Small Function Venues for Hire in Melbourne

Your Guide to Hiring Small Function Venues in Melbourne

Function Room Hire Made Easy

Whether you’re a meeting planner, wedding organiser, or simply someone who’s browsing the web in search of a small venue suitable for their event, we’re happy to help you with the task.  No matter if you’re looking for a private space for an intimate party, corporate innovation presentation, product launch, or any other type of event, Tagvenue’s search engine with its filters makes it ridiculously easy to find that perfect space in Melbourne.

How to Find the Ideal Function Space Near You

Finding the right space can be challenging, given the number of options available and the varying capacities of each. To make your search as easy as possible, we’ve prepared some points to keep in mind when looking for that perfect small function venue in Melbourne.

Location

When looking for a small function room in Melbourne, consider its location. It should be easy to find and access for your guests. Look for places near the stations for anyone travelling with public transportation or near the airports if your guests are going to fly in for your event. 

Depending on the type of your event, you can also look around your chosen venue. Perhaps your corporate function could continue into a less casual bar or pub?

Catering

Hosting your function in a smaller venue naturally means there’s less room for food and drink, so think carefully about how you’ll serve your chosen menu. If you choose waiter service, keep in mind that they’ll need enough space to navigate between tables. Similarly, if you go for a buffet-style feast, make sure there’s enough room to lay the food out.

Pro Tip: Use Tagvenue’s Catering and Drinks filters to easily find small event spaces in Melbourne that suit all of your needs.

Seating

Mini function rooms can sometimes present a bit of a challenge when it comes to seating arrangements. With limited space, it’s not always easy to arrange tables and chairs the way you want them. It’s worth considering how you’ll want your guests sat – be it theatre style, a horseshoe or around one main table – and narrow your search to venues that will be able to seat all your guests in your chosen arrangement.

Pro Tip: When browsing event venues on Tagvenue, specify the number of people you’re expecting at your event and pick the desirable seating layout to help our search engine show you the best matches for your event.

Facilities

Consider what you’ll need to help your party run smoothly. Will you need a projector? Audio equipment? Extra tables? Many smaller function venues are just as well equipped as their larger counterparts but not all are, so it’s definitely worth making sure the venue can provide all you need before you commit!

Package Deals

If you’re not the type who likes to have the final say about each little detail, you can look for private venues that offer package deals for your event. Once you agree on the package, you can be sure everyone at your event will receive the same food and drinks, and other things that may go into your agreed deal. Just remember to check on the invitees’ dietary restrictions or ask the venue whether they will be able to adjust the served menu to fit your guests.

Date

Of course, you want to hire the function room that fits your event, but booking one around popular times like Christmas might make it much more expensive than usual. Weekend pricing may also be higher than the weekday one. If you’re flexible with your budget, then you have nothing to worry about.

Type of event

Consider what kind of event you are going to host at the venue and if there are any restrictions. For example, if you have a lot of people coming to your event and need space for them to sit down, be sure to find a venue that has enough seating options. The same goes for any other requirements like catering or audio-visual equipment.

Capacity

Even if you don’t plan to have a big event, it’s good to know how many people the venue can hold. This is especially important for venues that charge per person rather than require a hire fee. You should also consider the size of your event in relation to the venue’s capacity. If you’re having a small, intimate event, then a venue that can hold up to 100 people might be too big for your needs.

Flexibility

The best small venues in Melbourne are the ones that can adapt to your needs, wants, and desires. They should be able to provide you with a range of options for both set-ups and catering. They should also be able to work with you on timelines and other logistical issues so that your event runs smoothly. This is especially important if you need to move furniture around or change the set-up for your event.

Atmosphere

You want to create an intimate, exclusive atmosphere for your guests. This is especially important for small events, which are often more about the experience than anything else. The venue should be able to help you create this atmosphere by choosing lighting and décor that accentuates your desired look.

Pssst! You may like our selection of cheap venues for hire in Melbourne!

