-hopping journey continues. The famous QT rooftop has undergone a refreshing nip ‘n’ tuck. With a little help from interior designers Nic Graham and Associates, the bar now features intimate booths (for cosy moments that your photographer should capture as candids), new uniforms and a delish new cocktail menu. Not to mention the splashy bespoke abstract art by Dwayne Hutton that has been hand-painted on the walls. Outside in the open-air portion, the rooftop leans Mediterranean with the installation of sculptural ceramics and fresh plant life. Book out the whole venue or take over the private dining room to take advantage of the buzz-y vibes outside.
Capacity – 20 seated, 185 standing
5. The Craft & Co Preston – Preston
You’re fond of a little gin so had the bright idea that a distillery wedding venue might be a winner. But your beloved prefers beer so a brewery may suit them better. Get the best of both worlds – and the instant industrial vibes that come along with it – thanks to Craft & Co Preston. This laid-back warehouse space is home to a working brewhouse, 850-litre distillery, brewer’s bar, picnic bench seating and even a table tennis table to keep your guests well entertained. You’ll certainly have access to endless tasty liquids with which to make your toasts here.
Capacity: 80 seated, 120 standing
6. Parisian Parlour – Beaumaris
Ooh la la. Bayside’s Le Bar Supper Club has unveiled a dedicated private dining and event space. The Parisian Parlour shows why the 1920s and France and perenially popular – it’s pure glamour! The room is awash in moody charcoal and peacock blue with gold and crystal accents. Gather your loved ones to perch on plush banquettes and sip Champagne all night long as waiters pass around copious caviar and crème fraiche blinis. It’s the kind of cosy spot where you could book a burlesque dancing set at midnight to thrill your guests and no one will blink an eye (ok, so your Nan might).
Capacity: 60 seated and standing
7. Barwon Edge – Geelong
This boathouse-turned-restaurant essentially sits on the banks of the Barwon River. Inside, natural textures reflect the surrounding bush-sanctuary-like environment. Barwon Edge also boasts a lawn and garden for ceremonies and a deck overlooking the water for pre-dinner cocktails at sunset. The menu is Middle Eastern and shared; I would, for sure, marry anyone who plied me with homemade hummus anointed with sumac and garlic (or fried halloumi with poached dates and apple for that matter). Don’t forget to book all of the in-laws in at the sister cafe on-site for a serene family brunch the next day.
Capacity: 150 seated, 200 standing
8. Miss Mabel – Grampians
Country event venue Wirreanda Farm has added another string to their cupid’s bow. Miss Mabel – a tiny wedding chapel on wheels – has arrived for ceremonies only. With micro-weddings and elopements in mind, this little white wedding chapel is set in the middle of a sprawling paddock and enjoys glorious mountainous views. The venue is ideal for couples who are interested in a sustainable celebration; Miss Mabel, like the wider farm, runs completely off the grid. And every couple that marries here has a tree planted with their names etched upon it. Eventually, this will grow into an Avenue of Love.
Capacity: 10 standing
9. Itinerant Spirits – Ballarat
The second distillery on our list also boasts an industrial setting, but this time around it’s rather glamorous too! Based in the circa-1863, heritage, bluestone Goods Shed (a former railway shed), Itinerant is kitted out in gleaming copper, luxurious leather and striking custom lighting installations. They take cocktail parties seriously here, crafting gin, vodka and (eventually) whisky on-site. They can even set up a tasting table for your guests to explore. It’s hard to decide which space within the venue your guests will gravitate towards the most; will it be the antique fireplace, the lofty mezzanine or propped right up at the marble and timber bar? Photographer: Jake Roden
Capacity: 250 seated & standing
10. Planetarium – Bendigo
Apologies in advance. Calling all fellow space nerds, this next venue is out of this world. The Discovery Science and Technology Centre has opened a planetarium and it is available for venue hire. They encourage glittering dinners under the Milky Way (no cloud cover guaranteed), cosmic cocktail parties or – going the other direction entirely – they can even set it up as if you are celebrating little mermaid style ie. under da sea. Head here for unconventional event experiences where the sky really isn’t the limit.
Capacity: 50 seated, 40 standing
11. Ivory Pavilion – Buninyong
Situated outside of Ballarat, Ivory Pavilion is a new event venue tailored specifically to weddings by a couple of wedding photographers who’ve seen it all. The light and airy space features huge glass walls overlooking the rolling greens of Buninyong Golf Club. Ivory Pavilion is divided into two spaces, the Grand Room and the Cocktail Lounge, which can be used together or separately and easily styled to suit your theme. There’s plenty to love here: from outdoor ceremonies with dam backdrops and the flexibility of BYO catering, to the surrounding grounds being available for photos via golf buggy and the casual beer garden all set with picnic tables, umbrellas and festoon lights as a bonus space.
