Canberra might be best associated with politics, the public service and the defence force, but it’s also home to a collection of beautiful wedding venues.
And while many of us living here have a bit of a love-hate relationship with the city, something does have to be said about the quality of those venues and the wedding vendors across the region.
The variety is just amazing.
And extensive.
You’ve got stunning wineries, rustic farmland, open plains, forests and a range of charming city spots all within a short drive of each other. Not many other cities can say the same.
So if you’re a Canberra local planning your wedding, or have decided to travel to Canberra for your big day, I’ve put together a list of the best venues across the region.
The Best Canberra Wedding Venue Guide
With so many venues in Canberra and surrounds you’d be sitting here forever reading if I were to include them all. So I’ve narrowed things down to just 15 of my favourites, and in no particular order.
Brindabella Hills Winery
Brindabella Hills Winery is located about 25kms North of Canberra in Wallaroo. So technically it is a NSW venue, but those of us in Canberra consider it one of our own.
Its name is derived from the Brindabella Range, otherwise known as The Brindies, which presents a beautiful view to the West of the winery. It also overlooks the magnificent Murrumbidgee River which is known as the 3rd largest river in Australia.
With such picturesque views and only a short 20 minute drive from Canberra, Brindabella Winery is the perfect option for couples wanting to celebrate their wedding in a rural environment.
Pialligo Estate
Just 10 minutes from the centre of Canberra and only moments from the Airport lies the 55-acres that is known as Pialligo Estate.
You might not expect it, considering the location, but Pialligo is home to a beautiful vineyard, olive groves, stunning orchards, perfectly maintained gardens and a Smokehouse. In other words, you’re absolutely spoilt for choice when it comes to ceremony locations and photo spots.
To top it off, you’re also given the choice between two spectacular reception venues, the Glasshouse or the Pialligo Fields. Each with their own unique look, function and style.
And surprisingly, even being so close to the airport, there’s pretty much no aircraft noise to get in the way of your big day.
The National Arboretum
Home to the National Bonsai & Penjing Collection and some of the most picturesque photo locations in the region, the National Arboretum is a favourite amongst Canberra locals.
You’ll have access to the architecturally spectacular Margaret Whitlam Pavilion which has capacity for up to 138 guests and offers stunning views out to the east. And after the “I Do’s” you’ll be able to venture out to some of the amazing forests and gardens made up of rare, significant and endangered trees to capture beautiful photographs together.
Tuggeranong Homestead
Tuggeranong Homestead is a beautiful heritage-listed property with a very rich history dating back to the early 1800’s. Although the property is now used for events and weddings, over the years it was used as a cattle station, family home, and a sheep and grazing property. Even more interesting, back in the early 1900’s when the Government took over the land, it was used as the living quarters and office space for the war historian team who wrote the history of Australia’s involvement in World War 1.
Now as an amazing wedding venue, you have access to 70 acres of beautiful land, the Homestead with multiple function rooms, fully licensed bar, and even access to the old Machinery Shed which acts as a venue of its own.
Old Parliament House
The Old Parliament House is an iconic heritage building that offers multiple stunning spaces to host your big day. This includes the 3 Member’s Dining Rooms, the Senate Courtyard, House of Representatives Courtyard or the King’s Hall.
The OPH team also offer an extensive wedding planning service to help ensure your day meets your dreams and runs to perfection.
Bushfield Farm
If you’re wanting to “escape the ordinary” and enjoy exclusive access to a beautiful working farm for your big day, Bushfield Farm is the perfect option. Hidden away North of Canberra in Gundaroo, Bushfield offers a relaxed, rustic and unique wedding environment on over 180 acres of land.
While it is a working farm, they do have a licensed bar and kitchen with a walk-in coolroom to make your reception a breeze. They also offer multiple usable function spaces including a rustic shearing shed with room for 200 guests and a majestic deck with vast views of the property.
Brassey Hotel
Centrally located in Barton and just moments from the parliamentary triangle, Brassey Hotel is a charming location for smaller and intimate weddings.
The Brassey Gardens offer a picturesque and private setting for your ceremony with capacity for about 100 guests. The Gardens also feature a handful of gorgeous locations for photographs including the giant chess board, water feature and forest-like paths.
Poachers Pantry
Poachers Pantry is located on a working farm in Springrange, a short drive North of the ACT border. With fields full of grazing sheep and beautiful vineyards, you’ll enjoy an authentic country feel while still having access to those little luxuries you’d expect on your wedding day.
