Your Guide to Hiring Wedding Venues in Sydney
It's important to remember that Sydney is one of the world's most sought-after wedding locations.Considering the demand for wedding venues in the city, booking your venue as soon as possible is crucial. When planning your wedding, make a list of important things you need to keep track of and prioritise each item. To make choosing a wedding location and arranging your event as simple as possible, we've put up a list of our best recommendations below.
- Accommodation – Are you expecting many guests, who will be coming from different parts of Australia or even from overseas? Don’t forget that you will need places for them to stay. Your best option may be to choose a hotel venue– this way, you’ll have the accommodation sorted out on the spot. With Tagvenue, you'll have no trouble finding the ideal hotel in Sydney as the city is filled with fantastic hotels with gorgeous wedding spaces.
- The size of your guest list – Are you expecting 20, 50, 250, or even 500 guests? The key is to find just the right-sized venue. Of course, everyone needs enough room for themselves, but you don’t want a space that’s way too big, either. This may sound a bit complicated, but no need to stress – with our platform’s smart search filters, you can book one that’s just the right fit.
- Possible wedding dates – One of our most important wedding venue hiring tips is to always have several dates in mind. The best wedding venues in Sydney are usually booked out quickly. Choosing a few potential dates for your wedding can significantly increase your chances of securing the perfect spot.
- Alcohol policy – When it comes to alcohol, Sydney’s wedding venues have varying policies. Do you want to bring liquor or other beverages to your wedding? You can use our website's smart filters to select a BYO wedding location y, which will allow you to bring your own alcohol. Keep in mind that some venues may charge a corkage fee, so always make sure to verify the details with your venue before bringing your own booze.
Make sure to check out our complete wedding venue guide!
Do you feel like you could use some inspiration? Here’s a short list of the most common wedding venue types in Sydney:
- Waterfront venues – Sydney boasts one of the most picturesque harbours in the world, so why not include it in your wedding? A special day deserves a special backdrop after all! One of our favourites is Icebergs Dining Room in Bondi Beach. You can also opt for a boat wedding venue if you wish to be quite literally immersed in the stunning Sydney waters. These venues are becoming increasingly common in Sydney's wedding scene. Some of our top suggestions include the M.V. Vagabond Princess and Bella Vista.
- Heritage-listed venues – Take advantage of the historic side of Sydney and book a venue with old-world charm and a story to tell. Perfect for couples who love all things vintage! One of the lovely heritage-listed room venues available in Sydney is located at the Moore Park Golf Club in Centennial Park. Enjoy being surrounded by history while getting married in this ideal setting.
- Garden venues – Lavish lawns, shady trees, a sunny ceremony and fairy lights during the reception. We love garden wedding venues, and so do hundreds of Sydneysiders! These types of weddings offer the ideal scenic ambience, which is why gardens are such popular spaces for weddings. They also require less work to decorate because they are already so beautiful, but even if you choose, you already have the ideal backdrop. Providing a sense of connection to nature, they can be ideal locations for small and large wedding ceremonies and allow your guests to mingle, and enjoy the lovely occasion while still taking in the breathtaking views. Tagvenue offers plenty of beautiful garden venues, including Will & Mike's, Laurelbank Willoughby and the Cottage Lawns at Host Co.
- Rooftop venues – There’s no better backdrop for a bridal bash in Sydney than a Sydney Harbour sunset, and it’s best observed from one of the city’s stunning rooftops! These magnificent venues offer breathtaking views of the city. Eastenders Banquet Hall, which is located in Mascot provides breathtaking views of the metropolitan cityscape.
- Customizable indoor venues – These locations are a timeless option that will inspire your inner wedding planner. These venues are completely customizable when it comes to practically every aspect of a wedding. The decor, as well as the food, beverages, and entertainment, may all be chosen to match any theme. At one of our indoor venues, you can enjoy the timeless, gorgeous wedding of your dreams. We suggest you check out some of our favourite venues- Macquarie and Philips Room, Park View Bar, and Windsor Function Centre.