Capacity: 150 seated, 180 standing
12. Grace – Richmond
Open exclusively for events, the conveniently located Grace is the first Australian venue opened by Curtis Stone Events. The comfortable space is home to polished timber floors, sage and cream walls, subtle period features and a splash of exposed brick. The overall look balances the contemporary with the feeling that Grace has been there forever. There’s also a cosy suite for getting-ready and a private dining room for smaller events. Plus, with a celebrity chef behind it all, you know the eats – from canapes to late-night snacks – will be top-notch.
Capacity: 110 seated, 150 standing
13. Cai Shen – Southbank
Spice Temple has recently had a freshen-up and, while they were at it, added a third private dining room to the restaurant. Named in honour of the Chinese god of wealth (how fortuitous is that!?), the Cai Shen room features a large, traditional circular table with a Lazy Susan at the centre for banquet feasts. The seductively low-lit room is styled in opulent colours with hanging wooden slats, rolling doors and an eye-catching mural. It’s just right for intimate celebrations; and who can resist a wedding wonton?
Capacity: 12 seated
14. Torino Aperitivo – Melbourne
When planning a welcoming wedding it always pays to turn to the Italians. They’re known for their warm hospitality and family ties after all. Torino Apertivo is a seductive and intimate new laneway bar in the city that can be booked out for private events like small cocktail receptions. We like the idea of celebrating over many bottles of Prosecco and their six different Spritzes. They typically specialise in aperitivo hour so you know their canapé game will be on point for your big night. Your guests will adore the cosy booths – not to mention the free-flowing cocktail fountain! And do take a peek at Beneath Driver Lane next door for an after-party filled with blues music and dark spirits. Photographer: Kim Jane
Capacity: 110 standing
15. Young Hearts – Windsor
Though the name of this new venue is based on somewhat of an anti-romance disco anthem, we still love it as a place for celebrations of love. Young Hearts is a cavernous upstairs warehouse space full of white-washed exposed brick, curvy booth seating and rotating artworks. And it’s gently lit by giant windows so that it usually feels like a permanent golden hour during sunlight times. There is a mezzanine overlooking the action for groups, but we’d really want to be invited to a full-venue party with DJs here.
Capacity: 60 seated, 120 standing
16. Re’em – Gruyere
In Hebrew “Re’em” translates to “unicorn” or some kind of horned mythical beast. The fanciful unicorn is a continuing motif for Helen & Joey Estate, out in the Yarra Valley, the winery where this new boutique hotel, cellar door and restaurant has been built. It’s place for couples who want their big day to be a little bit magical. You could take over the whole hotel, get ready in the dedicated wedding suite, take your vows on the cellar door’s balcony or winery grounds, and celebrate with a Chinese/mod-Australian feast in the airy restaurant or the private barrel-view room. We guarantee everyone will be raving about Re’em’s crunchy eggplant with Sichuan relish for years to come. There are 16 rooms overlooking an orchard, water features, vines and rolling hills so out of town guests are well spoiled. Plus, you can start the honeymoon right away in a luxe suite with a big, round bathtub and sprawling vineyard views.
Capacity: 100 seated or standing
17. Leonards Hill Estate – Leonard’s Hill
The Daylesford and Hepburn Springs area is a well-known destination for romance in regional Victoria. So why not swap “I dos” there? The peaceful, four-acre Leonards Hill Estate property could be all yours for the day. This flexible wedding venue has so much to offer: it’s run on solar energy, it’s pet friendly, there are indoors and outdoors options, and it even welcomes food trucks. The estate also boasts homestead-style accommodation for you and your entourage, right on site. Photographer: Ada + Ivy
Capacity: 120 seated or standing
18. The Pavilion at Auburn Hotel – Hawthorn East
This 135-year-old pub has added a new place to party. Nestled in a bigger, brighter beer garden comes the Pavilion; it’s an airy, atrium-like space that is now available for exclusive hire. Once upon a time the space was a horse stable and motorworks garage. Now it serves up celebratory pints alongside wood-fired pizzas to please the whole family, all underneath a retractable roof to let Melbourne’s fickle sunshine in. Plus, if you are inviting your littlest friends to the wedding, there’s a new kids’ playground just outside.
Capacity: 100 seated, 250 standing
19. Le Splash – Melbourne
Le Splash is Le Chic! Le Meridien Melbourne’s rooftop pool deck is usually reserved for in-house guests only. But they make an exception for special events. Le Splash is set across two levels with the centrepiece of the upper deck being a huge turquoise pool. Serve frosé and ice cream to your guests as they soak up the surrounding urban views and feel on top of the world. Pool party for your Summer wedding, anyone?
