Ever dreamed about a vintage, elegant wedding that embraces some old-world charm for your upcoming wedding in 2020? Then you should definitely consider one of the heritage wedding venues in Melbourne as your wedding reception. Known for its historical architectures, Melbourne offers wedding couples plenty of choices on a range of heritage wedding venues.
Planning your wedding at one of the heritage wedding venues in Melbourne also means your wedding day will be filled with sublime photo opportunities.
Here I’ve made a list for all the wedding couples on the best 10 heritage wedding venues in Melbourne that almost guarantee great wedding photography outcome. I’ve also gathered some package pricing info from each venue so hopeful this blog can ease your workload on researching the best venue.
Who am I to make this list? As a wedding photographer who works exclusively for Melbourne region, my years of experiences from being wedding photography almost gives me the instinct of knowing the potential photo opportunities soon as I walk into the reception.
So let’s waste no time and get into it.
Located 30 minutes away from the Melbourne CBD, the Lancemore Mansion Werribee Park is one of the finest heritage wedding venues that every bride in Melbourne talk about. And the reason is quite obvious, being one of the oldest mansion hotels in Australia, the Werribee Mansion offers couples with a cosmopolitan haven of tranquillity and charm, as well as endless photo opportunities.
Not only as a wedding venue, the Werribee Mansion is also one of the most sough-after pre-wedding photo locations in Melbourne. I’m sure you have seen stunning bridal photos done on the famous staircase inside this heritage wedding venue.
From the moment when you walk into this historic wedding venue in Melbourne you will know you are at somewhere special. From the noble 19th Century estate to the perfectly manicured English garden. It is a world apart from anywhere else.
From the night before your big day, to a perfection location for ceremony as well as the gorgeous reception venue bursting happiness, you can do everything inside the mansion. So you can truly enjoy your wedding day.
With accommodations available, you can start your wedding preparation on site without any travelling. However, the ceremony at the Werribee Mansion is what truly impresses me: choose from the formal gardens or the iconic mansion itself for different styles and backdrop for your wedding ceremony.
My favourite spot for wedding ceremony will be the Garden. Set on the lush green lawn in front of the historical mansion, it is hard to imagine a better backdrop other than that. Not only as an excellent backdrop, the historical mansion also casts its shadow over the sprawling lawn, offering superb photography opportunities. With a variety of wet-weather options available, you can truly enjoy a relaxed garden ceremony.
For couples with a head for heritage and majestic architecture, they can choose to change vows inside this heritage wedding venue. With the excellent backdrop, you wedding ceremony will be added with a touch of elegancy and intimacy. After signing the registry, you can head to the carpet-clad Grand Staircase for wedding location photos. But due to the size of the mansion, only 30 guests are allowed to attend the ceremony. And although you will be granted with the permission to take photos inside the Mansion, the venue hire for the mansion is $500 more expensive than other locations. It is better off to do ceremony elsewhere and pay the $500 permit for photos inside the mansion.
In the night, choose form the Marquee, the pavilion or the Theatre Room to enjoy your night party. Surrounded by 10 acres of the English gardens, the Marquee features magnificent chandeliers and festoon lighting under its fabric-draped ceiling.
The Pavilion on the other side, boasts a perfect mix of contemporary style. The floor-ceiling windows provide abundant lighting as well as excellent views of the park. The doors of the pavilion are connected the indoor room to a timber deck and extensive grass area with a dance floor under the stars.
The Theatre Room is the perfect choice for couples who want a touch of vintage on their reception theme inside this heritage wedding venue. Housed in the building close to the historic mansion, the 1930s Theatre room features an ornate ceiling with polished colour palette and French doors that open onto the private lawn area.
