Choosing the perfect wedding venue is one of the most important decisions you’ll make for your special day. It sets the scene for your celebration and creates those unforgettable memories. Canberra has so many stunning venues that making a decision can feel a little overwhelming at times. To help you along, we’ve compiled and categorised some of the best hotel wedding venues Canberra has to offer. Whether you’re after a modern space close to the Canberra CBD or a historic setting with plenty of space, there’s a hotel venue for every bride and groom!
The Best Wedding Venues in Canberra – Hotel Edition
Hotel wedding venues are convenient and elegant, and choosing one can simplify your planning. Many hotels offer packages that include catering, decorations, and accommodation when otherwise you’d have to sort them out yourself. This makes hotel wedding venues ideal if you’re looking for a more stress-free option.
Hotel Kurrajong Canberra
Hotel Kurrajong in Barton is a historical Canberra hotel in Art Deco style, first opening its doors in 1926. Over the past 98 years, the hotel has won a multitude of awards, both as a hotel and a wedding venue.
They offer the option for you to host both your dream wedding ceremony and reception there. You can choose from indoor settings. One option is the Kurrajong Room, which has art deco interiors and 10-foot-high ceilings. Or, you can opt for an outdoor celebration in the Courtyard, surrounded by lush greenery. Both settings can host up to 200 guests for cocktail receptions or 150 for banquets.
Their wedding packages are inclusive and flexible. The ‘Exclusive Wedding Package’ starts from $99 per person and includes a two-course menu using regional produce, a three-hour beverage package, complimentary room hire, and a wedding suite with late checkout. For larger and more elaborate celebrations, the ‘Kurrajong Elegance’ package ($199 per person) offers a three-course meal and extends the beverage package to five hours. All menus at the Hotel Kurrajong are curated by the in-house team at Chifley’s Bar & Grill, ensuring a high-quality dining experience with fresh, seasonal ingredients and a wide variety of menu options.
Perhaps best of all, the hotel offers a dedicated wedding coordinator to help plan and execute your day seamlessly. Their in-house wedding coordinator, Michaela Catelin, won the Wedding Industry Award for best Wedding Venue Coordinator in 2023.
Hyatt Hotel Canberra
The Hyatt Hotel is an art-deco hotel a stone’s throw from Lake Burley Griffin with a fascinating history. It was first established in 1924 as Hostel No.1 and served as a residence for politicians. Commonwealth Architect John Smith Murdoch designed the hotel in a series of pavilions connected by enclosed verandahs, reflecting the garden city movement that was popular in the 1920s.
Over the years, it has hosted numerous dignitaries and been central to Canberra’s social scene, particularly in its heyday during the 1950s. After several changes in management and purpose, it was reopened as the Hyatt Hotel Canberra in 1987, restored to its former grandeur.
The Hyatt also has a long history as one of Canberra’s most luxurious wedding venues. It features elegant indoor and outdoor spaces for both ceremony and reception. The Lavender Courtyard is available for ceremonies, providing a beautiful outdoor setting complemented by comprehensive service, including seating arrangements, a signing table, and a wet-weather backup plan.
The Hyatt offers several package tiers, starting at $165 per person for the Classic Wedding Package, which includes three canapé selections, a three-course meal, and your wedding cake served on platters. The Deluxe and Park Wedding Packages offer enhanced features like more extended beverage services. Prices increase based on the inclusion level, reaching up to $225 per person for the most inclusive package.
All packages typically include a prepaid bar tab and menu tastings to ensure every detail meets your expectations. Upgraded packages provide floral centrepieces, and custom menu designs are available to align perfectly with your wedding theme.
The hotel also offers a ‘Ride-in-Style’ package, which includes luxury car hire with a personal chauffeur, adding a touch of elegance to your arrival or departure.
QT Canberra
Located in the vibrant New Acton precinct, QT offers a unique and eclectic setting for weddings. The hotel opened its doors on April 3, 2014, on the site of the former Lakeside Hotel, which was originally built in 1970.
