January 16, 2020
Here is a list of the very best Canberra wedding venues.
This has been updated for 2021/2022.
Canberra is the perfect backdrop for you if you love the idea of a beautifully decorated hotel, or rustic country wedding venue. Being surrounded by bushland leads to some of the most gorgeous scenic views, especially if you go for a sunset session after your ceremony.
I’ve captured almost every venue in Canberra. If you notice that one is left off of the list and you’d like to see it on the list, swing me an email at howdy@whoshoots.com. In time I’ll update this with photos of each venue and more text. If you have any questions or want to know my thoughts on a particular venue, please contact me.
Canberra is the bush capital of Australia, and is surrounded by rich forests and landscapes full of scenery and charm. Canberra’s main city centre is populated with gorgeous boutique hotels, whilst on the outskirts you’ll find authentic and rustic wedding venues which capture the working farm feel. Canberra is also roughly 2 hours from the coast, and 3 hours from Sydney, making it easily accessible.
If you’re a couple who love the blend of boutique hotels, and rustic country charm, Canberra is the perfect location for your wedding.
Canberra has pretty extreme seasons, with the summers reaching up to 43°C, and the winters reaching down to as low as -2°C. Throughout the seasons however, Canberra has some of the best sunsets in Australia.
Due to these extremes, Canberra offers a lot of different ways to have your wedding, especially with the seasons being quite polarising. Many couples prefer to have a wedding somewhere from September to November, and February to May, so that the heat isn’t too much.
If you feel particularly adventurous, you can also have a winter wedding, which may also mean that some venues are cheaper. It will also be a lot colder and if you’re lucky in August or September, you may even have snow!
There are some amazing things to do in Canberra. Lots of incredible adventures are in store for you if you are in staying in the local area in and around your wedding:
Below is a selection of my top 5 favourite and top rated Canberra wedding venues. These have been chosen because of the atmosphere and stunning scenery they bring to weddings. When you’re looking for the best Canberra wedding venue that suits you, have a think about which of these resonates with the theme you’d love e.g. rustic, classical, modern e.t.c.
Gold Creek Station is located at the north of Canberra and has a rich heritage. Initially being a sheep station since 1861, the 1,594ha property has since been tenderly looked after by Craig and his family for decades.
Craig, the owner of Gold Creek Station, has an excellent enthusiasm for what Gold Creek is all about. Purveying itself as an incredible ‘all in one’ venue, Gold Creek Station can be described as rustic, easy-going, and stylish.
This incredibly rustic wedding venue is well suited to couples who love the idea of having a real ‘home manor’ vibe to their day. It is also perfect for couples who adore that authentic farm vibe.
You’ll be mesmerised and excited by the wide variety of what Gold Creek Station has to offer. From its original sheep shearing shed to the beautifully decorated chapel that Craig has repurposed from other wood items around the homestead.
For me, the most prominent feature that stands out is the beautiful ceremony field. Lined with original wooden pews, and the incredible mini-chapel, it makes for the perfect backdrop for your vows. This ticks all of the boxes to make it one of Canberra’s best rustic wedding venues.
Contact Details:
Website: https://www.goldcreekstation.com.au/
Email: CRAIGSTARR@GOLD-CREEK.COM.AU
Phone Number: 0427 767 799
Established way back in 1852, this expansive property was set up as a sheep shearing property, harvesting merino wool.
Listed on the ACT Heritage register since 2008, this venue could well be the rustic playground you’re looking for.
Yukari and her crew currently looks after and lives on the property. The area allows for couples to create an expansive wonderland for a more ‘festival’ style approach to their big wedding day.
I’d describe Elm Grove as expansive, malleable, and beautiful.
Unlike other venues, Elm Grove has very few fixed structures around the site. However, this means that the power of how you’d want your wedding day to go down is entirely in your hands! If you’re the type of couple who love the idea of having a mini-festival for their wedding, then this would be perfect for you.
Weddings here have had a whole host of fun events go down, from helicopter entrances to food vans, and huge teepees for you and your guests to crash in. The broad areas allow for a lot of space to be used; however, you’d love.
