_edited.jpg)
MARRIAGE CELEBRANT & MC
Sydney Wedding Venues
From rooftop cocktails in the heart of the city to elegant harbour venues and chaotic dancefloors hidden inside converted warehouses, Sydney weddings come in every possible flavour. These are some of my favourites that I've regularly worked at and some of my insider tips on each.
Gunners Barracks
Mosman, NSW
I love working at Gunners Barracks.
Not only is it close to home for me but for whatever reason, every wedding I do there feels like the aura & energy dial is turned up to 100!
The sandstone courtyard area is stunning and creates this super energetic atmosphere because of its intimate layout. Some of my all time favourite ceremonies have been hosted in this courtyard and I think a big part of that has to do with the intimate (yet still very large) setting.
Then there's the view... it really doesn't get any better than that for harbour views. The Harbourview Lawn and Harbour Terrace have the most ridiculously stunning view! What stands out to me though, is that all these spots are right beside each other, making the flow of the day super easy and comfy for guests. The staff there are always amazing and willing to go above and beyond for everyone and the food (particularly the canapés) are to die for!
Pro tip: If you're looking for a lunchtime wedding & reception then Gunners Barracks is the place!
Sergeants Mess
Mosman, NSW
Another one thats super close to home for me and sports spectacularly ridiculous views.
The big selling point for me with Sergeants Mess is the Harbourside Ampitheatre! If you have a big guest list AND want the best views then this is the spot! Not only can it seat over 100 guests but the view of the harbour behind you makes for an absolutely incredible backdrop too.
I especially love ceremonies here around golden hour.
The reception venue has everything you need, modern styling, large bar, massive deck for sunset moments and the entire downstairs area is often left for the couple and wedding party with plenty of bridal suites and side rooms to relax in between formalities.
Seriously, this venue has everything!
Pro tip: Plan your ceremony for just before sunset and then run off to get sunset photos afterwards. You'll thank me later.
The Grounds of Alexandria
Alexandria, NSW
The Grounds has this wonderfully chaotic magic to it that somehow makes weddings feel both stylish and relaxed at the same time.
Whatever exhibit is on at the time just adds to that little extra bit of character to go along with your wedding. Everywhere you look there’s texture, atmosphere and little pockets of storytelling, which means the whole day already feels warm and full of life before the ceremony even starts.
There's a few different venues within this venue though:
The Garden has a uniquely immersive botanical backdrop with 3 distinct spaces and thriving greenery. It's so easy for guests to flow between these spaces and its so full of vibrant life that you really dont have to do much on the styling front.
Linseed House is an elegantly restored former factory with stunning art-deco flourishes, high ceilings and crystal chandeliers. A perfect place for larger guest lists whilst still feeling like you're in grounds and not a banquet hall.
The Grounds is a fantastic venue for couples who want a wedding that feels social, energetic and genuinely fun rather than overly traditional. Also, from a celebrant perspective, any venue that smells faintly of coffee and flowers at the same time is already operating at a competitive advantage.
​
​
​
Pro Tip: The Grounds is open to the public until 5pm so bookings for ceremonies usually take place around 6pm. Which for a summer wedding is perfect because it means sunset vibes and the perfect temperature weather.
Centennial Park
Centennial Park, NSW
Centennial Park weddings are great for any couples who want a splice of nature close to home.
Even though you’re still right in Sydney, it somehow feels removed from the chaos for a little while, which makes it perfect for couples wanting something relaxed, grounded and outdoorsy without disappearing entirely into the countryside.
I love how versatile the park is too. You can create something elegant and polished or something much more casual and natural depending on the location and setup. I'll run you through some of my favourites:
Paperbark Grove offers a stunning corridor between paperbark trees that feels like nature is creating a natural, framed aisle way just for you. It's very close to the Centennial Homestead for your reception and parking and accessibility is very easy here. Although its not as private as most of the other spots.
​
'She-Oak Grove' offers a setting underneath a massive oak tree which provides cover for daytime lighting and harsh sunlight and offer a stunning backdrop that really doesn't need much else added to it. This spot tends to be more secluded and private, although still pretty close to Centennial Homestead for last minute bathroom stops, and even has a large rock that the bride can hide behind before coming down the aisle.
​
Between Willow & Duck Pond' also offers a massive tree providing even more cover for you and your guests under harsh lighting conditions. It's placed right beside a duck pond which is home to a gallery of animals like turtles, swans, lizards and of course the ducks which helps set the scene and take you out of the city. As stunning as it is, this spot can be a decent walk to the nearest parking & bathrooms though which is definitely something to consider when planning arrivals.
​
Centennial Homestead is the heart of the park and backs up all these spots with an incredible newly renovated reception space that also doubles as an incredible ceremony venue incase of wet-weather.
