In Australia’s oldest city, they have been hosting weddings for over two-hundred years. Some of the very first venues have been stunningly refurbished to feel brand new today and give couples a wedding day with a truly Australian feel. While some other buildings evoke Victorian England or transport you to the European countryside, these unique and beautiful spaces are all true blue.
Characterised by original stone facades, grand sweeping verandas, ancient majestic gum trees and some of the region’s most long-standing vistas, your special day here will beyond compare.
At Easy Weddings, we have compiled a list of our favourite Australian Wedding Reception venues in Sydney and surrounds.
Orso Bayside Reception
What would be more Australian than a barefoot ceremony on the beach? A restored boathouse, Orso in Mosman is perched right on the sand and gazes over the water through floor to ceiling windows and from the wrap around deck. The interior design is elegant and muted and allows the glorious water view to be the showcase of your wedding day, after the beautiful bride that is! You can even get some of their photogenic pelicans to pose for your album as well.
Ottimo House Denham Court
For an Australian country wedding reception, you must look at Ottimo House in Denham Court. A collection of rustic aged cottages, surrounded by a tree-lined lake, vibrant gardens and acres of serene rolling countryside, at Ottimo House they pride themselves on not just being unique, but being the best. They have a selection of wedding menu packages, or you can choose your own dishes to suit your personal wedding theme. Their cuisine is matched by a comprehensive range of beverages from Australia and the rest of the world.
Rosman Cruises
Celebrate your wedding right in the water on one of Rosman Cruises refurbished ferries. They look sparkling new, finished in red and gold heritage colours and will transport you and your guests across the bay and back in time. You can choose your own specific journey, or the experienced team can recommend a scenic cruise for you, while your family and friends drink, dine, dance and are entertained till the wee hours. Providing high-class charters with a difference for over 100 years, if you want something spectacular for your big day, this is the reception team for you.
Gunners’ Barracks
Established as a barracks in 1873, if you are looking for something different, but incredibly stylish, check out this elegant venue. The centre boasts captivating views across Sydney Harbour and Chowder Bay on all sides, and you are given the exclusive use of the venue for your unforgettable day. Finished in luxurious glamour to resemble a historic manor, you can choose from a number of ceremony and reception spaces, including the sandstone courtyard, harbour terrace, or their exquisite dining room. Their head chef will create a menu of modern Australian fare to complete your day.
Dunbar House
Taking you back to the settler’s days of 1830, Dunbar House gives you vistas over Sydney Harbour and Watson’s Bay in an enchanting refurbished manor. Managed by the Grand Pacific Group, an exemplary name in events, you are guaranteed to receive a meticulously planned wedding reception with the highest level of food, drinks, service, and ambience. As the manor is situated in the expansive grounds of Robertson Park you have an endless variety of lovely backdrops for photos of your Australian wedding day.
Pier One Sydney Harbour Autograph Collection
Pier One is located in the historic Rocks district which offers the old world charm of vintage scenery and the modern convenience of being in the heart of Sydney’s best entertainment and nightlife. The restaurant has been awarded a chef’s hat for its sumptuous menus, and you can choose from formal sit-down dining, banquet or degustation to cocktail receptions, with premium wines to match. It is housed in a historic hotel that has been brought back to all of its former glory and opens directly onto the pier, hence its name.
Loxley on Bellbird Hill
Nestled in the Blue Mountains, this country homestead has a style and character all of its own. The house and grounds are huge, offering numerous spaces for photos and celebration, as well as accommodation for the bridal couple in the rainforest viewed bridal suite. You can say your vows in the gardens or select from one of a number of vintage churches nearby. Loxley has been awarded repeatedly for their wonderful service and hospitality, and the team are constantly working to maintain this level of excellence, making this little trip to the mountains well worth your while.
Banjo Paterson Cottage Restaurant
This gorgeous setting has been classified by the National Trust as the home where AB Paterson spent his early years with his grandmother. The building itself dates back to the 1830s and is more than a humble cottage, it is a stunning sandstone mansion finished in opulence and classic style. Its beautifully landscaped grounds are set in expansive parkland and overlooking the water and its own private jetty. You and your guests can be treated to the extra extravagance of arriving and departing via the bay and watch the lights of the city twinkling across the harbour.
Gledswood Homestead
Gledswood is a lovely old homestead, on a working farm and vineyard in Catherine Field. It is a versatile space and can host large and small weddings, or both casual or formal affairs. Many places call themselves unique, but this homestead truly is. If your wedding theme is Australian, country or rustic, or if you want to experience life as an aristocratic landowner from times gone by, then you must give Gledswood an inspection for a very memorable day.
Athol Hall
This perfectly finished old home in Mosman has only recently been restored and opened to the public for events, so you know you will be on the cutting edge of reception venues. The venue has its original exterior, with cascading stone steps, and a reception space that is reminiscent of a stunning old barn. You and your partner can sip champagne and watch the sunset over Sydney Harbour while toasting to your new life together. As one of Sydney’s best kept secrets, if you want your guests happy, and maybe a teensy bit jealous, then choose Athol Hall.
