Melbourne is the city known for love birds to get married: you will find endless photo locations to do wedding photography, as well as heaps of unique wedding venues for your ultimate night celebration. In fact, when we are trying to prepare a list of the top 10 most unique Melbourne wedding venue, it becomes quite a hard task as there are just way too many to choose from. From Root top wedding venue to those heritage ones, and from those homestead wedding venue to the modern minimalistic ones, there is no surprise that couples will get a little bit head-scratching when they are choosing the one for their wedding.
As a wedding photographer that has been in the industry for 7 years, I always want to help my couples with their wedding researches. That is why in this article, I will give out my top 10 pick of unique wedding venue in Melbourne that I have shot at. So hopefully after reading this article, you will get a better insight not only on what is the most unique wedding venue, as well as knowing what you are really after for your wedding.
- Glasshaus Inside
- The George Ballroom
- Mural Hall
- Luminare
- Stones at the Yarra Valley
- Emu Bottom Homestead
- Werribee Mansion
- Montsalvat
- Jack Rabbit Vineyard
- Marnong Estate
1. Glasshaus Inside: Gardens of Babylon
Although there is no specific order for my top 10 list of unique Melbourne wedding venues, but the Glasshaus Inside has always held a special place in my heart. Located in Cremorne, the Glasshaus Inside is located to many Melbourne wedding ceremony locations as well as photo locations: such as the St Iganatius Church as well as the Fitzroy Garden. The superb location allows couples to be benefited with short travelling time between locations and more time to enjoy themselves.
And when we are talking about this unique wedding venue, we have to talk about its stunning interior design. With an industrial chic looks, the Glasshaus inside’s interior is filled with splendor plants draping from the wall. Showered in full natural light and amazingly styled, this 1920s warehouse provides the perfect backdrop for either the pre-dinner wedding photography or even just your night celebration.
And not only that, another benefit you would appreciate from this unique wedding venue in Melbourne is that there is no need to do additional styling giving the abundance of greeneries and foliage. So it’s completely up to you to whether keep the money in your pocket or spend on other things you like.
With a capacity of up to 88 guests for sitting down, Glasshaus Inside is the perfect choice for an intimate wedding. And stunning wedding photography at the Glasshaus Inside is another reason that this wedding venue has become so sought-after over the years. As a wedding photographer, the perfect natural lighting as well as a simple and clean backdrop almost guarantees me to create stunning images for couples to cherish.
Highlights of the Glasshaus Inside
- – Prime Location: short distance from some major wedding locations
- – The interior: there is pretty much no other place like the Glasshaus Inside which features a massive collections of greenery plants
- – The wedding photography experience: Glasshaus Inside provides one of the freshest and cleanest background for wedding photography
Price/package info of the Glasshaus Inside
- – Price/ venue hire: off peak starting from $2950, peak days starting from $3600
- – Reception Guests: Max 88 seated or 125 standing cocktail styled
- – Catering: yes
Contact details of the Glasshaus Inside
- – Address: 44 Cremorne St, Cremorne
- – Tel: (03) 9421 4100
- – Email: nada@glasshaus.com.au
See real weddings I’ve shot at the Glasshaus Inside
2. The George Ballroom: Timeless Ballroom from the Victorian Era
Being a city filled with heritage and history, Melbourne offers couple quite a few options on historic wedding venues such as the Labassa as well as the Dome. However in my humble opinion, the George Ballroom will easily win the battle of being the most unique heritage wedding venue you can find in Melbourne.
Located on Fitzroy Street in St Kilda, the George Ballroom which was built in the 1880s is one of the most unique wedding venues that every bride in Melbourne talks about. The interior of the George Ballroom is what makes most of the bride-to-be fallen in love on the first sight: people often thought the wall was painted, but in fact there was an artist in the 90’s came in to the space to distress and breakdown the different layers of paint, revealing its truly colorful story.
Despite its one of a kind interior design as well as color palette, the George Ballroom also offers couples great versatility and options on their big day. Your wedding ceremony can be held on the ground floor of this historic hotel, and after you tied the knot at this unique wedding venue, you can go on and do wedding location photos at nearby locations including the St Kilda Beach.
