Relationships

The most unique and unusual wedding venues in Melbourne

Giraffe photobomb wedding at Melbourne Zoo

Jessica Taylor Yates

Posted February 24, 2022

Whether you're looking to celebrate your big day on a rollercoaster, sitting on a medieval throne or with a giraffe, these wedding venues are anything but traditional.

There are hundreds of weddings happening every day across Australia, and while many of them are looking for something classic and traditional, many are also wanting their day to be a little quirky.

If you're a soon-to-be bride or groom and you're looking for a wedding that feels unique, different, and kitsch, look no further than Melbourne.

Here are just some of the truly unique places to get married in and around Melbourne. From sharks floating behind you to Elvis singing you down the altar, here are some of the most unusual places to tie the knot.

All venues subject to COVID-19 restrictions and guidelines. Please check company websites for the most up-to-date information.

One-of-a-kind wedding venues

SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium, Melbourne

You can tick ‘something blue’ off your checklist with a wedding at the SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium. Providing breathtaking views of its marine creatures, a wedding under the sea is sure to be unforgettable.

The venue has five different function spaces, including the famous ‘Fish Bowl’ where guests are surrounded by views of sea life, with on-sight catering and picturesque wedding photo opportunities aplenty.

Capacity: 200-500 guests depending on function space.

Have your very own Enchantment Under The Sea Dance with a wedding at SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium. Images: Merlin Entertainments.

It's turtle-y awesome. Images: Merlin Entertainments.

Luna Park, St Kilda, Melbourne

Married life can feel like a rollercoaster, so why not get a head start with a wedding celebration in a literal amusement park? As one of Melbourne’s most historical entertainment institutions, a wedding at Luna Park will provide a fun, unique, and exciting wedding atmosphere for all ages.

There’ll be fairy floss and rides, photos on the merry-go-round, and then time for wining and dining in a themed private function room overlooking Port Phillip Bay. Just don’t forget to smile in front of the iconic Big Mouth!

Capacity: 50-250 guests depending on function space.

Live out your real-life fantasies of running away with the circus with a wedding at Luna Park. Image: Luna Park Events.

The area contains a magnificent backdrop for wedding photos with a difference. Image: Lisa Luscombe.

If arguing over a beach or inner city wedding - why not both? Image: Lisa Luscombe.

Zoos Victoria, various locations

If you have a spiritual connection with nature and the animal kingdom, what better place to wed than amongst the natural surrounds of the zoo? Zoos Victoria provides a range of sites across their Melbourne, Healesville, and Werribee Open Range Zoos to say "I do” in, such as the Butterfly House, Gorilla Viewing Platform, and Japanese Garden.

With in-house catering and private function rooms with animal views available at their locations, don’t be surprised by photobombs with giraffes and elephants alike.

Capacity: 50-500 depending on zoo location and function space.

There are photobombers everywhere! Image: Zoos Victoria.

You may find yourself with some surprise guests with a zoo wedding... Image: Lisa Luscombe.

The Altar Electric, Abbotsford

If a small-scale ‘do is more your affair, The Altar Electric offers elopements and small-scale weddings in a Vegas-style setting for ‘weddings that rock’.

Whether you’re wanting an intimate ceremony with 10 guests and a disco-ball backdrop, or want to go all-out and get married by Elvis with a crowd in tow, look no further. The venue has packages from ‘shotgun’-style to food trucks and DJ’s for a real rock n’ roll style wedding that is as unique as it is cool. Viva Las Abbotsford!

Capacity: From 2-70 depending on package option.

The stage is set for a rock n' roll wedding. Image: Ali & Dan - Jess Tremp for Altar Electric.

Plaza Ballroom, Melbourne

Did you know that one of Melbourne’s most famous theatre destinations has a not-so-secret ballroom underneath? The Plaza Ballroom at The Regent Theatre on Melbourne’s Collins Street is over 90 years old, and an iconic landmark for a unique and elegant wedding.

Based on a Spanish courtyard, access is provided by a grand staircase to the Plaza Ballroom foyer, with onsite catering and photos out the front of the theatre a must for all musical lovers.

Capacity: 150-450 guests.

Alin and Hind take centre stage with a wedding that is as spectacular as any grand performance. Image: ERIN&TARA, provided by Plaza Ballroom, Melbourne.

Inside the Plaza Ballroom. Image: ERIN&TARA, provided by Plaza Ballroom, Melbourne.

Kryal Castle, Leigh Creek

Are you and your beloved star-crossed lovers? Perhaps you see yourself as romantic warriors from a time gone by. If so, consider a wedding fit for a king and a queen at Kryal Castle. While outside of Melbourne, those looking for a medieval setting may have to cross some battle lines to get there - but the castle is worth it for those looking to live out their medieval fantasies.

Indulge in a wedding fairy tale by crossing the drawbridge, being greeted by a Royal Piper, and dining in the Knights of the Round Table room. BYO horse and drawn carriage.

Capacity: Up to 250 guests.

Fit for any king or queen. Image: Kryal Castle

Museum spaces, various locations around Melbourne

If you thought the film Night at the Museum was more of a playbook rather than a fantasy film, you can make life imitate art with a unique wedding in one of Melbourne’s famous museums. Whether it’s drinks and canapes around Melbourne Museum’s Dinosaur Walk, photos in the Immigration Museum Courtyard, or a ceremony under the stars in Scienceworks’ Planetarium, just like the film, everyone is sure to come to life at your quirky and unique celebration.

Capacity: Varies depending on location and package option.

Have a dino-mite marriage at one of Melbourne's fabulous museums. Image: Museums Victoria.

The State Library, Melbourne

If you and your partner are literary lovers, celebrate amongst your favourite writers at The State Library. You can start with drinks in the spectacular La Trobe Reading Room, and choose from a range of private dining function spaces. You could even go all-in with your theme and name your tables after your favourite writers.

Capacity: 70-520 guests.

Simone Lewin and Jeremy Posner married at Melbourne's iconic State Library. Image: Anchor & Hope, Image provided by Simone Lewin.

Art galleries, various locations

If you want photos that pop and to be surrounded by beauty, a wedding at one of Melbourne’s iconic galleries will make for a stunning backdrop to your celebrations. Whether it’s being surrounded by sculptures at the Heide Museum of Modern Art or a show-stopping wedding underneath the famous stained-glass ceiling at the NGV, let art take centre stage for a day filled with beauty and breathtaking views.