Best Wedding Ceremony Venues
As wedding ceremony musicians we get to see many spectacular wedding ceremony venues in Melbourne and throughout Victoria. Here are our favourites.
The Cosmopolitan Hotel
The historical gardens behind The Cosmopolitan Hotel in Trentham are a hidden gem. Have your small wedding in this peaceful spot with its winding paths and old trees. Canapes are usually held there after the ceremony and group photos are done, after which it’s just a short walk down to the quaint stables for the reception. Autumn is the best time to get married here – it looks magical when the leaves on the trees change colour. There are plenty of great places to get your wedding photos done in and around Trentham, including the historic railway a short walk from the Cosmo, picturesque Quarry St Recreation Reserve across the road from the venue, and the Wombat State Forest immediately to the south of town, to name just a few.
Lancemore Macedon Ranges
While specialising as a conference venue, Lancemore is also a superb spot for a wedding ceremony. It’s set in the rolling hills of the Macedon Ranges, halfway between Kilmore and Lancefield, and about an hour from Melbourne. There are several spots where ceremonies are held, but our favourite is the top of the hill overlooking the venue. It’s a bit of a trek up there, but the view makes it totally worth the walk, and for the bridal party or less mobile guests the friendly staff are always happy to give you a lift in a 4WD. For the less adventurous there’s a lovely site overlooking the lake under a big elm just outside the doors of the venue. It’s a magical spot for photos around dusk, when the lake is visited by wildlife including kangaroos.
Mount Macedon Winery
Situated in a secluded spot at the base of the mountain itself, Mount Macedon Winery is just a short drive off the Calder Freeway. The ceremony site is in a well-maintained garden amongst towering trees, with a view that opens out over the hills. It’s a peaceful, shady spot, cool even at the height of summer, and with plenty of room for your guests. Be sure to say hi to resident dog Gus – he usually makes an appearance later on when the canapes start to come out.
Mitchelton Winery
Mitchelton Winery, located beside the Goulburn River in Nagambie, is a truly impressive venue. It’s about the size of a small town. There are two things we love about it in particular though: the food, which is insanely good – some of the best we’ve ever had anywhere in the state (and we’ve eaten everywhere!) – and the ceremony spot. It’s a large purpose-built deck overhanging the river, surrounded by tall eucalypts, and very peaceful. The river makes for a stunning backdrop as you tie the knot, and for your photos later on in golden hour. Spring and Autumn are the best times to get married here.
Overnewton Castle
Constructed in 1849 by Scottish settlers, Overnewton Castle is a stunning heritage homestead originally set on 13,000 acres of grazing land, and surrounded by established trees – note the olive trees in the background here, which according to Scottish tradition were planted each time a baby was born. Plenty of photo opportunities around the grounds and the castle itself (it’s literally a castle). A remarkable refuge within metropolitan Melbourne, just off the Ring Road.
Shadowfax Winery
Located near historic Werribee Mansion and Werribee Zoo, Shadowfax Winery is one of the best wedding ceremony venues west of the bridge. The lawn is huge, so can cater to a ceremony of any size, and there’s a good long walk for the procession so you can get the whole song in, everyone can get a chance to see you, and your photographers can get some great shots. If weather is inclement there’s plenty of space inside the venue, or if it’s a very small wedding down in the cellar amongst the wine barrels.
Montsalvat
Montsalvat is best known as an artists’ colony in Eltham, but it’s also one of Melbourne’s most unique wedding venues. It’s positively bursting with old world charm. It’s also a photographer’s dream, with a huge number of evocative set pieces for your wedding pics. If holding your ceremony in the Upper Gallery there’s a piano on site and plenty of room for seating; for smaller weddings consider the more intimate Bluestone Chapel. Montsalvat is a must-see.
Sebel Pinnacle Valley Resort
Sebel Pinnacle Valley between Mansfield and Mt Buller is well worth the trip. During snow season it gets busy, and is too cold for an outdoor wedding ceremony anyway, but in the warmer months it’s a quiet and beautiful spot. Take your pick of the 360 degree stunning mountain views surrounding the venue for your ceremony site. And being a resort there’s plenty of accommodation, so nobody needs to worry about having to drive home after the wedding.
All Smiles Sorrento
We love seaside weddings. There’s something about the fresh sea air and the crash of the waves that puts everyone in a holiday mood. The view from All Smiles on the famous back beach at Sorrento is something else. We’ve been lucky with perfect weather at all the weddings that we’ve done here, but if it’s not you can get married inside the venue itself, which also has ocean views. And human dynamo Kat Sillars not only runs the venue, she’s also a fantastic celebrant, often performing both roles at the same wedding!
Macedon Ranges Hotel & Spa
We’re all about that view. Get married in front of Mount Macedon on a beautiful Spring or Autumn day. Macedon Ranges Hotel & Spa is just off the Calder Freeway on the road to Woodend, and well under an hour from Melbourne. The ceremony site is small and simple, because it’s all about that view. There’s also a Roman-style stone amphitheatre a little further down the hill if you prefer that aesthetic.
Farm Vigano
Farm Vigano is in South Morang, just north of Melbourne, and set in the picturesque Plenty Gorge. There’s a large flat lawn overlooking the gorge, that can cater to wedding ceremonies of any size, after which it’s a short walk up to the venue for pre-dinner drinks. The property is massive, with beautiful gardens and orchards, so there are plenty of pretty spots to get your photos done. The biggest drawcard though is the food: traditional, fresh Italian cuisine.
Yarra Valley Estate
Yarra Valley Estate in Dixon’s Creek has a unique open chapel that has proved popular with our couples. Surrounded by towering gum trees and singing birds, it’s a peaceful spot for your ceremony. Being fairly enclosed, wind is never a problem. It’s great for footage as your photographer and videographer can peer through the openings and get some interesting angles, and there’s plenty of seating for your guests, as well as power on site. A long red carpet completes the look. Above all the staff at the venue are super helpful and friendly.
Tatra
The forest surrounding Tatra in Mount Dandenong makes it a beautiful backdrop for a wedding ceremony. Processions begin in a stately rotunda on a hill. A path leads down to another rotunda, this one of wrought iron, where couples are married. If weather is inclement, there’s a purpose-built chapel back up the hill, which has plenty of room, as well as a piano for your musician.
Looking for an intimate space for your wedding? This article covers the best small wedding venues in Melbourne and country Victoria.