SYDNEY
wedding venues
Choosing your wedding venue is a huge decision—it's the place where all the magic happens, setting the scene for your entire day. From the vibe you want to create to the experience your guests will have, your venue is the backdrop to all those unforgettable moments and stunning photos you'll treasure forever.
So, where do you even begin? Start by thinking about the kind of venue that would get you excited as a guest. This day is all about you and your partner, so choose something that makes your heart skip a beat and aligns with your vision. Are you dreaming of a place where you can host both the ceremony and reception in one gorgeous spot, or do you like the idea of mixing it up with separate locations?
If you're feeling a bit overwhelmed, don't stress—I've got you covered. Sydney has some of the best wedding venues around, offering everything from waterfront views to cozy, hidden gems. Whether you're into a laid-back garden vibe or something more chic and urban, theres a venue in Sydney that's perfect for you.
To help you get started, I've put together a list of the best wedding venues in Sydney. There's something for everyone, no matter what style you're going for. So grab a coffee, take a scroll, and start dreaming about the place where your big day will unfold. Trust me, your perfect venue is out there just waiting for you to find it!
Not sure where to begin the venue search?
Start here with this edit of the best wedding venues in Sydney
**as of September 2024**
The Best Wedding Venues in Sydney for Any Couple
1. Three Blue Ducks
A dreamboat of an urban wedding venue, Three Blue Ducks in Rosebery ticks all the boxes. You can expect an incredible spread when it comes to food alongside a curated beverage selection. The converted industrial warehouse lends itself to a swathe of styling. As for ceremony and reception spaces, you've got multiple indoor and outdoor options to choose from. The Rosella room upstairs is arguably the best wet weather ceremony location in Sydney.
Perfect for: couples who love an inner city warehouse vibes, and don't want to compromise on quality food.
1/85 Dunning ave, Roseberry
THREE BLUE ducks real wedding
three blue ducks website
2. Art Gallery of NSW
The backdrop to many a first date, there's something endlessly romantic about the art gallery. The original southern sandstone building itself is an architectural gem whilst the new modern modern northern wing sets the scene for a sophisticated affair. As for photo ops, you're surrounded by them! Parklands, harbour, city icons - you name it, you've got it. The gallery is able to facilitate intimate events right through to 350 cocktail capacity. Bonus points for the events team ready and waiting to assist.
Perfect for: cultured couples looking to elevate their wedding and provide a unique guest experience.
art gallery rd, Sydney
ART GALLERY Events website
3. Chiswick
Delivering on the country garden aesthetic with the convenience of a city location and one of the best garden-to-table restaurants in town, Matt Moran's Chiswick is perfect if you're torn between a country or city affair. You won't have to fuss around too much with styling as the venue has been thoughtfully designed from the sun-filled dining rooms to the manicured gardens.
Perfect for: sophisticated couples who want to keep it low-key and appreciate incredible food and wine.
65 Ocean Street, Woollahra
CHISWICK
real wedding
chiswick website
4. Audley Dance Hall
The historic Audley Dance Hall, nestled in the Royal National Park, is as peaceful a wedding venue as you'll find. The park is rife with ceremony spots and photoshoot ops whilst the hall provides a haven from which to feast and dance the night away.
Perfect for: those who love the natural beauty of the great outdoors and don't want to rtravel hours to get it.
2 Lady Carrington Drive, Royal National Park
AUDLEY
real wedding
audley dance hall website
5. Bennelong
One of Sydneys most respected dining institutions, Bennelong is the ideal Sydney wedding venue for foodies looking for an experience. The sleek interiors of the restaurant require little styling. Add on the incredible harbour views and the surrounding architectural masterpiece that is the Opera House, and you're sorted for aesthetics unique photo locations.
Perfect for: those wanting on incredible and iconic experience to remember.
Sydney opera house, bennelong point
beNNelong website
6. Dunes
Another coastal gem, Dunes Palm Beach feels a world away from bustling Sydney city. Distinctly Hamptons-esque styling lends an elevated backdrop whilst surrounding greenery and the seaside location craft a serene atmosphere.
Perfect for: couples who love a coastal vibe and relaxed atmosphere with options for photos by the water.
1193 Barrenjoey Road, Palm Beach
DUNES
real wedding
dunes website
7. Queen Chow Manly
If Sydney harbour views are a non-negotiable, Queen Chow Manly is a top contender. You won't have to worry about a thing as the events team guide you through the whole process. Located on the iconic Manly wharf, your guests can look forward to an iconic Cantonese feast whilst the restaurant is bathed in golden afternoon light. What could be better?!