Night celebration inside this unique heritage wedding venue is just one of a kind: you would appreciate the backdrop of wooden floorboards, heritage walls, high ceilings, those combination simply adds a touch of unique and vintage feel on to your wedding theme. The George Ballroom is also one of the favorite venues for florist to decorate, simply because the neutral color of the wall can boast the vividness of the flora.
Highlights of the George Ballroom
- – Prime Location: short distance from some popular wedding photo locations
- – The interior: timeless ballroom from the classic Victorian era
Price/package info of the George Ballroom
- – Price/ venue hire: minimum spending starts from $6000, price per head starts from $130 per head to $180 per head
- – Ceremony hire: starts from $1000 per hour
- – Catering: yes
Contact details of the George Ballroom
- – Address: 127 Fitzroy Street, St Kilda
- – Tel: (03) 9281 1400
- – Email: info@thegeorgeballroom.com.au
See wedding package brochure of the George Ballroom
3. Mural Hall: Chic European Ballroom with Exquisite Interior Deco
Located on Bourke street, Mural Hall is one of the most unique wedding venues that is less known by wedding couples, mainly because it’s secretly located on the sixth floor of the Bourke street Myer. Operated under the management of the Big Group which also holds wedding receptions such as the Luminare, you will be rest assured that the wedding experience at this unique wedding reception will be also one of a kind.
Mural Hall’s namesake came from the impressive 10 pieces collections of murals which reflect fine art. What’s even more impressive is the venue has also earned itself a stamp approval from the National Trust. Walk into this unique Melbourne wedding venue, you will immediately be immersed in the fine art feel: with three magnificent chandeliers and a pair of grand entrance staircases, the interior of the Mural Hall can definitely boast a touch of vintage look onto your wedding theme.
The attention to detail offered by the Mural Hall is also remarkable: from your one of a kind centerpiece to your luxury furniture, the staff onsite will work closely with you to make your day full of wow factors. Worth to mention, although the Mural Hall is conveniently located closed to many major ceremony locations such as the St Patrick Cathedral. If you want to make your wedding day truly hassle-free by holding your wedding ceremony on site, the Mural Hall will get you covered.
Highlights of the Mural Hall
- – Prime Location inside the Melbourne CBD
- – Chic European Ballroom with exquisite interior decorations
- – Closed to many popular wedding photo locations as well as ceremony lcoations
Price/package info of the Mural Hall
- – Price/ venue hire: Price starts from $205.00 per head to $225 per head, minimum guests start from 60
- – Ceremony hire: starts from $1500
- – Catering: yes
Contact details of the Mural Hall
- – Address: 314 Bourke street, Melbourne
- – Tel: (03) 8416 9791
- – Email: Office@muralhall.net.au
See real weddings I’ve shot at the Mural Hall
4. Luminare: For Rooftop Fanatics
Like its sister venue Mural Hall, this is pretty much a no brainer that Luminare should be on the list of one of the most unique Melbourne wedding venues. Stands for one of the most luxurious and extraordinary wedding venues, Luminare is your ultimate choice if you fancy a rooftop wedding.
Sitting on the prime sport in South Melbourne, couples who are getting married at Luminare will appreciate great convenience on travelling between different locations. The Luminare is closely located to many popular Melbourne wedding photo locations such as the ACCA as well as the Victoria Barracks. Worth to mention, as a all in one rooftop wedding venue, Luminare offers couples opportunities to hold their wedding ceremonies directly on site. For most of the bride and groom, saying ‘I do’ on the rooftop situated on the back side of the venue is the way to go as you will be enjoying the stunning city skyline to be featured as your ceremony backdrop. However, there is an indoor ceremony option in case of the Melbourne weather.
Walk into this unique Melbourne wedding venue, you will be immersed in the luxurious and modern vibe. In my opinion, what makes Luminare the best unique rooftop wedding venue is absolutely its view: standing on the rooftop, you will enjoy a panoramic view of the city skyline as well as the Yarra River. As one of the largest rooftop wedding venues in Melbourne, Luminare can fit up to 250 guests for a sit-down dinner or up to 400 guests for a stand-up cocktail style.
