Cosmopolitan

The Abbey, Functions at Federation, Nicholls, ACT

Picture soaring ceilings adorned with drapery and chandeliers, a grand 19^th-century organ surrounded by hand-carved oak and a charming garden courtyard - that's The Abbey, a unique backdrop for traditional or contemporary weddings.

Venue capacity Spacious yet intimate, The Abbey can take a minimum of 90 guests and up to 250 people seated or 400 cocktail-style.

Prices From $99 per person including canapés and two-course alternate drop dinner. Drinks packages start from $45 per head, or bar tabs are also available.

Ceremony on site? Ceremonies can be held in the garden courtyard for $440 if also holding your reception there.

Parking available? There is free parking for all guests.

Accommodation on site? No.

Website theabbey.com.au

Phone (02) 6230 2905

Knotts Crossing Resort, Katherine, NT

Situated in the Northern Territory's magnificent Top End, Knotts Crossing Resort is surrounded by tropical gardens and caters for relaxed destination-style weddings.

Venue capacity The large function room can accommodate up to 150 guests cocktail-style or 100 for a sit-down dinner.

Prices From $35 per person for a buffet menu including canapés on arrival or from $40 for three-course set menus. Beverage packages and bar tabs can be arranged on request.

Ceremony on site? Depending on guest numbers, intimate ceremonies can be held at the resort for an additional cost.

Parking available? There is limited parking on site for guests, with additional street parking close by.

Accommodation on site? Choose from hotel suites, cabins, caravans and camping sites.

Website knottscrossing.com.au

Phone (08) 8972 2511

Plume Restaurant, Warkworth, NZ

There's something about a vineyard wedding that just oozes romance and elegance, and Plume is no exception. Nestled in a charming country setting just 50 minutes from Auckland, it boasts elegant décor inside and beautiful gardens out.

Venue capacity Plume can take up to 140 guests seated or 200 cocktail-style. A minimum of 80 guests is required for a booking.

Prices Starting from $80 per person for a three-course seated dinner. Drink charges from $20 per head or by consumption.

Ceremony on site? Out on the lawns, under the gazebo or on the all-weather patio, for no extra charge.

Parking available? There is parking for 45 cars; extra space can be arranged.

Accommodation on site? None on site, but there is plenty available close by.

Website plumerestaurant.co.nz

Phone +64 09 422 7915

Trent's Estate Vineyard, Christchurch, NZ

Set on an historic estate complete with expansive lawns, lily pond and lovingly restored barn, Trent's Estate will lend an idyllic feel to your celebrations. 

Venue capacity Trent's can cater for weddings of 130 guests seated or 150 cocktail-style.

Prices Packages start at $60 per person for a gourmet barbecue or basic table service including canapés and dessert. Drinks start at $22.50 per guest or can be charged on a consumption basis.

Ceremony on site? Hold your ceremony in the Victorian Gazebo under the sycamore trees or in the adjoining marquee if raining, for no extra charge.

Parking available? There is plenty of parking at the estate for a large wedding.

Accommodation on site? No.

Website trentsvineyard.co.nz

Phone +64 03 349 6940

Lake Crackenback Resort, Snowy Mountains, NSW

Combine your ceremony and reception in one place at Lake Crackenback Resort. A glorious destination in the heart of the Snowy Mountains, it provides lake, mountain and bushland views and a range of regionally-inspired food and beverage packages.

Venue capacity The on-site Cuisine on Lake Crackenback Restaurant and Bar seats 100 comfortably, or 120 without a dance floor; 150 for standing cocktail-style.

Prices Sit-down: from $112 per person for two courses and five-hour beverage package; Buffet-style: from $106 per person, including five-hour drinks package; Cocktail style: from $96 per person, including three-hour beverage package.

Ceremony on site? Be married anywhere on the property - popular choices include on the grass by the lake starting from $300, or at the historic Bullocks Hut on Thredbo River from $420, subject to conditions and availability.

Parking available? Complimentary for all guests.

Accommodation on site? Yes, in the chalets, studios or apartments.

Website lakecrackenback.com.au

Phone 1800 020 524

Photography by Fusion Photography.

Fergusson Winery & Restaurant, Yarra Valley, VIC

Take one tranquil vineyard, add a storybook chapel and a restaurant renowned for its regional-inspired dishes and you've got the makings for a perfect wedding venue! 

Up to 120 seated or 150 without a dance floor.

Prices Choose from the 50/50 alternate menu from $95 per person, buffet style from $100 per head or a la carte from $105 per person. All options include three courses, hors d'oeuvres and beverages for 4.5 hours. Cocktail-style starts from $60 per person.

Ceremony on site? Hold a ceremony for up to 80 guests in the Chapel in the Vines or out in the Tranquil Stroll Garden, from $250.

Parking available There is space for approximately 90 vehicles.

Accommodation on site? The Homestead sleeps up to 10 and there are also 23 Vineyard Studio rooms.

Website fergussonwinery.com.au

Phone (03) 5965 2237

The Continental Hotel, Phillip Island, VIC

Combine your ceremony, reception and honeymoon in one place with a memorable wedding at The Continental Hotel. Situated in the heart of the picturesque Phillip Island area, this boutique hotel is ideal guest lists of all sizes.

