Plus, my Fab Four Favourite outer Sydney wedding venues that I feel my review had to be shared with you.
Congratulations! You are engaged, and now it's time to start planning your big day. Amongst everything you have to consider, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is choosing the perfect wedding venue. With so many different options and unique features, it can be hard to know which venue will provide the best experience for you and your guests. As an experienced celebrant in Sydney, I have had the unique opportunity to work in some of the city's most popular wedding venues. I’ve reviewed each of these locations based on their unique features, amenities, and overall ambiance, so today, I'm sharing my perspective on some of the best Sydney wedding venues.
The Grounds of Alexandria
The Grounds of Alexandria provides an enchanting garden setting and a unique dining experience for your wedding reception that perfectly suits both casual and formal weddings. They have multiple spaces available, including The Atrium, The Potting Shed, and The Garden. The food is always delicious, and the staff are incredibly professional and accommodating. .
The pros include the breathtaking scenery, excellent menu options, and the overall ambiance. The Grounds of Alexandria's lush gardens are perfect for hosting a relaxed and intimate wedding ceremony, making it a favourite among couples looking for a natural and romantic atmosphere.
The Grounds South Eveleigh
Located within the old locomotive workshops at Sydney’s Australian Technology Park, The Eveleigh perfectly blends the elegance and sophistication of the golden days of steam engines with modern and sleek architecture. With an opulent balcony and staircase for grand event entrances, stunning vintage chandeliers and touches of marble and brass throughout, The Eveleigh will provide a gorgeous backdrop for Sydney’s most spectacular soirees!
L'Aqua Darling Harbour
L'Aqua is a premium wedding venue for your ceremony & wedding reception located on the top floor of Cockle Bay Wharf and this immaculate venue boasts an uninterrupted waterfront view of Darling Harbour. The staff is beyond professional and will help ensure your wedding runs smoothly. If you time it right you can enjoy the fireworks at Darling Harbour at no extra expense to your wedding budget, winning!
Curzon Hall
Curzon Hall is a century-old, heritage-listed mansion located North-west of Sydney. It's a popular ceremonial and reception venue and is known for its grand entrance, stunning architecture, and spacious dance floor. The venue has a rating of 4.7 out of 5, and it accommodates up to 450 guests.
Pros: The venue's old-world charm provides a fantastic backdrop that can bring a vintage touch to wedding receptions. The skilled team is committed to giving couples the perfect event. If you're looking for a reception within a castle this could be a good option for you to explore.
Pier One Sydney Harbour
Pier One Sydney Harbour is a stunning waterfront boutique hotel renowned for its luxury and elegance. The venue is located right under the Sydney Harbour Bridge, and with a rating of 4.8 out of 5, you can expect nothing but the best. The professional team is incredibly reliable and capable of customising events to your desires.
Pros: The venue provides an unbeatable and picturesque view of the Sydney Harbour. Pier One also permits dogs to check in to the accomodation and their restaurant menu also caters for your four legged family member. If you're a dog lover and owner, and want your pooch to be included in your big day then Pier One is a venue for your consideration.
Doltone House
Doltone House is a fantastic venue with numerous locations around Sydney, including the iconic Jones Bay Wharf.
The pros include the chic decor, excellent food, and great service from the employees.
The Boathouse Shelly Beach
The Boathouse Shelly Beach is an intimate and romantic location situated on the water. The venue has excellent food options and a relaxed, beachy atmosphere, and the staff are friendly and professional. However, the space is quite small, so it may not be suitable for larger weddings. The downside is that accessibility can be an issue for some guests due to stairs.
Ovolo Woolloomooloo
Ovolo Woolloomooloo is a unique and quirky venue with a fun and playful atmosphere. It won several design awards with its recent renovations a few years ago. Offering an (almost) electric neon church as the on-site ceremony option, everything’s been designed with intention and flair as published by The Salty Shutter.
Dunbar House Watsons Bay
Dunbar House is a beautiful heritage-listed mansion dating back to the 1830s and is the perfect setting for an elegant wedding with stunning views of Sydney Harbour. The staff are friendly and professional, and the food is delicious. However, the space can be a bit tight if you have a large guest list.
Merivale Venues: The Establishment Ballroom, The Ivy Ballroom, and more
The Ivy is a grand and impressive venue that can accommodate large weddings of up to 1,000 guests. Extravagant chandeliers and high ceilings give the space a sense of grandeur synonymous with Merivale experiences. Styled by Sydney's best in wedding planners, the popular reception venue offers award winning and creative catering to match the luxe surrounds.