Highlights of the Luminare
- – Iconic Melbourne rooftop wedding venue
- – Luxurious venue and stunning view across the city
- – Closed to many popular wedding photo locations as well as ceremony locations
Price/package info of the Luminare
- – Price/ venue hire: Price starts from $236.00 per head, minimum spending starts from $20,000
- – Ceremony hire: starts from $3500
- – Catering: yes
Contact details of the Luminare
- – Address: Cnr Browns Lane & York Street, South Melbourne
- – Tel: (03) 8416 9791
See real weddings we’ve shotat the Luminare
5. Stones of the Yarra Valley: Finest Winery Wedding Venue
When it comes to the most unique wedding venue in Yarra Valley, we just have to consider Stones of the Yarra Valley, simply because the beauty of this place. Surrounded by century-old oak trees, vineyard, and blue-tinged mountains, pretty every angle you stand within this place is truly remarkable. With its beautifully resorted 1860’s old barn, stables as well as the little chapel linked by the European styled little path as well as manicured lawns, the Stones is the perfect choice if you are looking to hold your big day in a unique wedding venue.
You can either tie the knot in the romantic chapel or outside on the lush lawn in front of the vines and iconic oak tree. With the setup of the stable and barn as your wedding reception, you will find no trouble to fit in all of your friends and family even you have a large guest number.
From a wedding photographer’s perspective, the Stones is the perfect wedding venue that is remarkably beautiful and unique. The simple and elegant feeling it delivers is why so many bride truly fallen in love with this unique wedding venue.
Highlights of the Stones of the Yarra Valley
- – Elegant and stunning vibe
- – Multiple garden locations available for ceremony
- – Lots of venue inclusions
Price/package info of the Stones of the Yarra Valley
- – Price/ venue hire: Price starts from $230.00 per head, minimum spending starts from $20,000
- – Ceremony hire: starts from $1650 for the Stable, and $2200 for the Barn
- – Catering: yes
Contact details of the Stones of the Yarra Valley
- – Address: 12 St Hubert Rd, Coldstream
- – Tel: (03) 8727 3000
See real weddings we’ve shot at the Stones of the Yarra Valley
6. Emu Bottom Homestead: Victoria’s Oldest Homestead
The Epicurean Emu Bottom is the oldest and one of the most unique homesteads in Victoria. Located at the foot of the stunning Macedon Ranges, the Emu Bottom is only half and hour away from Melbourne CBD. The Emu Bottom offers couples sublime beauty and comfort, and as a wedding photographer, I think this unique wedding venue is the perfect place for a rustic styled wedding.
Surrounded by beautiful countryside, walk into this unique rustic wedding venue, you will be immediately greeted with manicured lawn, heritage listed old barns as well as lots of animals. For weddings, Emu Bottom offers a number of options including the beautiful Woolshed, Homestead or Homestead Lawn. The Woolshed is a old barn house that can hold up to 140 people and offers a rustic and historic appearance. The Homestead on the other side, remains as the most sough-after option for weddings in Emu Bottom. Having a capacity of up to 120 people, the Homestead also offers a large veranda as well as uninterrupted views of the lawn.
Your wedding location photo sessions will be a truly relaxing experience: with several awesome photo spots available onsite, you don’t need to travel outside of the venue to do photos. And the white wall of the Homestead is apparently the must go photo spot inside this unique wedding venue.
Highlights of the Emu Bottom
- – Perfect location for rustic weddings
- – Two indoor venues as well one outdoor option
- – Amazing photo locations directly onsite
Price/package info of the Emu Bottom
- – Price/ venue hire: Price starts from $236.00 per head, minimum spending starts from $20,000
- – Ceremony hire: starts from $1500
- – Catering: yes
Contact details of the Emu Bottom
- – Address: Homestead Way, Sunbury
- – Tel: (03) 5989 4000
See real weddings we’ve shot at the EMU Bottom Homestead
7. Lancemore Mansion Hotel Werribee Park: Say ‘I Do’ inside Heritage Listed Wedding Venue
Located within 30 minutes drive from the Melbourne CBD, the Lancemore Mansion hotel is one of the most unique and iconic wedding receptions you can find in Melbourne. The reason is obvious: being one of the oldest heritage listed mansion hotels in Australia, couples who get married here will not only be offered with sublime wedding photography opportunities, also an superior tranquil experience.