The interiors here are elegant and modern with a rustic twist that fits perfectly with the atmosphere and backdrop of the surrounding parklands. They feel like they flow seamlessly into one another. The food is incredible (one of my favourites as a vendor), the staff is amazing and the venue itself is gorgeous.
​
​
​
Pro Tip: When shopping for the right space for you at Centennial park, just have a think about logistical things like accessibility, nearest bathrooms, and practice how you want to get dropped off and walk down the aisle. Each of these spots offers something different so choosing a spot that ticks all your priority boxes will be a massive game changer.
Athol Hall
Mosman, NSW
Another one of my favourites and for a few reasons:
Firstly, Athol Hall has one of the most iconic ceremony views in Sydney. It's situated in Mosman looking out over the city skyline and harbour so has the location nailed. But what makes it special is that it still feels relaxed and welcoming despite the breathtaking harbour backdrop.
There’s something really lovely about weddings here because they tend to feel less “big production” and more like a genuinely joyful gathering of your favourite people.
It’s also one of those rare venues that works beautifully for both elegant weddings and more laid-back celebrations.
​
It's charming, restored heritage building for the reception adds an element of style to your day and offers a charming, classical elegance looks amazing in the photos and feels energising in real life.
​
The food here is always amazing, the drinks are always topped up and Amelia and Bis always go above and beyond ensure everyones needs are met.
​
Pro Tip: Consider your ceremony timing in the summer months - later in the afternoon makes for more even lighting and absolutely phenomenal sunset photos, plus its a lot cooler and comfortable for the guests too.
Gledswood Homestead & Winery
Catherine Field, NSW
Gledswood Homestead has a wonderfully relaxed country feel while still being close enough to Sydney that your guests won't feel like they've embarked on an expedition. Still within an hour of Sydney it provides rolling spaces, farmhouse vibes with a rustic elegance that you normally have to travel several hours to find.
Between the historic homestead, luscious lawns and vineyard backdrop, it strikes that sweet spot between rustic charm and polished wedding venue.
It has a number of venues to choose from for both your ceremony & your reception that all slightly differ in style and size depending on your guestlist but maintain the historical, rustic, farmhouse vibe that makes it famous.
What I love about weddings at Gledswood is how naturally everything seems to slow down. Guests settle in, people linger over drinks, and the whole day feels less rushed and more like a genuine celebration with your favourite people.
It's a fantastic venue for couples wanting a wedding that's charming and provincial without being overly formal, and full of personality without trying too hard.
​
​
​
Pro Tip: There are a number of farm animals around the property too if you look hard enough. Great for something down to earth in your wedding photos.
Curzon Hall
Marsfield NSW
With what is essentially an incredible castle as its main backdrop, Curzon Hall brings a real sense of grandeur to a wedding day without losing warmth. The sandstone architecture and historical paved walkways make everything feel grand, and the manicured gardens and blended natural elements give everything a timeless, somewhat magical feel.
What I really like about Curzon Hall is that it suits couples wanting a more classic wedding experience while still leaving plenty of room for personality and fun. It feels sophisticated without becoming intimidating, which is a surprisingly difficult balance for venues to pull off.
With that said, you're also spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing the right space in the venue...
The Enchanted Garden offers a romantic setting with its intricate white gazebo nestled within a lush garden landscape, complete with original water features. The majestic castle serves as the perfect backdrop, creating a picturesque scene for your garden ceremony that makes things feel warm and intimate.
​
The Eternal Garden takes a more elegant and stylish approach. With its signature geometrical criss-cross pattern and Romanesque water feature, ceremonies here feel more luxurious and upmarket.
​
The Garden Chateau can be summed up with one word... magical. Characterised by a Baroque wrought-iron canopy which sits on grand sandstone columns it feels a little but like you're in a fairytale. Planning your ceremony here when the light gets low in the afternoon makes for an absolutely stunning sight and atmosphere.
​
Then there's all the reception spaces. There's so many of them I wont go into detail about each here, bit just know that no matter which one you pick, you'll be taken care of, the staff and food here are always immaculate and each room offers a little something special so I would definitely recommend checking out each one.
​
Pro Tip: For smaller weddings, check out the cellars downstairs, the sandstone walls, wine barrels, and industrial styling makes it feels like you're in an old castle in Europe.
Mary Booth Lookout Reserve
Kirribilli, NSW
The ultimate Iconic Sydney hidden gem.
If you want the Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House to feel a part of your wedding than look no further than this. Perched above the harbour with sweeping views of the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge, it delivers one of the most iconic ceremony backdrops in the country without the scale, cost or formality of a traditional wedding venue.
Typically used for small weddings and elopement's rather than big ceremonies, it's perfect if you want to run away and get married in a spot that feels like its just the two of you in a special place.
Pro Tip: This one also has a selfish favourable mention on my behalf because its a two minute walk from home for me.