Lancemore Mansion Hotel Werribee Park – wedding photography permit fee in 2020: $500.00 per 30 minutes (only available after 17:30pm)
Photo Locations inside the Lancemore Mansion Hotel Werribee Park:
Highlights of the Lancemore Mansion Hotel Werribee Park:
Ceremony Venue Hire fee at the Lancemore Mansion Hotel Werribee Park in 2020:
Note: Werribee Park ceremony site application and approval is required via Parks Victoria
Wedding Venue Package Price Overview of the Lancemore Mansion Hotel Werribee Park in 2020: minimum guests start from 80, price starts from $134 per person to $184 per person
The Marquee:
The Pavilion:
Theatre Room:
Click here to see wedding package of the Lancemore Mansion Hotel Werribee Park
Contact info of the Lancemore Mansion Hotel Werribee Park:
See real weddings I’ve shot at the Lancemore Mansion Hotel Werribee Park
As one of the most popular wedding venues as well as wedding photos location, Montsalvat in Eltham is where wedding photography dreams come true. Set amongst 12 acres of established grounds and gardens, this heritage wedding venue built in the 1930s shows a mix of different unique architecture styles and are great to take photo with. From charming mudbrick cottages to the splendour of the Great Hall, the buildings inside Montsalvat are enchanting and almost spiritual.
One key advantage of planning your weddings at this heritage wedding venue in Melbourne is the amount of options you are offered. At Montsalvat, there are more than 4 different locations for wedding ceremony and 2 for the night reception. Featuring a large stained-glass window together with original historic artworks, The Upper Gallery boasts a touch of romance and vintage theme onto your wedding ceremony. If you have a head for an outdoor ceremony, there are various garden and courtyard locations suitable for an intimate garden ceremony. The Bluestone Chapel on the other side, is another perfect choice for a timeless and intimate wedding ceremony. The only setback of the historic chapel is due to its size, there is a limitation on guests to attend ceremony inside the chapel. Moving to the other side, located in the heart of Montsalvat, The Ornamental Pool is an interesting option to boast a holiday vibe onto your outdoor wedding ceremony.
For the wedding reception, you can choose from 2 different locations for your night party inside this heritage wedding venue. The Great Hall is sure one stunning venue to be in: with an outdoor courtyard for pre-dinner drinks, the interior is also extraordinarily well designed. Featuring handmade wooden refectory tables as well as blue stone floors, there is even a grand stone fireplace inside, making the Great Hall the perfect choice all around the year. If you are planning a more relaxed cocktail styled wedding inside this heritage wedding venue in Melbourne, the Long Gallery should be the perfect choice. Located directly next to the beautiful Ornamental Pool, the Long Gallery features lots of options including pianos and fireplace to truly fairy-tale wedding reception.
Montsalvat pre-wedding photography permit fee: $500 per hour and $440 per additional hour
Photo Locations inside Montsalvat
Highlights of Montsalvat
Wedding Ceremony Package Price of Montsalvat for 2020: $1500 for 2 hours
Wedding Ceremony options at Montsalvat:
Wedding reception options at Montsalvat
Wedding Venue Package Price Overview of Montsalvat for 2020: from $ 180.00 per person to $210.00 per person
Food and beverage Price of Montsalvat:
Click here to see wedding package of Montsalvat
Contact info of Montsalvat:
See real weddings I’ve shot at Montsalvat
Located in Keilor, Overnewton Castle is another heritage listed wedding venue that comes with excellent photo opportunities. Built in the 1850s, the historic castle is surrounded 5 acres of pristine English gardens. The elegant homestead designed in the Scottish Baronial style, provides an excellent backdrop for wedding photos. With elaborate sitting rooms, stunning architectures, plenty of natural light and elegant interiors, Overnewton Castle is the perfect choice for those planning a castle wedding.
Being a heritage wedding venue filled with lush gardens and plants, you will truly be spoiled when it comes to garden wedding ceremony locations. Two famous locations are the ‘Monkey Puzzle Tree’ and ‘Lone Pine”. With pleasing backgrounds of the greenery and the castle, your wedding ceremony will truly be one of a kind together with the warm breeze and aroma of flowers.
Being in Melbourne means you can’t always rely on weather, indoor wedding ceremony location is also available at this heritage wedding venue. In case of wet weather, you are able to move over into the one-of-a-kind Chapel which originally prefabricated in Scotland. With twelve etched pen and ink portraits on oak panels on the walls, you will know it is not the average indoor ceremony venue soon as you walk in.
The Dining room for night reception over looks the beautiful manicured gardens. Featuring a breathtaking crystal chandelier and beautiful bay window, you night at the Overnewton Castle will truly be memorable.