There are lots of different locations available for your choice in regard to your wedding ceremony, including the garden, inside the Mansion, as well as the lawn in front of the Mansion. And after you are officially married, you can head to the carpet-clad Grand Staircase to do the wedding location photos inside the famous mansion.
Although you will be granted with the permission to take photos inside the Mansion if you opt for the indoor ceremony inside the Mansion, the venue hire for the mansion is $500 more expensive than other locations. So, in my own opinion, unless it’s rainy on the day, it’s better off to do ceremony elsewhere and pay the $500 permit for photos inside the mansion.
For night reception, you can choose from different options such as the Marquee, the pavilion or the Theatre Room for the celebration. Surrounded by 10 acres of the English gardens, the Marquee features magnificent chandeliers and festoon lighting under its fabric-draped ceiling.
Highlights of the Lancemore Mansion Hotel Werribee Park
- – Lots of different locations to fit into your wedding theme
- – On site accommodation available
- – Versatile on the size, can include guests up to 500
Price/package info of the Lancemore Mansion Hotel Werribee Park
– Basic Wedding Venue Package Price Overview of the Lancemore Mansion Hotel Werribee Park in 2020: minimum guests starts from 80, price starts from $134 per person to $184 per person
The Marquee:
- – Price per person: starts from $149.00 per head to $184.00 per head, depending on peak/low seasons
- – Minimum guests: 150
- – Capacity: 280 for sitting-down, 500 for cocktail style
The Pavilion:
- – Price per person: starts from $144.00 per head to $174.00 per head, depending on peak/low seasons
- – Minimum guests: 80
- – Capacity: 120 for sitting down, or 140 for cocktail style
Theatre Room:
- – Price per person: starts from $134.00 per head to $164.00 per head, depending on peak/low seasons
- – Minimum guests: 80
- – Capacity: 140 for sitting-down, or 170 for cocktail style
Contact details of the Lancemore Mansion Hotel Werribee Park
- – Address: Gate 2, K Rd, Werribee
- – Tel: (03) 9731 4000
See real weddings we’ve shot at the Lancemore Mansion Hotel Werribee Park
8. Montsalvat: Where Fairy-tale Wedding Comes True
Montsalvat is one of the most unique wedding venues in Melbourne. Known as a famous wedding photo location in Melbourne, this unique wedding venue nestled in Eltham is where wedding photography dreams come true. Set amongst 12 acres of manicured lawns and gardens, this heritage wedding venue built back in the 1930s offer a mix of unique architectures styles to be used as the backdrop of your wedding.
What I truly love about this unique wedding venue is the amount of the options you will get to choose when you are planning your wedding. Inside this castle style wedding venue, there are more than 4 different locations for wedding ceremony and 2 for the night receptions. How amazing! So depending are your needs and wedding theme, you can choose different locations to pair with your wedding. For wedding ceremony, the upper gallery as well as the Blue Stone Chapel remains as the two iconic choice to tie the knot. The Upper Gallery can boasts a touch of romance and vintage theme onto your wedding ceremony. Not only that, it also can provide a nice shelter when it comes to the unexpected Melbourne weather. The Bluestone Chapel is a perfect choice for timeless and intimate wedding ceremony.
For your night celebration inside this unique Melbourne wedding venue, you can choose from 2 different locations which is the Great Hall as well as the Long Gallery. The old castle can certainly boast a touch of vintage feel onto your wedding theme.
