Small reception venue

The restaurant at the National Gallery of Australia (the outdoor one) is quite nice. While it can probably seat 60-70 people, a group of 30 should work okay and not look out of place.

Same applies to Axis at the Museum.

Oh, as for exclusivity, you’ll get it at a restaurant/cafe no problems, you just might have to pay for the privilege.

Could you fit 30 peoplei n the big room at the Boathouse?

The The Boat House by the Lake will give you a private room that seats 30ish.

Awesome and friendly photographer is Stu: http://www.stuartbrownphotography.com.au/

I read you don’t like the sports clubs for wedding venues, but the Orion room at Southern Cross Woden is nice, away from the club area, and they really take good care of you. Very friendly staff.

Thanks for all the suggestions everyone! We’ll check out all of them.

thatsnotme said :

I think you might find it difficult to get exclusive use of a recognised reception venue for a small number of people – particularly if you’re thinking of getting married on a Saturday during the peak season. A pub may close off a section for you earlier in the evening, but you’ll be unlikely to get exclusive use of the place, and will certainly be sharing later in the evening.

I’d think your best bet may be looking for a restaurant with a separate room you could use.

Yeah, this was what I meant by private, a room or a section of a room, or something like that.

troll-sniffer said :

University House provides a classy environment, probably just what you need if you’re after something quiet and refined.

+1 from personal experience (we had the ceremony in the enclosed courtyard and the reception in the long room which looks out over the courtyard)

Vivaldi’s (restaurant on ANU campus, near the main shop area) has a nice atmosphere and do functions. The food is very nice.

+1 Functions at Federation it would be ideal for this size of event, I have liked it every time I have been there.

Brendan Bell from Stills Photography did our wedding photos a couple of years ago and we were really happy with the end result. He took great staged and informal shots, and made sure that everyone was relaxed and comfortable. I would definitely recommend him to anyone looking for a wedding photographer without the fuss that usually comes with this sort of stuff.

University House provides a classy environment, probably just what you need if you’re after something quiet and refined.

For your photography, try Leoni on 62313403.

Gold Creek even if it is not that close to Civic. Depending on the day of the week for your reception but try Functions at Federation.

http://www.functionsatfederation.com.au/functions.htm

Just had our reception for 60 odd there a few weeks ago in the abbey (bigger of the two rooms available) and it was perfect. It’s run by the same chef that owns Ellecure restaurant, which is brilliant as well.

http://www.ellacure.com.au/

I’ve also seen receptions at The George.

http://www.georgeharcourt.com/

Can also recommend Dan O’Day for a photographer.

http://danodayphotography.com.au/

Yarralumla Gallery & Cafe in Weston Park is lovely, will cater for most of your needs and not too large, although the owner there is kinda batshit crazy (but in sort of a good way – looking, acting and sounding like something between Basil Fawlty and HG Nelson)

+1 for Gold Creek

Also, Grazing at Gungaroo is a great venue with extraordinary food and drink

My first thought was The Green Herring.

The next thought was something like Poacher’s Pantry or one of the Canberra wineries about (friends recently got married out at Fedra Olive Grove on the hill, it was magical and the food was so yummy.

But given there is a drink/drive issue with out of town venues, one place I have seen a small wedding at, that was intimate and the food was beautiful and service second to none was La Scala in Civic. The bride looked thrilled and everyone seemed to be having a wonderful time.

I’d be happy to talk to you about your photography – you can see my work at http://www.stuartbrownphotography.com.au – just fill in the contact form through the site if you want to discuss what you need.

I think you might find it difficult to get exclusive use of a recognised reception venue for a small number of people – particularly if you’re thinking of getting married on a Saturday during the peak season. A pub may close off a section for you earlier in the evening, but you’ll be unlikely to get exclusive use of the place, and will certainly be sharing later in the evening.

I’d think your best bet may be looking for a restaurant with a separate room you could use (I’m not suggesting this restaurant for you, but something similar to what places like the Asian Cafe have, with their courtyard room that’s segregated from the rest of the restaurant).

Good luck!

Recommend Rebecca or Jack with ACT Capital Photographics.

How about Hellenic Club? I know the woden one is big on wedding receptions and the civic one is now taking function bookings. Might be worth a shot.

http://www.hellenicclub.com.au/city/functions.html