Photo Locations inside Overnewton Castle:
Highlights of Overnewton Castle:
Wedding Ceremony options at Overnewton:
Wedding Venue Package Price Overview of Overnewton Castle for 2020: minimum guests start from 80, price starts from $85.00 per person to $165.00 per person, depending on seasons
Food and beverage Price of Montsalvat:
Contact info of Overnewton Castle:
See real weddings I’ve shot at Overnewton Castle
Located on the Collins street, the Dome is a heritage wedding venue where architecture is at its best. Built in the late 19th century, the Dome has always been regarded as one of the most breathtaking architectural landmarks. And from the moment you walk into this historic venue, you will know why: from the ornate Baroque and Italianate pillars, the mesmerising windows on the top are completed with decorative flourishes which create shafts of light.
Despite its age, the Dome keeps up with the times and are now equipped with plenty of facilities to ensure couple’s experiences there. For instance, they have now incorporated the audio-visual facility which enable the Dome capable to hold wedding ceremonies. The Dome is the perfect place to say ‘I do’ for those who have a head for heritage wedding venues. In fact, one of the couples I shot in the past had their wedding ceremony done at the Dome and reception at the other historic wedding venue in Northcote.
Some may find this arrangement involves too much travelling, however I think it’s well worth it: not only your wedding day will be blessed by both of the heritage wedding venues, located on Collins street, the Dome is conveniently close to many of the popular Melbourne wedding photo locations, including the Parliament House. So after the ceremony, you can do location photos nearby and head to the reception afterwards.
With the perfect vintage setting and the grand space, your wedding reception at the Dome will truly be one of a kind. Being historic yet versatile, the Dome offers the couple choices on cocktail parties or a formal sitting down dinner.
Photo Locations at the Dome:
Highlights of the Dome:
Wedding Ceremony options at the Dome:
Contact info of the Dome:
See real weddings I’ve shot at the Dome
If there is only one thing that a bride-to-be wants, then it would be a fairy-tale wedding at a heritage wedding venue in Melbourne. When it comes to the best heritage wedding venue, no doubt we have to mention the Regal Ball. Located in the heart of the Northcote, the Regal Ballroom is surrounded by vintage stores, cafes as well as some of the most famous bars. Once known as the Northcote Theatre, the Regal Ballroom was one of the oldest theatres in Melbourne built in the 20th century. A century later, it was then transformed into the best wedding venues in Melbourne.
Walk into this heritage wedding venue, you will be greeted with the historic entrance which serves the same purpose it did a most a century ago. With indoor ceremony option available, not only you can add a touch of vintage feel to your wedding ceremony, but you are also protected from the unforgiving Melbourne weather.
One of the main reasons that the Regal Ballroom is regarded as one of the best heritage wedding venues in Melbourne is its beautiful ballroom: featuring double panelled glass doors as well as the chandelier that hangs on top of the roof, the fairy-tale setting will indulge you into the story of the Cinderella. Not only great for the wedding celebration, the symmetrical design of the Ballroom makes it perfect for pre-reception wedding photography.
Photo Locations at the Regal Ballroom:
Highlights of the Regal Ballroom:
Wedding Ceremony options at the Regal Ballroom:
Wedding Venue Package Price Overview of the Regal Ballroom for 2020: minimum guests start from 80, price starts from $95.00 per person to $165.00 per person, depending on seasons
Contact info of the Regal Ballroom:
See real weddings I’ve shot at the Regal Ballroom
Being a part of the Big Group who also runs venues such as the Luminare, you will know your wedding experience at the Mural Hall is nothing like other wedding venues in Melbourne. Secretly located on the sixth floor of the city Myer, you will find one of the finest examples of heritage wedding venue with fine art deco architecture. With its chic design as well as the European ballroom exuding glamour and style, the Mural Hall is regarded as one of the best historic ballroom wedding venue in Melbourne.
The Mural Hall’s namesake is owed to the impressive 10 pieces collections of murals which each reflect arts, opera, dance and fashion. As impressive as its mural collections, this heritage wedding venue itself is honoured with a stamp approval from the National Trust.
Walk into this fine art heritage wedding venue, you will immediately notice the attention to detail of the venue. With experienced in-house styling team on your side, from luxury furniture to flowers and colour themes, as well as your grand centrepiece hanging on the roof, the team at the Mural Hall will make sure your wedding decorations come with loads of ‘wow’ factors.