Q Station Manly
Q Station is a unique and historic venue with a beautiful natural setting overlooking the headlands. They have several spaces available, including The Glasshouse and The Governor's Table. The staff are friendly and professional, and the food is good. If you (and your guests) are staying in the accomodation overnight, Q Station also offers a night Ghost Tour which I recommend. However, it can be quite chilly in the winter months, so be sure to bring warm clothing if you're planning an outdoor ceremony.
Taronga Zoo Mosman
Taronga Zoo is like no other wedding venue in the world. It's not every day that you can say "I do" with Sydney Harbour as your backdrop and enjoy a unique reception with wildlife as your guests. Taronga Zoo offers various spaces, all with a stunning view of the Harbour. This unique location ensures your wedding is unforgettable. One question to ask is how the venue will manage animal noise during your ceremony or reception. Additionally, you may want to confirm transportation for guests and the process for setting up decorations.
William Inglis Hotel Racecourse
William Inglis Hotel Racecourse is a 5-star wedding venue located in Warwick Farm, Sydney. This venue is perfect for couples who are looking for a luxurious and elegant wedding. The venue has various packages and offers that cater to different budgets and preferences. The staff at the venue are friendly, professional, and accommodating. They have a team of experienced planners who can help you plan your dream wedding.
One of the pros of this venue is the versatility it offers for customising wedding receptions to construct a unique and bespoke celebration reception for each couple.
Botanic House Sydney Royal Botanic Gardens
A hidden gem within the Sydney Royal Botanic Gardens is Botanic House, a minimalist and contemporary event space. This versatile venue is the perfect location to host your reception after a dreamy ceremony out in the impeccable gardens. Overlooking a serene pond with magnificent palm trees and lush flora, this split-level venue opens out onto an alfresco terrace where your guests can enjoy the views of the garden.
The HIGHLINE Venue
Bankstown HIGHLINE is a glamorous wedding venue with 3 seperate ballrooms, individual bridal suites and pre-dinner cocktail areas. This venue is perfect for couples who are looking for a unique and modern wedding. The venue has a versatile space that can accommodate both intimate and large-scale weddings up to 1340 guests. The staff at the venue are professional, organized, and efficient. Expect 4.5 metre high ceilings, 24k gold chandeliers, grand staircases and elegant garden terraces. Well experienced with large cultural celebrations such as Lebanese and Chinese weddings. BYO gold licensed catering available for specific cuisine requirements as published by Wedlockers.
Athol Hall Mosman
Athol Hall is another venue with a breathtaking view of the Harbour. The venue is a heritage-listed building with modern features and ample space for both indoor and outdoor events. Athol Hall would be great for garden-style wedding but could also be an amazing backdrop for an indoor reception. One question to ask is how the venue deals with the ever-unpredictable Sydney weather.
Beta Events Sydney CBD
If you’re looking for a more relaxed, urban vibe, you might want to consider Beta Bar Sydney. It’s a unique venue located in the CBD, with a range of spaces that can cater for small or large weddings. The team at Beta Bar Sydney are excellent at tailoring packages to suit your needs and budget, especially if you’re looking for a unique and bespoke celebration. One thing to note about this venue is that it’s more suited to couples who are not looking for the traditional wedding format. Download and explore the Beta Brochure here.
QVB Tea Room
For those who love a classic, elegant wedding, the QVB Tea Room is the perfect venue. This iconic Sydney venue oozes old-world charm and has a stunning ballroom with high ceilings and crystal chandeliers with its European-inspired splendour as published by Sydney Review. The venue’s event coordinators are experts in creating a memorable atmosphere that can transport you and your guests back in time.
A big pro, when the retail stores close in the QVB stroll throughout this historical building with your photographer to capture a unique and unparalleled wedding photo album.
Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) Foundation Hall
MCA Foundation Hall is a unique, modern location in the heart of the city that offers spectacular views of the Harbour. This venue is excellent for art lovers, with access to contemporary exhibitions and spaces. Blending 1930s Art Deco P&O style, this impressive ballroom with 7-metre high ceilings and a terrace overlooking Sydney Harbour creates a dramatic backdrop for any event. If you're looking for an Event Planner and Stylist familiar with the MCA Foundation Hall and its potential to transform into a wedded wonderland, I highly recommend reaching out to creative wizard Noel Nassar Events.
The Guest House Park Hyatt
Park Hyatt The Rocks is a five-star hotel with a beautiful and classy interior, perfect for elegant and formal weddings. Their attentive staff and excellent catering service always exceed my expectations. The landmark Sydney Harbour views are mesmerising from every angle day and night, and especially if your reception is taking place during the Vivid city light show.
Zest Waterfront
Zest Waterfront offers two outstanding absolute waterfront locations, The Beachouse at Point Piper and The Boathouse at The Spit. Whichever your choice in location, you can expect quality of service, food, styling and personalised event design. Awarded 1st and 2nd place in the Australian Bridal Industry Association’s Best Reception Venue (NSW) 3 years in a row (2018, 2019 and 2020/21).