Perfect for: those seeking a complete vibe and aren't afraid of the non-traditional.
Manly wharf, manly
Queen Chow
real wedding
queen chow website
8. Events by Alpha
Looking for the best blank canvas in the city? Beta Bar is it. The signature exposed brick walls provide a solid starting point for your dream styling whilst the three levels offer options for intimate events of five through to extravagant affairs of 700. Alpha's incredible cocktails and Greek food is the icing on the cake.
Perfect for: those who love the distressed appeal and have a generous guest list.
238 Castlereagh Street, Sydney
events by alpha website
9. The Grounds
Having taken out the title of the most Instagrammed cafe in the world, you can rest assured the styling of your day is off to a great start. If you're looking for a venue that requires little jazzing up, this is it. There are multiple spaces to host your day depending on your style preference, from the opulent ballroom-inspired The Eveleigh to the beloved Garden room. The best bit? You can't go wrong.
Perfect for: lovers of the whimsical romantic vibes that The Grounds has to offer.
7a/2 Huntley Street, Alexandria
THE GROUNDS
real wedding
The Grounds website
10. Museum of Contemporary Art
Ideally located on the harbour with views of both the opera house and the harbour bridge, the Museum of Contemporary Art is easily one of the most iconic wedding venues in Sydney. This cultural institution is available for your ceremony through to reception and offers options galore when it comes to venues with everything from the seven-metre high ceilings of the ballroom to the rooftop quayside room.
Perfect for: couples seeking inner city sophistication.
140 George Street, The Rocks
MCA real wedding
MCA website
11. Athol Hall
Giving country estate meets harbour soiree, Athol Hall offers a serene backdrop to your big day with the added benefit of being right in the middle of Sydney. Multiple ceremony and reception options mean you can host your day all in one place with each segment flowing seamlessly into the next. This Sydney venue is also bursting with photo backdrops from Athol Beach to rolling green gardens.
Perfect for: the all-in-one location with killer Sydney views
2 Athol Wharf Road, Mosman
athol hall
real wedding
ATHOL HALL website
12. La Porte Space
There really is nowhere quite like La Porte Space in the whole of Sydney. The Moroccan courtyard is a dreamboat ceremony space whilst the restored 1930s building can cater up to 150 seated guests.
Perfect for: those looking for something a little different, an inner city oasis.
87-103 Epsom Road, Rosebery
real wedding
LA porte website
13. Cooks Shed
Cooks Shed offers all of the country wedding charm without the drive. The 28-acre property boasts sweeping views of the Hawkesbury, a rustic shed reception pavilion complete with cathedral ceiling, outdoor garden and firepit. They've got all the essentials covered from crockery to tables and chairs. All you've got to do is add your finishing touches and voila!
Perfect for: prioritising a good time and want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.
2 W Portland Road, Sackville
cooks shed
real wedding
cooks shed website
14. Centennial Homestead
A favourite for celebrations of all kinds, every Sydney sider has a special memory or two attached to this inner-city spot. The park boasts ceremony locations in abundance from the paperbark grove to the rose garden, with the option to host your reception at the impeccable Centennial Park Homestead. The best part? Doggos are welcome!
Perfect for: those wanting an elegant affair with a stunning green backdrop.
Grand Drive, Centennial Parklands
real wedding
CENTENNIAL HOMESTEAD website
15. Catalina
Widely regarded as one of the best seafood restaurants in Sydney with a killer view to boot, Catalina is always a statement venue. Food is sorted so you can sit back and relax, soak up the harbour views and revel in the ease of it all.
Perfect for: intimate celebrations with a fine dining focus.
Lyne Park, New South Head Rd, Rose Bay
CATALINA website
16. Kittyhawk
An inner-city venue with plenty of pizazz, Kittyhawk is a top choice for a classic space with a splash of vintage luxe. Being a cocktail bar and French restaurant, you can rest assured your guests will be treated to the best with an easy commute to and from the space. There are plenty of quirky nooks and crannies for photo ops and the multiple spaces allow for progression from one part of the day to the next.
Perfect for: intimate inner city vibes and minimal styling
16 Phillip Lane, Sydney
kittyhawk website
17. Silvergum Stables
At the very edge of Sydney (it just qualifies!) you have the rustic delight of a venue Silvergum Stables. With tons of country charm, only 50 mins from the CBD, you really feel like a million miles from the city. Exclusively only available for a few weddings a year, Silvergum Stables is making country wedding dreams come true, while staying a stones throw from Sydney.
