Is the countryside calling your love?
For a wedding with a difference and a lovely city-escape, Ballarat is an ideal town. An easy 90 minute drive from Melbourne, Ballarat is a gorgeous town filled with history, charm, and character.
There are many exquisite wedding venues in the area.
With natural delights, crisp fresh air, and a unique feel around the town, Ballarat rarely disappoints.
Discover some hidden gems in this famous town and start gaining inspiration for your big day of love and celebration.
Here is our editor’s choice top picks for the best wedding venues in Ballarat.
Ballarat's Top Wedding Venues
A new wedding venue growing in popularity, Allurah Weddings is a beautiful countryside property with spacious grounds and studio.
Everything about this venue is welcoming and homely, creating a relaxed vibe to plan a wedding.
The owners, Kylie and Leon, care about each guest who uses their site.
With 25 years experience as a chef, Leon provides exceptional local and fresh menu ideas. The amount of guests can be determined in consultation with the owners.
The lovely grounds create an ambient backdrop for unique photo opportunities.
Price: Determined in consultation
Type of Venue: Intimate, romantic
Address: 7823 Midland Hwy, Magpie VIC 3352
Phone: 0409 087 932
Social: Allurah Functions & Events
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Allurah Functions & Events
Romance and elegance are well and truly alive at Craig’s Royal Hotel.
With historic charm and modern renovations, the best of both worlds are on offer here for a unique wedding celebration.
There are endless beautiful settings throughout the building and the grounds to capture those special moments in photograph.
The site has a large bridal suite and spacious rooms to choose from for the reception.
From the Grand Dining Room to the Bluestone Cellar, wedding parties of varying sizes can be accommodated here.
Price: Depending on room chosen
Type of Venue: Bespoke, romantic
Address: 10 Lydiard St S, Ballarat East VIC 3350
Phone: 03 5331 1377
Social: Craigs Royal Hotel
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Craigs Royal Hotel
This premier wedding venue in the region leaves traces of love throughout.
There is ample space available to have weddings of varying shape and size. From the boutique function room to one of the three stunning ballrooms, you are sure to find something suitable.
Wedding packages are available for guest sizes ranging from 60 to 520 guests.
The manicured gardens make for an ideal ceremony space.
A deluxe wedding night accommodation for the happy couple is also available as part of the wedding package.
Price: Inclusive wedding packages available
Type of Venue: Elegant, formal
Address: 613 Main Rd, Golden Point VIC 3350
Phone: 03 5327 1200
Social: Mercure Ballarat
Contact : Mercure Ballarat
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Mercure Ballarat
Nestled amongst the lakeside trees, Piper’s by the Lake resonates a strong countryside ambience and local hospitality.
It is leading event centre in Ballarat. The historic botanical gardens are directly opposite the Lake Wendouree site.
This venue is ideal for an intimate affair, hosting up to 110 guests. After the alfresco garden ceremony, the reception space is a full licensed restaurant with a rustic and modern feel.
The surrounding grounds make for perfect photo opportunities to capture the special day.
Price: Available upon request
Type of Venue: Lake view, intimate
Address: 403 Wendouree Parade, Lake Wendouree VIC 3350
Phone: 03 5334 1811
Social: Pipers by the Lake
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Pipers by the Lake
Here is a wedding venue where magic truly begins.
Willow and Stone Estate offers privacy and beauty at every turn of the exquisite grounds. It is a relaxed venue which creates a special day for each couple who marries here.
There are limited numbers of weddings available here throughout the year so get in quick!
The gardens make for an excellent ceremony space where guests can enjoy drinks and canapes.
The reception marquee can host up to 150 guests comfortably. There is also onsite accommodation to make the wedding a weekend getaway.
Price: Available upon contact
Type of Venue: Unique, outdoors, marquee
Address: 410 Larter St, Golden Point VIC 3350
Phone: 0439 060 605
Social: Willow and Stone Estate
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Willow and Stone Estate
As many Melbournians experienced in their childhood, a visit to Sovereign Hill is like stepping back in time.
This historic gem brings the past to life in a live-exploration of the goldfields mining era.
Now, you can tie the knot at Sovereign Hill in a unique experience.
The 1850s museum provides a perfect backdrop for some incredible photo opportunities.
The expansive grounds provide a great space for a ceremony or reception.
