Geelong – Wedding Venues
Photo: With Love From Near and Far
It’s no secret to the locals of the area, that Geelong and its surrounding areas are undergoing something of an evolution. A growing area that combines a cosmopolitan city lifestyle, with some of the world’s best beaches, vineyards and country properties – it’s no wonder the region is making its mark and gaining outside attention.
With this popularity, also comes a myriad of choice when it comes to deciding on the best possible place for yourself and your loved one to say your “I do’s”.
From embracing the charm of the regional city landscape, to industrial warehouse spaces and wineries aplenty – there is so much to excite when it comes to a wedding in and around Geelong. Browse some of our favourite venues below, and we think you’ll agree.
Why you should get married in Geelong
Gorgeous Geelong is easily accessible from Melbourne and offers beautiful landscape choices when it comes to celebrating your big day. Whether you’re on the hunt for a venue with seaside views, urban edge or historic undertones, Geelong really does offer it all.
Geelong is simply idyllic when it comes to hosting a wedding and guests will love that they can enjoy a ‘destination’ wedding without having to travel too far.
A Geelong venue to suit any theme
With amazing vistas across Port Phillip Bay, Geelong does have stunning views, though delve a little deeper and you will soon find a city that offers a myriad of style choice when it comes to choosing a wedding venue. Its rich history has seen the rise of venues that are in incredible converted warehouses, old paper mills and churches, offering some unique and creative choices for couples.
At the same time, you’re on the doorstep of laid back coastal towns, incredible eateries and wineries and guests will have plenty to amuse themselves while they enjoy their Geelong getaway.
Photo: Michael Renga
Things to consider when looking at Geelong wedding venues
Geelong is a beautiful place for a wedding celebration, but before signing on the dotted line here are some extra factors you might want to consider before locking in your wedding venue.
Weather
Geelong can be quite cold in the cooler months, but equally it can be sweltering on a hot day. Be sure to factor this in when planning your wedding day and be sure to have a back-up plan in place if you’re hosting your wedding in an outdoor space. Alternatively, seek a venue that has an indoor option for your ceremony so no back up plan is required.
Travel
Just 1 hour from Melbourne, guests can choose how they will travel to Geelong. Whether they drive themselves, or avail of the public transport options that will take them straight into the city, give clear directions so your guests know exactly where to go and minimise any further stress. Avalon Airport sits on the city fringe also, so those interstate travellers can arrive at their destination with ease.
Accommodation
When it comes to accommodation Geelong has it all. There are plenty of hotels in central locations, but if you’re looking to share accommodation with a larger group, then Airbnb might be the answer. For those on a budget, there are riverside campgrounds in wonderful locations that will do the trick.
Photo – Tony Evans
The cream of the crop in Geelong wedding venues
Here are Ivory Tribe’s recommendations when it comes to the best wedding venues in the stunning Geelong region.
Country charmer to make your own
- From: $7,500 package for the ceremony and reception.
- Size of venue: Up to 300 guests.
- Indoor or outdoor: There are numerous locations for ceremonies and receptions amongst the homestead gardens at Woolbrook, or the surrounding paddocks. For smaller weddings, the homestead’s wrap-around verandahs could make the perfect undercover backdrop. In addition to this, you’ll find numerous smaller areas for interval drinks, whether that’s next to the pool or in a seperate garden.
- Distance from Melbourne: 1 hour 20 minutes.
Photo: With Love From Near and Far
Woolbrook is an historic 1856 bluestone homestead situated just 30 minutes from Geelong. Centuries old monkey puzzles and pines create a perfect backdrop for a marquee-style wedding, with multiple garden surrounds, paddock backdrops and endless opportunities to truly make your day your own. With easy access for marquees, food vans, impressive capacity for 300 people and an always alluring extended 1am curfew, look no further than Woolbrook as your dream wedding destination.
Sprawling country oasis
- From: Price on application
- Size of venue: Unlimited
- Indoor or outdoor: This incredible venue offers indoor and outdoor ceremony options, with such beautiful surrounds that you really need not look anywhere else.
- Distance from Melbourne: 1 hour 40 minutes.
Photo: Michael Renga
Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and strict venue requirements when you celebrate your dream day at the stunning Barunah Plains. Dating back to 1866, Barunah is the oldest property in the area. The homestead and its grounds are the perfect spot for your wedding service followed by drinks on the perfectly manicured croquet lawns. With many locations on the property to hold your reception, you can decide what suits you best. The marquee on the lawn looking back at the rock wall, creek and homestead or in the beautiful old shearing shed. The only limit for your wedding is your imagination. If you are after a formal wedding or a festival feel, Barunah Plains is the perfect property to make your wedding dreams come true.