Luna Park Sydney
Luna Park Venues is one of Sydney’s most sought after wedding spaces, offering unique and elegant venues with unrivalled vistas of the Harbour Bridge and Opera House. It offers a truly unique ‘Brides on Rides’ experience providing the most unforgettable photo opportunity available exclusively for couples having their wedding reception at Luna Park Venues which can include a ride for two on the Ferris Wheel or fun times with your bridal party on the bumper cars, release your inner child and enjoy the amusement park playground. It's a popular choice as published by Wedlockers.
Urban Winery Moore Park Entertainment Quarter
One of my favourite venues with a cellar door vibe. Suitable for bigger crowds, this is a glorious spot in the Entertainment quarter with a fully functional winery, cellar door and wine bar and event space. Get married out the front, party inside, and stroll around Fox Studios Bowling Alley & Arcade to capture fun photos for your wedding album.
Miramare Gardens Terrey Hills
Miramare Gardens is a family business and has everything a couple could want, from a picturesque garden to a luxurious ballroom. It’s versatile and can cater to both indoor and outdoor weddings. The venue has an excellent in-house catering team.
Waterview Bicentennial Park
Waterview Bicentennial Park is situated on a perfect location overlooking the water in the stunning Bicentennial Park. The venue offers three modern rooms, each with its unique features, ensuring that there is something for everyone. The venue's star rating score is 4.6 out of 5, and for a good reason! The wedding packages offered are varied, and the event coordinators are incredible in guiding couples through the entire process. Pros: The venue's location provides stunning views for your wedding photos.
My Fab Four Favourite Outer Sydney Wedding Venues (in alphabetical order)
1- Bendooley Estate Southern Highlands
From a formal wedding with an enormous party to a more intimate and relaxed celebration, Bendooley Estate has the perfect space. Exchange your vows at the Estate in a choice of exquisite settings: the private gardens, the lake pavilion, or within the vineyard. Bendooley Estate also offers a choice of three reception venues on its property The Book Barn with its cathedral ceilings, The Cellar Door, and The Stables set across the paddocks from the main buildings, with its own entrance and scenic setting. Your dream wedding will come to life in the most sought after location in the Highlands.
2- Chapel Ridge Lower Hunter Valley
Where luxury meets country, Chapel Ridge is a chic rural wedding venue located just over an hour's drive from Sydney, in the Lower Hunter Valley. Nestled in 130 acres of prime cattle country, this purpose-built wedding venue is just perfect if you’re on the hunt for a rustic, idyllic location with extensive views and plenty of natural beauty. Chapel Ridge is an all-weather wedding venue boasting a beautiful sandstone chapel, a wisteria terrace, a pavilion for up to 120 people, an exclusive bar for your guests and an Alice in Wonderland maze - all enveloped within its serene, manicured grounds.
3- Kangaroo Valley Bush Retreat
For your big day there are four distinct spaces to celebrate, the natural progression throughout the areas flows seamlessly as you move from one place to the next.
Say your 'I Do's' at the ancient 320 million year old Rock Cathedral, the dream place to have your unique ceremony, it's the stuff fairytales are made of! With towering rocks, handcrafted bench seating & stage, you can put on the show of a lifetime in this sacred place.
Cocktail hour at The Sunset Deck boasting magnificent views over the valley below.
Reception at the new Function Area with huge double height windows and an indoor/ outdoor fireplace, and amazing views of the surrounding escarpments and natural bush, perfectly balancing country rustic with sleek and modern architecture.
Ending it at The Firepit, where the outdoor after party carries on.
4- The Cove Jervis Bay
Its an epic paradise destination you have all to yourselves where you all share a magical experience you will never forget. The Cove is all National Park on one side and total ocean on the other so the photo ops for your wedding pics are absolutely endless and totally stunning!
There is so much to do at The Cove Jervis Bay all year round. Water-sports, bush-walks, yard games, beach yoga, Glamping tents (and cabins), while surrounded by local animals, in particular lots and lots of friendly Kangaroos right at your doorstep.
In conclusion:
Choosing the right wedding venue is essential to make your special day memorable. By asking the right questions and researching options, you can find a venue that meets your needs, style, and budget. Sydney offers many outstanding wedding venues, and it's worth reviewing them carefully before making your decision. I hope this blog post has helped you better understand how to approach the selection process and highlighted some excellent venues to consider. Congratulations on your engagement and happy wedding planning!
For a more venue options and ratings, I find Easy Weddings and ABIA to be useful and a good read.
Feel free to contact me with any questions, I'm always happy to help.
Johan the Sydney Wedding Celebrant & Professional MC