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Choosing the perfect location: factors to consider
Availability/date
The sooner you book your wedding date, the more likely you’ll be able to secure the venue of your dreams. If your favourite venue isn’t available on a specific date, you’ll either have to be flexible about the date or find another venue that can accommodate you.
Location/accessibility
Even within Brisbane, a venue’s accessibility can vary widely. This can be a very important factor, especially if people are coming from all over. People are more likely to RSVP to a venue that’s nearby, so keep that in mind when choosing between a venue close to the city and one that’s miles away.
Accessibility also means that the venue can accommodate all of your guests, including those with special needs. Look at how much parking they provide, if they have wheelchair-accessible function rooms, and other considerations.
Capacity
You don’t want to book a small venue if you have a guest list in the hundreds, but you don’t want to be stuck with a giant ballroom for an intimate party of 30 either. Settle your guest list (or at least get an estimate) before choosing your venue so that you get just the right size.
Aesthetic/vibe
Different venues will have different ‘moods’. A barn will feel charming and quaint, a warehouse will have that trendy urban industrial look, and a chapel is perfect for traditional weddings. Of course, your decorations play a huge role, but your venue lays the foundation for your chosen aesthetic.
Package inclusions/suppliers
Most wedding venues offer more than just a space, they also offer all-inclusive wedding packages that make it easier for you to throw the perfect wedding. Depending on the location, you could also get a wedding planner, flowers & decor supplier, caterer, photographer, bands/entertainment for hire, and more at a bundled price.
Budget
Weddings are notoriously expensive, with venues taking up a huge part of your budget. Be realistic about how much you can spend. Don’t be scared to go for ‘cheaper’ venues, as long as everything else is up to standard. And keep an eye out for off-peak discounts and other deals to save even more money.
The best wedding venues in Brisbane
Brisbane Botanical Gardens
Where: 147 Alice Street, Brisbane City
How much: Starting at $AUD 170.80 per hour (two hours minimum)
Capacity: Up to 50 pax seated or 200 pax standing
Check out the Brisbane Botanical Gardens here.
Marriott Hotel
Where: 515 Queen Street, Brisbane City
How much: Available upon request
Capacity: Up to 160 pax banquet-style or 230 pax reception-style
Check out the Marriott Hotel here.
Riverlife
Where: Naval Stores Kangaroo Point Cliffs Drive, Kangaroo Point
How much: Starting at $AUD 93 per pax
Capacity: Up to 200 pax seated or 350 pax standing
Sofitel
Where: 249 Turbot Street, Brisbane City
How much: Starting at $130 per pax
Capacity: Up to 500 pax
Victoria Park
Where: 309 Herston Road, Herston
How much: Starting at $AUD 800 for the ceremony; reception packages start at $AUD 125 per pax
Capacity: Up to 380 pax seated
Room Three Sixty
Where: Queensland University of Technology, 2 George Street, Brisbane City
How much: Available upon request
Capacity: Up to 200 pax banquet-style or 320 pax cocktail-style
Check out Room Three Sixty here.
Walkabout Creek
Where: 60 Mount Nebo Road, The Gap, Enoggera Reservoir
How much: Starting at $250 for the ceremony; reception packages start at $AUD 125 per pax
Capacity: Up to 130 pax seated or 300 pax standing
Check out Walkabout Creek here.
Factory 51
Where: 51 Holdsworth St, Coorparoo
How much: Available upon request
Capacity: Up to 150 pax seated or 200 pax standing
Noosa Boathouse
Where: 194 Gympie Terrace, Noosaville
How much: Available upon request
Capacity: Up to 120 pax seated or 220 pax standing
Check out Noosa Boathouse here.
MIRRA
Where: 86 Bridge Street, Fortitude Valley
How much: Starts at $AUD 1,000 for the ceremony; reception packages start at $AUD 69 per pax
Capacity: Up to 200 pax banquet-style or 450 cocktail-style
A beautiful location = a beautiful wedding
While you can technically get married anywhere you want, the right venue is a key ingredient to a successful wedding. Your choice of venue will decide the mood for your ceremony – from classic chapels to rustic barns to gorgeous outdoor garden venues, each space offers a unique experience for you and your guests.