Elm grove is ideally suited for boho-loving couples who want to have full control over a festival style wedding. I’ve named it as one of my top Canberra rustic wedding venues because of it’s customisation.
The one feature that stands out for me most is the stunning garden that Yukari has created, which leads into the ceremony location under the tree out the back of the main house on the property.
Contact Details:
Website: info@elmgrovecanberra.com.au
Ginninderry Homestead & events, located just outside Belconnen in Canberra’s West, is a remarkable homestead that is unlike anything else of this list. A residence which boasts incredible well-decorated rooms, Ginninderry Homestead & Events is a real gem in Canberra’s wedding circle.
Amelia Lacey runs the events side of things, and her mother Sue looks after the homestead, taking great care in providing customisable space for you and your big day. If you’re the type of couple who are looking for an epic place to have a weekend of celebration, without the fuss of decorating, then this is perfect for you. There’s plenty of space to make it your own, but you also have the flexibility that you won’t have to buy a whole cartload of extras to make the place look amazing. When searching for Canberra rustic wedding venues, Ginninderry immediately stood out.
Ginninderry Homestead & Events can be described as stylish, classic, and grand.
I feel that grand may be one of the best words to describe Ginninderry. From its cosy bedrooms in the main manor to the stunning natural area around the back of the property, to the Georgian styled The Grand building, Ginninderry really does stretch for some distance. Saying that though, the whole area is a breeze to access and navigate.
Ginninderry Homestead is best suited to classic-loving couples who want to have a real rock and roll weekend and wedding, with plenty of spaces to kick back and celebrate. Big plus if you also have a fondness for nature, as Ginninderry Events has some of the most gorgeous areas around it.
There are so many parts of Ginninderry that stand out. I have to mention the stunning gigantic tree at the back of the property. If you’re the type of couple who have always loved the idea of getting married under a beautiful old tree, this may be perfect for you. It just oozes rustic vibes.
Contact Details:
Website: https://ginninderry.com.au/
Email: events@ginninderry.com.au
Phone Number: 0438 547 764
Tuggeranong Homestead may be most well renowned for being the place that the Official History of World War One was written, from Australia’s perspective.
Purchased in 1858, this incredible homestead has been home to military uses, and a working farm in the mid 20th century.
It’s beautiful style, and charm has stayed consistent with the uses it has had over the years. Many original pieces of machinery over the years have been preserved and used in the decoration of the venue.
Gerry and Ann are the owners of Tuggeranong Homestead. They have done a fantastic job at creating one of the most rustic venues in and around Canberra. Not only that, but they are bloody lovely people to chat to, and really have their heads screwed on when it comes to creating a rustic wedding venue in Canberra.
I’d describe Tuggeranong Homestead with the words rustic, authentic, and diverse. It really is one of Canberra’s most amazing rustic wedding venues.
Throughout the expansive space that Tuggeranong Homestead covers, a whole heap of different areas catch the eye. From the central machinery shed with its iconic second-floor door, to the large red water tower, and the vast plains out the back of the property, complete with farm animals!
Tuggeranong Homestead is best suited to couples who want to have an authentic rustic vibe. The added bonus is that being located in the inner South, you and your guests don’t have to travel hours outside of Canberra.
Tuggeranong Homestead stands out for me, mostly because of its incredible spaces. Within the space of 10 minutes, you can navigate through a whole heap of different locations, which gives an astonishing variety to wedding photographs.
Contact Details:
Website: http://tuggeranonghomestead.com.au/
Email: (use http://tuggeranonghomestead.com.au/contact/)
Phone Number: 02 6292 8888
Corin Forest Mountain Resort is perhaps best known around Canberra for the place to go when you want to have the snow, but don’t want to travel 3 hours to Kuziosko.
Besides this attraction, Corin Forest Mountain Resort really does live up its name. It is a charming and intimate venue which is ideally suited for those who adore being outside in nature.
