Our top Melbourne Venues for Large Weddings

All written content by The Small Things Co

Planning a wedding is a journey that leads to a grand celebration of love and commitment. For those who dream of a lavish affair surrounded by family and friends, Melbourne offers a plethora of spectacular wedding venues that can accommodate over 250 guests. From modern urban settings to historical landmarks, each venue brings a unique charm and ambiance to your special day. In this article, we’ll explore our favourite large wedding venues in Melbourne that promise an unforgettable experience for you and your guests.

For those wanting to host a large affair, finding the right venue that can seat your guest numbers along with also providing a modern and stylish setting can be a challenge. Goodbye, tacky chair covers, dusty carpet, and dry chicken breast. We have gathered a list of our favourite large wedding venues to make your search stress free!

Luminare South Melbourne

Seated Capacity: 250 Guests with a dance floor.

Perched atop a rooftop, Luminare South Melbourne boasts panoramic views of the city skyline. This modern and chic venue offers a luxurious space that seamlessly combines indoor and outdoor areas. With its versatile design, Luminare provides an elegant backdrop for your wedding ceremony, reception, and dance floor, all while giving your guests an unparalleled view of Melbourne’s beauty. Owned by The Big Group, their impeccable service and delicious food are something we rave about to all of our Luminare clients. With our history of styling events at Luminare, we’ve continually been enticed by the space’s versatility. Explore a curated selection of our styled occasions in our lookbook, exemplifying the versatility of the space HERE.

Crown Aviary

Seated Capacity: 400 Guests

Nestled within the prestigious Crown Melbourne complex, the Crown Aviary is a stunning choice for a grand wedding celebration. Picture an event beneath the Melbourne skyline, where the expansive views of the city and the Yarra River are embraced by the lush rooftop gardens. The Crown Aviary presents an unparalleled rooftop experience that stands as a unique gem, nestled in the heart of Melbourne. Crown, known for its commitment to excellence, showcases its dedication through the caliber of their ingredients and the inventiveness of their culinary creations.

Events hosted at the Crown Aviary receive an extra layer of delight through a delectable menu, meticulously tailored to individual preferences, tastes, and dietary needs. The menus bear the mark of distinction as they are crafted by the accomplished Chef, Kelly Jackson, and his proficient team, recipients of esteemed culinary accolades. View Lucy and Nick’s showstopper wedding in our lookbook HERE.

Metropolis Events

Seated Capacity: 334 Guests

Nestled above Southgate Melbourne, Metropolis Events commands a privileged riverside location. Its panoramic views embrace Melbourne’s skyline and its heritage landmarks. With a 17-meter dome ceiling and soaring 9-meter windows, it’s a backdrop of grandeur. An all-weather terrace and advanced audio-visual tech promise a seamless experience. Upon entry, guests are immersed in opulence, defining Metropolis Events. Pendant lights by Mark Douglass Design, brass bars, marble touches, and mirrors create a modern ambiance. Contemporary furnishings sync with the venue’s identity, elevating chic to new heights and promising extraordinary events. Versatility is Metropolis Events’ signature. Adaptable layout, drapes, and operable walls facilitate diverse events – corporate, gala, cocktails, weddings, private functions, conferences, and fashion events. The venue adapts, setting the stage for unforgettable experiences. View Sarah and Evan’s modern romantic wedding in our lookbook HERE.

State Library Victoria

Seated Capacity: 300 Guests

With its grand ceilings, corinthian pillars, and unmatched heritage charm the Ian Potter Queen’s Hall at The State Library is one of Melbourne’s high-end destinations. The elongated and bright reception space creates a feeling of grandeur and sets the tone for a truly luxurious event. Previously closed to the public for sixteen years, The Hall has recently reopened after a historic redevelopment. The original skylights, covered during renovation works in the 1970s, have been uncovered and flood the reading room with natural light. As a result of renovations, the 1860 decorative paint scheme was surprisingly revealed. Finally, a design and architectural marvel of its time can now once again be enjoyed by the public. By day, The Ian Potter Queen’s Hall functions as a reading room and houses the Australian literature, chess, and bridge collections. By night, it transforms into a special event space, taking full advantage of its historic setting. This incredible venue offers charm, rich history, and class which is simply unmatched. View our most recent styling work HERE.

