Congratulations on your engagement! The plans are in progress, you’re knee-deep in dreamy inspo, and you have a to-do list as long as that cathedral-length train you just added to cart. Now comes the fun part: choosing your perfect wedding venue.
With so many options out there, it can be overwhelming to narrow down the perfect spot that matches your unique style — not to mention your logistical requirements. No matter your preferred theme and aesthetic, we’re here to ease you through the process with some tips and ideas.
Remember, your wedding day is all about you and your love, so don’t be afraid to get creative and let your personality shine through. Whether you go for a romantic ballroom or a rustic barn, the most important thing is that the venue reflects your unique style and makes you feel happy and loved. Don’t forget, our expert wedding planning team is also available to help with sourcing your venue.
Find your wedding style
But first things first… you’ve got to know what your wedding style of choice is. There’s no point seeking out luxurious inner-city venues, if your secret heart is calling for a romantic vineyard celebration. If you’re not sure, head to our Easy Weddings app. If you love a quiz as much as we do, we know you’ll relish answering a few questions to receive your personalised wedding style based on your choices in our Wedding Style Quiz. You might surprise yourself!
Once you’ve narrowed down your wedding style, we can help you in your hunt for a venue that lends itself perfectly to your desired aesthetic.
Wedding venue directory
After taking the quiz, you” have a strong idea of which styles and themes you’re drawn to. Remember to seek out your partner’s opinion as well! From there, you can head to our directory and filter out venues based on your ideal venues. We’ve created sections so you can decide between the different types of venues.
Of course, this is not an exhaustive list, and you can style virtually ANY venue to work with your theme. As Walt Disney said, “If you can dream it, you can do it… especially with the help of the right stylist and florist.” Okay, we added that last bit, but it doesn’t make it any less accurate.
- Affordable —You can find a venue of virtually any aesthetic to suit your budget.
- Alternative — Our pick for Fantasy and Quirky weddings.
- Beach — Perfect for Beach, Tropical and most Destination weddings.
- Castle / Palaces — Regal romance! Ideal for alternative weddings and classic weddings alike.
- Rustic / Country / Barn / Farm — Perfect for rustic and vintage weddings
- Garden — A natural fit for classic, modern and romantic weddings.
- Golf Club — A classic venue for your classic wedding.
- Hotel — Suitable for classic weddings, modern weddings, and luxury weddings.
- Luxury — Luxury weddings, of course!
- Manor Houses — Think classic, fairytale and romantic weddings.
- Marquee — The choice is yours! A marquee will suit any type of wedding!
- Modern — Perfect for modern weddings, including industrial and contemporary spaces.
- Restaurant — A convenient and stylish choice for any wedding aesthetic.
- Rooftop — Our pick for inner-city romantic weddings of any style.
- Reception Centre / Traditional — Perfect for a traditional wedding, especially for a couple seeking an all-inclusive experience.
- Warehouse / Industrial — Dress your warehouse venue up with dreamy florals for a modern romantic aesthetic.
- Waterview — Laidback yet elegant weddings.
- Winery — Love amongst the vines… and on the wines. A perfect choice for romantic weddings, but a winery can suit almost any theme.
Romantic
For the hopeless romantics, consider a venue with a soft and dreamy aesthetic. Think lush gardens, flowing fabrics, and twinkling lights. A classic ballroom or a grand estate with chandeliers and ornate architecture can also give off a romantic vibe. Bonus points if there’s a picturesque spot for a golden hour photo shoot.
While a classically elegant venue like The George Ballroom can be a perfect choice, your stylist can use romantic elements to soften a sleek and modern venue for stunning contrast. Add an elegant string quartet or acoustic duo, pillar candles, and soft florals to complete the image.
Rustic and rural
Escape to Yarra Valley wine country or to the West Australian outback for a memorable wedding getaway. You can’t go wrong with a barn or farm venue if a rustic aesthetic is more your jam. Exposed wood, string lights, and wildflower bouquets can all add to the cozy and charming atmosphere. For a more outdoorsy option, look for a venue with a scenic view or a natural landscape, like a forest or a beach.
Vue on Halycon and Marnong Estate are perfect choices for a rural Yarra Valley wedding, while The Bower Estate is a picturesque option for couples wanting a touch of rustic luxury in rural Queensland.
Modern love
For those who prefer a clean and modern aesthetic, a sleek and minimalistic venue is the way to go. Look for spaces with clean lines, neutral colours, and plenty of natural light. An industrial loft or a chic rooftop venue can provide the perfect backdrop for a contemporary wedding.
When we discuss modern wedding venues, we tend to envision inner-city locales like, one of our favourites, Aerial on South Wharf. However, there are many stunning examples of modern architecture in rural areas. Yarra Valley’s Hubert Estate is a gorgeous example of a modern country wedding venue that ticks all the boxes.
Vintage-chic
If vintage is your vibe, seek out a venue with history and character. An old theatre or a historic mansion can transport you and your guests back in time. Look for details like antique furniture, vintage lighting, and retro signage to really nail the vintage vibe. Many of our cities’ beautiful, old libraries and museums can also double as a historic wedding venue rich in old-world charm.
Luxury all the way!
If you want a more luxurious and formal wedding, a ballroom is a perfect choice. A grand ballroom provides a glamorous and elegant space that is perfect for dancing the night away. Alternatively, a mansion wedding is ideal for the couple who wants a grand space that is all their own. These venues often have stunning gardens, grand staircases, and plenty of space for your guests to mingle and celebrate.
Wedding venue inspiration
There’s a ton of great wedding inspiration online, but we suggest heading to our Real Weddings section before you dive into social media. This way, you can get a sense of the many practical and authentic ways you can incorporate your wedding style in many different aspects of your day. Sometimes it’s helpful to see how an event flows from start to finish at a venue so you can picture your wedding in the space. Plus, our Real Wedding section features some fantastic photographers and other suppliers we know you’ll love!
