Affordable Wedding Venues for Hire in Melbourne

Melbourne is often considered one of the most fun cities in New South Wales. It’s a fantastic wedding destination thanks to its access to the coast and  beautiful views. And if you think hiring a wedding space will be difficult and expensive here, think twice! At Tagvenue, we love to help people discover  the best venue deals in the city. Apart from simply listing budget-friendly wedding venues in Melbourne all in one place, we’re also happy to share our tips and tricks with you. Here’s some strategies to bring into play to venue hunt like a pro:

• Check for hidden costs – Sometimes a wedding venue may seem quite affordable, but be sure to read the fine print! Some costs, such as corkage or cake cutting fees, may not be stated openly. It’s also good to make sure if the service charge is included in the price. Last but not least, check what’s not included in the price of the venue and estimate how much it would cost to provide all the features you’re going to need on your big day.

• Get married in the morning – Wedding breakfasts and brunch receptions are a hot new trend in Melbourne right now! If you consider yourselves early birds, this is a really cool way to add a personal touch to your big day. Venue hire prices tend to go up when the sun goes down, so if you’d like to have your celebration a bit earlier, you’re very likely to save a pretty penny.

• Consider a winter wedding – With average winter temperatures ranging around 10 degrees, Melbourne doesn’t get freezing cold – and you’re sure to escape the heatwave! The best part about getting married between June and August is that venue hire prices are significantly lower. If there’s a spot you really like, but can’t afford otherwise, this is the solution to consider.

• Cut down the costs of decoration – Decorating a blank space can be both time consuming and costly. But you can get all the pretty things included in the price if you choose one of our already stunning wedding venues instead! Simply add a bunch of flowers, a few personal touches and you’re ready to go with a bundle of bills still left!

So, how much exactly is a cheap wedding in Melbourne? There’s no single answer to this big question, but don’t worry – we’re here to clue you in! Here’s your handy guide wedding venue prices in Melbourne:

• When it comes to hire fees for wedding venues in Melbourne, the price range is really diverse and depends on many factors. In the case of small venues, a hire fee between $500 and $1500 is usually considered a good deal. If you’re looking for a larger space suitable for more than 200 guests, prices normally start at around $1500.
• Many venues in Melbourne offer a minimum spend option on food and drinks. The rates start at $2000, which is quite cheap, and coasts can go up to ten times as much. The key is to divide the minimum spend by the number of guests and see if the price per person meets your expectations.
• All-inclusive wedding packages are one of the most affordable and hassle-free options Melbourne has to offer. These normally include food and drink menus, all the costs of venue hire and sometimes additional wedding services as well. Prices start at as low $40 per head for basic options, while less than $100 per person is considered affordable, and less than $75 – a truly great deal! (Based on Tagvenue data.)

Searching for a cheap wedding venue in Melbourne, but not sure where to look? Have a look at this list of our favourite locations:

• Melbourne CBD – Think that finding an inexpensive wedding venue in the heart of Melbourne is impossible? Well, we know where to look! We’re happy to show you affordable wedding venue gems hidden in the beautiful little alleyways of the Central Business District and beyond.

• South-East Melbourne – From relaxed coastal suburbs full of affordable beachside venues (St. Kilda, Elwood) to Prahran and Windsor, hip suburbs packed with restaurants and bars available for a private hire – the choice in South-East Melbourne is truly impressive.

• West Melbourne – The most popular part of the area is Port Melbourne, formerly an industrial district, now a popular beachside destination. If you’re looking for an affordable wedding venue just a stone’s throw from the city centre, West Melbourne is the place to go!

When checking out the best venue locations, you should also consider the commute. How are you and your guests going to get to your venue? To make this easier, you can do one of 3 things: hire a venue close to where you and your family lives, ensure that the venue has sufficient parking for everyone to park their cars or hire a bus so that everyone who doesn’t want to drive can go to your wedding.

Anything else on your mind? We’re happy to answer your questions. Here’s a couple of the most frequently asked ones:

Affordable Wedding Venues in Melbourne FAQ

How far in advance should I book an affordable wedding venue?

With wedding venues it’s expected to reach out at least 9 months to a year in advance. The earlier you reach out to the venue manager, the better the chance of getting the specific date you want and the better prepared they will be for your big day.

What’s the average price for a cheap wedding venue in the CBD?

Hire prices in the central area of Melbourne (mainly the CBD) range anywhere between $25 and $1300 per hour. Some venues base their price on the headcount of the event - per person prices start at around $20. (All data from Tagvenue.)

What time do affordable wedding venues in Melbourne close?

Wedding venues in central Melbourne usually close between 11pm-1am. Make sure the venue’s alcohol licence will last all the way until the end of the celebrations!

Do affordable wedding venues provide catering?

Most wedding venues in Melbourne have in-house catering, but you will have to make sure that food and drinks are included in the price of the hire.