Couples left ‘thousands’ out of pocket after wedding venue’s shock closure
The shock and sudden closure of an iconic Sydney wedding venue has left heartbroken couples thousands out of pocket.
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Devastated couples have been plunged into chaos and allegedly been left thousands out of pocket after a popular wedding venue suddenly shut its doors.
Kirribilli Club, an idyllic venue overlooking the picturesque Sydney Harbour, abruptly shut down on June 27, just eight days after being placed into voluntary administration.
Some engaged couples who booked their wedding at the club claim they only learnt about the shock closure after the announcement was shared onto the venue’s Instagram page.
Sasha Avaali and James Saddington are one of the couple’s who had organised their engagement party at the venue. But just six weeks before their special day, they found out it had closed.
They have now lost thousands in deposits and fear they have little hope of getting their money back.
“We have family and friends coming in from interstate and overseas; our big event has been thrown into utter chaos,” Ms Avaali told the Mosman Collective.
Rubbing salt in the wound, a $350 payment to the club from Ms Avaali left her account on June 20, just one day after they went into voluntary administration, they claim.
“The Kirribilli Club knew they were in financial trouble, and yet they still took my payments, which were made in good faith,” she told the outlet.
“The engagement party was to be my contribution towards our wedding, and it feels like I have been robbed financially and emotionally.”
Ms Avaali believes it is very unlikely that she will get any of her money back as she explained that unsecured creditors, like herself, were at the “bottom of the chain” compared to banks and employees, who have priority of the business’ assets are liquidated.
Another heartbroken couple named Rachel and Steven were forced to organise a new venue for their wedding reception in just a matter of days after being “blindsided” by the closure.
They had originally planned to host 100 of their loved ones at the venue’s stunning Grand Ballroom complete with canapes and a three-course dinner.
“This past week has been every bride’s worst nightmare,” Rachel said.
“No official communication was provided by the club and my wedding has been thrown into complete chaos.”
The couple had chosen the Kirribilli Club as their wedding’s reception venue after a romantic harbourside proposal in June 2023.
They paid the business a 10 per cent deposit of $1,679, which was quoted at $16,790 for welcome drinks in the Harbourview Room, canapes, an in-house wedding co-ordinator, on-site security and a five-hour premium drinks package.
Rachel and Steven said they are also unlikely to be refunded.
“It looks like we got off lightly, because there are other functions that were booked and paid in full,” Rachel said.
“I have heard of at least four other weddings due to take place at the Kirribilli Club. It’s just devastating to think they can leave people in the lurch like this.”
Thankfully, both couples have been rescued by alternative Sydney wedding venues.
Kirribilli Club appointed Hugh Armenis of SV Partners administrator on June 19.
“The administrator recognises the emotional and financial hardship that this closure will cause to many people and will work closely with the staff and management of the Kirribilli Club to ensure a smooth and orderly transition, and to assist those affected clients as much as possible,” SV Partners said in a statement.
“The patience and co-operation of all stakeholders during this difficult time is greatly appreciated.”
Originally published as Couples left ‘thousands’ out of pocket after wedding venue’s shock closure
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