12 wedding venues so pretty you don’t need to decorate
By Liv Croagh · September 23, 2025
The art of a chic micro wedding
Wedding trends come and go, but one that has stayed strong since the pandemic is the micro wedding. Unlike an elopement, a micro wedding includes the full ceremony and reception with all the traditional formalities, just on a smaller scale. The result is an intimate celebration with a deeply personal feel.
A micro wedding shifts the focus from spectacle to experience, making it perfect for couples who value meaningful details and time with their closest people. Small in size does not have to mean small in impact. With thoughtful styling and a unique venue, a micro wedding can be just as memorable as a grand affair. And with fewer guests, couples often find they can invest more in the areas that matter most, whether that is décor, food, music, or those special touches guests will remember.
Why couples are choosing micro weddings
Scaling back does not mean sacrificing meaning. With the rising cost of living, more couples are looking for ways to celebrate without breaking the bank. The 2025 Australian Wedding Industry Report found that the average wedding costs around $35,000. Nearly 70% of couples are now planning to reduce their budget, and a micro wedding offers a smart way to do just that.
Wedding expert and Easy Weddings General Manager, Darcy Allen, explains the distinction: “Typically a micro wedding is around 30 to 40 guests, while an elopement would be 2 to 20 guests. An elopement usually involves vows and perhaps a celebratory toast, whereas a micro wedding still includes traditional elements like a reception dinner.”
For couples who love the formality of a larger wedding but want an intimate setting, the micro wedding strikes the perfect balance.
Venues that suit a micro wedding
The venue sets the tone for your day, and smaller guest lists often open up more unique options. Boutique venues with limited capacity can add character and charm that larger spaces cannot. Spaces like these bring warmth and personality to a micro wedding, enhancing the intimacy rather than making it feel sparse. Choosing a venue that feels authentic to you and your story adds depth to the entire celebration.
Here are our top picks for a beautiful micro wedding:
Bar Jayda
5 (1)
·
Victoria
Bar Jayda is an opulent cocktail bar perfect for wedding receptions, ceremonies, and celebrations. Nestled in Bond Street’s iconic Alkira House, this lavish venue blends Middle Eastern and Mediterranean influences with rich interiors and a world-class drinks menu.
Avalon Castle
4.94 (93)
·
Victoria
Is there anything more romantic and magical than a wedding at a Castle? All in one venue for ceremony and reception are here. With the visually stunning castle and grounds to match and of course the charming Castle Cottage for your night of the wedding stay.
Crown Towers
5 (3)
·
New South Wales
Crown Sydney, located in the heart of Barangaroo, offers the epitome of luxury for your dream wedding. With a stunning harbourside setting, we provide world-class venues that cater to every type of celebration, from intimate gatherings to grand receptions. As a full-service resort, we create a complete wedding journey, offering various amenities and services beyond the ceremony.
No 92
5 (1)
·
New South Wales
No 92 offers a stylish, intimate wedding space, combining Victorian charm and a modern twist. We specialise in hosting micro weddings up to 20-40 guests seated and 80 guests cocktail style.
Royal Botanic Garden Sydney
4.84 (51)
·
New South Wales
Set against the stunning backdrop of Sydney Harbour and the city skyline, an oasis awaits: vibrant and world renowned gardens, heritage buildings, and romantic pavilions – perfect for wedding ceremonies, receptions, and photography.
The Coast Chapel, Little Bay
5 (14)
·
New South Wales
Housed in an astonishing geometric architectural design, high up on the sandstone hills, overlooking the Pacific ocean - its gentle crashing waves being the soundtrack to you walking the aisle - The Coast Chapel at Little Bay (also known as The Nurses War Memorial Chapel) now offers couples the opportunity to exchange vows against incredible stained glass windows in a magnificent & unique setting.
White Chapel Kalbar & Black Hall Kalbar
5 (55)
·
Queensland
The multi award winning White Chapel Kalbar & Black Hall Kalbar offers couples a truly magical wedding experience. Immerse yourself in the timeless beauty of this historic venue, where romance and elegance blend seamlessly with modern luxuries. From the moment you step through the grand front doors of the transformed church, you'll be captivated by the understated elegance of White Chapel Kalbar.
Customs House
4.94 (31)
·
Queensland
Welcome to your happily ever after at Customs House! With its elegant grandeur and a team of dedicated professionals, you can be assured that your wedding reception at Customs House will be a truly memorable and special occasion.
The Decoy Paddle Steamer
0 (0)
·
Western Australia
The Decoy Paddle Steamer in Perth, Western Australia, offers a stunning floating venue on the Swan River, blending history, charm, and breathtaking city skyline views. Whether it’s an intimate wedding ceremony or a lively wedding party location, this beautifully restored steamer provides an unforgettable setting.
Ratho Farm
5 (8)
·
Tasmania
Dating back to the 1800's, Ratho Farm stands as one of Tasmania's most loved historic venues. With many picture-perfect spaces, from the giant oak tree to the modern atrium, your free reign is limited only by your creativity
Styling tips that elevate
Social media can make it seem like only a big, extravagant wedding feels luxurious, but micro weddings prove otherwise. With fewer guests, you can focus on the details that truly resonate with you and your loved ones.
Think personalised touches such as embroidered napkins, handwritten place cards, or meaningful keepsakes. Pair those with elevated design elements like lush florals, statement tablescapes, or designer place settings. These details feel purposeful and bring sophistication to an intimate gathering.
Making the guest experience memorable
Another way to make a smaller wedding unforgettable is through shared experiences. Choose something that reflects your passions and invest in it.
Hosting in a wine region? Feature local drops throughout the night. Love food? Hire a private chef for a multi-course dinner. If music is important to you, consider live performers such as a string quartet for cocktail hour. These touches create atmosphere and give your guests something to talk about long after the day ends.
Finding the right photography
Capturing the intimacy of a micro wedding requires the right photography approach. Traditional styles, with rigid shot lists, can feel intrusive in such a personal setting. Instead, many couples are turning to candid, photojournalistic photography.
This style captures the big moments as well as the small in-between ones, giving you an authentic record of the day. If you are camera-shy, a good photographer will know how to guide you into relaxed, flattering shots without disrupting the flow.
Once you have decided on a style, explore Easy Weddings’ photographer and videographer listings to find someone who matches your vision.
A micro wedding may be smaller, but it is no less significant. By shifting the focus from grandeur to presence, couples create a celebration that feels stylish, intentional, and deeply personal.
Whether your goal is to save for your future together or simply to spend quality time with the people who matter most, a micro wedding is proof that sometimes less really is more.
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