The Rise of Micro Weddings: Why Small Wedding Venues in Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane Are in High Demand




Gone are the days when bigger meant better. In 2025, micro weddings, intimate celebrations with fewer than 50 guests, are becoming one of the biggest trends in Australia. Couples are embracing small wedding venues that offer a more personal, meaningful, and stress-free experience while allowing for stunning details, creative styling, and unforgettable moments.


If you're considering a small wedding, here’s everything you need to know, from the best small wedding venues in Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane to styling tips and budget-friendly ideas!

Why Are Small Weddings Becoming So Popular?


Recent wedding industry statistics show that more than 60% of Australian couples are opting for weddings with fewer than 100 guests. Micro weddings have grown in popularity due to:


Cost Savings: The average Australian wedding costs around $33,000, with venues making up the largest portion of the budget. Hosting a smaller event at a small wedding venue can significantly reduce expenses.


Intimate Experience: Fewer guests mean you can spend quality time with each loved one, creating a truly special day.


More Venue Options: Many stunning Sydney wedding venues, Melbourne wedding venues, and Brisbane wedding venues offer intimate spaces that wouldn’t be suitable for a large guest list.


Flexibility in Styling & Details: With fewer guests, you can invest in luxurious table settings, custom menus, and creative styling without breaking the bank.

The Best Small Wedding Venues in Sydney, Melbourne & Brisbane



Sydney’s Best Small Wedding Venues



  • The Grounds of Alexandria – One of the most picturesque Sydney wedding venues, The Grounds offers an enchanting garden setting perfect for an intimate reception.


  • Chiswick Woollahra – This elegant venue offers a private dining experience with farm-to-table cuisine, ideal for a relaxed, stylish wedding reception.



  • Gunners' Barracks – Overlooking Sydney Harbour, this historic venue is ideal for couples looking for a charming and intimate Sydney wedding venue.


Melbourne’s Best Small Wedding Venues



  • Two Ton Max – A chic, industrial-style venue in North Melbourne that can be styled to suit any wedding theme.



  • Quat Quatta – A boutique Melbourne wedding venue with vintage charm, perfect for intimate and elegant receptions.



  • Luminare – An exclusive rooftop venue offering breathtaking city views for a luxurious yet intimate wedding experience.

Brisbane’s Best Small Wedding Venues


  • High Church – A unique heritage-listed venue that blends tradition with contemporary styling.



  • The Bower Estate – A rainforest retreat offering a dreamy backdrop for an intimate wedding reception.



  • Eagle Farm Racecourse – Offers stylish private dining spaces for couples who want a small wedding venue with a hint of old-world charm.

How to Make a Small Wedding Feel Grand


Just because your wedding is smaller doesn’t mean it has to be simple! Here’s how to elevate your micro wedding:



Personalised Styling – Consider custom signage, handwritten place cards, and unique floral arrangements.



Live Music or Acoustic Performances – A smaller wedding allows for intimate entertainment, like a solo musician or a jazz trio.



Gourmet Dining Experience – Upgrade to a chef-curated menu or a private dining reception with a focus on premium food and wine.




Breathtaking Photography & Videography – With fewer guests, you can focus on stunning couple portraits and heartfelt moments with loved ones.

Budgeting for a Small Wedding: Where to Save & Where to Splurge



Where to Save:

✔ Guest List Reduction – Keeping numbers small automatically lowers costs.

✔ Opt for a Weekday Wedding – Many wedding venues in Australia offer discounted rates for non-weekend bookings.



Where to Splurge:

✔ Photography & Videography – Since your guest list is small, investing in high-quality wedding photography will help capture the special moments.

✔ Memorable Guest Experiences – Upgrade your reception with personalised favours, a cocktail bar, or an interactive dessert station.

The Beauty of a Small Wedding



A micro wedding allows you to focus on what truly matters, your love story, your closest family and friends, and creating an unforgettable day filled with meaning and magic. Whether you're dreaming of a beach wedding venue, a cheap wedding venue with style, or an elegant small wedding venue, there are plenty of options across Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane to bring your vision to life.


Looking for a wedding photographer who can beautifully capture your intimate celebration? Dreamlife specialises in Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane weddings, ensuring that every detail, every laugh, and every loving glance is captured forever. Contact us today to make your wedding dreams a reality!