Are you planning an elopement or a small intimate wedding in Canberra? We have gone around the nation’s capital to find wedding venues that will actually do a wedding for twenty people or less.

Couples that are eloping aren’t necessarily having small weddings because they just want to save money. Most eloping couples genuinely do not want to have a big traditional wedding. But that doesn’t mean that they don’t want a beautiful wedding and that doesn’t mean that they aren’t prepared to spend proper money to get their dream wedding.

We have found that many venues don’t understand this and just won’t do small weddings. Either because they can’t make it profitable enough or they think their venue is just too big. My feeling is that they think it isn’t profitable enough.

Here is my advice for engaged couples looking for their perfect small wedding venue. If you find a venue that is perfect for you, but the venue feels that your wedding is too small, ask them what their ‘minimum spend’ is. That is, the minimum amount of money you need to spend to make the event profitable enough for them to take it on. You might find that it is not as much as you might think. Plus it means that instead of paying for dinner for 50 to 150 people, you can spend the money on the best food, drinks and styling and have the most amazing small wedding.

My second piece of advice if you are having trouble finding a venue, is to consider mid-week or winter weddings. Wedding venues are much more likely to want your business in these off-peak times.

Canberra is a beautiful location for an elopement and there are some really lovely intimate small wedding venues. From five-star hotels to rustic country venues. and the venue basically sets up the mood, the atmosphere and the experience of your wedding day. So choosing the perfect small wedding venue for your elopement or intimate wedding is a huge decision.

Here are some wonderful elopement and small wedding venues in Canberra that will ensure you have the most perfect day!

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1. Little Weddings

If you are looking to have a small wedding or elopement on a beautiful garden property, where everything is coordinated for you, then Little Weddings is the perfect place for you.

Little Weddings is a small wedding venue located in the Canberra region that exclusively caters to micro weddings, small weddings and elopements. Their wedding package includes the use of this beautiful property, an experienced marriage celebrant and a professional photographer. Everything you need for a simple, yet special wedding and all at a very affordable price.

The Old Stone House and gardens is the stunning location at Little Weddings. These beautiful and picturesque grounds are private and exclusively yours for two hours. The gardens feature large mature Elm and Cypress pine trees, weeping cherries, soft pink roses and lilac hedges. And within the gardens, there are a number of garden rooms, including a Japanese-inspired garden, rose garden and a formal garden. So you are bound to get some really beautiful wedding photos here.

Little Weddings offers a beautiful garden setting for your wedding with everything you need included in their packages. They take the stress and fuss out of wedding planning so that all you need to do is arrive and have an amazing wedding.

Address: 41 Molonglo Street, Bungendore NSW 2621 (just outside Canberra)

2. The Boat House

The Boat House is one of the most magical locations for an elopement in Canberra. It is located right on the shorefront on the beautiful shores of Lake Burley Griffin. This is a multi-award-winning fine dining restaurant with an enchanting atmosphere. This amazing wedding venue actually caters to elopements and small weddings!! Yaaay!!

This is one great restaurant. It has been listed in top 10 ACT restaurants in Gourmet Traveller Restaurant Guide. And is one of the top-rated restaurant in Canberra (The Fork score of 9.4/10 | TripAdvisor 4.5 /5 | 4.7 on Facebook and Google).

Elopement Ceremonies are possible at The Boat House. There is the option to have a beautiful garden ceremony next to the lake and there is also a very nice wet weather back up option inside the venue.

The Boat House also has some photo locations onsite. There are small reserves of green grass and lovely trees on either side of The Boat House. And of course, it overlooks the Lake Burley Griffin.

For your elopement reception or dinner at The Boat House. There are 3 private rooms to choose from and all of them have stunning views to the lake and access to the gardens.

During the peak wedding periods of September to April you can book one of the rooms in The Boat House, as a minimum spend. Meaning that if you have less than 20 guests you just have to spend their minimum amount. This means you will just have to spend your money on the best wines, the best food, premium beers and cocktails, extra canapes… sounds tough 😉

During the off-peak season of May to August, there is no minimum spends required. Meaning you can get an amazing intimate small wedding venue for a very affordable price.