With indoor ceremony location available, rest assured your wedding ceremony will be protected from the unforgiving Melbourne weather. And your night celebration inside this historic wedding venue will just be one of a kind, featuring three magnificent chandeliers and a pair of grand entrance staircases, the interior of the Mural Hall boasts a touch of vintage look onto your wedding theme.
Photo Locations at the Mural Hall:
Highlights of the Mural Hall:
Wedding ceremony hire fee at the Mural Hall: $1500.00
Wedding Ceremony options at the Mural Hall:
Wedding Venue Package Price Overview of the Mural Hall for 2020: minimum guests start from 60, price starts from $205.00 per person to $225.00 per person. Different packages reflect different styling options.
Contact info of the Mural Hall:
See real weddings I’ve shot at the Mural Hall
The George Ballroom is one of the Melbourne heritage wedding venues that every bride-to-be talks about. being an iconic Melbourne space, the George Ballroom was first built in the 1880s and it was the original dining hall for the George Hotel. Located on Fitzroy street in St Kilda, not only your wedding will be blessed with the unique St Kilda vibe, but also your wedding location photos will be sorted thanks to the prime location, given the close distance to some of the famous photo locations in Melbourne.
And from my point of view, what made me really fallen in love with the George Ballroom is its interior design as well as the colour palette. People often thought the wall was painted, but in fact in the early 90’s, an artist came into the space to distress and breakdown the different layers of paint, revealing its colourful history.
Ceremony can be held in this historic wedding venue on the ground floor of the hotel. And after you are officially married, you can go take wedding location photos with your wedding photographer at nearby places such as the St Kilda beach as well as the Luna Park.
Your reception inside heritage wedding venue will just be one of a kind: with the backdrop of wooden floorboards, heritage walls, high ceilings with intricate detailing and designer lighting, your wedding will be added with a touch of vintage and elegance feel. And talking about the George Ballroom, it’s also the florist’s favourite wedding venue to decorate, simply because the neutral colour of the wall can further more boast the vividness of the flowers.
Photo Locations at the George Ballroom:
Highlights of the George Ballroom:
Wedding ceremony hire fee at the George Ballroom: starts from $1000.00 for 1 hour in front of the fire place, or $1,750 at the Ballroom for 2 hours
Wedding Ceremony options at the George Ballroom:
Wedding Venue Package Price Overview of the George Ballroom for 2020: minimum spending starts from $6000; price starts from $130.00 per person to $180.00 per person. Depends on different seasons.
Contact info of the George Ballroom:
See wedding package brochure of the George Ballroom
Built in the Royal Botanical Garden, Gardens House is one of the few heritage wedding venues offers a garden backdrop. Built in the 1850s, Gardens House was once a hotel featuring lounges and dining rooms. Upon the recent restoration, this historic wedding venue is now one of the favourite choices for couples to plan their wedding ceremony and receptions. With close proximity to Melbourne CBD, you will be benefited with the short travelling time to your wedding at Gardens House. Walking along the narrow garden path, surrounded by pristinely manicured lush lawns and gardens, you will be welcomed by the vintage two-story property with a heritage façade.
Situated inside the Royal Botanical Garden, one of the advantages this historic wedding venue holds is its options on garden ceremony locations. You can choose to say ‘I do’ on one of the lawns with the most beautiful backdrop for your wedding ceremony at Gardens House. As a wedding photographer, my favourite spot will be the lawn at the back of Gardens House. Filled with lush greenery, manicured lawns and los of colourful succulents, the backdrop of your ceremony at the back is guaranteed to look good. And even if you encounter the unexpected Melbourne weather, an indoor option will be available.
After you are officially married, you can start the wedding location photos straightaway. While there are endless photo opportunities inside the Royal Botanical Garden, after the garden photos, I usually will bring my couples into the Gardens House for some indoor photography. There are two lounges on the ground floor as well as a chandelier hanging on the top, providing excellent backgrounds for your wedding photos.
Although formal seated dining is one of the options offered by Gardens House, I think a cocktail party is perfect for the setting at this historic wedding venue in Melbourne. Just imagine having hot canapes and drinks under those beautiful festoon lights, on the lawn chilling with your guests, making your garden style wedding truly complete.