Guest capacity can be determined in consultation with the experienced event planners. With costumed hosts, delicious menus, and onsite accommodate, Sovereign Hill is a great choice for a wedding.
Price: Determined in consultation
Type of Venue: Historic, unique, experience
Address: 39 Magpie Street, Ballarat, Victoria, 3350
Phone: 03 5337 1199
Social: Sovereign Hill Weddings
Contact : Sovereign Hill Weddings
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Sovereign Hill Weddings
Combining a historic feel with the great outdoors, Narmbool is a unique pastoral property covering over 2,000 hectares.
It operates as a sustainable farming property to protect the fragile ecosystem.
The Narmbool Lodge provides onsite accommodation for large groups.
The Garden Room in the bluestone homestead makes for a lovely reception room celebration. Guest capacity can be discussed with the site owners.
The manicured gardens and expansive bushlands make for a perfect ceremony space and great photo opportunities.
Price: Available upon request
Type of Venue: Historic, tranquil
Address: 440 Horsehill North Rd, Elaine VIC 3334
Phone: 03 5337 1100
Social: Narmbool
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Narmbool
Check out our editor’s choice list of the
Top 50 Awesome Wedding Venues in Melbourne
Parting Notes
With a historical feel, natural scenic delights, and countryside hospitality, Ballarat is an excellent destination for a wedding.
Many couples who celebrate their love in Ballarat love the laid-back atmosphere of the town and the beautiful surrounds.
This list is here to help you gain inspiration for your wedding in Ballarat.
These venues are popular amongst couples and provide professional planning from start to finish. The venues are designed to bring love to life and create the perfect backdrop for your married life to begin.
Best Wedding Venues in Victoria
New South Wales
Queensland
Western Australia
South Australia
Tasmania
Australian Capital Territory
More on Weddings in Ballarat
Ballarat is located about an hour and a half west of Melbourne, and has many historical and attractions to offer as a former gold-mining town, so there are many in-city locations that feature amazing architecture and are great for wedding events as well as photography.
There are also many parks and the botanical gardens (with greenhouse) available for those looking for something a little bit more in tune with nature, and your guests can explore such attractions as Ballarat Wildlife Park and Kryal Castle if they are arriving a few days before the wedding.
As the third largest city in Victoria, there are many excellent restaurants and event venues available in and near the city that you can take advantage of for your wedding shower, bridal shower, rehearsal dinner, and of course your wedding ceremony and reception.
Don’t miss out on the beautiful venues in Ballarat, including the gorgeous waterfront locations such as Pipers by the Lake (across from the Ballarat Botanical Gardens) and the Ballarat Yacht Club on the shores of the lovely Lake Wendouree.
Popular Ballarat Wedding Venues & Prices
With many beautiful parks and lakes (such as the gorgeous Lake Wendouree) in the vicinity, Ballarat and surrounding areas have wonderful wedding venues to offer.
Most of these will be estate and manor type weddings, but there are also some vineyard and golf-club / hotel type wedding venues available as well.
Weddings venues in Ballarat will cost you anywhere between $80 – $180 per head, although these costs may or may not include extra fees for beverage packages, cocktail food and drink, taxes, gratuities, and so on.
Travel & Hotel Accommodations
The Ballarat airport is a 15-minute drive from the city centre, but only offers domestic flights. We recommend the Melbourne airport, about an hour and a half away (driving) for both out-of-state and international guests flying in to join you for your wedding.
Most hotels in the Ballarat region range from approximately $60 – $200.
For those of you looking for something luxurious with 5-stars, check out Craig’s Royal Hotel ($185 per night), and for those looking for something more affordable, but still great quality, we recommend the George Hotel Ballarat.
There are also very lovely Airbnb rooms and homes available in the area for upwards of $60 per night.
Weather and Climate Considerations
Typically, Australian brides and grooms prefer to say “I do” in the warmer spring and summer months.
If you also fall into this category or are looking at outdoor wedding ceremonies or receptions in the Ballarat region, you want to be looking at booking your festivities in the months of November to March, where the temperature averages between 10o – 26oC (the evenings are typically cooler).
You should avoid booking any outdoor venues during the rainy winter months, June to September.
These months should also be avoided for those couples and brides who wish to take their wedding photography outdoors. Make sure to ask your venue if they have a backup plan and location for inclement weather!