With over 20 years of experience in running weddings, you are in very safe hands with The Boat House. It is in a great location, in a beautiful setting with some of the best food in Canberra.

Address:  Grevillea Park, Menindee Drive, Barton ACT

3. Elm Grove Canberra

If you are looking for a country farm property to elope at, the Elm Grove Canberra might be the elopement wedding venue for you. This wedding venue is actually a working farm! They produce wool and hay. How awesome is that!!

The Elm Grove Canberra is a heritage-listed private property located in the northern suburbs of Canberra. And as the name suggests, the property has two magnificent elm trees on the property offering lovely shade for ceremonies.

It is a huge property so there are many potential locations to have your elopement wedding ceremony. Often it is held in the shade of the Elm trees in the garden. The working woolshed can be an amazing wet-weather backup option.

Elm Grove Canberra is an amazing place for wedding and elopement photos. It is a huge property to explore with an abundance of photo locations. There are huge open fields, trees, rolling hills, paddocks, rustic walls, old sheds and other farming buildings. So you are guaranteed some beautiful photos.

There is no permanent structure onsite for wedding receptions. So it is a blank canvas in that aspect. You could hire a small marquee, get tents and tipis. Or you could dine under the stars and get come caterers to look after you. There are some really great options.

Address: 230 Roden Cutler Dr, Jacka ACT

4. Redbrow Garden Guesthouse (All Day Every Day Guesthouse)

Redbrow Garden is located on the northern outskirts of Canberra and is a beautiful lakeside property surrounded by stunning gardens. If you are looking for a relaxed garden elopement then this place just might be right for you. And this beautiful property can actually cater to smaller weddings.

There is onsite accommodation available, which means you will be able to spend the whole day in the one location without needing to travel anywhere. So you can spend more day with your family & friends.

The gardens are a perfect area for an outdoor elopement ceremony. There is plenty of land and trees so the gardens and lake are ideal for wedding photos afterwards.

Your reception can take place in the Redbrow Garden Undercover Deck. They can cater up to 120 guests, but they also cater so smaller more intimate numbers with just a minimum spend required.

If you are looking for a small wedding venue that has an enchanted, secret garden feel to it, then the Redbrow Gardens Guesthouse could be to perfect space for you.

Address: 1143 Nanima Road, Murumbatemen

5. Poachers Pantry

Poachers Pantry has been one of the premier wedding venues in Canberra for many years. It is booked out years in advance, particularly during prime seasons. But did you know that they also cater to smaller more intimate weddings? Book an off-peak or mid-week smaller wedding, and this property could be yours with a minimum spend!

Poachers Pantry is a small family business that has been going for over 25 years and was built around a love of food and family. This property features, fine wines, one of the finest smokehouses in Australia and some amazing food. All located on one stunning rural property.

Ceremonies take place on the Homestead lawn and is a perfect location for exchanging your wedding vows. There are beautiful gardens, fields of long golden grass and vineyards around making it perfect for stunning wedding photos.

Intimate wedding receptions can be held in the restaurant or perhaps outside in the Veggie Garden or under the Elm tree if the weather is good and you want dinner under the star and fairy lights. And you are guaranteed some of the best regional food with their renowned smoked meats and award-winning wines.

Address: 431 Nanima Road, Springrange NSW

6. Ginninderry Homestead

Ginninderra Homestead is a lovely Georgian style bed and breakfast property with gorgeous gardens that located just 20 minutes from the heart of Canberra. This is a wedding venue is a 70-acre property that can fit up to 110 guests so it is more of a traditional venue in one sense. BUT you can still use this venue for smaller weddings and elopements, you just need to pay a surcharge to meet their minimum spend requirements.

And I think this property is a really great option for an intimate wedding or elopement in Canberra.

On-site accommodation is available at Ginninderra Homestead. And there are rooms available in the homestead and there is also a self-contained cottage. So you can easily get ready on the property and still not see each other if that is what you want.

Your wedding ceremony can take place at a range of locations. There is the sunken garden, wisteria walks or the formal lawn area with its central fountain and white roses.