Photo Locations at Gardens House:
Highlights of the Gardens House:
Wedding Ceremony options at the Gardens House
Wedding Venue Package Price Overview of Gardens House for 2020: minimum spending starts from $6000; price starts from $130.00 per person to $180.00 per person. Depends on different seasons.
Contact info of the Gardens House
See real weddings I’ve shot at Gardens House
Set in the heart of 14 acres of picturesque manicured gardens, Rippon Lea Estate represents one of the finest examples of historic wedding venues in Bay side Melbourne. As a national heritage-listed mansion with a grand ballroom wedding venue, Rippon Lea Estate sets tone for your wedding celebration with a touch of romance and glamour. Featuring heritage buildings, majestic trees as well as a bridge, there are endless photo opportunities to discover inside the Estate.
With the sprawling gardens, sweeping lawns and the heritage listed building as the backdrop, Rippon Lea Estate offers a perfect location for couples to say ‘I do’.
For your night time celebration inside this heritage wedding venue, Rippon Lea Estate can serve up to 180 people for a banquet and 250 people for a cocktail party. As part of the Wedding Venue Giant – Peter Rowland, who stand in this industry for more than 50 years, Rippon Lea Estate can definitely deliver a bespoke and beautiful food and drink experience to you and your guest.
From a Melbourne Wedding Photographer’s perspective, Rippon Lea Estate is the perfect heritage wedding venue combines both the elegance and magnificence. The heritage buildings, the majestic trees, the perfectly manicured gardens can all be the creative elements we need for Candid and Elegant Wedding Photography.
Photo Locations at Rippon Lea Estate:
Highlights of Rippon Lea Estate:
Wedding Ceremony options at Rippon Lea Estate:
Wedding ceremony hire fee of Rippon Lea Estate: starts from $2,250 for a minimum of 3 hours.
Wedding Venue Package Price Overview of Gardens House for 2020: minimum spending starts from $6000; price starts from $165.00 per person to $200.00 per person. Depends on different seasons.
Contact info of Rippon Lea Estate
See real weddings I’ve shot at Rippon Lea Estate
Quat Quatta in Ripponlea is an exceptional heritage wedding venue for your upcoming wedding in 2020. Nested within 15 mins driving away from the Melbourne CBD, it can seat up to 160 guests comfortably to have an opulent sit-down dinner. To a wedding Industry insider, Quat Quatta is one of the most elegant venues in Metro Melbourne. The Victorian Mansion design, the lofty ceilings, the luxurious lighting and soft drapery, renovated by leading interior designers, Hecker Guthrie, give you a mix of the classic back-in-time journey and clean contemporary Australian art.
Quat Quatta offers an amazing courtyard for you to say ‘I do’. The incredible hedging, festoon lighting, bronze fountain and original marble veranda make this heritage wedding venue a perfect wedding ceremony place.
Quat Quatta has diverse opportunities for wedding photography. The manicured gardens, the green walls, the romantic mansion and historic architecture veranda are just a few options within this historic wedding venue. St Kilda Botanical Gardens and Brighton Bathing Boxes are some of the nearby locations that are great choices as well.
Like other heritage wedding venues in Melbourne, Quat Quatta offers the perfect canvas for long tables, round tables or a mixture of the two in the dining room. The deliciously fresh, seasonal food can definitely pamper your guests and bridal party, let you feel you are in great hands.
From a Melbourne wedding photographer’s perspective, Quat Quatta Wedding Receptions is our favourite one for Urban Boutique Weddings. Should you have any questions to plan a wedding at Quat Quatta Receptions, please do not hesitate to contact us for the suggestions and information from a wedding photographer’s view.
Photo Locations at Quat Quatta:
Highlights of Quat Quatta:
Wedding Ceremony options at Quat Quatta:
Wedding Venue Package Price Overview of Gardens House for 2020: minimum spending starts from $6000; price starts from $165.00 per person to $200.00 per person. Depends on different seasons.
Contact info of Quat Quatta
See real weddings I’ve shot at Quat Quatta
So there you have it, the top 10 heritage wedding venue with great photo opportunities. If you are looking to plan your wedding at one of the venues there for your wedding in 2020, please contact us for some detailed photography tips.