The first step to achieving the perfect wedding is getting the perfect venue. The venue will set the stage for your dream wedding, whether it’s a traditional romantic fairytale wedding or something that’s as quirky as you and your beau. Every couple will have unique needs, so we’ve compiled some of the best wedding and reception venues in Sydney to help you plan the best day of your life.
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Choosing The Perfect Venue
The venue is going to be the backbone of your wedding since it will end up heavily influencing all the other smaller aspects of the planning. And while it’s easy to fall in love with a gorgeous location, there are a few things that you should keep in mind when choosing your wedding and reception venue.
Theme
Make sure you chose a venue that will make it easy to achieve your chosen theme. A wedding theme can either be the hardest thing to choose or the easiest. Some people like to choose themes that tell something about their love story, be it how they met or something related to their shared interests. But choosing a theme because you love its aesthetic is also a good way to go!
Guests
Your guests are there to celebrate your special day with you, so take their comfort into consideration when planning your wedding. A quick “wedding venues near me” search can give you ideas for possible locations that won’t be difficult to reach. You also wouldn’t want to cram your guests into a venue that’s too tiny nor do you want to host them in a huge room that ends up looking empty.
Budget
In an ideal world, the budget would not be an issue, but we have to be realistic. There are lots of things to spend on: catering, photography, your wedding dress! Be prudent and don’t blow your entire budget on just the venue. With a little creative visualisation, you might actually be able to achieve the perfect wedding in a venue that didn’t seem so perfect at first.
Top 10 Sydney Wedding Venues
10. The Grounds
If you’re not quite sure what your theme will be, this gorgeous wedding reception venue in Sydney might just inspire you. The Grounds of Alexandria has various spaces, both indoor and outdoor, that can seat anywhere from 50 to 200 guests. They also have their own in-house florist and restaurant, which has gotten great reviews.
9. The Epping Club
On a tight budget? The Epping Club offers cheap, all-inclusive reception packages for under $100 per head! And the all-inclusive package means that you won’t have to worry about dealing with different vendors for different requirements. The Epping Club also offers lunchtime wedding receptions, which can also mean more savings (they have packages for as low as $79 per head) and lovely natural lighting for your photography.
8. Horizons
Horizons Beach Front Venue is the perfect place for beach-loving couples to tie the knot. Located in the lovely Maroubra beach, you and your guests will have a majestic, panoramic backdrop for your seaside wedding. Around 250 people can be seated comfortably, 350 to 400 if you prefer a cocktail-style set-up. They’re exclusively serviced by the well-reviewed Top Cat Catering, which has plenty of experience in the wedding scene.
7. Jonah’s
Weddings don’t need to be large-scale, extravagant events: your wedding can be just as special with just your closest friends and family present. Known for their excellent service and splendid rooms, Jonah’s can give your intimate wedding the attention it deserves.
Having a small wedding means you can set aside more for your honeymoon without compromising your guests. The Terrace at Jonah’s is perfect for intimate receptions, treating 48 people to a wonderful alfresco dining experience with the ocean as a backdrop.
6. Waterview
Well-kept landscapes dotted with ponds and lakes make Waterview in Bicentennial Park a swoon-worthy choice for a garden wedding. With Sydney being sunny most days of the year, an outdoor garden wedding is a real and exciting possibility.
Take advantage of the flowers, trees, and all that nature has to offer for stunning photos of you and your wedding party! Waterview is great for large parties – you can seat up to 850 people if you rent the entire venue.
5. Park Hyatt Sydney
With a breathtaking waterfront view of Sydney Harbour, Park Hyatt Sydney is for lovers looking to get married in style. The undeniably great location, elegant interiors, and world-class service will turn any wedding into an unforgettable experience.
And while luxury weddings tend to be small, intimate affairs, you don’t need to limit yourself too much – Park Hyatt has spaces that can seat 70 to 120 people.
4. Ottimo House
With the hustle and bustle of city life, a wedding can be the perfect excuse to retreat into the quiet countryside. Ottimo House can provide rural paradise without the trouble of having to travel too far. With their polished timber floors, high-vaulted ceilings, and elegant wooden furnishings, this is the place for the rustic wedding of your dreams. Let Ottimo House’s excellent team take care of all the details, so you can slow down and enjoy your special day.
3. Ovolo Woolloomooloo
Some people say that love is finding someone you can be weird with. Embrace your unique side with Ovolo Woolloomooloo, which specialises in “you-nique” weddings.
Their venues are bold and oozing with creativity, and they will work tirelessly to make sure that your wedding is uniquely ‘you’, which honestly makes it one of the best wedding venues in Sydney. Let your personalities shine through for an unforgettable wedding!
2. Chapel Hill Retreat
Situated in the Blue Mountains, Chapel Hill Retreat is a lovely and charming location perfect for laidback weddings. The grounds feature a non-denominational chapel as well that can be used for the ceremony. They cater to all kinds of weddings: from those with lots of guests to very private ones (they have elopement packages available).
1. Sydney Observatory
For those whose love was foretold in the stars, the historic Sydney Observatory may very well be the perfect place to have a wedding. A marquee that is set up in the spring and early summer may be rented for events such as weddings. Only one wedding a day can be booked here, so you don’t have to worry about possibly having to share!
Conclusion
Your wedding isn’t the culminating event of your love, rather, it marks the beginning of a much more exciting journey together. At the end of the day, it’s about being able to celebrate your union to the person you love and cherish. No matter what venue you end up choosing, it’s just a step towards your new life together.
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