As someone who's played weddings across inner Melbourne, the Yarra Valley, the Mornington Peninsula, Greet Ocean Road and everywhere in between - in sunshine, in wind, and in rain - I've found some absolute gems when it comes to venues. Here are some of my favourites.
Fergusson Winery is one of those venues I never get tired of playing. Nestled in the Yarra Valley with sweeping vineyard views, there's something about the combination of rolling hills, good wine, a gorgeous barrel room and live acoustic music that just works every single time.
If you're dreaming of a winery wedding with real warmth and character - this is your place. Sarah runs an incredibly seamless day - she's the kind of venue coordinator who makes you feel completely taken care of from the moment you arrive. I truly love Fergusson!!
The vibe: romantic, relaxed, part of the family, golden hour magic
For couples who want a Melbourne city wedding with serious atmosphere, Rupert on Rupert delivers. The industrial-chic space has gorgeous acoustics and a layout that works beautifully for both ceremony and reception. It has that rare quality of feeling both intimate and impressive at the same time. The kind of venue where every photo looks incredible and every guest walks in and goes "oh wow."
I love playing here because the room is intimate enough for acoustic music to feel special, big enough for a dance floor that actually goes off. Mali and the team are incredible at what they do, couldn't recommend more highly!
The vibe: cool, considered, urban elegance
For couples wanting something truly different, Wye Beach Hotel is unlike anywhere else. Perched right on the Great Ocean Road with sweeping ocean views, it has a relaxed coastal magic that's completely its own thing.
It feels less like a traditional wedding venue and more like the best party you've ever been to - with the most incredible scenery as your backdrop. Your guests will be talking about it for years. Fi and the team have genuinely got it all under control, so you can relax and just enjoy your day.
The vibe: coastal, relaxed, completely unforgettable
Chapter Barn has the most beautiful origin story - Melissa and Rainer couldn't find the barn wedding venue of their dreams, so they built it themselves. And it shows in every single detail.
Set on the rolling hills of Outtrim with sweeping views, the property is stunning. A restored 120-year-old homestead, dry stone walls, manicured gardens and friendly farm animals - it feels like it was made with real love and intention. Because it was. The ceremony space is absolutely stunning and the venue is the most gorgeous, intimate room!
The vibe: warm, rustic, completely one of a kind
Butterfly Red Hill is described by pretty much everyone who's been there as a mini oasis hidden in the heart of the Mornington Peninsula - and having played there, I completely agree.
Claire and Andrew are wonderful - you feel that warmth and personal touch from the moment you arrive and they are incredible and running the day. Every corner is beautiful, every detail is considered, and playing here always feels special. The garden ceremony spaces in particular are just stunning for live acoustic music - there's something about music outdoors surrounded by nature that hits differently.
The vibe: rustic, romantic, Peninsula magic
Just 30 minutes from the Melbourne CBD, you'd never know you were that close to the city - vineyards stretching in every direction, a glittering lake, bluestone buildings and festoon lights as far as the eye can see.
There's a richness to Witchmount that makes it feel abundant and celebratory from the moment you arrive - the kind of place where everything just feels like a party.
The outdoor ceremony spaces are sun-drenched and gorgeous, and Saskia and the team are the kind of people who make every supplier and every couple feel genuinely looked after.
The vibe: considered, effortless, closer than you think!
If I had to pick the venue I've played at the most over the years, it would be Acacia Ridge - and honestly, I love playing there!
Set in the heart of the Yarra Valley with the most insane views over the vines and the Great Dividing Range beyond, it's the kind of venue that looks incredible in every season, in every weather, at every time of day. The rustic barn, the clear-roof marquee, the 1850s Miner's Hut - there's a layered character to this place that couples absolutely love, and that makes playing here feel special every single time.
Susie, Cathy, Nikita and the crew have this effortless ability to make everyone - couples, guests, suppliers - feel completely taken care of. 10/10.
The vibe: sun-drenched, unhurried, quintessential Yarra Valley
Quat Quatta is genuinely one of Melbourne's most special wedding venues - and playing there always feels like a treat.
A heritage Victorian mansion built in 1889, just 15 minutes from the CBD, it has this incredible quality of feeling like you've stepped completely out of the city the moment you walk through the gate. The overgrown, lush courtyard with festoon lights and a bronze fountain is where couples fall in love with it - and honestly, as a musician, playing acoustic music in that courtyard as guests arrive is one of my favourite things. Inside, soaring ceilings, parquet dance floors and hand painted windows create the best dance floor vibes!
The vibe: heritage grandeur, lush and intimate, classically Melbourne
Still Venue Hunting?
I'm always happy to share more recommendations based on your vibe, guest count or location - just get in touch! And if you've already locked in your venue, I'd love to chat about how we can make the most of it musically.