Perfect for: lovers of country vibes and clear air
Baines place, Helensburgh
REAL WEDDING
SILVERGUM STABLES website
18. Gunners Barracks
An inner-city venue with plenty of pizazz, Kittyhawk is a top choice for a classic space with a splash of vintage luxe. Being a cocktail bar and French restaurant, you can rest assured your guests will be treated to the best with an easy commute to and from the space. There are plenty of quirky nooks and crannies for photo ops and the multiple spaces allow for progression from one part of the day to the next.
Perfect for: lovers of Sydney heritage sand stone and million dollar harbour views.
Suakin Drive, Mosman
GUnners website
Lauren + Dylan
Scott absolutely blew us away! From the very beginning Scott was so accommodating and completely invested. He brings such a great energy to the day and made us feel totally at ease throughout. Our photo's turned out better than we could have imagined. He captured the day so beautifully and has such a fantastic ability to capture those candid moments.
I cannot recommend Scott enough, he's pure magic!
"Scott absolutely blew us away"
01/04
Veronica + Jules
Scott is so nice, really calm and professional - exactly who you want to spend all day with you on your wedding day. The photos Scott takes are just incredible, he makes you feel so comfortable in front of the camera. We will treasure the photos forever and I can't recommend him enough. Thank you so much Scott.
"exactly who you want to spend all day with on your wedding day"
02/04
Lisa + Harrison
Scott is a great photographer. Not only does he take beautiful photos, he is professional, a calming presence and an all round great guy. He is responsive and super helpful with his answers to our questions. We knew his work would be great but when we received his photos, we were still in awe at how amazing they were.
Scott is a standout and worth every dollar (and more). You can trust that he will deliver. We are so happy we chose Scott as our wedding photographer and would readily recommend him.
"Scott is a standout and worth every dollar and more"
03/04
Glenn + Doretta
Scott helped made our wedding day so unbelievably special - his photos are amazing, and he was an incredibly kind, calm and funny person to have around on a day which could easily also be overwhelming and stressful. He made us feel totally relaxed, and the quality of photos he produces, as well as the once-in-a-lifetime moments he captures so candidly and discreetly are second to none. We're so happy we went with Scott, and wouldn't hesitate to recommend him!!
"Scott helped make our wedding day so unbelievably special"
04/04
all the love
Most of the popular wedding venues in Sydney will be booked 12 - 18 months in advance, especially on Saturdays in the busier months. These busy months are FEB-APR and SEP-NOV. You may have more luck getting a Saturday in winter. Weekday weddings have become popular and different venues may have deals for a mid week weddings.
Do they have availability on the date that you want or are you flexible?
Knowing your approximate guest list will help rule out a lot of the venues in Sydney. If your dream venue isn't big enough to cater for a sit down dinner then perhaps consider a cocktail wedding. A smaller guest list will also rule out some of the larger venues as you don't want a space that feels too big.
How many are you planning and do you want a sit down or cocktail wedding?
The ease of having everything all in the one location can't be beat. If you do need to have a different location across Sydney for ceremony and reception, then consider traffic and travel time, and think about organising transport for your guests.
Do you go with an all-in-one venue and ceremony space, or are multiple locations ok?
Some Sydney wedding venues won't allow you to have your ceremony before 5pm. This can be a problem outside of daylight savings because it can be dark at 5pm. Have a chat with your photographer about a work around to this problem, but it almost certainly will involve having your photos BEFORE the ceremony.
Why ceremony start time outside of daylight savings time is super important.
As soon as possible. The good photographers start getting booked 18 months to 2 years in advance on the popular dates.
How soon after booking the venue should I book the photographer?
Are they set in their ways or are they flexible with changes? You'll get a sense pretty quickly of how accommodating they are during a site visit. My personal pet peeve is when a venue makes you decide on the wet weather back up option 3-6 hours before the actual ceremony.
How flexible is the venue?
Yes it does. What I've discovered over the years is that the closer the dance floor and the bar are to each other, the better the party will be. It's just science! The more separation between the bar and dance floor, the emptier your dance floor will be. There used to be a venue in Sydney that made everyone move upstairs for the dancing (bar was very close) and then closed off downstairs and what you got was a guaranteed epic party.
Does venue layout play a factor in an unforgettable evening?
