5 Intimate Venues for Small Weddings in Canberra
Why chose an intimate venue for a small wedding in Canberra?
There’s a lot to be said for having a small wedding. You get to truly connect with everyone present, much more so than a wedding of 100+ guests. Imagine being able to spend time to really talk to every single person on your wedding day- people that may have flown in from overseas to be part of the occasion.
The overall cost is lower, so you can afford to splurge on the details of the weddings that really make your heart sing. Filling a space with the most luxurious florals you can imagine, having the wine list of your dreams, being able to retreat to a luxe bridal suite- much easier to achieve with a smaller guest list.
You have the opportunity to make it more ‘bespoke’ for you when you don’t need to worry so much about seating capacity.
Muse Bookstore
I love the idea of getting married in a bookstore. How ridiculously romantic!
Muse boasts both a perfectly curated book collection as well as very excellent fine dining food. The venue can accommodate small to medium-sized gatherings.
The lighting at night is very dim, so natural light is key for photographing this space. I would recommend this venue for daytime weddings, or summer weddings.
See more images from Alice and David’s Muse Bookstore wedding here.
High Jinks
High Jinks is a 1920s speakeasy style bar in the basement of a heritage building - right underneath Parlour Wine Room. With it’s Art Deco and jazz age interior and electic art on the walls, it’s a fun location for a cosy reception. Perfect reception space for a microwedding.
This is not your typical wedding venue for ‘not-your-typical’ couples.
Images from Janet and Howard’s Parlour Room Wedding and High Jinks Reception here.
Cork Forest, National Arboretum
The Cork Oak Forest at the National Arboretum Canberra, with it’s fairy tale- like forest of 100 year old Oaks, makes for a really special place for a small wedding.
It is dog friendly (I have previously photographed doggy ring bearers in attendance), you will just need to apply for permission.
More images in this blog post - Tara and David’s Cork Forest Wedding.
The Boathouse
The Boathouse is located on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin in Canberra. Couples can choose to exchange vows in the garden by the deck, surrounded by lush greenery and with the gorgeous lake as a backdrop.
The gorgeous rooms inside the restaurant are already decorated with artwork and don’t require that much in the way of styling to make the space look stylish. Floor to ceiling windows offer spectacular views of the lake and guests can watch the sun go down as the celebrations continue inside.
Stromlo Observatory
The Old Stromlo Observatory is a really interesting space to have a wedding ceremony. It is a circular building without a ceiling and features gorgeous distressed white and pink walls with exposed brickwork. A favourite place for both portrait sessions and wedding ceremonies.
The view from the hill is just incredible. Situated on Mount Stromlo, the observatory provides stunning panoramic views of the Brindabella Mountains and the Canberra skyline.
Venue FAQs
How far in advance should we book a wedding venue?
It is recommended to book at least 12 months in advance if you have a specific date, 9 months in advance if you are flexible with dates.
What is the average cost of hiring a wedding venue in Canberra?
Costs typically range from $150 to $225 per person, depending on the venue, catering options, and additional services required.
Do wedding venues in Canberra offer all-inclusive packages?
Yes, many venues, such as The Boatshed, Muse Bookstore, and Parlour Room offer all-inclusive packages that cover venue hire, catering, and other essential services.
Can we have both the ceremony and reception at the same venue?
Muse, the Arboretum, The Boathouse, and Parlour Room offer ceremony and reception options. Stromlo observatory is a ceremony space only.
Other
For more ideas on wedding venues, check out my post - 10 Stylish Wedding Venues in Canberra
There’s even an entire company dedicated to very budget friendly packages for small weddings - they’re called Canberra Small Weddings. A celebrant, photographer, and location amongst other things (to be clear, I am not at all affliated with this group)