Known for its bold design, the QT Canberra embodies a blend of quirky décor and bespoke furniture, set against a backdrop of daring colours and contemporary art. It’s perfect if you’re looking for an artsy and unique wedding venue. The QT is anything but stuffy and outdated.
QT Canberra offers eight distinct and eclectic wedding venues, allowing couples plenty of choice with spaces catering to different wedding sizes and styles – from intimate 40-person weddings to those fit for royalty with up to 1,000 guests. The venues range from the glamorous QT Lounge, with sweeping views from the 15th floor, to the versatile QT Ballroom, capable of hosting up to 1,000 guests for grand wedding celebrations.
QT offers a range of wedding packages, starting at $99 per person for cocktail receptions. For seated receptions, packages start from $145 per person for a two-course meal and $165 per person for a three-course meal. Aside from quirky design, one of the things QT is most known for is its high-quality catering services, so your guests are bound to be in for something unique.
If you’re looking for plenty of customisation and decorations provided by the hotel, QT is a great choice – the sit-down banquet package includes:
- White or black linen
- Stage, dance floor, lectern
- Chair covers and sash
- Standard centrepieces
- White organza bridal backdrop with swags
Optional upgrades ($30 per person) include:
- Deluxe Centrepieces
- Fairy lights on a white organza backdrop
- Deluxe bridal table décor
- Wishing well
- White ceiling canopy
Mercure Canberra
Mercure Canberra, initially established in 1927 as Hotel Ainslie, is a celebrated heritage wedding venue nestled in the heart of Canberra. This venue perfectly blends the charm of early 20th-century architecture with modern amenities, making it one of Canberra’s most popular wedding venues. As a 3.5-star hotel, it also has some more budget-friendly wedding packages than most other hotels on this list.
The hotel has five different settings for wedding ceremonies and receptions. The Courtyard Gardens provides a lush, secluded environment that can accommodate up to 180 guests, ideal for both ceremonies and receptions.
The Terrace offers a more open-air feel, allowing for receptions under the stars with live music. The Courtyard Restaurant is a more intimate setting for up to 55 guests, with the ability to extend into The Terrace for larger parties. Lastly, the Carlton and Grosvenor function rooms can host up to 180 guests in a traditional banquet setup, complete with a dance floor and bar.
Mercure Canberra’s wedding packages are designed to accommodate a range of preferences and budgets, with prices ranging from $60 to $150 per person. These packages cover everything from cocktail receptions to buffet-style dining and include amenities like simple decorations and a bridal suite.
In terms of food, the hotel prides itself on excellent in-house catering options that include Australian, Asian, Mediterranean, and more, tailored to meet the different dietary requirements of your guests. The venue is equipped with modern amenities like audio-visual equipment and offers services like a dedicated wedding planner to ensure that your event runs smoothly, regardless of weather conditions.
Hotel Realm
Hotel Realm is a Barton hotel that opened in 2007 and was renovated extensively in 2019. It’s known as one of the most luxurious five-star hotels in Canberra, with modern elegance and every possible amenity. If you want to get married in style with a more contemporary flair than the other hotels on this list, Hotel Realm is for you.
As to be expected from one of the nicest hotels in Canberra, the wedding packages are on the more expensive side. However, they have a range of four packages, and they’re pretty comprehensive for the money you spend.
Their Premium Plated Package, the most luxurious, is priced at $200 per person for a minimum of 60 guests. This package includes venue hire, a five-hour Gold Beverage Package, a half-hour of canapés, an antipasto platter per table, a three-course dinner, tea and coffee, and your wedding cake served on platters. Extra benefits include white Tiffany chairs, a skirted and raised bridal table, a dance floor, and a dedicated senior waiter for the bridal table. The couple also enjoys a stay in the Realm Lower Penthouse on their wedding night, complete with breakfast the next morning and other perks.
The Standard Plated Package, $180 per person with a 60-guest minimum, this package offers similar inclusions as the Premium but with a Silver Beverage Package and slightly fewer luxurious touches. It still includes venue hire, a three-course meal, and a dedicated senior waiter for the bridal table, among other features.