Capacity: 150 standing
20. Crystal Palace & Courtyard – Carlton North
Here’s a palace that’s entirely dedicated to parties. With checkerboard floors, touches of marble and plush furnishings, Crystal Palace requires no further decoration for your reception (if you don’t feel like it). The bonus courtyard is spacious and filled with greenery. It’s both heated and covered so your dreams of an outdoorsy wedding can come true no matter the time of year.
Capacity: 66 seated, 100 standing
21. The Parlour at Grainery Lane – Ballarat
Just quietly, Ballarat is booming with tasty hospitality and sights to see right now (see also: Itinerant Spirits and Ivory Pavilion, above). Another reason to make a trek? Tying the knot at Grainery Lane’s Parlour room. They say it best: the venue is “a one-of-a-kind saloon-style cocktail bar bringing back the glitz and glamour of the city’s goldrush era.” The Parlour is your own private nook among all that for footloose and fancy-free frivolity.
Capacity: 60 seated, 100 standing
22. Brass Monkey – Melbourne
Found: a space that feels warm and cosy but is still big enough to hold your entire family. New underground bar Brass Monkey is dedicated to all things Victorian – the wines, the spirits and the bites are (nearly) all locally sourced. The cocktails are also named after iconic Melbourne places so it’s a particularly good venue if you’ll be inviting plenty of out-of-town guests that you’d like to impress. Even the exposed brick walls feature rotating city-centric art curated by a local photographer. Photographer: Pete Dillon.
Capacity: 250 standing
23. Cleveland Estate – Lancefield
Set amidst the Macedon Ranges, Cleveland Estate’s recent transformation blends contemporary style with enduring charm. The estate’s picturesque landscapes – including a backdrop of verdant vineyards and Mount William – provide the perfect setting for the dedicated events team there to work their magic. Swap I do’s among the vines, choose from the Carriage House or the Great Room for your reception, then cut cake and take your first dance on the Chardonnay Terrace. An 1882 homestead offers a luxurious retreat should you wish to honeymoon early.
Capacity: seated 140, standing 200
24. Maggie’s Snacks & Liquor – Brunswick East
They say an invitation to a soiree at Maggie’s boasts the “familiarity of your aunt’s living room and the unpredictability of your wildest night out”. Sounds good to us. Their 100 Lygon room comes complete with vintage vibes and a crackling fireplace, or there’s a plush Parlour for more intimate little secretive celebrations. Or else there’s a courtyard for daytime events accented by dappled light, or under glowing festoon lights come nightfall. The crew here loves to take your ideas and run with them: especially when good party snacks and good liquor are involved. Photographer: Blake Alcock
Capacity: seated 60, standing 110
25. The Victoria – Rutherglen
Following extensive – and expensive – renovations, this hotel fancies itself as a prime place in which to gather. They’ve retained beautiful period features like ceiling roses, stained glass and fireplaces. Book the exclusive and cosy Gollings Room to dine family-style. Try the Garden Room for airy, cocktail occasions. Or take over the 1886 room for a serious feast with all your faves. If that’s not tempting enough, you and your guests are sure to crack into the fortified, Shirz and rarer Durif wines for which the surrounding region is famous.
Capacity: upon request
26. Dreamlab Studio – Altona North
Blank but not at all boring? Dreamlab is a fresh canvas event space in which to bring your celebration to life from (nearly) scratch. The all-white space is minimalist with just enough graphic details across
216 sqm of open space over two floors. It can be used as a backdrop for the whitest of white weddings or can be splashed with colour and texture, exactly the way you like it.
Capacity: 80 standing
27. Amphora – Docklands
“Lush” and “plush” are the keywords that come to mind when you step inside Amphora. The walls are awash with painted flowers, the circular seating comes in soft grey velvet, and the ceiling is a striking talking point constructed with flowing bamboo beams. Decorations done! The menu is surprisingly inclusive: Amphora is as keen to cater to your plant-based or vegan guests as much as they are the committed carnivores. And as a special bonus – if one or both of you are big sports fans – the venue is tucked away in Marvel Stadium with easy access to either the city or the harbour for photos by the glinting water.
Capacity: 140 seated, 250 standing
28. Semi-private dining room at Bistrot Bisou – Melbourne
French restaurants are cliche hotspots for romance for very good reason. That reason is ready access to butter and Champagne! For an extra romantic touch at this new venue inside the stylish Hotel Indigo, “Bisou” means “kiss” in French. Celebrity chef Luke Mangan has composed a menu of classics – we recommend the light-as-air “floating clouds” for everyone’s dessert. Cosy up in the semi-private dining room, tucked away near the impressively firey grills, with you nearest and dearest. French kisses welcome.
Capacity: 12 seated
If you’re still looking for the perfect wedding function space to hire in Australia, here are even MORE beautiful new venues!
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