The team at Corin Forest Mountain Resort are a fantastic crew who band together, and who have created a sensationally fun and stylish venue. Every time I’ve worked there, they’ve been incredibly helpful, and just a load of fun.
Corin Forest Mountain Resort is fun, intimate, and (very) nature-driven.
Corin Forest Mountain Resort is best suited to couples who are obsessed with nature and who want to have a day where all of the celebrations are super close by. The best thing about it is that you don’t have to walk for miles to find a great location to find stunning backdrops. Having that excellent drop back to nature is what makes it one of my top rustic wedding venues.
I want to mention the beautiful wooden lodge, the stunning lake, and gorgeous backdrop of Corin Forest. However, I feel absolutely obliged to state that they also have a European Style Toboggan run at the back of the resort, which is a heap of fun!
Contact Details:
Website: http://www.corin.com.au/
Email: hello@corin.com.au
Phone Number: 02 6235 7333
Grazing at Gundaroo is a wedding venue in Canberra with a lot of personality to it. Located just outside of Canberra, at the quaint town of Gundaroo, you’ll find Grazing at Gundaroo welcoming drivers with its modest entrance and vine clad buildings.
Grazing at Gundaroo is located in the historic ‘Royal Hotel’, which has a remarkable array of different areas for couples to enjoy themselves on their big day. The Royal Hotel was built in the early 1830’s and has an interesting heritage to it, most likely as a traveller’s inn.
The main attraction is their stunning garden, surrounded by old rustic farm buildings, and with willows overhanging your main ceremony space. French garden chairs also make the perfect addition for your guests to sit back and enjoy the proceedings.
For couples photos, you are really spoilt at Grazing at Gundarro, with plenty of great farm buildings around, and a huge field out the back which makes for killer sunset images.
When it comes to having your reception, The Stone room is where you’ll be able to kick back with friends and family. This gorgeous room can seat up to 120 people and contains stone walls and high-pitched timber ceilings. Heavily recommended getting some candles going for your reception here!
Contact Details:
Website: https://www.grazing.com.au/
Email: info@grazing.com.au
Phone Number: 02 6236 8777
Renown for it’s stunning gardens, including the Nara Peace Park, and the Beijing Garden, Lennox Gardens is a brilliant Canberra wedding venue, if you’re looking to get married out in one of Canberra’s gorgeous nature spots.
Set on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin, you’ll get incredible views out to Black Mountain, the Brindabella ranges, and the water of Lake Burley Griffin. Across the whole of the park you’ll fund lush green spaces, interesting ornaments, and secluded nature spots to revel in.
Throughout the gardens, you’ll also find huge oriental stone structures, relating to the link Canberra has with its sister city, Nara. If you have a fancy of any Japanese or Chinese themed decor, you’ll enjoy the pagoda in the Nara Peace Park, and the stone temple as well. These make for ideal ceremony spots. Especially when the cherry blossoms are out in bloom in Spring.
The great thing about the Lennox Gardens is that they are also free to use. If you would like to reserve a specific space, it is best to talk to the council first so that you can get a permit for the area.
Contact Details:
Website: http://www.environment.act.gov.au/parks-conservation/parks-and-reserves/find-a-park/urban-parks/lennox-gardens
Phone Number: 13 22 81
Set at the top of Rex Hotel, the Howling Moon is Canberra’s wedding venue answer to a rooftop bar filled with tonnes of personality and polish. If you love heights and want to get the best view of sunset, look no further.
Draped in natural green walls, as soon as you enter the Howling Moon, you’ll be treated to a vibrant and clean colour palette. The ceremony space provided at the Howling Moon will set you right up against the best views in the city, looking out to Telstra Tower and Black Mountain.
If you’re hunting for good food and drink, you’ll also be very pleasantly surprised; the Howling Moon is very well known for their attention to detail when it comes to cocktails, which can be a staple part of any wedding here. Set up with a ‘cocktail’ style wedding makes mingling with different guests and groups a breeze as well.
Having a stylish wedding here is effortless because of the incredible attention to detail that the team have already put into this stunning Canberra wedding venue.