There are beautiful manicured gardens, creeks and streams, rolling hills and mountain ranges out in the distance. So with 70-acres of land, there is a lot of beautiful locations for wedding photos. You will be spoilt for choice.

The reception room is called ‘The Grand’ and features high ceilings, chandeliers and a roaring fireplace. Depending on the weather, you could potentially dine out under the stars in the garden.

Like I said before, this is a venue that normally does larger weddings and they are very popular. So be prepared to pay for their minimum spend and also consider doing your elopement/wedding during off-peak season (winter) or mid-week.

Address: Ginninderry Park, 468 Parkwood Road, Via Macgregor ACT

7. Gold Creek Station

Gold Creek Station is a rustic farm that is secluded, gorgeous and sublime.  Situated in the village of Hall, and only 20 minutes from Canberra, it caters for small rustic weddings in a bush setting for up to 30 guests.   You can have your ceremony and reception by the magnificent dam, in the chapel or you can have a pop-up wedding anywhere on the farm that takes your fancy.

Address: Victoria St, Hall ACT

8. Tuggeranong Homestead

Located on 70 acres of secluded countryside and only 20 minutes from Canberra, this heritage-listed property is gorgeous with picturesque rolling hills and rustic countryside suitable for weddings of all sizes.  The food is amazing and the ambience is romantic, calm and relaxing.  You can have your wedding either inside or outside and you can even stay and watch the sunset.

Address: 51 Johnson Dr, Richardson ACT

9. Pialligo Estate

Pialligo Estate is a vineyard, a farm, and an olive grove estate all set on 55-acre of picturesque property for your unforgettable wedding.  There are multiple venues for your ceremony and reception, each as unique and gorgeous as the other.  Your photoshoot will be like no other at this remarkable estate that has its own award-winning wines, delicious home-grown produce and top-class service.

Address: 18 Kallaroo Rd, Pialligo ACT

10. The Chapel at Gold Creek

The Chapel at Gold Creek is an award-winning wedding venue in Canberra that
retains its unique appeal of yester years, combined with its modern facilities to give you a serene ambience for your wedding.  You will fall in love with the recent renovations of this charming, purpose-built chapel of no particular faith that is nestled amidst the gorgeous established gardens.  All you have to do is arrive and enjoy yourself and not worry about a thing.  This venue will seat 120 guests 

Address: 17 O’Hanlon Pl, Nicholls ACT

11. Hyatt Hotel Canberra

Less than a 10-minute walk from Canberra, this heritage-listed 5-star luxury hotel will provide you with the most romantic and beautiful ambience for your wedding.  With all its old world charm, your wedding shoot will capture all the elegance of yester years to give you an unforgettable wedding.  The food is fantastic, the venue is gorgeous and the service is one of a kind.

Address: 120 Commonwealth Ave, Canberra ACT

12. Rydges Capital Hill

This is your all-in-one wedding venue where you can have an all-weather indoor atrium ceremony, followed by a Reception held in the Restaurant.  The Rydges has a great reputation for its scrumptious food, fine wines and gorgeous interiors for your wedding backdrop.  It can cater from 20 guests for a small intimate wedding or the Forrest Suite that features stunning floor to ceiling windows can cater up to 150 guests.  

Address:  Corner Canberra Ave & National Circuit, ACT

13. The Abbey

Rustic vintage charm with an emphasis on elegance and sophistication, The Abbey offers a venue for a grand magical wedding.  Located in the Gold Creek Village, the venue is known for its historical charm and gourmet food catered for externally by 

Ginger Catering.  With a silk-laid ceiling and an organ in the Abbey, your wedding photos will be just amazing.

Address:  O’Hanlon Pl,, Nicholls, Australian Capital Territory

14. The Truffle Farm

This is a small wedding venue that is just beautiful and sublime with a 100-year old gum tree where you can take your vows under this majestic backdrop.  This is a working truffle farm that has a barn where you can hold your reception for up to 80 guests.  It is a beautiful property for a most unforgettable photo shoot.