Highlights of the Montsalvat
- – Perfect venue for a fairy-tale styled wedding
- – Sublime wedding photography opportunities
- – Huge amount of choices on locations
Price/package info of the Montsalvat
- – Price/ venue hire: Price starts from $180.00 per head to $210.00 per head, minimum spending starts from $20,000
- – Ceremony hire: starts from $1500 for 2 hours
Contact details of the Montsalvat
- – Address: 7 Hillcrest Ave, Eltham
- – Tel: (03) 9439 7712
See real weddings shot at Montsalvat
9. Jack Rabbit Vineyard: Winery Wedding Venue With Ocean Views
If you are having a hard time picking a winery wedding venue with ocean view, the Jack Rabbit Vineyard is definitely the one you should think about. The major reason it is listed as my pick of unique wedding venue is because firstly, there is literally no wedding venue offers ocean view in the Yarra Valley. Secondly, their estate wines are superior: I have always been a big fan of Pinot Noir produced from the Bellarine Peninsula.
The Jack Rabbit is famous for its wedding ceremony location, and when you see it in person, you will realize why its been the unique wedding venue in Geelong. Your wedding ceremony set near the cliff will be filled with unrivalled sweeping views of the bay as well as the impressive vineyards. However, being a wedding venue near the ocean, one thing to look out as always is the weather problem. In fact, weddings in Geelong can somehow all get affected by the wind. So make sure you secure everything at your ceremony place.
For your location photos at the Jack Rabbit, you will find sublime photo opportunities inside as there are just so many worth-shooting photo spots. The vineyards, the rolling hills or you can go down all the way to the beaches.
Highlights of the Jack Rabbit Vineyard
- – Winery wedding venue with ocean view
- – Prime position in Bellarine Peninsula
- – Amazing photo locations directly onsite
Price/package info of the Jack Rabbit Vineyard
- – Price/ venue hire: Price starts from $180.00 per head to $200.00 per head
- – Ceremony hire: starts from $1300
- – Catering: yes
Contact details of the Jack Rabbit Vineyard
- – Address: 85 McAdams Ln, Bellarine
- – Tel: (03) 5251 2223
See real weddings shot at Jack Rabbit Vineyard
10. Marnong Estate: Panoramic View of the Macedon Ranges
Located in the North side of Melbourne, Marnong Estate is one unique wedding venue that offers a special setting with endless possibilities and an incredible backdrop. Although it is a relatively new venue that just appeared in the wedding industry, the stunning view across the Macedon Ranges as well as its vineyard soon made it become famous.
With over 1200 acres of manicured lawns and gardens, Marnong Estate provides an abundance of locations to host your ceremony and creating a unique reception venue that matches with your wedding theme. Whether you fancy an indoor ceremony or outside on the lawn, Marnong Estate has got you covered: the Atrium provides an excellent backdrop as well as shelter when it comes to the unexpected Melbourne weather.
After your wedding ceremony, you can go out and do stunning wedding photo location inside this unique wedding venue. Of course, we will have to do some on the grassland, with the backdrop of the stunning Macedon Ranges, you wedding photos will be simply stunning.
For the night reception inside this unique wedding venue, the Marnong Estate provides various different locations to suit your style. There are mainly three venues that can be used for wedding, which includes the Atrium, the Angliss Room as well as the Farm Shed. Featuring a courtyard, the Atrium is a smaller venue that is perfect for pre-dinner drinks and canapes. The Angliss Room is the most breath-taking building inside the estate, offering stunning views to the Macedon Ranges. Lastly, the Farm Shed is perfect for a rustic-styled dinner party.
Highlights of the Marnong Estate
- – Winery wedding venue with stunning mountain view
- – Amazing photo locations directly onsite
Price/package info of the Marnong Estate
- – Price/ venue hire: Price starts from $165.00 per head to $250.00 per head
- – Ceremony hire: starts from $800
- – Catering: yes
Contact details of the Marnong Estate
- – Address: 2335 Mickleham Rd, Mickleham
- – Tel: (03) 9216 4000
See real weddings shot at Marnong Estate
So there you have it, the top 10 most unique wedding venues you can find in Melbourne, if you are researching for your future wedding venue and are looking for advice from a professional wedding photographer, please contact Tree Studio.
