Australia's Top Hotel Wedding Destinations

With floor-to-ceiling windows that look out onto uninterrupted views of the iconic Sydney harbour, it’s no surprise that the price tag here is not cheap. The four-and-a-half pearl Pullman Quay Grand Sydney Harbour sits perched on the harbour in Circular Quay with iconic views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Couples can choose from one of three opulent wedding reception venues including the ECQ cocktail bar for 200 guests, the Lachlan Macquarie Room for up to 80 guests, or the Q Dining Room for a more intimate-style formal dinner with 50 friends and family. The hotel premises have a range of wedding packages available and an expert wedding planner who can customize the special day to cater to each couples' individual taste. The hotel's ceremony location comes with a backdrop of the Sydney harbour, or alternatively couples can opt for one of the surrounding areas ceremony settings like the Royal Botanic Gardens or St Mary's Cathedral. If money is no object, the apartment-style accommodation on offer is kitted out with modern decor, grand bathrooms, and chic furnishings. 


Where to Stay: Pullman Quay Grand Sydney Harbour


The 68 suites at Pullman Quay Grand don't come cheap -- for a reason. These chic one- and two-bedroom apartment-style units look out over peaceful green gardens or the busy but beautiful harbour, and have floor-to-ceiling windows; modern, minimalist decor; big kitchens; dining areas; and cozy living rooms. They're perhaps not quite as luxurious as some may expect for the price, but they're still among Sydney's best accommodations. Amenities include a peaceful indoor pool and small, unexceptional fitness room. The property also features a fine-dining restaurant and a trendy bar, both with great harbor views. It's a prime place to stay with an excellent location in Circular Quay, but with rates this high, the fees for Wi-Fi and parking feel like nickel-and-diming.

If you want to impress the pants off your 850 guests, the Grand Ballroom at the Shangri-La Hotel Sydney is unlike any other, with views across the harbour to the Sydney Opera House, Luna Park, and the Harbour Bridge. The reception venue comes with not one, but four crystal chandeliers, controllable colored skylights, and floor-to-ceiling windows with scenic views across the iconic Sydney skyline. For the wedding ceremony many couples opt for a location in The Rocks, with some of the best vantage points for wedding pics. This historic area of Sydney has architecture dating back to the 1800s and charming ceremony locations including First Fleet Park and The Garrison Church. Hotel wedding packages include personalized menus, floral arrangements, valet parking, and high-tech stage and dance-floor facilities to celebrate the memorable day. Couples can choose to spend their wedding night on-site at one of the hotels many opulent rooms, and then employ the Shangri-La staff to execute their high-end honeymoon destination in a romantic suite at one of the sister hotels around the world.


Where to Stay: Shangri-La Hotel Sydney


With sweeping views of both Darling Harbor and Sydney Cove, the Shangri-La Hotel Sydney is one of the most desirable hotels in the city. It's located in The Rocks, a charming, historic area just north of the Central Business District. Asian-inspired interiors are luxurious, and the large and bright rooms have big marble bathrooms complete with separate showers and soaking tubs. They are also tech-savvy, making them popular with business travelers, featuring built-in coverters in outlets for worry-free charging. The hotel has two bars and two restaurants, one on the 36th floor that is a destination restaurant in Sydney. Amenities are extensive, and include a peaceful indoor pool, modern fitness center, and serene spa. With 563 rooms, the hotel may not be intimate, but the polished interiors and great views make it worth the price tag.

In the buzzing city center of trendy Melbourne, overlooking St. Patrick’s Cathedral and the Fitzroy Gardens, the Grand Hyatt Melbourne offers couples a grand experience that can be catered to each individual’s budget. Perks include an on-site florist, dedicated wedding consultant, chef, and sizable discounts on the hotel's far-reaching wedding supplier list. The hotel comes equipped with three reception areas, including the Savoy Ballroom for your 1,500 closest friends, the Mayfair Ballroom for a customized dinner and dance style venue, and The Residence, a character-filled mansion style event space. Wedding ceremonies are often held in the lush courtyard at The Residence, with manicured gardens and an atrium ceiling which lets in a flood of natural light. All wedding packages include a night’s stay in the hotel's lush accommodations for the bride and groom, and discounted rooms for their loved ones. 


Where to Stay: Grand Hyatt Melbourne


This opulent, centrally located hotel caters to the needs -- and deep wallets -- of business travelers. With big, comfortable rooms and plenty of on-site amenities, including a pool and rooftop tennis court, meeting facilities, and a spa, the luxurious Grand Hyatt is a solid pick for those who want to combine work and pleasure. It is, however, missing the small touches that set other luxury hotels apart, such as automatic turndown service or refreshments upon arrival.