Before we dive into this conversation, let us clarify one thing:
When we use the words ‘budget friendly wedding venues’, we’re not talking about mothball scented spaces with peeling paint and no toilet paper or running water (although we have seen a neglected old hay shed completely transformed).
We’re referring to well-kept, (mostly) community-run spaces with minimum hire costs and the option to BYO/DIY everything. Some offer basic cooking facilities and furniture while others require you to organise your own chairs and tables, glassware, cutlery, napkins, sound system etc. The latter option is great in that you get to handpick every item at your wedding but it can end up adding up, so make sure you do your sums. You might find that you’re better off hiring a venue with more things included (which also can save you the stress of organising said things).
Other tips to snag a venue on a budget:
- Get hitched in winter
Winter is notoriously a quieter time for weddings so some venues offer winter specials. There’s no harm in asking and besides, we love winter weddings (read why here).
- Have a backyard wedding
Do your folks have a lovely bit of lawn you could use? Seriously, it’s a great money saver and very personal. Plus, given you have the ‘venue’ for as long as you like, there is more time to take on DIY projects and to set-up/pack-down everything yourself.
- Do a relaxed wedding at your fave cafe or restaurant
In recent years, plenty of restaurants and cafes have opened their doors to couples looking to have an intimate and relaxed wedding with their nearest and dearest. It’s a low-key option with minimal fluff and therefore fewer added costs.
Or, you could just use WedShed to find some of the most beautiful, affordable wedding venues across the country *wink*.
Keen to start your search? Find some of our favourite budget wedding venues below.
Bangalow A&I Hall
Byron Bay, NSW
Built in 1911 this historic space is a little quirky (in a good way). It has maintained its heritage look and feel and features an industrial kitchen, high cathedral ceilings, four bathrooms and a large stage.
Photo credit: Bush Turkey Studio // We Are Twine.
Coronation Hall
Southern Queensland Country, QLD
Originally a picture theatre for local builders and their families, Coronation Hall is now one of the region’s most popular budget wedding venues. Still in its original condition it’s loaded with country character and is right near Lake Somerset.
Photo credit: Stories by Ash // Tennielle Fink Photography.
Wandiligong Public Hall
High Country, VIC
For couples wanting to get creative, this space is perfect. With original hand-made brick walls, a large stage and an open fire place, it’s a beautiful blank canvas that happens to have a kitchen as well as an undercover verandah.
Photo credit: Damien Milan.
Lithgow State Mine Heritage Park
Blue Mountains, NSW
This industrial style wedding venue allows couples up to three days to create their dream setting either outside on the lawn or inside The Bath House (seats 150). There’s an outdoor barbecue area and curfew isn’t until midnight. Jackpot!
Photo credit: Willow and Co.
Jervis Bay Maritime Museum
South Coast, NSW
Just a stone’s throw from some of the South Coast’s best beaches, Jervis Bay Maritime Museum is no run-of-the-mill wedding venue. It’s got, well, boats (the historic kind) plus an old church and an outdoor pavilion.
Photo credit: Jervis Bay Maritime Museum.
Pacific Palms Surf Life Saving Club
Mid North Coast, NSW
If you’re looking for an affordable wedding venue with ocean views and plenty of nearby ceremony spots, Pacific Palms SLSC is hard to beat. It’s not a huge space (numbers here are limited to 140 cocktail) but it’s certainly good bang for your buck.
Photo credit: Underatreehouse Photography // Hilary Cam.
Curban Hall
Dubbo, NSW
This quintessential country hall is a little misleading. Outside it appears to be a simple, rustic structure with corrugated iron cladding and a tin roof. Step inside however and you’ll find a fully refurbished, state-of-the-art kitchen, air-conditioning, a digital piano and a modern amenities block. There are also ables and chairs, crockery, glasses and cutlery to accommodate 100.
Photo credit: Jade Thompson Photography // Curban Hall.
The Freedom Hub Ethical Weddings
Sydney, NSW
Looking for a way to give back? Profits from this unique warehouse wedding venue go towards running the The Freedom Hub charity, which supports victims of human trafficking and slavery in Australia. The space offers plenty of modern amenities and the option to be hired as a blank canvas or as a fully managed event space.
Photo credit: Full Hearts Wedding Co.
Ewingsdale Hall
Byron Bay Region, NSW
This charming, heritage listed hall was built in 1908 and sits next to an equally adorable church. Both buildings are beautifully kept with all proceeds raised through weddings going toward maintenance. There are no neighbours nearby and things like furniture, bathrooms, a kitchen and wheelchair access are all available.
Photo credit: Love Her Wild.
Uraidla & Summertown Show Society Hall
Adelaide Hills, NSW
There are no limits to what you can do here. A 24 x 12 metre space with exposed rafters, white walls and a commercial kitchen, this budget-friendly NSW wedding venue is a beautiful blank canvas with tonnes of potential.
Photo credit: Danielle Symes Photography.
Caboonbah Undenominational Church
Southern Queensland Country, QLD
Possibly the prettiest church in the state, Caboonbah was built in 1905 and has been lovingly maintained by the local community. It’s surrounded by native Jacaranda trees and neighbouring farms, with plenty of space for an outdoor, post-ceremony party.
