The best wedding venues in Melbourne and Victoria

This chic, light-filled space is one of Melbourne's oldest wool mills – the only remnants of its previous life are the soaring ceilings, striking black beams and exposed brick walls. Set over two levels, there are five distinct spaces: the private laneway that's perfect for photo ops, the 136-pax mezzanine, the "I do" room, the 180-pax feasting hall and the moody speakeasy bar. If all the bits and pieces about planning a wedding are stressing you out, you're in good hands here: the venue was designed by wedding stylists and is run by wedding planners.

Learn more at the Wool Mill website. 

If you're looking for the perfect blank canvas to project your wedding dreams on, this warehouse in North Melbourne is for you. With neutral white walls, discrete lighting and a burnished concrete floor, it's up to you whether you want to fill the space with florals and decorations or keep it minimalist. Best of all, Two Ton Max has recently partnered with Immerso, so you can even create incredible custom visual displays.

Learn more at the Two Ton Max website. 

It doesn't get much more Melbourne than having your wedding in Fitzroy in a converted 20th-century textile factory. The enchanting space can hold up to 250 guests, and the walls feature seven floor-to-ceiling arch windows offering sweeping views of the Dandenong Ranges on one side and Smith Street on the other. Thanks to the lofty ceilings, exposed brick walls and ample natural light, you wouldn't be the first to think you've somehow wound up in a New York loft.

Learn more at the Panama Dining Room website.

If you're after rustic charm but also want a wedding close to the city, this industrial warehouse space in West Melbourne offers the best of both worlds. It's split across two levels, with an intimate downstairs area perfect for canapes and cocktails, and an upstairs section that can hold up to 320 people. There's even an outdoor deck if you're keen to say your vows beneath the big blue sky.

Learn more at the Gather and Tailor Warehouse website.

The Altar Electric is shaking up marriage ceremonies in a huge way, bringing a bit of rock'n'roll to couples who want to break tradition and have a truly unique celebration. Since 2017, the retro Abbotsford venue has held small weddings, giving lovebirds the option of a ceremony with up to 80 guests. And if the newlyweds want a party, too, the venue can throw in food, drinks, a DJ and more.

Learn more at the Altar Electric website. 

Collingwood’s backstreets are home to Rupert on Rupert, an eyeball-wooing bar and restaurant graced with high ceilings, light-drenched interiors and a mini forest’s worth of pot plants and trees. Ric Corinaldi and his wife Mali opened Rupert in 2015 and have since made it synonymous with cool cocktails, kicked-back Sunday sessions and many bespoke weddings. It makes sense as soon as you enter the big, heavy glass door that separates Rupert from its namesake Collingwood sidestreet. This place is so pretty it deserves a Hollywood screen test.

Learn more at the Rupert on Rupert website. 

For the dream beachside wedding, you can't go past this luxurious venue right on Port Phillip Bay. It's flush with features and amenities including two private bridal suites, floor-to-ceiling windows, a built-in dancefloor, flexible room layouts and an outdoor terrace overlooking St Kilda Beach.

Learn more at the Encore website. 

Located in the heart of Coburg, the Post Office Hotel is a familiar haunt for northsiders. But did you know that aside from the main pub, there's also a private outdoor garden perfect for outdoor weddings? It fits up to 130 seated guests or 250 standing, and you can even request that the onsite brewery creates a personalised beer for your special day.

Learn more at the Post Office Hotel website.

Planning the wedding of your dreams? Then you need to check out Q Events in Melbourne's CBD. Located close to public transport and some of the city's most beautiful parks, gardens and churches, this stunning Art Deco-inspired space features a luxuriously appointed bridal suite, designer bathrooms, sheer drapes, operable walls for a flexible floorplan and a spacious outdoor balcony area. Both cocktail or sit-down events are catered for, with a capacity for up to 1,800 standing guests or 450 seated guests.

Learn more at the Q Events website.

This swanky hotel is home to two exclusive spaces: the Conservatory, which is located on level 25 and ideal for an intimate celebration, and the Bellarine, which boasts an indoor-outdoor area and can accommodate up to 200 people. Whether it's a sit-down dinner, cocktail event or all-out party you're after, the team can create a bespoke package to suit your style and budget. And the best bit? When the festivities wrap up, you can just stumble on up to your room where a plush king-size bed, deep soaking tub and spectacular views of Port Phillip Bay await. Now that's a wedding night you won't forget.

Learn more at the Hyatt Centric website.

With spaces capable of hosting anywhere between 60 and 1,000 guests, this elegant venue on the banks of the Yarra River is perfect for weddings of all sizes. Despite being just four kilometres from the CBD, it's incredibly tranquil, and you're likely to hear birdsong as the sun sets beneath swaths of willow trees.

Learn more at the Leonda by the Yarra website. 

Located on the top level of the Southgate Building on Southbank, this opulent venue pulls out all the stops for an experience that's nothing short of extraordinary. The space can accommodate up to 334 seated guests or 1,100 guests for cocktail-style weddings, and boasts spectacular views across the city through nine-metre floor-to-ceiling windows. You'll also have access to the adjoining Aviary Room, a spacious all-weather terrace that opens up to views of landmarks like Flinders Street Station and Princes Bridge.

Learn more at the Metropolis website. 

From the team behind one of Melbourne’s most beloved Asian fusion restaurants, Aunty Kim’s is an intimate venue in Collingwood that offers the perfect space for any kind of celebration or soirée. With a capacity for up to 100 people, it's ideal for wedding receptions, engagements, birthdays, corporate events, hen’s parties and everything in between. The venue features high ceilings, polished concrete floors and striking chandeliers, creating an industrial chic setting with a warm but historic ambience.

Learn more at Aunty Kim's website.  

Prefer to escape the hustle and bustle of the city on your special day? Retreat to Greenfields, an idyllic waterside venue located alongside Albert Park Lake, just three kilometres from the city. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer sweeping views across the lake, and as the sun sets each night, golden beams illuminate the dancefloor. You'll have access to the entire venue, including an outdoor deck and bar, cloakroom, private wedding suite for your party and an area that can seat up to 150 guests.

Learn more at the Greenfields website. 

Once known as the Convent of the Good Shepherd, it originally provided refuge for vulnerable women, children and orphans. Nowadays, the convent building and formal gardens play host to all manner of events and festivals, including weddings within the beautiful Rosina Function Space. The space features leadlight windows, atmospheric high ceilings and exposed trusses for a lovely old-world feel, and you can also choose to host your wedding amongst the rolling lawns of the heritage gardens.

Learn more at the Abbotsford Convent website.

Established in 1890, this stunning Victorian mansion with manicured gardens is fit for a royal wedding. Inside, you'll find a parquet dancefloor, sweeping staircase and hand-painted windows, all classified by the National Trust. While it's kept many of its heritage elements, it has also undergone a renovation to add soaring ceilings, moody lighting and soft drapery.

Learn more at the Quat Quatta website.