Probably not cheap, and not much of a view to speak of, but The Abbey is a great venue. I wasn’t sure what to expect but went to a fantastic wedding there a couple of months ago. It’s a huge space, indoor and outdoor bars, all sorts of possible options for table layouts, music, speeches, projectors for photos etc.

Not absolutely sure about Regatta Point but ACT Government, ANU and dome national institution buildings and halls would generally not have attached caterers but may offer heritage/views. What about choose a shirt list of caterers and ask them for locations they know of.

We used Lanyon Homestead about 10 years ago. Historic, nice view, but no grand piano I’m afraid. It is very reasonable and good food if you don’t want anything too flash. They have a marquee outside, but I suspect you could hire your own if you wanted something more flash.

If you are willing to consider a venue outside of Canberra (Yass) Blackburn Home pretty much hits the nail on the head– it’s large, is cost effective and allows you to use your preferred caterers. Views are amazing, lots of great places for photos around the property as well as inside the venue.

http://www.blackburnhomestead.com/weddings.html

A friend had theirs at the Italian Club in Forrest (upstairs) – apparently it was the only place they could find to bring in their own caterer.

I went to a wedding at Albert Hall earlier this year, it was nice enough. They had Annie and the Armadillos playing, which was a fine choice.

The Yacht Club? Attended a large party there in a marquee set up on the lawn, but there may be other options to capitalise on the lakeside setting?

Does it need to be realistic? I only ask because you didn’t mention it specifically

Yarralumla Woolshed is great if you want something rustic. Self cater and self manage the whole setting – great with an outdoor BBQ or inside catering set up. will need to hire furniture and other items though.

Nice view, grand piano….come on mate, your only option is your own house. I bet you are the type to have the engagement party and have everyone put a gold coin in so the tab lasts longer. Self catering is a nightmare and not worth your time or the arguements that go with it, and if you are even considering a marquee I will warn you it costs around $3000 for a decent size and possibly more for 100 guests even if you do erect it on government land somewhere. So if you want somewhere cheap then the Yacht Club marquee with a buffet is your best bet. Otherwise get married at Births, Deaths & Marriages and have a BBQ.

Reasonable priced marquee, table and chair rentals can be had at shade4hire.com

The proprietor, Ian is a good bloke who knows his tents. I’m using one of his small ones at The Village festival this weekend but by his price list one to seat a hundred would be around a thousand dollars.

However be warned after years of running tent hire businesses where he was doing up to 50 weddings a year he does not like doing them now he is semi retired. They are also not as new and shiny as the ones that cost three times as much to hire.

He can also advise on the hoops that need to be jumped through for public land options around Canberra.