Venue Type

When it comes to small function spaces, Melbourne has a particularly large range of choices. From function halls and centres to private event rooms in hotels and intimate pubs, there are some really diverse types of venues on offer. So, think about what kind of vibe you’re looking for and what will work best for your event.

• The Grace Darling Hotel – This Collingwood-based, second oldest hotel in Melbourne offers three unique function spaces, including a light-filled Atrium. The professional in-house event team is ready to take on your requests to make your event one to remember.

• The Cluster –  A fun but professional co-working space located in the heart of Melbourne CBD. With multiple rooms available for hire, as well as break-out spaces and a business lounge, it’s a great spot for any kind of business meeting.

• Beer Garden at Temperance Hotel - An outdoor function space offering a relaxed atmosphere under the Melbourne sky! Located on Chapel Street, it's a great spot for small work summer parties or after-work drinks.

• Revolver Lane – One-of-its-kind venue with versatile function spaces. Are you looking for a meeting room, a studio for your photo shoot, or a chill spot for a small celebration? You'll find it all in one venue near Prahran Station!

FAQs about Small Function Venues in Melbourne

How much does it cost to hire a small function room in Melbourne?

If you’re looking for a hotel function room you can expect to pay hire fees from $100 to $1500 and above. Hotels also often offer a package option, costing around $65 per person, or minimum spend rates, which are usually between $1000 and $2500. With something for every budget, packages for small bar rooms tend to range from $21 to $70 per person. Some spaces within bars are also priced with minimum spends from $350 to $2150 and higher. Popular in Melbourne, cafes also offer rooms for hire. Price-wise, you’ll find that minimum spend rates are around $500 to $1500 and per-person packages range from $25 to $50 and beyond. (Based on Tagevnue data.)

Which area of Melbourne is best to hire a small venue?

Melbourne CBD is a great spot to start looking for your function venue. Located in the city centre, guaranteeing good access, it’s also a place for all the professionals. Artistic and independent Fitzroy will give your event a laid-back vibe. Search along the Yarra River or St Kilda for waterside venues boasting incredible views. Browse for a venue in the Northern Suburbs for fast access from Melbourne Tullamarine Airport.

What occasion is good for hiring small event venues in Melbourne?

Small private function rooms are great for any event where you’re inviting only a limited number of people. They are great for a small family celebration or a birthday party with just the closest friends. With function spaces usually being separated from the entire venue, they can be great for holding business meetings where you need privacy. A small function room can also be a smart choice if you’re organising an event on a budget.

Can I transform the small venue to fit my occasion?

With the vast range of small event spaces on offer in Melbourne, you are sure to find just what you need for your event. If you would still like to change it up for your occasion, make sure you consult your plans with the venue manager before making the final booking. If you want to make sure the space looks exactly like you want to, consider hiring a blank canvas space to be able to transform it to your liking.

What are some of the best small venues in Melbourne?

• Rooftop Indoors at Two Hands Rooftop Bar is the perfect space for your next event, whether it's a birthday party or a corporate meeting with a capacity of up to 50 seats. The bar has beautiful views of the city skyline and offers assistance with hiring a DJ or a pool table — whatever you need to make your event truly memorable. With this venue, you can be sure that your event will be picture-perfect and comfortable.

• The Shiva Temple at Prana House is a blank canvas venue which could be transformed into a lounge for a cocktail party or a venue for a banquet. It features a reverse cycle split system air conditioner, dimmable lighting and 30 white chairs. It's a beautiful and bright room with large east-facing windows, which means you can bring in plenty of natural light to make the space feel even more spacious.

• The Beer Garden at The National Hotel is the perfect venue for your next intimate outdoor event. Located in Richmond, this cosy space fits up to 25 guests and is perfect for laid-back parties and small gatherings. The all-season setup means that you can celebrate under the Melbourne sky even in the winter! Feel the welcoming atmosphere under twinkling lights and create memories in this stunning courtyard.