Affordable Venues for Hire in Sydney

Your Guide to Hiring Affordable Venues in Sydney

When it comes to event venues for people on a budget, there are more options in Sydney than you would think! You’ve got cheap bars, restaurants, art galleries, rooftop venues, waterfront venues and more. And what’s the best part? You can find them all on Tagvenue. We’ve found some incredible affordable locations and compiled them all on one list so you can find the ideal one for your function in a flash. Sounds too good to be true? Hop on our platform and start browsing our list of budget spaces in Sydney now! 

How to find cheap function venues in Sydney?

Don’t know how exactly you should nail down your search for a cheap function room? Don’t fret. Use the tips we’ve provided below and you’re bound to find an ideal affordable event spot!

Take advantage of a minimum spend - AKA free venue hire - that’s right! This is a popular option for bars and restaurants all over the city. It means that you only spend your money on food and drink and you don’t have to worry about additional venue charges. Here’s our top minimum spend venue hire tip: calculate how much the requirement will cost per person. This way, you can ensure you are getting the best rate per head on your minimum spend. 

Affordable BYO venues - Sydney offers some fantastic inexpensive dry hire venues which give you the option of bringing your own food and drinks. Essentially, you get an empty party venue which you can then decorate and provide catering for. If you are looking for a budget-friendly spaces for birthday celebrations, BYO might be a good option.

Size matters - These two factors can make a difference to your venue hire budget. If your guest list is small, choose an intimate venue appropriate for the number of guests. Sydney definitely has countless cheap small venues to choose from. If you have a larger guest list in mind, don’t worry. For instance, warehouse venues in Sydney are very popular for large events. These large venues give you the space to design your own custom space for your event. However, keep in mind warehouses need a lot of decorations and infrastructure. While a warehouse might seem cheap, most often, it’s just a shell you have to fill yourself. You can also take a look at halls in Sydney. They come in various sizes and are extremely cheap to hire. With any blank canvas venue, you will need to calculate your costs for any things you may need to hire for your party, such as tables, chairs, decorations, and external vendors such as caterers.

How much does cheap venue hire in Sydney cost?

Costs for these venues will vary, and different venues offer different rate options. Here’s an estimated breakdown of what you can expect to pay:

Per person cost - the average cheap event package in Sydney starts at $30 per head for a sit-down meal. You can save a lot if you go for a cocktail-style event with canapes.

If you’re looking at just a hire fee, then budget for a minimum of $500 per session for a small venue. Prices quickly go up into the thousands of dollars for larger, more expensive venues. Make sure to confirm the session limit vs full-day hire. You don’t want to pay $500 for a 2-hour session when you could be paying $1000 for the full day instead!

The average minimum spend is between $1000-$1500. (All data from Tagvenue.)

What are some affordable event locations in Sydney?

Still not set on a location for your event? Here are the some of the most popular locations for cheap event spaces in Sydney:

Sydney CBD - The Central Business District is a popular location full of restaurants, bars, banquet halls, and cheap private function rooms that suit any budget. The lively city atmosphere will make any party come alive! 

Surry Hills - Lovely and stylish, this area offers an eclectic mix of soulful cafes, hip bars, pubs and cosy restaurants. 

Darlinghurst - This LGBTQ-friendly neighbourhood will be the perfect match for those who love being surrounded by art in all its forms. You’ll find plenty of galleries here that are in line with some of the best cheap venues in Sydney, like bars, restaurants, cafes, and more. 

Newtown - The most fashionable part of the city boasts offbeat eateries, cafes and pubs that don’t break the bank. Many students of Sydney University call it home and flock to the top venues in between studying and working. Why does that matter? If students go there, then they have to be cheap!

You’re almost ready to go and start your quest to find the perfect and cheap venue in Sydney. Why almost? Because we have another great tip for you! Remember to set your budget and draw up a guestlist before you book anything. Your budget will hint at what price range you should look for in venues, while a guestlist will help you decide if the space you like will accommodate everyone. Now, you can kick off your preparations!

FAQs about Affordable Venues in Sydney

Do cheap spaces in Sydney provide catering?

It all depends on the venue. If you're looking for an affordable event space with catering, consider hiring a bar or restaurant! Blank canvas venues usually don’t offer such services, but they may allow you to provide your own food and drinks, which can be a great money-saver. It’s best to thoroughly check the offer and ask the venue manager directly, as they will dispel any of your doubts on this matter.

How early should I book an affordable room for my event in Sydney?

We suggest booking a space around 6 to 8 weeks in advance. This will give you the time to find offers that are a steal, as well as carefully plan your function from the beginning till the end. Remember that the best cheap event spaces in Sydney may get booked up quickly!

Is hiring on a minimum spend basis better than a dry hire?

Each one has its own perks! The price of dry hire usually doesn’t include catering, while choosing the minimum spend spares you a fee for hiring a space - you only pay for the food and drinks. It’s best to take some time to thoroughly calculate and compare which party space in Sydney will be the cheapest as in some cases, it’s better to pick an event location with the minimum spend, while in others, a dry-hire and hiring an outside caterer.

What are some cheap function venues for hire in Sydney?

Why don’t you check out some of these?

• The Garden Room at The Corner House – Located in a historic location of Bondi, this venue will spoil you with its rustic Italian menu and a vast selection of cocktails. The Balcony Room is a breezy space with a relaxed vibe, perfect for small gatherings.

• Oasis at Sanctuary Hotel – An intimate space in a beautiful pub, with a patterned floor, curtain-textured walls and seating for 75 guests. Your function will be honoured with great food, superb service and a fantastic atmosphere. Located in the proximity of Sydney Town Hall.

• The Private Dining Room at The Royal Exchange of Sydney – Whether you’re planning a small formal dinner, a business meeting or a training session, this intimate dining space will be a great choice. The room’s complete privacy and classic design will keep you and your guests comfortable. When it comes to catering, you can go for in-house options or bring your own. Located on Gresham Street, close to Circular Quay Station.