Best Places in Sydney for a Dreamy Wedding Venue

Some people want a big wedding, some are happy with a small gathering. No matter the size of the wedding party, everyone wants to get married at the magical venue. As one of the most urban cities in the world, Sydney offers a wide range of spots where you can exchange vows with your partner.

 Just name your wishes — pearly beach, romantic homestead, luxurious restaurant, or panoramic scenery. To give you a peek at what awaits you in this Australian metropolis, check out these best places in Sydney for a dreamy wedding venue.

1. A picturesque chic of the Royal Botanic Gardens

The Royal Botanic Gardens is one of the most popular wedding venues in Sydney with an amazing view over the Harbour Bridge. It offers twelve locations for a ceremony and each is special in its own right. For example, Bennelong Lawn comes with a view of the Sydney Opera House and is more urban. Fig Tree Lawn is full of tall and massive fig trees where a couple can exchange vows and have a reception.

However, the most charming venue here is Rose Gardens, ideal for large wedding parties. It has roses by the paths and lion statues that give it a dash of luxury. On the other hand, Herb Gardens venue is a great spot for a small wedding taking place at its gazebo.   

2. A classic romance at the St. Mary's Cathedral

Getting married in a cathedral is a classical romance trope that many couples see as their fairytale wedding. St. Mary’s Cathedral is visually appealing and will bring grandeur to your wedding even before the ceremony starts. The steps leading to the cathedral’s door are perfect to take photos of the future newlyweds, or at least of the bride’s long dress. 

The interior of St. Mary’s is true to its gothic architecture with stained glass windows and tall oil paintings. Carved arches and wooden benches on both sides of the aisle stand above the mosaic floor leading to the marble steps of the altar. Considering it’s in the CBD, the Cathedral is close to restaurants where you can have your reception, like Park Hyatt and Dockside.        

3. A rustic luxury of the Laurelbank estate

Laurelbank estate, one of the most beautiful wedding venues in North Sydney, occupies hundreds of acres consisting of an over a hundred-year-old cottage and lush gardens. As a Heritage listed building, this property radiates classic elegance and rustic luxury, wonderful for couples who want a private ceremony. 

Couples can get married outdoors on the lawn and surrounded by magnolia and camellia trees that when in bloom bring colors and sweet fragrances to the event. When it comes to photos, the Laurelbank estate won’t disappoint, with spots including a historic fountain, Japanese maple tree, and original stables.   

4. A romantic adventure on the Sydney Harbour Bridge

People say "I do" in the craziest places, like while parachuting from a plane or swimming with white sharks. So it comes as no surprise that Sydney has one of the most exciting wedding venues on top of the Harbour Bridge. Although it comes with harnesses that will keep the couple and their loved ones safe, that doesn’t make this venue any less romantic or less special.

The ceremony will last for three hours with a climb up, exchanging of vows, and climbing down, all guided and supervised by professional guides. The view over the city from up there is like walking on the clouds so no wonder everyone wants to tie the knot at sunset. This also means that the venue is quite popular both with Australians and foreigners, so if you want it, make sure to book it in time.

5. A traditional charm of the Sydney Town Hall

Sydney is full of historic places but none of them has timeless charm like the city's Town Hall. This is more than a traditional wedding venue with incredibly high ceilings and an enormous ballroom for the reception. It has its catering service with world-class chefs and cuisine so you don't have to worry about food and service.

The venue can accommodate up to 2,000 guests making it one of the most spacious sites in the city. Moreover, the Sydney Town Hall is excellent to hold an extravagant and spectacular wedding that offers a lot of room for creating a grand décor. 

6. A bohemian story on the Maroubra Beach

Having a beach wedding in Sydney is a romantic and easy-going way to exchange vows surrounded by the sound of waves and standing barefoot in the sand. Maroubra Beach is a less crowded and fantastic venue for low-key weddings, although it is a popular surfing spot. If anything, you can do something different and get married on your surfboards, some distance away from the coast.

Those not into surfing should book a wedding here in the sunset for a gorgeous backdrop changing colors by the minute. When it comes to the reception ceremony, you can either have it at the nearby Horizons Function Room or opt for one of many locations in the city.  

7. An elegant party at the Sydney Opera House

Instead of booking a venue overlooking the Sydney Opera House, you can have a wedding at this most recognizable Australian landmark. This remarkable venue comes with a wedding planner and catering service so you will have everything handled from the moment you booked it. When it comes to sites inside the Sydney Opera House, Yallamundi Rooms is available whole year round and can accommodate up to 150 guests.

Other locations, like Joan Sutherland Theatre Northern Foyer, can host up to 200 guests but it’s a performing venue with limited availability and has to be booked months in advance. The same applies to Concert Hall Northern Foyer for up to 300 guests, as well as Utzon Room for up to 80 guests.

Final thoughts

These are not only the best places in Sydney for a dreamy wedding venue but also to make incredible photos and moments with guests. Their original décors need little for decorations to turn into striking sites to exchange vows, have the first dance, and cut the cake. But keep in mind that they are also hugely popular and you should start asking about quotes and bookings months in advance.