To make things easy, this is also located right on the Canberra light rail, making it easy and accessible for your guests to arrive, and pop home.
Contact Details:
Website: https://thehowlingmoon.com.au/
Email: howl@thehowlingmoon.com.au
Phone Number: 02 6248 5311
Old Parliament House is an iconic staple of the Nation’s capital, and provides a fantastic Canberra wedding venue for couples who want to celebrate with the heritage that Canberra has.
I, personally, love Old Parliament House because of the incredible heritage, history, and architecture that the venue offers. Nestled between the Senate and House of Representatives Gardens, Old Parliament House is now home to the Museum of Australian Democracy.
Old Parliament House also is a venue with plenty of natural light and wide open spaces. As a Canberra wedding photographer, I can tell you that this makes such a difference when it comes to having portraits of yourselves and capturing your day in general.
You’ll be able to get married on the inside courtyards of Old Parliament House, and explore the gardens and surrounding areas with ease. It can fit 350 people at a banquet style reception, or even 500 guests if you want to make it a cocktail styled event.
This elegant Canberra wedding venue is perfect for couples who want to have an easy and stress-free wedding, with its proximity to many of Canberra’s great hotels, and central location.
Contact Details:
Website: https://functionsatoph.com.au/weddings/
Email: moadophevents@restaurantassociates.com.au
Phone Number: 02 6261 7200
You’d probably recognise Kimo Estate in Gundagai by its iconic luxury eco-hut, complete with timber construction, stunning views, and outdoor hot tub. It should be no surprise that aside from offering incredible getaways, Kimo Estate also offers fantastic weddings, and is an essential Canberra wedding venue if you love the idea of getting married in style.
Located about 1.5 hours from Canberra, it is nestled in Gundagai on a working 7000 acre farm. The site has enough accommodation for 32 people, in three Eco Huts, two cottages, and the shearers quarters.
There are two main places for you to get married; The Homestead, and The Grain Shed.
The Homestead at Kimo Estate is a stunning location for your wedding ceremony, and the gardens there provide some brilliant sights as the backdrop to your big day. The Grain Shed on the other hand can seat up to a capacity of 200 people and has a real rustic charm that is hard to match.
Kimo Estate do an impressive job of creating a wedding day that is perfect for you, by organising every part of your wedding day, from accommodation to vendor recommendations.
Contact Details:
Website: https://www.kimoestate.com/wedding-venue/
Phone Number: 1300 61 84 61
Yarralumla Woolshed is a Canberra wedding venue with some serious heritage behind it.
Built in 1904, this woolshed was created by Fredrick Campbell after a bountiful supply of rain in Canberra broke a particularly bad drought. Whilst it has gone through a multitude of different purposes since then, since the 1970s it has been used as a cultural space, for festivals, gatherings, and of course, weddings.
Yarralumla Woolshed is located a stone’s throw away from popular attractions such as the Canberra Arboretum, and the National Zoo, making it easy to access. Throughout the grounds you’ll find tall pine trees for your ceremony, wide open fields for stunning couples photos, and of course, the iconic wood and metal woolshed.
Inside, Yarralumla Woolshed provides a distinctive decor and venue with charm and history behind it. You’ll enjoy the old stables round the back, and the beautiful floorboards and rustic vibe in there.
Due to its size, you’ll also be able to fit 200 guests.
Contact Details:
Website: https://apps.treasury.act.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0010/1085653/Conditions-of-Hire-YARRALUMLA-WOOLSHED-1-September-2017.pdf
Email: venuehire@act.gov.au
Phone Number: 02 6205 3345
Poachers Pantry is located right in the heart of the Canberra wine region and provides one of the best Canberra wedding venue experiences for those who are obsessed about wine and the Canberra countryside.
A short 25 minute drive out of Canberra, Poachers Pantry is one of the most idyllic Canberra wedding venues if you want a country wedding vibe for your big day. Who wouldn’t want to get married in one of Canberra’s biggest and best vineyards?
