In my experience as a wedding photographer, finding the right venue is crucial. I love shooting urban venues and Melbourne has so many hidden gems that many people don’t know about! I recommend visiting several locations in Melbourne before you make a commitment so you can be sure you’ve found ‘the one’! If you’re wondering where to start, here are eight of my favourite inner-city wedding venues in Melbourne.
1. Butler Lane
Located in the heart of Richmond, Butler Lane is quintessentially Melbourne with its secret courtyard leading into a dramatic modern warehouse space. This venue has an abundance of natural light, open space, and a secluded laneway entrance that leads to the perfect rustic warehouse backdrop to create any event. The expansive landscaped courtyard with established trees and green walls leads into a modern open-plan warehouse space with high-beamed ceilings and polished concrete floors.
I really love this venue because there are so many gorgeous spots for photos within walking distance!
2. Two Ton Max
One of the best inner-city Melbourne wedding venues has to be Two Ton Max because of its originality. The large industrial venue has neutral white walls and lighting that’s easy to change up. There’s also a commercial kitchen and other facilities for your caterer to take advantage of.
Because of the blank-canvas feel of Two Ton Max, you can easily create a wedding that’s any style you wish it to be. Plus, it can seat over 200 people if you want a larger guest list. I happen to love this venue because of the skylights, which provide lovely natural light, and because there are also some great spots nearby that work well for photoshoots.
3. Rupert on Rupert
Rupert on Rupert is a super popular space in Collingwood. It’s a warehouse that’s been converted into a cool restaurant and wedding venue. It has a beautiful indoor garden, fun vintage furniture, polished concrete floors, and a great combination of steel, copper and glass that photographs well.
With all its cool interiors and rich colours, Rupert on Rupert the perfect backdrop for your special day. I love how unique the vibe is for this place; if you’re not sure exactly what décor to choose, you’ll do well to use what Rupert on Rupert has to offer. You’ll be so pleased with the curated warmth and intimacy of the space.
4. Hobba
If you want one of the best wedding venues in Melbourne, book your celebration at Hobba. I should know – I got married there myself! I fell in love with this venue because of it’s relaxed warehouse vibe. Although the space seems on the small side, they can do stand-up events for a maximum of 200 people. The flexible, open area can transform into a collection of different spaces, depending on how you want to organise your event.
The best part of Hobba is their amazing kitchen. Their food and beverage packages can be tailored to whatever you need, whether that’s small appetisers or plated dishes. I’m also kind of obsessed with their delicious breakfast menu!
5. Half Acre
Half Acre is one of Melbourne’s best intimate wedding venues. It provides a rustic yet elegant atmosphere for your big day. The private dining room can seat between 30 and 50 guests if you’re having a smaller celebration, and the bar and eatery buyout option allows you to rent the entire space for a wedding reception with up to 90 guests.
If you needed more convincing, Half Acre have proven themselves to be one of the hottest restaurants around: they were named one of GQ’s Best Restaurants in Melbourne for 2021!
6. Greenfields
Interested in more of a beachy vibe for your wedding? This Southside venue allows you to rent out the entire place or just one of their unique spaces. There are so many perks, including a sunset deck, outdoor BBQ, indoor sun lounge, and windows that overlook Albert Park Lake and Golf Course. There’s even a private bridal party suite that you can rent for your event.
I love photographing weddings here because the field behind the venue is absolutely ideal for killer sunset portraits.
7. Abbotsford Convent
If you’d like something a little more outside the box, the Abbotsford Convent is one of the most unique Melbourne wedding venues available. Spread over 16 acres, the convent is Australia’s largest multi-arts precinct. There are over 120 studios, galleries, cafes, a school and a huge green open space. The Convent curates a wide range of workshops and exhibitions, but it’s also well-known as a wedding venue.
My personal fave is the Rosina Space because of its leadlight windows and gorgeous high ceilings. It’s the perfect blank canvas for you to add your own personal flair, and it can seat up to 280 guests for a formal sit-down dinner and all the way up to 500 guests for a cocktail-style reception. There are so many stunning photo ops, such as in the heritage gardens or inside the Good Shepherd Chapel. Whether you’re having a religious ceremony or not, you’ll definitely be able to appreciate the beauty of the Convent.