There’s no shortage of options to make the venue your own. The perfectly kept Homestead Lawn makes for the perfect ceremony location and the grand marquee is the ultimate place to party the night away for your reception. Plus, you’re spoilt for choice with so many amazing photo locations across the property.
Ginninderry Homestead
Set on 70 acres just 20 minutes West of Canberra lies the charming Georgian styled Ginninderry Homestead, a popular multi-award winning wedding venue.
The venue offers a dedicated event manager to ensure your wedding day is planned and run to absolute perfection. Though with a venue as beautiful as this, it’s hard to believe it wouldn’t be perfect anyway.
There’s also a host of location options across the property for your ceremony. This includes the beautiful sunken garden, formal lawn or the wisteria walk. You’ll also have exclusive use of the homestead for your reception which offers an elegant dining experience with capacity for up to 140 guests.
The Chapel At Gold Creek
The Chapel at Gold Creek is a beautiful non-denominational chapel surrounded by lush gardens and a usable courtyard. Plus, it’s just a hop, skip, and jump from Canberra’s favourite hand-made ice creamery, Stripey Sundae.
As a ceremony only venue, The Chapel operates on two hour time slots, though there are options to extend this with notice. You will also have access to the surrounding gardens for photographs before heading off to your reception.
The Abbey
Nestled away in Federation Square, Gold Creek, The Abbey is an elegant venue that can cater to small and large weddings. The Abbey is known for the impressive history rich Roslyn Organ, carved in London from beautiful English Oak, that acts as the centrepiece for the function room.
You’ll be able to tie the knot and share your vows outside in the gardens which also have a variety of stunning locations for some photographs together.
Hotel Realm
Just moments up the road from Hotel Brassey, and managed by the same group, is Hotel Realm. It’s a popular venue for smaller weddings with intimate space in the architecturally stunning High Courtyards.
There are some hidden spots outside just off the street for photos, though it’s not uncommon to either walk down to Hotel Brassey to make use of the gardens or head offsite to the Arboretum for some magical photographs.
Yarralumla Woolshed
Listed on the ACT Heritage Register, the Yarralumla Woolshed is an ideal venue for a laid back country style wedding. And with capacity for 200 guests, but with a cosy vibe, it’s perfect for weddings both big and small.
The Woolshed is a little different to many of the venues in Canberra in that there’s no bar, no kitchen, and no decorations. It’s a completely blank slate to turn into the wedding of your dreams. So that does mean, if you’re considering the venue, you will need to organise catering and supply just about everything yourself.
And when it comes to photos, you can pop over to the fields on the western side of the shed and get some magical sunset shots along the equestrian park and Bicentennial National Trail.
The Truffle Farm
The working Truffle Farm along the slopes of Mount Majura is a rustic location to celebrate your wedding and dance the night away. It’s an ideal location for smaller weddings and elopements, with capacity for up to 80 guests.
As you’d expect from a rural location, the property features an abundance of amazing locations to explore and capture the perfect photograph together.
Oh, your dog is also welcome to attend your big day, as long as they don’t go searching for truffles!
Contentious Character
Located 30 minutes East of Canberra is where you’ll find Contentious Character. A cool-climate winery, cellar door and restaurant hidden amongst the rolling hills of Womboin.
The vast vineyards provide the perfect backdrop for a romantic ceremony whilst the rustic wine barrels in the cellar surround you and your guests during dinner. You’ve also got an amazing selection of amazing locations around the property to explore while capturing beautiful photographs together.
Choosing Your Venue
If you’ve not yet chosen your venue, many of the above venues host regular open nights/events that allow you to visit, meet the team and learn more about their services.
For those that don’t, you should be able to organise a venue tour and meet and greet before finalising your booking. In saying that, I do generally recommend getting in touch with your shortlisted venues around 12 months in advance, as many do book out quite quickly, especially for the busy periods, October & November in particular.
About The Author
Hey, I’m Jye, a Canberra wedding photographer with a love for authentic moments full of passion, emotion and human connection. I have a candid approach to photography that tells your love story through beautiful visual moments.
If you’re currently planning your dream wedding in Canberra, or beyond, and still searching for the perfect photographer, I’d love to hear from you. You can access my pricing and check my availability using the link below.
I can’t wait to hear from you 🎉.
