Victoria Wedding Venues
Tucked beneath the Regent Theatre on Collins Street, the Plaza Ballroom is one of Melbourne's most theatrical wedding venues, and one of our favourites to shoot. We are Jay Chubby Wedding, a boutique photography and videography studio, and we recently captured Kira and Nick's reception here. This page shares that day and what makes the Plaza Ballroom such a special place to document a wedding.
Avalon Castle has a very recognisable look. From the outside, it has that romantic castle-style presence couples are usually hoping for when they search for a venue with character. The older architectural details are a big part of the appeal, and inside the venue there are still decorative elements that help keep that historic fantasy feel alive. There is also a small chapel on site, which is a lovely option for couples who want an indoor ceremony space or simply like having a weather backup. Public venue listings also highlight both chapel and garden ceremony options, along with on-site accommodation for guests.
For the wedding we photographed here, the ceremony was held outdoors. One of the sweetest details was the small parasols guests used for shade in the sun. Visually, it looked beautiful and added a soft, storybook feel to the ceremony photos. The walk from the castle to the ceremony area was also one of our favourite parts of the day. Seeing the bride and bridesmaids emerge from the castle and move through the greenery created a really memorable lead-in to the ceremony.
A wedding built for the spotlight
From a photography point of view, Avalon Castle is much stronger outdoors than many couples might expect from the name alone. Yes, the castle itself is a feature, but the surrounding greenery and pathways are what really help tell the story.
This wedding was not especially editorial or highly styled in the traditional sense. The couple’s children were a big part of the day, so the energy felt more family-focused, relaxed and heartfelt. That actually suited the venue well. Rather than forcing the day into something overly posed, we leaned into the natural interactions and used the venue as a textured backdrop for genuine moments.
Why Avalon Castle is such a strong photographyvenue?
• the castle exterior and stone textures
• the leafy walkway from the castle to the ceremony area
• the garden atmosphere around the outdoor ceremony space
• the little chapel and its intimate character
• the preserved old-world details inside the venue
Some of our favourite parts of the venue for photos include:
We always prefer to be honest about venues, because couples are not just choosing a backdrop, they are choosing an experience. Where Avalon Castle really shines is in its ceremony and photo potential. The outdoor areas are beautiful, the old castle character is charming, and having multiple parts of the day in one place is genuinely convenient. The fact that there is accommodation on site is also a major advantage, especially for couples who want a more relaxed start and finish to the day. Public listings describe accommodation for up to 20 guests, and from what we personally saw, there appeared to be several rooms available on site.
Where we found it less strong was the reception side. In our opinion, the reception area felt more intimate than spacious, and couples planning a larger guest count may want to think carefully about how that space will feel once fully set. Public listings suggest the venue can host weddings from around 30 up to 120 or 130 guests depending on setup, but the atmosphere will likely suit some styles of wedding better than others. 
For us, Avalon Castle is at its best when couples are choosing it for the ceremony setting, the photo opportunities, the convenience of everything being on site, and the unique castle atmosphere. If food service and a spacious reception room are the absolute top priority, it is worth asking detailed questions before booking so expectations are clear.
An honest take on Avalon Castle as a wedding venue
• you want a wedding venue with a distinctive, storybook feel
• you love greenery, textured architecture and romantic outdoor portraits
• you want ceremony, portraits, reception and accommodation in one place
• you are planning a wedding that feels warm, family-oriented and visually memorable
• you want a Melbourne wedding venue that feels different from a standard ballroom or modern event space
Avalon Castle could be a great fit for you if:
As Melbourne wedding photographers, we found Avalon Castle especially rewarding to shoot because it offers a lot of visual variety without requiring a rushed timeline. You can move from ceremony to portraits to reception with very little disruption, which helps couples stay present and enjoy the day. For this wedding, what we loved most was not just the castle itself, but the way the entire venue helped shape the story. The guests with parasols in the sun, the bride and bridesmaids walking through the greenery, the children moving through the day with the adults, and the textured, old-world setting all came together in a way that felt warm and memorable.
Our experience photographing a wedding at
Avalon Castle