FAQs about Wedding Venues in Sydney
How much does it cost to hire a wedding venue in Sydney?
We’re here to provide you with the most relevant data on wedding venue hire prices in Sydney:
- Many Sydney wedding venues charge a hire fee which only covers the cost of using the space for your ceremony or reception. The hire fees for weddings in Sydney start at around $500 for modest, minimal spaces and normally range between $1000 and $2500.
- Many Sydney wedding venues, especially hotels and restaurants, work on a minimum spend basis. This means you’re obligated to spend an agreed sum of money on food and drinks, but you’re not paying for using the space. The usual minimum spend rates for wedding venues in Sydney vary between $2000 and $5000, depending on the size of your wedding reception.
- Last but not least, heaps of Sydney venues offer designated wedding package deals, which often make fantastic value for money! A wedding package usually covers the food and drinks set menu and the venue hire costs, but it might also include such extras as decoration or event services.(All data from Tagvenue.)
Where in Sydney can I find the best wedding venues?
When it comes to wedding venues for hire in Sydney, the most sought-after neighbourhoods include:
- Sydney Harbour – It’s one of the most picturesque waterfronts on the globe, so it’s no surprise that many people are keen on celebrating getting hitched with a view of it! Luckily, it offers plenty of wedding reception venues that will meet and even exceed your expectations.
- Lane Cove – This beautiful area is a part of a peninsula near Port Jackson, which means wonderful riverside views. The district is home to many green spaces, so it’s perfect if you’re looking for a rustic, laid-back celebration close to nature.
- North Sydney – Although usually associated with business settings and offices, North Sydney boasts many stunning wedding venues, too! This normally bustling area slows down on the weekends, which creates the perfect ambience for wedding celebrations. The district is full of charming restaurants and historical buildings just right for wedding receptions and ceremonies. Oh, and don’t forget the northern beaches! Our favourites include Manly and Avalon.
- Mosman – This affluent suburb is located on the edge of the harbour, which means beautiful architecture and gorgeous views of Sydney's city centre. It sounds like a stunning wedding location, doesn’t it? We’re not surprised it’s becoming increasingly popular.
- Olympic Park – Yes, there’s more to it than just sports! Sydney Olympic Park is full of green spaces which work amazingly well as wedding locations and spaces for marquee wedding venues. If you’re looking for a unique wedding spot in Western Sydney, this is the place!
How early should I hire a wedding venue in Sydney?
To ensure you have plenty of options, securing your venue as soon as possible is crucial. It is typically best to book your wedding venue at least 12 to 18 months in advance. Although it may seem like a long time, we can assure you that wedding venues, particularly in popular locations like Sydney, become unavailable quite quickly. Therefore, be cautious and begin the booking process right away.
How can I make my wedding day in Sydney special?
One of the most special and private moments we celebrate is marriage. It's simple to get caught up in the excitement of arranging a wedding and lose sight of what matters most: the love you and your partner have for one another. You can always add modest, personal touches to the wedding to make the occasion extra special.
- Create a wedding party playlist with your favourite music as a couple.
- Include images of the two of you during your relationship in a slideshow, or place them around the venue for an added sentimental touch.
- Incorporate family traditions (if you have any) or start your own.
- Perhaps you and your partner have a particular flower that has a special meaning for your union. Why not make it the central focus of your floral arrangement?
- Express your love and gratitude for your guests by giving them small ‘thank you for attending’ presents or thank you notes; they don't have to be elaborate or expensive.
- Enjoy your party! Include fun things like games, lots of dancing (perhaps a choreographed routine or a flash mob even), or other forms of entertainment.
These are just a few ideas. It's important to remember to take breaks with your partner to enjoy the entire party and take in the celebration as a whole. On this most special of days, make sure that you are both happy and begin your marriage on the right foot!