If you’re a fan of more relaxed cocktail weddings, they’ve got you covered as well. The Cocktail Reception Package, for $180 per person with a minimum of 60 guests, includes a four-hour Silver Beverage Package, a cocktail on arrival, a selection of eight canapés, two substantial canapés, two live cooking stations, and the wedding cake served on platters.
They also have an option available for smaller weddings, with between 20 and 59 guests. The Intimate Wedding Package costs $150 per person and includes room hire, a three-hour Silver Beverage Package, canapés, a two-course dinner, and tea and coffee. The wedding couple will also have the Realm Bridal Suite for the night with champagne and a rose petal turndown.
Each package is comprehensive, including a wide range of dining and beverage options, venue setups, and accommodation, ensuring that every aspect of your wedding day is covered. While the packages are pricey, they include plenty of decorations and extra features that are classified as add-ons at other hotels.
Hotel Realm also offers a detailed planning service to help tailor your wedding to your specific requirements, including menu tastings and adjustments based on your preferences.
How To Choose The Perfect Canberra Wedding Venue
Finding the right wedding venue in Canberra is made a lot easier if you clearly define what you want from the outset and make sure to do your due diligence. Here are some tips to help you make the best choice:
- Set Your Budget: Before you start looking, know how much you can spend. This will help you narrow down your options and avoid overspending.
- Consider Your Guest List: Think about how many people you’re inviting. Make sure the venue can comfortably accommodate everyone.
- Think About Location: Choose a venue that is easily accessible for your guests. If many are coming from out of town, consider venues near hotels.
- Check Availability: Popular venues can book up fast, especially during peak wedding season. Start your search early and have a few dates in mind.
- Visit in Person: Pictures can be deceiving. Visit each venue to see if it feels right. Pay attention to the space, lighting, and overall atmosphere.
- Ask About Packages: Some venues offer wedding packages that include catering, decorations, and other services. This can simplify planning and potentially save money.
- Read Reviews: Look at what other couples have said about their experiences. This can give you insight into how the venue manages weddings and what the experience will really be like on your wedding day!
When’s The Best Time For A Wedding In Canberra?
Choosing the right season for your Canberra wedding can make a big difference, both in price and the vibe on the day. As well all know, the either varies wildly in Canberra throughout the year! Here’s a look at what each season offers to help you decide the best time for your special day:
Summer: With hot, dry weather, summer in Canberra is ideal for an outdoor wedding. Temperatures range from the mid-20s to mid-30s, promising sunny days. This season allows you to enjoy outdoor ceremonies and receptions under clear skies. However, the heat can sometimes be too intense, especially for guests who may find it uncomfortable to sit outside for long periods.
Autumn: Autumn is a beautiful time for a wedding in Canberra. The weather is mild, with temperatures between 7 and 20 degrees Celsius. The colourful autumn leaves provide a stunning backdrop for wedding photos. The cooler temperatures also mean more venue options, as you won’t need to limit yourself to air-conditioned indoor spaces. While the weather is generally stable, occasional rain can disrupt outdoor plans, so it’s wise to have a backup indoor option.
Winter: Winter in Canberra is cold, with temperatures ranging from around 0°C to 12°C. If you choose a winter wedding, an indoor venue with good heating is probably the way to go. A winter wedding has its benefits – more venues will be available, and venue hire might be discounted because it’s their less busy season.
Spring: Spring is a delightful time for a wedding, with comfortable daytime temperatures of 16-20°C. The blooming flowers create a picturesque setting for outdoor ceremonies. The longer days due to daylight savings time mean more time for celebrations. It’s a popular wedding season for good reason, so make sure to book your venue far in advance if you want a spring wedding!
Happy Venue Hunting
As you explore the many beautiful wedding venues Canberra has to offer, remember that the perfect place for your special day is one that not only looks spectacular but also feels right for you and your partner. It’s a venue that resonates with your personal style and comfortably accommodates your guests, ensuring that everyone involved has a memorable experience. From the stately elegance of historic hotels like Kurrajong to the chic ambience of modern spaces like QT, you’re bound to find the perfect setting to say “I do.”