Melbourne's Top 10 Small Wedding Venues (2019)

Most brides and grooms want their wedding to be a day that they will never forget but how to accomplish those goals depends on the soon-to-be newlyweds.

Not every couple wants a big extravagant ceremony with hundreds of people on the guest list.

They would rather celebrate their unforgettable love story with the people they love the most.

There are a lot of benefits to choosing smaller wedding venues for your wedding. Many opt for more intimate ceremonies that celebrate the beginning of a life together with their closest friends and family. There are several places throughout Melbourne and the surrounding areas to help make your special day that much more memorable.

Whether it is a simple outdoor affair or quarters with those you feel closest, these smaller venues offer an array of beautiful choices.

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In no particular order, here we list the editor’s choice top 10 small wedding venues in Melbourne

1. Brighton Savoy

Address: 150 Esplanade, Brighton VIC 3186

If you are searching for a beach wedding venue then Brighton Savoy is an ideal location in Melbourne. It is located directly across from Middle Brighton Beach featuring the word famous Bathing Boxes. The multi-award winning wedding venue is perfect for both ceremonies and receptions. With over 50 years of experience in the wedding industry, the Lee family will ensure your day is magical. The venue caters anywhere from 24 of your closest friends and family up to 250 guests. Say “I do!” under a breathtaking sunset on the beach.

2. Avalon Castle

Address: 1 Flora Cl, Cockatoo VIC 3781 (Dandenong Ranges)

Avalon Castle holds on to the belief that every bride should be made to feel like a princess on her wedding day. The all-in-one venue provides an indoor amphitheatre or chapel ceremony that can seat anywhere from 30 to 120 of your loved ones. You and your soul mate can exchange vows under the beautiful gazebo before departing to serve drinks in the onsite garden. You and your guests will adore this charming wedding venue.

3. Normanby House Reception

Address: 22 Normanby Ave, Thornbury VIC 3071

Do you want a small Melbourne wedding ceremony that is tailor-made to your specific requests? Normanby House Reception only books one function at a time to give your celebration undivided attention. There are multiple packages available including meal options to round out the magical evening. The Normanby House Reception features a gorgeous one-room venue that caters between 50 and 220 guests. Your chic yet intimate wedding is about to come to life.

4. Farm Vigano

Address: 10 Bushmans Way, South Morang VIC 3752

Do you and your mate love the countryside? Farm Vigano is set among 16 acres of beautiful landscape. Although there is a vast amount of outdoor space, this Melbourne wedding venue is perfect for your exclusive wedding. There are various rooms including the gala room, the grand dining room, and the Italian terazza, but they all have spectacular views of nature. The Italian passion package includes a sit-down dinner with a capacity of up to 120 guests. This charming venue was recently awarded the best ceremony venue award at the Australian Bridal Industry Awards.

5. Elizabethan Lodge

Address: 604-610 Middleborough Rd, Blackburn North VIC

Conveniently located just 20 minutes from Melbourne’s CBD is Elizabethan Lodge. This enchanting wedding venue includes a sandstone chapel with artisanal timber pews and hand-crafted leadlight windows. If you want an intimate outdoor ceremony instead, it could be in the fairy-lit garden. Couples can also take advantage of the Grand Heritage ballroom, which caters up to 180 guests. The services also include an onsite professional photography studio and makeup station to help make your day that much easier.

6. The Gables

Address: 15 Finch St, Malvern East VIC 3145

If you desire personalised touches for your intimate wedding, but still want that grand scale feeling, then The Gables is for you. It was originally built by William Guilfoyle, who designed the Royal Botanical Gardens. The magnificent setting includes a rose-covered gazebo that is wonderful for garden weddings. There is also a gorgeous indoor ceremony option in the refurbished Peacock Room. You will fall in love with the leadlight windows, polished floors, and an open fireplace. A garden wedding held one hour before the reception is $650, which includes the use of bride and groom suites as well as set up costs.

7. Balgownie Estate Vineyard Resort & Spa

Address: 1309 Melba Hwy, Yarra Glen VIC 3775 (Yarra Valley)

Balgownie Estate Vineyard Resort & Spa rolls out the red carpet for its guest with its picturesque landscape at its backdrop. Located in the heart of Yarra Valley, the premier wedding destination features an all-inclusive winery wedding with outdoor and indoor options. The covered balcony is especially breathtaking as it allows your guests to enjoy the various canapés along the 90-acre property.

8. Qii House Lorne – Eco Weddings

Address: 630 Benwerrin-mt Sabine Rd, Benwerrin (Great Ocean Road / Geelong & Surrounds)

There’s something ethereal about escaping life’s hustle to enjoy the serenity that comes with the bush. Eco-friendly weddings reflect both the beauty in the environment and in you as a couple. Not a cookie cutter destination, this world is but a canvas to the imagination.

Gifts from nature will embellish your celebration with a chorus of birdsong and sweet forest scents.

Perfect for small/intimate weddings, Qii House is unique, an architectural gem. Enjoy many outdoor spaces, a large elevated sunset deck high in the treetops, a garden Tea House and a rainforest walking circuit complete with sculptures and handcrafted seating to entertain your guests.

Your Qii House wedding experience will indulge all your senses and inspire you to create the life of your dreams.

9. Sherwood Receptions

Address: 1040 Somerton Rd, Greenvale VIC 3059

A breathtaking venue that will make your wedding day much more exclusive is Sherwood Receptions.

The ambience is ideal if you envision a rustic outdoor wedding. The 130-year-old homestead rests among natural bushland that provides a charming elegance to its events. The outdoor courtyard is adaptable for smaller weddings with a fully air-conditioned function room nearby. The staff is willing to work with you in designing a package that best suits the individual requirements for your guest list.

10. Rippon Lea Estate

Address: 192 Hotham St, Elsternwick VIC 3185

Rippon Lea is a grand suburban estate that features sweeping lawns, several majestic trees, and a tranquil lake on its property. The gardens, orchard, fernery, and other outdoor elements can be the scenic background for a more intimate and romantic wedding ceremony. The ballroom also offers an impressive venue for the wedding reception. You can host up to 200 people on your special day.

11. Ascot House Receptions

Address: 50 Fenton St, Ascot Vale VIC 3032

If you are searching for a historic wedding venue, Ascot House Receptions is Melbourne’s leading site. For over 100 years, this local sensation has been an ideal place for intimate weddings. Among its glamorous options is the exquisite and intimate Chandelier Room that seats up to 80 of your closest loved ones. The room has classic fixtures like antique-style mirrors and an ornate fireplace. You can also enjoy the romantic Tuscan-style courtyard. A small venue for a garden ceremony, the Ascot House is set on two acres of manicured lawns including a gazebo and English gardens.

Check out our editor’s choice list of the

Top 50 Awesome Wedding Venues in Melbourne

Parting Notes

Your wedding day will be one that you and your spouse never forget; where to have the ceremony and reception is a decision that should not be taken lightly. You and your future spouse should take a look at your guest list and pick a venue that accommodates the size of the ceremony. Also, take into account your wedding style and budget. A wedding does not have to be large in scale to be beautiful or memorable. These small wedding venues for intimate weddings in the Melbourne area can provide exquisite details and personal service.

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