SYDNEY WEDDING VENUES
A definitive guide to 20 of the most unique wedding venues in Sydney
(plus a bonus planning spreadsheet at the end)
15 of the most unique wedding venues in Sydney
I get it, finding a wedding venue in Sydney can seem like a monumental and overwhelming task when you first start looking. Sydney is flooded with options, even once you start narrowing down your criteria. The first thing to do is figure out what kind of wedding you want - is it a big sit down affair with 200 of your closest or more of a laid back party with just your family and a few mates? Do you want somewhere you can DIY or a venue that does all the hard work for you? Somewhere with clean urban sophistication or surrounded by bushland and expansive views? This will help narrow it down.
I’ve shot hundreds of weddings in this town (see here for a handful), and whilst there’s plenty of great venues out there, these are some my favourite at this point in time (2022). There’s a good variety here for whatever aesthetic and vibe (and budget) you are after, but I’ve definitely focused on less traditional and unique wedding venues that haven’t just been doing the same old thing for the last two decades.
I’ve also included a bonus list at the end of a few venues that almost made the top 15, that are all beautiful and unique in their own right.
Without any further ado, here’s my curated list of 15 of the most unique wedding venues in Sydney.
If you want some more specific recommendations or you like the look of my images while you are here, flick me an email here.
NSW Art Gallery
Sydney
Vibe - Cultured sophistication
Capacity - multiple spaces that can suit from intimate to large weddings and can accommodate up to 220 seated or 350 cocktail
Does it get much more beautiful and cultured than this? One - scratch that now two with the new Sydney Modern - of the most beautiful buildings in the city, chock full of incredible art (that you’ll have a private tour of for you and your guests), and a kitchen headed up by Matt Moran. Does it get much better than this?
2. Bennelong
Sydney
Vibe - fine dining meets brutalist architecture meets iconic Sydney
Capacity - Anywhere from 10 - 100 depending on the space and the format
Bennelong simply needs no introduction. Some of Sydney’s finest dining, best views, and iconic experiences. If you really want to treat your people, it doesn’t get much better than this.
3. Hayden Orpheum
Cremorne
Vibe - Red carpet meets art deco movie theatre vibes
Capacity - A big movie theatres worth
Only really for ceremonies and some immediately post getting hitched drinks and snacks, this is about as unique as they come, and something to think about for any couple who fell in love over films
4. Audley Dance Hall
Royal National Park
Vibe - Upclass Australiana
Capacity - Up to 200
If you love a cheeky hike or even just being in the bush, Audley Dance Hall is definitely worth checking out. Set amongst native bushland in the Royal National Park, the venue is only 45 minutes from the CBD but feels like your miles from anywhere . There’s also a bunch of beautiful cottages in the RNP in to rent for the night before and of to get ready in.
5. Estate Vaucluse House
Vaucluse
Vibe - Euro country side a stones throw from the city
Capacity - 136 seated or 200 cockatil
An art deco, heritage estate set amongst 10 acres of lush manicured gardens nestled a stones throw from the CBD, replete with it’s own elegant restaurant and reception space. Sophisticated Euro garden party.
6. Clovelly Bowling Club
Clovelly
Vibes - It’s a bowlo. Relaxed beers in the sun and a cracking time.
Capacity - Up to 120
Want your wedding to be less traditional and more of a fun afternoon in the sun? Where else can you get married on a bowling green with 180 degree views to the horizon over the ocean, with the cliffs of Gordon’s Bay one way and the Bronte and Bondi headlands to the other. Rent some food trucks and have them set up in the parking lot for bonus props.
7. Three Blue Ducks
Rosebery
Vibe - Industrial chic meets greenhouse
Capacity - Up to 220 seated and 250 standing, smaller spaces available for smaller numbers.
Warehouse industrial chic overflowing with green, some of the best food in the East, and a killer ceremony spot all in one. Polished concrete floors and exposed brick make it an industrial chic paradise, and large oversized windows and high ceilings ensure the space still feels light.
8. Mary’s Underground
Sydney City
Vibe - 50s Jazz Bar meets underground rave. Bring the party.
Capacity - 100 to 150 depending upon how the space is set up
Ex-iconic Sydney live music venue The Basement.
It’s dark. It’s moody. It’s not for everyone. It’s a raucous good time, with a world class live music soundsystem for when the party starts, and it’s catered for by Marys. 11/10 will turn into a rager.
9. Pasta Emilia
Surry Hills
Vibe - Vintage Italian homestead meets whiskey bar
Capacity - Up to 30
Definitely only suited to smaller weddings, this absolutely beautiful converted garage of one of Surry Hill’s finest Italian eateries is unique and beautiful, and the in-house handmade pasta is out of the world delicious. 11/10 would recommend.
10. Kittyhawk
Sydney City
Vibe - Moody cocktail sophistication
Capacity - Up to 175 for cocktail receptions, up to 64 - 96 persons seated
I love a good inner city wedding for so many reasons, and it doesn’t get much better than Kittyhawk. Kittyhawk is a chic cocktail bar and French restaurant styled on the 1944 liberation of Paris - think lots of dark panelling, burnt copper fixtures and mid century elegance , there’s no need for any styling here. Delicious food, cracking cocktails, all in one place.