Address: 23 Mount Majura Rd, Majura ACT

15. Hotel Realm

This is an award-winning hotel that is just perfect for making your wedding dream come true.  It offers a modern, luxe, sophisticated venue with a restaurant that caters for food made for a sensory overload.  With a 5-star hotel room to retire to at the end of the day, it sounds just like the perfect wedding you have longed for.

Address: 18 National Circuit, Canberra ACT

16. Crown Plaza Canberra

The Crown Plaza is an inner city hotel that can host your contemporary wedding ceremony and reception all in one place.  There are different venues for you to choose from and they can cater from 50 to 150 guests.  The cuisine is a delightful Australian cuisine and the menu can to altered to suit your taste and budget.  Accommodation can be found on-site.

Address: 1 Binara St, Canberra ACT

17. QT Canberra

QT Canberra is a hotel with 8 stunning venues for your wedding ceremonies and receptions to suit the simplest of weddings to the grandest ballroom style.  They can host weddings from 20 to 1000 guests and promises you backdrops that are so captivating that it will deliver to you an unforgettable wedding.  There is boutique accommodation on-site for you and your guests. 

Address: 1 London Cct, Canberra ACT

18. Ainslie & Gorman Arts Centres

Centrally located in Canberra, both recently renovated twin arts centres are equipped with modern amenities and situated within heritage-listed builidings.  They boast two internal courtyards, each with a magnificent Hawthorn tree at its heart. Hawthorn trees are symbols of love and protection and what better place is there to start your married life than with love and protection for a life long happy marriage.

Address: Gorman Arts Centre, 55 Ainslie Ave, Braddon ACT

19. University House Canberra

This 1950’s building is truly a unique place for a picture perfect wedding in a sublime surrounds in the centre of Canberra.  From its gorgeous garden to the impressive Gala Hall, there are affordable and unique wedding packages for you to choose from for your unforgettable wedding.  Due to the 2020 hailstorm, University House is closed for renovations but there are pop-up wedding spaces for hire till the renovations are completed.

Address: 1 Balmain Cres, Acton ACT

20. National Gallery of Australia

The National Gallery is a heritage-listed building, centrally location in the heart of the nation with some of the best views in Canberra, including Lake Burley Griffith.  With 4 unique venues, each as superb as the other, you cannot go wrong having your wedding here.   Their Caterer The Big Group will deliver you a cuisine you’d be proud of and that your guests will remember for a long time.  With fine wines and a great view, your wedding will be most memorable.

Address: Parkes Pl E, Parkes ACT

21. George Harcourt

This is a multi-award AHA winner and is a classic English pub that provides live music together with the good old English Food and is a great place to hold a small wedding or an elopement.  The wine list is versatile and the service is superb.  The atmosphere is great with a fireplace to keep you cosy when the weather is cold.  George Harcourt can host up to 300 guests.

Address: 3 Gold Creek Rd, Nicholls ACT

22. National Press Club of Australia

The National Press Club is a prestigious and elegant venue to hold your wedding of a lifetime.  It has been awarded the National Wedding Caterer of the Year in 2018 and your guests will be in awe of the succulent food that they serve here.  They have a range of menus for you to choose from and will go out of their way to ensure that you have a most memorable wedding reception.  They will look after you in every way, so all you have to do is show up and have a good time.

Address: 16 National Circuit, Barton ACT

23. Hotel Kurrajong Canberra

This is the most historic hotel in Canberra to hold your wedding in an elegant and stylish modern hotel that oozes with memories of the past with its heritage touches in the room   The team here loves to share stories of the bygone era whilst ensuring that you get the best service on your wedding day.  You can spend your honeymoon in Parliament House and wake up to the sounds of birds in the beautiful garden Terrace.  Hotel Kurrajong will curate you a most unforgettable menu for your reception.

Address:  8 National Circuit, Barton, ACT

24. The Deck at Regatta Point

You will find the most outstanding view at The Deck with views of Lake Burley Griffith.  This is a spectacular backdrop as it oversees the lake and the Commonwealth Park.  The Deck has glass walls all around, giving you tremendous backdrops with natural light for your photoshoot.  You can have your ceremony inside or outside on a beautiful day.  It can host up to 300 guests for your Reception.

Address: Barrine Dr, Parkes ACT