Australia’s most unusual wedding venues

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Inspiration

Putting this post together brought on a rather generous wave of wedding envy. Not that we didn’t think our weddings were epic (they were) but the amount of unusual (and by unusual we mean goddamn awesome) venues on the market right now is insane.

Once upon a time, if you told someone your dream was to get married in a gaol, there’s a good chance they might back away slowly. But now it’s totally normal. Or at least we’re working on making it that way.

We’ve also got apple sheds, islands and floating, open-air event spaces (like The Raft pictured) if that’s more your thing. So scroll down and start thinking up some wild ideas – they might not be that unrealistic after all.

Featured image: I know a place.

St Josephs Guesthouse

Sydney, NSW

Once a place of worship, this old Catholic church has been transformed into one of Sydney’s most unusual wedding venues and guesthouses. Located just 90 minutes outside Sydney, there’s a lot that sets this place apart including views of the Macdonald Valley, a plunge pool and accommodation for 10 guests.

Photo credit: Scott Surplice.

The Raft

Perth, WA

How to set yourself apart from other venues: make it float. The Raft is an impressive space that is elegant, modern and well-equipped with things like a high quality culinary team and a retractable roof and blinds that completely enclose the venue from rain, making it a suitable venue year round. The city views ain’t bad either.

Photo credit: I know a place.

Growwild Wildflower Farm

Southern Highlands, NSW

What's unusual about Growwild Wildflower Farm isn't so much the venue itself (although a 25-acre wildflower isn't exactly a "traditional" place to exchange vows) but in the way its organised its offerings.

Growwild truly cares about its couples and for that reason they've created flexibile packages that allow weddings of all shapes and sizes to happen here. Whether it's an elopement, an intimate lunchtime wedding or a party where everyone is invited, Growwild is a unique and charming place that will surely suit.

Photo credit: Andres & Co.

The Lock-Up

Mid North Coast, NSW

Originally Newcastle’s Police Station and Lock-Up from 1861 to 1982, this historical spot now doubles as a unique wedding venue. Modern additions have been made (including a new raised roof and wooden stage) however traces of its past life remain intact (think etched graffiti, overhead bars and a solid iron doorway).

Photo credit: The Lock Up.

The Apple Shed

Southern Tasmania, TAS

A large rustic barn housing a bar, café and museum this place has so many selling points. Built in 1942, there’s a stunning outdoor area (with cover), a fire pit, tables and chairs and tonnes of cider. Gotta love them apples.

Photo credit: Fred and Hannah.

Glasshaus Inside

Melbourne, VIC

The perfect adult’s playground, Glasshaus Inside mixes industrial fixtures with an abundance of pretty plants (yes, it’s an urban warehouse plant nursery). Here you won’t require any additional styling and being only minutes outside Melbourne’s CBD, there are plenty of places for guests to stay. Keep your eyes peeled for Glasshaus Outside coming soon too.

Photo credit: Katie Harmsworth.

Projekt 3488

Yarra Valley, VIC

Here’s a bit of history. Back in the 1920s, this quirky space was a Masonic Lodge. Now however, it’s an unusual and truly one-of-a-kind private events property brought to life by designer Mark Fenech. The building is surrounded by a handsome plantation of Australian natives complete with fire pit, and is comprised of three main spaces: the banquet hall, upstairs and gardens.

Photo credit: Projekt 3488.

Weddings in the Wilde

Southern Highlands, VIC

There’s a lot to love about this venue (no curfew, a giant flying fox, on-site accommodation…) but what really sets it apart is the enchanted bush chapel. It’s rumoured that fairies live here as well, we believe it.

Photo credit: Luke Fletcher Photography.

Corowa Whisky and Chocolate

The Murray, VIC

Set in an old 1920’s flour mill in Corowa, this factory is an attractive, and rather unusual, events space. It’s got all the bells and whistles (including a commercial kitchen, bar and furniture) plus it’s pet-friendly too. But if you want to know what really gets our engines going, it’s the semi-industrial interior and the fact you can make your own giant chocolate freckles on-site.