Hidden treasure rich in history
- From: P.O.A
- Indoor or outdoor: Indoor ceremony option only, reception to follow at Provenance Wines, which is only a very short walk away.
- Distance from Melbourne: 1 hour.
The former Papermills at Fyansford are a hidden treasure. Here, you will be able to enjoy a rich history that dates back to the early beginnings of Geelong’s industrial era. The Papermills were built in 1876 from breathtakingly beautiful blue stone sourced locally from the surrounding area. The site is the ultimate blank canvas, it’s simply enchanting, oozing charm and all it needs is your imagination to create your perfect ceremony. Boasting 12-metre high ceilings and a huge floor space, there are endless styling options to suit the venue. Currently under the care of the incredible Provenance Wines, host an exquisite ceremony before making your way to their immaculately restored bluestone building to complete your celebrations. A match made in heaven!
European character and charm
- From: 5 hour exclusive venue hire on Saturday night – $5000.
- Size of venue: Seated – 200 Cocktail – 250.
- Indoor or outdoor: Indoor and outdoor ceremony options include barrel room, winery itself or a lovely clearing along the Moorabool River just 500 metres away.
- Distance from Melbourne: 1 hour.
Photo: Georgia Verrells
On the hunt for a venue that is truly stunning? Provenance Wines could be just what you have been searching for. The elegant bluestone building was built in 1870 with a character and charm that will fool you into thinking you have stumbled upon a beautiful place in Europe. With an ability to choose your own caterer, you are spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing fancy fare for your guests. With three spaces that can accommodate small or large groups, you only need chat to their talented team to work out the best option for you. The magnificent building, award winning wines and personalised service are exceptional ingredients for a truly great celebration.
Warehouse wow
- From: Venue hire from $5500.
- Size of venue: 120 guests.
- Indoor or outdoor: All weather ceremony space with commercial grade heating and cooling.
- Distance from Melbourne: 1 hour 5 minutes.
Photo: Enchanted Weddings
The Warehouse, located in central Geelong, really is the new kid on the block when it comes to sensational wedding spaces. This recently renovated vintage warehouse was once Herne’s Cough Medicine factory in the early 1900’s and it’s been lovingly restored back to life. With exposed timber beams, six-metre high ceilings and original concrete floors that have been cut and polished, your guests will be wowed from the moment they walk in. Brides and grooms can get ready and then stay at their luxe accommodation, and you need not go anywhere else as the surrounding lane-ways are perfect for photo opportunities. This is a blank canvas, ready for you to make your mark and best get in quickly before the word is well and truly out.
Geelong’s most sensational views
- From: Minimum spends vary depending on the time of year. During our peak period – October to end of April, minimum spends are around $13,000.00. Packages are developed to be inclusive and include all fees associated with the venue including room hire.
- Size of venue: The Pier can host small weddings of 50 to weddings over 300 guests. Capacity can be up to 1000 stand up.
- Indoor or outdoor: Indoor options for your ceremony requirements.
- Distance from Melbourne: 1 hour.
Photo: Lou Lou Memphis
Located on the picturesque Cunningham Pier 250 meters out over the water, The Pier Geelong is the most versatile wedding venue in the Geelong region. The venue allows your guests to stay in the one spot whilst enjoying the many elements of your big day. The Pier Geelong is the perfect wedding venue for all seasons, with their enclosed glass terrace, allowing you to hold a wedding ceremony by the water regardless of the weather. This allows for a more comfortable experience for your guests – no high heels in sand, umbrellas or wind swept hairstyles! And should the weather on the day be perfect, they can open the retractable glass windows to let in the summer breeze.
Private property perfection
- From: $6000 for marquee space on property and $8,000 for winery space.
- Size of venue: Marquee weddings can host an unlimited amount of guests, winery weddings have a maximum of 110 guests for sit down.
- Indoor or outdoor: Indoor and outdoor reception and ceremony locations.
- Distance from Melbourne: 1 hour.
Photo: Stefani Driscoll
Austin’s Cellar Door is a little piece of private property paradise set in the stunning Moorabool Valley. Set on a 1500-acre family farm, the rolling valleys, beautiful vines and stunning bush backdrop provide the perfect blank canvas that will make your wedding dreams come true. Austin’s Cellar Door cater for weddings taking place Monday to Friday that can be set at varying locations on the picture-perfect property depending on the outlook you wish your guests to have.
Geelong is truly a dreamy destination for a wedding, we unveil exactly what you and your guests can do in this romantic region here.
Victoria is lucky to boast an abundance of wedding venues that will truly wow you and your guests. For the lowdown on all our favourites across the state, head here.
Interested in having your venue featured on Ivory Tribe’s favourite wedding venues in Victoria? Shoot an email to [email protected] and we will be in touch!
