As the Covid pandemic and restrictions persist in Victoria, many couples may be reviewing their thoughts about the big white wedding and looking for something smaller, without losing any of the excitement of a memorable and beautiful wedding day. My mind has turned to venues that I love for micro weddings or even elopements with just a handful of guests.

Here are some of my favourites, along with why I love them! (Click on the headings for individual websites)

 
Image: Katherine D Photography

Image: Katherine D Photography

  • Beautiful restoration of a former school building

  • Central Bendigo location

  • Accommodation for groups of 10 - 12 people in The Residence, next door

  • Private courtyard at the rear of the property

  • Fine food from Ms Batterhams (basement onsite restaurant)

 
Image: Sue Begg

Image: Sue Begg

  • Adjacent to Rosalind Park (ambience, photos)

  • Celebrate in the light filled Sculpture Annexe

  • Fabulous accoustic (especially for live music!)

  • Cocktail or sit-down receptions both work well

  • Sublime atmosphere, surrounded by art

 
Image: AJ Taylor Photography

Image: AJ Taylor Photography


  • rural setting but minutes from Bendigo

  • many accommodation options for a weekend of celebrations with your guests

  • luxury ‘glamping’ under the stars for the marrying couple

  • quality food and wine

  • bright and sunny outdoor space or cosy, indoor ceremony and reception - all seasons venue

 
Image: Guard’s Room - Wine Bank website

Image: Guard’s Room - Wine Bank website

  • Iconic Bendigo building in a central city location

  • Guard’s Room (upstairs) is perfect for a small gathering

  • Courtyard for outdoor ceremony and drinks

  • Lovely winter wedding option

  • Accommodation onsite

 
Image: Jess White Photography

Image: Jess White Photography

  • Beautifully restored interior

  • Well manicured and extensive gardens

  • Indoor and outdoor ceremony spaces

  • Variety of private dining rooms

  • Bendigo’s history abounds

 
Image: Byronsvale website

Image: Byronsvale website

  • Quality accommodation options for a small group of family or friends

  • Friendly country hospitality

  • Rural location but only minutes from Bendigo

  • Surrounded by Bendigo’s oldest vineyard

  • Cosy atmosphere for a winter wedding - outdoor fire pit!

 
Image: Heart of Gold website

Image: Heart of Gold website

  • Luxurious and romantic sandstone cottage, for the marrying couple

  • Wine room available for daytime functions

  • Expansive gardens, including a deck over the dam - perfect ceremony location

  • Vineyard location in the geographical heart of Victoria!

  • Minutes from Bendigo but with a peaceful, rural feel