11. La Porte Space
Rosebery
Vibe - Scandi minimalism
Capacity - Up to 200 cocktail, 100 sit down
Perhaps best described as industrial Scandinavian chic, La Porte Space in Rosebery has a range of beautiful dedicated spaces with varying styles and sizes. The venue is even hired out as a photography studio during the week, so they’ve clearly put alot of thought into light and aesthetics as well as functionality.
12. Lions Gate Lodge
Sydney City
Vibe - Outdoor estate elegance right next to the CBD
Capacity - Up to 180
Set in a quiet little pocket of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Lions Gate Lodge is a stunning Victorian sandstone building with a private landscaped garden, oversized awning incase of weather, and a paved courtyard. Even though it’s in the middle of the Gardens, it still has a private entrance and is secluded enough that you won’t feel on display.
13. Ovolo Hotel
Woolloomooloo
Vibe - Warm modern industrial
Capacity - 30 - 180 seated depending on room, 150 - 300 cocktail
The Ovolo was redone a couple of years ago, winning a bunch of design awards and it’s easy to see why. Yes, its a big converted finger wharf, but it’s retained warmth and personality and a sense of style. From the almost electric neon church of the on-site ceremony option, to the warm panelling and lighting that makes it’s main reception room seem much more intimate than it’s size would seem possible, everything’s been designed with intention and flair.
14. National Art School
Darlinghurst
Vibe - Heritage elegance
Capacity - Up to 150
Once a woman’s jail and now an arts campus, the National Art School is a piece of history sitting just outside the CBD. It’s grand and has it’s own charm, but the cell block theatre - the old female prison wing which was gutted and refurbished to act as a theatre - is also enough of a blank space that it can be styled however you like. You can also bring in all your own booze and catering.
15. Beta Bar
Sydney City
Vibe - Distressed, minimal elegance
Capacity - from 25 - 300 depending on the space and requirements
An unbelievably beautiful, and pretty unique space in the heart of the CBD. Greek inspired cuisine. Killer cocktails and wine selection. Beautiful natural light through the big factory windows - this place has it all.
16. Pasadena Hotel
Church Point
Vibe - Swanky spanish boat shed on the river
Capacity - TBC
Sitting literally right on Pittwater, this is an absolutely cracking venue. Built in spanish style in the 30s and revamped a few years ago to both honour its heritage and bring it in sync with it’s surrounding. You can get married on the lawn and then walk 3 steps into the reception, with boutique accom upstairs so when the parties over you can stumble up a few stairs and fall into bed.
17. Centennial Homestead
Centennial Park
Vibe - Bright, warm and in the park
Capacity - up to 300 seated
Smack bang in the middle of Centennial Park, the venue has two dedicated open dining spaces with plenty of room for a big dance floor, with the beauty of Centennial Park on the doorstep.
As a bonus, the park has a plethora of ceremony options too.
18. Cafe Morso
Pyrmont
Vibe - Warm industrial interior with a cracking view
Capacity - 60 seated, 130 cocktail
Sitting on the western side of Jones Bay Wharf, this little cafe by day, venue by night get’s cracking sunsets at the right time of year, is beautiful, warm, and unique venue and does some cracking food.
19. Pilu at Freshwater
Freshwater
Vibe - fine italian on the coast
Capacity - 10 to 110 depending upon format and rooms used
Set just back from Freshwater Beach, Pilu offers a unique and spectacular beachside location for a wedding service, with ocean views and a private garden, the location is reminiscent of Italy’s Amalfi coast, set in the grounds of a heritage listed Hampton’s-style beach house. Plus the Italian inspired food is phenomenal.
20. Urban Winery
Moore Park
Vibe - cellar door near the city
Capacity - up to 180 seated or 250 standing
Suitable for bigger crowds, this is a glorious spot in the Entertaiment quarter with a fully functional winery, cellar door and wine bar and event space. Get married married out the front, party inside. Dream.
21. Your backyard
Dunno, its your backyard
Vibe - dunno, its your backyard
Capacity - dunno, its your backyard
Suitable for smaller crowds (well, depending on the size of your humble patch of grass out the back), your / your folks / in laws backyard can actually be bloody excellent. Whats more romantic than being able to wake up everyday and see where you stood when you made your promises to one another?
Bonus Round
So, there you have it, my curated list of Sydney’s 15 (…plus an extra one or two cause why the hell not) most unique wedding venues which I will keep updated as new venues come onto the scene. Incase you didn’t vibe on any of the above, find a bunch more recommendations below that almost made the list, and are beautiful and unique in their own right.
Should you already have a venue, I also have an article on Planning Your Wedding Day that is chock full of good tips.
DIY Spaces
The Studio, Rosebery
The Red Box, Lilyfield
Bars / Restaurants
Three Williams, Redfern
Hacienda, Sydney
Miscellaneous
Redfern Town Hall, Redfern - this actually goes for a lot of Town Halls, the inner west in particular has a spate of them that are quite beautiful in their own right, don’t cost an arm and a leg and are blank enough that they can be styled however you like
Your / your folks backyard
Back to the main blog, or have a read about how to plan the wedding day itself.