Carousel Albert Park

Seated Capacity: 450 Guests

Set against the tranquil waters of Albert Park Lake, Carousel is the perfect place to make memories that will last a lifetime, whether you’re planning your dream wedding, a sophisticated gala dinner, a prestigious corporate event, or any other grand celebration. With incredible views of the Melbourne skyline across the lake, Carousel provides a large yet intimate space for celebrations to be enjoyed. The space lends itself to a modern and luxurious style but is also adaptable to any feel with the working of the right details. Managed by Food & Desire, you can expect nothing but the highest standard of service and care with your event. View our most recent styling work at Carousel in our lookbook HERE.

Cadella Park

Seated Capacity: 180 Guests

The European-inspired estate nestled in the Macedon Ranges provides a private and intimate location for your wedding celebrations. As a working farm, its breathtaking gardens provide the most beautiful setting. The Barn, which is at the heart of the Cadella Park experience, is a gorgeous setting for either ceremony, reception, or both. For those planning outdoor celebrations, the Barn is a stunning backup plan if the weather is touch and go on the day. The avenue of majestic elms makes for a unique outdoor cathedral-like setting, for a ceremonial space. This same avenue can be transformed into a beautiful alfresco dining scene, hosting a long single table. The established gardens hemmed by pin oaks offer a tranquil setting for a marquee wedding and the magnificent cypress tree is the central backdrop for many ceremonies, flanked by gold pastures.

The Timber Yard

Seated Capacity: 1000 Guests

A restored timber storage yard, this space provides a large industrial-inspired location for your event. Comprising large indoor and outdoor spaces in the Port Melbourne Industrial Precinct, The Timber Yard is a flexible space to meet an array of event needs. With its large capacity of 1000 seated, don’t allow yourself to be scared by its size. Draping can be used to create a more intimate feel, and with the addition of professional lighting and creative flowers, this space can become something truly magical.

Half Acre

Seated Capacity: 264 Guests

Nestled in South Melbourne, Half Acre offers a versatile canvas for creating the wedding of your dreams. With both indoor and outdoor spaces, you can craft a seamless event that transitions from ceremony to reception. Combining character and contemporary elegance to create the ideal setting for any event. The high A-frame ceiling and open floor plan offer ample space for guests to move around comfortably, while the warm urban feel creates a cozy and inviting atmosphere. The exposed brick walls are a key feature of Half Acre, adding a touch of industrial charm and character to the space. View our most recent styling work at Half Acre in our lookbook HERE.

Plaza Ballroom

Seated Capacity: 500 Guests

The Plaza Ballroom is one of Melbourne’s most iconic venues, situated in the heart of Collins Street at the famous Regent Theatre. Originally built in 1929, the venue underwent extensive refurbishment when it was taken over by Marriner Group in 1996. Today the venue is more lavish and grand than ever, combining award-winning catering and impeccable service in a setting unmatched in history, grandeur, and ambiance. Complete with high ceilings, mesmerizing Spanish Rococo architecture, Juliet balconies, bespoke lighting, and original chandeliers it’s the perfect backdrop to compliment any modern-day event. We are so looking forward to styling some upcoming events here this season.

Gather & Tailor

Seated Capacity: 350 Guests

Located just outside of Melbourne CBD, on the edge of the Maribyrnong River, this very Melbourne venue offers an industrial aesthetic paired with soft, romantic features. Featuring exposed beams, timber floors, two unique spaces, and a plethora of natural sunlight. View our most recent styling work at Gather & Tailor in our lookbook HERE.

Q Events

Seated Capacity: 450 Guests

Q Events is a hidden gem located on the banks of the Yarra River. With its sleek modern design and spacious interiors, this venue offers a contemporary setting for large-scale weddings. The floor-to-ceiling windows not only flood the space with natural light but also provide breathtaking views of the Melbourne cityscape. Think Manhattan meets Melbourne, with its luxurious art deco-inspired interiors.

Melbourne’s diverse range of large wedding venues offers something for every couple’s style and preference. Whether you envision a modern rooftop affair, a luxurious ballroom celebration, or a charming garden gathering, these venues provide the perfect backdrop to create cherished memories that will last a lifetime. With their exquisite settings and unparalleled services, these venues promise to make your wedding day an extraordinary experience for both you and your guests.

We would love to be a part of the planning, design, and styling of your day. Whether you just need guidance with putting together a hire from our decor range or are looking for an all-inclusive styling service, our team is ready to walk by your side. Get in touch with us through the form below.