Venue capacity Featuring floor-to-ceiling windows, The Flinders Room can accommodate 30 to 300 guests seated or 500 standing cocktail-style.

Prices Prices range from the Budget Package at $25 per head for two-course alternate drop to $65 for the three-course Gold Package. Beverage packages start at $25 per person for five hours.

Ceremony on site? Hold your ceremony in or outside for no extra charge.

Parking available? Plenty of parking is available for all your guests.

Accommodation on site? The Continental has 62 guest suites, with special accommodation rates available for you and your guests.

Website thecontinentalhotel.com.au

Phone (03) 5952 2316

The Lakes Resort Hotel, Adelaide, SA

Conveniently situated just 20 minutes from the city centre, The Lakes Resort enjoys idyllic water views over the West Lakes and offers three function spaces for your big day.

Venue capacity The Lakefront Banquet Room holds 120 seated or 130 standing, Lakeside Function Centre holds 300 in a cocktail setting or 250 sit-down, and Reflections Cocktail Lounge is perfect for smaller cocktail-style weddings of up to 80 guests.

Prices Beverage packages start from $31 per person for three hours, and set menus from $51 per head for two courses.

Ceremony on site? Yes, with an additional room hire fee that covers chairs, red carpet and signing table.

Parking available? Over 120 car parks are free to hotel guests.

Accommodation on site? At the end of the night, kick back in one of 72 suites on offer.

Website lakesresorthotel.com.au

Phone (08) 8356 4444

Archers Manor, Newnham, TAS

If you're a bride who likes options, this elegant manor could be just for you. Surrounded by landscaped gardens and only five minutes from the town centre, it's great for classic, contemporary or formal celebrations for large or small groups.

Venue capacity Baxters, with its dark wood panelling and multipaned windows, is great for groups of 50; Rebeccas resembles an 1800s English tavern for parties of 120; Chelsea is a pillar-less space for larger groups of 250.

Prices From $49 per person for a three-course set menu or $45 per head buffet style.

Ceremony on site? Reflections Chapel is a lovely, intimate ceremony venue that seats 80, or exchange vows outdoors on the Village Green. A $200 fee applies for either venue.

Parking available? Up to 200 cars can park within the complex at any time.

Accommodation on site? No.

Website archersmanor.com.au

Phone (03) 6326 3600

Brookfield Polo, Margate, TAS

New to the Hobart venue scene, Brookfield Polo sits in a gorgeous spot surrounded by poplar trees and rolling green paddocks. Great for relaxed outdoor weddings, it has that rustic feel while only being 10 minutes' drive from the centre of Hobart.

Venue capacity A marquee can be set up alongside the polo field for up to 1000 guests.

Prices Food and beverage packages are tailored to your requirements and Brookfield can arrange catering through local suppliers.

Ceremony on site? Couples can have their ceremony here for no extra charge.

Parking available? There is unlimited parking for you and your loved ones.

Accommodation on site? None on site, but there is plenty within 10 minutes of the venue.

Website brookfieldpolo.com

Phone 0407 248 569

Styled by Ruperts Bespoke Events. Photography by Deanne Moore, Shutter Photography.

Home Hill Winery, Ranelagh, TAS

A scenic 30-minute drive from Hobart, the Home Hill main building houses a restaurant, cellar door and barrel room. Huge windows provide spectacular views of the vineyard and Mount Wellington, and the superb menu and wine list will put you in all your guests' good books for a long time to come.

Venue capacity The restaurant can take small groups or larger parties of 150 to 160 seated and 250 cocktail-style.

Prices The average package costs $110-120 per person including canapés, entrée, main and cake served for dessert, and drinks.

Ceremony on site? Say I do out in the vineyard or in the romantic barrel room for an extra $500.

Parking available? There is parking for 100 cars.

Accommodation on site? No.

Website homehillwines.com.au

Phone (03) 6264 1200

Peel Manor House, Karnup, WA

Over 10 acres of landscaped gardens and lawns surround this charming family-run manor, which is perfect for an intimate wedding for smaller groups or a grand soiree larger guest lists.

Venue capacity Peel Manor House caters for weddings from 20 to 150 guests.

Prices Venue hire is $2000. Three-course set menus start at $62 per head, cocktail-style from $40 per guest and $63 per person for buffet-style. Beverages are charged on a consumption basis.

Ceremony on site? The Gazebo amphitheatre on the lake is a gorgeous spot for an outdoor ceremony, or hold it indoors at the bottom of the grand staircase.

Parking available? On-site parking is available.

Accommodation on site? There are 16 luxury suites, four with spas.

Website peelmanorhouse.com.au

Phone (08) 9524 2838

The Old Brewery, Perth

As the name suggests, this was a brewery, as well as a timber mill, convict depot and tannery, but now it's a modern, riverside function venue combining top notch cuisine in a relaxed, intimate environment.

Venue capacity The Thomas Hardwick room is designed for groups of up to 140 seated or 250-plus cocktail-style, or for something smaller, the East-End Restaurant Area holds 80 standing or 50 to 60 for a sit-down meal.

Prices From $112 per person for canapés on arrival, three-course dinner and five-hour beverage package.

Ceremony on site? Yes, speak to your wedding coordinator for options.

Parking available? A large undercover multistorey car park is located across the road.

Accommodation on site? No.

Website theoldbrewery.com.au

Phone (08) 9211 8909