Photo credit: Sue Davis Photography.

Lithgow State Mine Heritage Park

Blue Mountains, NSW

Few wedding venues are as unusual as this place. Once part of our industrial history, Lithgow State Mine Heritage Park is now an affordable space for celebrations that offer couples complete creative control. But be warned: the options here are limitless.

Photo credit: Wedding Gallery Studio.

The Ranch

Mornington Peninsula, VIC

Country folk eat your heart out. The Ranch is a cool VIC wedding venue that celebrates all things country western. It has a shearing shed where couples can create a personalised reception and a cute on-site chapel. The light here too is a photographer’s dream.

Photo credit: Georgia Verrells.

Q Station Manly

Sydney, NSW

It was here we hosted our very first Spring Fling so you can take our word for it that this venue ticks a lot of boxes. The glasshouse is a stylist’s delight and the heritage wharf and uninterrupted harbour views are hard to beat. Preserved within 30 acres of national park the renovated on-site accommodation sleeps 126.

Photo credit: Across the Forest.

Churchill

Central Victoria, VIC

Like something from a fairytale, Churchill is a stunning old country church surrounded by two acres of beautiful gardens. The church boasts high timber ceilings, glorious gothic stained-glass windows and a choir-loft while the adjoining white timber hall features luxe interior detailing and plenty of natural light.

Photo credit: Luma Wedding Photography.

The Stables of Somersby

Central Coast, NSW

Located on a private equestrian property within an hour of Sydney, The Stables of Somersby has transformed an old rustic barn into an unusual wedding venue. There is plenty of flexibility for couples to incorporate their own sense of style however all the facilities are here: bathrooms, bar, kitchen, marquee and more.

Photo credit: The Stables of Somersby.

BYRA Weddings

Sydney, NSW

The perfect venue for a relaxed and intimate celebration, BYRA Weddings is a DIY venue located in Sydney’s Northern Beaches. With that old clubhouse charm, the wooden deck overlooking Pittwater is a stunning spot for ceremonies and canapés alike.

Photo credit: Lucie Studio.

The Altar Electric

Melbourne, VIC

This iconic Melbourne venue carries a rep as an unusual wedding venue that thinks outside the box. Specifically designed to host small weddings and elopements, it features neon signs, a leopard print bar, velvet lounges and peach interiors making it the hippest little wedding space this side of Vegas.

Photo credit: Melissa Butters Photography.

South Australian Museum

Adelaide City, SA

Tying the knot at a museum was never a thought that came to us either. But this historic building makes for one of the most impressive and unusual wedding locations, right in the heart of Adelaide. Think century-old stonework, lush lawns and a dreamy courtyard full of old-world charm.

Photo credit: Love Fool Photography.

Cactus Country

The Murray, VIC

Can’t make it to Mexico? No hay problema! Cactus Country is a one-of-a-kind venue that caters to all kinds of celebrations. There are two courtyards (one indoor and one outdoor), an on-site Mexican restaurant and of course, a countryside full of Cacti.

Photo credit: Jackson Grant Weddings.

Oneworld Charters

Sydney, NSW

This ‘venue’ offers couples an experience usually enjoyed by the the rich and famous. Australia’s newest luxury superyacht, Oneworld Charters is a stylish, contemporary space where it feels rude not to enjoy a glass of champagne as you set out to sea. Plus it has a hot tub and sleeps 12.

Photo credit: Oneworld Charters.

The Cove Jervis Bay

South Coast, NSW

Want your own resort right on the beach? Meet The Cove. A magnificent south coast wedding venue nestled inside Booderee National Park, the list of features is mind blowing. Thirteen boutique cabins, a 7-bedroom house, glamping tents, a day spa, bbq pavilion, kayaks, lawn games and more.