Wedding venues near me: Melbourne Zoo, Overnewton Castle

From castles to zoos, these are the quirky venues where Melburnians can say “I do”.

Melbourne couples are spoiled for choice when it comes to spectacular wedding venues.

Brides and grooms are spoiled for choice when it comes to spectacular wedding venues in Melbourne.

But if you’re looking for a venue a little outside the box, that will offer some photo opportunities to remember, check out these venues.

THE ZOO

A happy couple at Melbourne Zoo.

If you’re looking for a truly memorable venue with some very special guests, look no further than Melbourne Zoo, Healesville Sanctuary or Werribee Zoo.

Couples can say ‘I do’ among the beautiful surrounds and surrounded by the unique animals that call the venue home.

At Healesville, couples can hold their receptions in The Brolga Room, with classic stonewalls and tall windows overlooking an expansive lawn.

At Melbourne Zoo couples can say their vows in one of the Zoo’s beautiful ceremony locations and hold a lavish reception in a unique venue.

While at Werribee Open Range Zoo couples can tie the knot in a secret garden, or on a viewing platform overlooking an expansive habitat, home to the world’s largest great ape – the Western lowland gorilla.

For something extra special, couples can also book some one-on-one time to encounter and feed the Zoo’s giraffes.

Details: zooevents.com.au

OVERNEWTON CASTLE

The stunning backdrop of Overnewton Castle.

Often described as a “hidden gem,” the stunning heritage listed castle in Keilor was built in 1849 by Scottish man William Taylor.

The Scottish Baronial style castle is set on 1.6ha of gardens with beautiful heritage listed trees.

It has been a popular wedding venue since the 1950s.

Managing director Emma Stott said they were one of the last heritage listed family owned and run wedding reception venues in Melbourne.

The venue also hosts high teas and birthdays and runs tours to share the history of the house with people.

“It’s a bit like taking a step back in time,” Ms Stott said.

She said being based in the multicultural area of Brimbank, the venue had hosted a number of stunning weddings with couples from different countries, including India, Turkey and Persia.

“They are so beautiful to be a part of,” Ms Stott said.

“We feel so lucky to do what we do.”

Details: overnewtoncastle.com.au

KRYAL CASTLE

Kryal Castle is a popular wedding venue.

Another unforgettable wedding venue is Kryal Castle near Ballarat.

Functions Co-ordinator Melody Quartermain said couples could expect a unique venue that offers it all in one place; multiple options for ceremonies, multiple options for receptions, full catering and beverage packages, in house entertainment and even jousting.

“Kryal Castle offers many breathtaking photo opportunities around the grounds, including the bridge between our two towers, Knight’s Tower rooftop, our drawbridge over the moat, under the portcullis or even in the centre of our maze,” she said.

“We often get feedback from guests that have attended weddings at the castle that it’s the most fun wedding they’ve ever been to.”

Ms Quartermain said they hosted all kinds of different themed weddings including a Star Trek wedding, complete with Klingon ritual and celebrant dressed in Klingon robes.

“It was awesome, we love to see people being unashamedly themselves and celebrating what they love.”

WATTLE PARK

The Wattle Park Chalet.

The historic Tudor-style Wallet Park Chalet, built in 1928, is another popular wedding reception venue.

Couples and guests can also grab photos in the beautiful gardens and on board the famous tram in the playground.

Details: wattleparkchalet.com.au

TWOTONMAX

Described as a “blank canvas” twotonmax is based in a former warehouse in North Melbourne.

The venue was previously a small part of an industrial workshop involved in the manufacture of generator equipment.

Couples can bring in their favourite caterer to create a unique event that suits their style. A vintage overhead crane can be called into duty if required.

Details: twotonmax.com.au

THE ALTAR ELECTRIC

A happy couple at The Altar Electric

If you’re looking for a smaller wedding, in a “rocking” location, this Abbotsford venue is for you.

The brainchild of three Melbourne celebrants, the venue, dubbed the ‘hippest little wedding chapel this side of Vegas,’ has hosted many memorable weddings since opening in 2017.

Details: thealtarelectric.com.au

AVALON CASTLE

Avalon Castle Cockatoo.

If you're looking for a stunning venue in a gorgeous setting, look no further than Avalon Castle in Cockatoo.

Features include huge castle doors, a rustic outdoor bar and an ornamental water fountain.

Avalon Castle was built in the 1970s by Joseph (Reg) Fazzani – it was originally built as a theatre restaurant.

In 1983, on Ash Wednesday, it caught alight and suffered great damages.

The owner and his sons survived the fire by hiding under the front steps of the castle.

Joseph sold part of his land to afford the cost of rebuilding. As part of the rebuild he built the chapel and started hosting weddings.

Owner/manager Yvonne Blyth and wedding co-ordinator Aimee Honey said couples and guests could expect an amazing experience if they chose Avalon Castle as their wedding destination.

“From beginning to end we are there to support our couples and help them in the co-ordination of their weddings,” they said.

“We are an all in one venue where our couples can have their ceremony here, their photos in the garden, reception and then they can stay the night in the Castle cottage and up to 20 guests can stay in the ground level of the castle.”

Details: avaloncastle.com.au