8. Collingwood Children’s Farm
Another favourite of mine is the Collingwood Children’s Farm because of its beautiful gardens, which are perfect for portrait shots. The historic barn can host up to 120 seated guests and up to 160 standing ones. Because the barn is indoors, you never have to worry about the weather upsetting your plans. You also have the option of using the Farm Cafe, which has open-air architecture and ceiling-high windows that offer views of the Farm.
If you’re interested in having a larger wedding, the Stables Paddock has no limit to how many guests you can host! Any of these parts of the Farm will help you and your guests feel like you’re in the countryside, without you having to stray from Melbourne. Plus, the Farm’s events team will help you coordinate your day so you don’t have to stress about any of the details.
9. The Craft & Co
If you’re looking for an Urbane Vibe, you can’t go past Craft & Co, located in Collingwood. Their beautiful wedding space, Maker’s Hall, is located on the first floor and boasts an open light-filled flexible space to wine and dine your guests. Adjacent to the Maker’s Hall is the Bar which is perfect for mingling and then a killer dance floor later on in the night. I love taking my couples out for ‘golden hour’ photos in the surrounding streets of Collingwood and we’re never short of a beautiful location!
Your big day should be one you remember for a lifetime. I’d love to be able to help you capture those memories of one of the most important days of your life. I hope this list of venues has given you some ideas for where to host your wedding in Melbourne. Contact me today for help organising your celebration!
10. Alto
If you’re looking for something with beautiful city views for your wedding, you can’t go past Alto! Alto can seat up to 150 guests or up to 400 guests for a cocktail-style event. It has a cool industrial feel and you can dress up the interior in whatever way you choose. I’d recommend decorating with pops of colour to really make the room come alive.
I love taking my couples who choose to get married here out for photos around GPO at sunset as there are so many beautiful options for photos!
11. National Gallery of Australia
If you’re looking for the ‘wow factor’ for your guests, have a look at the NGV! It has a range of different room sizes to cater for different-sized weddings and I love taking photos of my couples while entering the building.
Driven by a passion for food, a commitment to excellence and a flair for creativity, the team will work with you to create a bespoke and memorable experience for you and your guests.
12. The Prince Deck
This has to be one of Melbourne’s most popular city wedding venues. It’s cool, relaxed and near the beach and would suit a smaller-sized wedding. You can get married on the gorgeous deck and then impress your guests with canapes by the pool before the party starts!
13. Garden’s House
Garden’s House has to be one of my favourite wedding venues! I love venues that have a mix of green garden vibes while incorporating a city feel, so Garden’s House is perfect for this. You can have either your ceremony here or your entire wedding with the guests dining under fairy lights. There are also some cool hidden spots within the house for photos.
14. The Terrace
Also located in the Melbourne Botanical Gardens is the Terrace. The Terrace has recently been renovated and is the perfect blank slate for weddings. Many of my couples choose to have a ceremony out in the gardens before moving guests into the Terrace for their reception.
15. Post Office Hotel- Coburg
Located just 9km north of the CBD, The Post Office Dining Hall is the perfect relaxed place for your wedding. I’ve enjoyed both working and being a guest at this venue many times!
The Dining Hall is a warehouse-style room which looks beautiful as it is, but you can also dress up with your style of florals. There is also a big dance floor for your guests to dance the night away.
Check out Ellen and Ben’s wedding which was featured on Ivory Tribe
16. Studely Grounds
Studely Grounds is the perfect option for those looking for a garden ceremony with city views. It can hold 350 guests for a cocktail style or 70 for a sit-down wedding. There is so much flexibility with how you can set up the space, and couples are treated to a beautiful sunset overlooking the lawn, perfect for golden hour!
17. Panama Dining Hall
The Panama Dining Hall in Fitzroy is an iconic Melbourne building for those wanting a New York loft feel to their wedding. The arched windows provide plenty of ‘wow factor’ and allow for the perfect ceremony backdrop.