With so many different elements, Poachers Pantry give you the freedom of choice to have your ceremony and reception at a few different places. If you’re looking to host up to 80 people, the restored farmhouse could be perfect for you, with the larger marquee providing the space for up to a whopping 300 guests.
Throughout the grounds of Poachers Pantry, you’ll find a variety of locations for couples photos as well, from old french style gazebos, to rolling vineyards, and huge trees.
The food which Poachers Pantry provide for your wedding is also second to none, with their acclaimed smokehouse providing a real treat for anyone who loves great food and excellent wine.
Contact Details:
Website: https://www.poacherspantry.com.au/
Email: unwind@poachers.com.au
Phone Number: 02 6230 2487
If you love the idea of having a private farm all to yourselves for the day, then Bushfield Farm could be the perfect wedding spot for you.
Located just outside Gundaroo, Bushfield Farm hosts a heap of different locations across its gorgeous grounds, from its rustic shearing shed, to its canopy of elm trees. Throughout the venue you’ll find beautiful spots for couples photos, such as the fields out the back of the property, and the stunning dam. On the property you’ll even find donkeys that you can pet and feed.
Bushfield Farm provides some great wet weather options as well, being able to cater up to 200 guests, seated or in a cocktail style. Not only that, but their huge fire pits make the perfect relaxation spaces on those colder nights in Canberra.
Contact Details:
Website: https://bushfieldfarm.com.au/wedding-venue-canberra/
Email: kylie@bushfieldfarm.com.au
Phone Number: 0419 208 172
You’d be mistaken for thinking you’d arrived in the middle of the English Countryside when stepping foot onto Old Stone Houses’ property. This iconic Canberra wedding venue is very recognisable, especially for those who love to travel frequently down to Batemans Bay from Canberra.
The Old Stone House is around 30 minutes drive from the Canberra CBD, and is a gorgeous boutique hotel and garden wedding venue nestled right in the middle of Bungendore. Whilst this is in NSW, I still wanted to mention it as being so close to Canberra, I’d count it as a Canberra wedding venue.
Established back in 1837, this quaint house is a popular wedding venue for so many couples because of its charm, decor, and the stunning gardens it has out back. Throughout the years, the property has been well maintained, and provides the perfect country wedding venue for couples looking to get married in a location with some heritage.
One of the best things about The Old Stone House is that they allow you to completely customise your experience, with no minimum spending amounts for smaller weddings or even minimum numbers. As a bonus, the hiring of the site includes 7 people’s accommodation for the night of your wedding in four heritage guest rooms.
When it comes to getting ready for your wedding, they even have a dedicated garden cottage so that you can get ready in style and in privacy.
If you’re looking for a Canberra wedding venue with style and personality, then Old Stone House will tick those boxes for you.
Contact Details:
Website: https://www.theoldstonehouse.com.au/weddings
Phone Number: 02 6238 1888
The perfect Canberra wedding venue for couples who love to build their wedding, the Gorman Arts Centre is located just outside the Canberra CBD and features two stunning Hawthorn trees, each with their courtyard. This was done to symbolise love and protection from Celtic mythology.
Whilst these heritage listed buildings may have a big history, the Gorman Arts Centre feels modern and have been updated and treated properly, creating a beautiful and comfortable space to get married in.
Due to the flexibility of the space, you can hold your ceremony and/or reception on site. On site is also the delicious Sage Dining Rooms, which offers fantastic food, and incredible cocktails. Perfect for holding your reception at.
Contact Details:
Website: http://www.agac.com.au/space-hire/weddings/
Email: jenni@agac.com.au
Phone Number: 02 6182 0017
If you’re instead thinking about eloping and having a more private ceremony, Canberra is graced with a large variety of stunning hills and mountains as your elopement backdrop. Eloping in Canberra is for couples who prefer to have a more intimate ceremony, with stunning views, and best of all, for totally free.
The following locations are some of the best elopement locations in Canberra:
Special thanks to every venue on this list for having such awesome venues! If you love the look of any of these venues and would love to have your wedding here, get in contact and I’ll help design your perfect wedding day!
