BENNELONG RESTAURANT WEDDING GUIDE

Bennelong at the Opera House - why get married here?

Bennelong is about as iconic and unique a Sydney / Australian institution as it gets.

Right on the Quay with the opera house in the background, one of the most stunningly designed spaces you’ll ever step foot in, and exceptional fine dining headed up by one of Australia’s most famous chefs, Bennelong is the venue to book if you want to show off Sydney to your loved ones (particularly if they are travelling internationally), or simply treat your guests to an incredibly unique, once in a life time experience.

All for a surprisingly affordable price (see further details below).

All photos taken by me.

Venue Information

Vibe - utterly unique cultured sophistication

Capacity - up to 28 guests seated in the Opera Circle, up to 100 guests seated in the City Circle or 300 cocktail style

Food - award winning modern Australian by Peter Gilmore

Pricing

Opera Circle 210 per head for a three course meal, minimum 6000-7000 spend depending on time of year. Lunch only.
City Circle 210 - 240 per head with a minimum spend of 18000 - 40000 for lunch depending on time of year, and 65000 - 71000 for dinner.
No venue or ceremony fee for any option.

Venue Highlights

Perhaps one of the most beautiful spaces in all of Sydney, designed by the famous Jorn Utzon who designed the space along with the rest of the Opera House.

Potential for photographs to be taken inside the Opera House after the ceremony.

Have your ceremony with the harbour bridge and / or the iconic sails of the Opera House in the background.

Tips & Tricks

There is no venue hire, you simply have to pay for food and drinks.

Very much not the norm for most venues, especially ones as iconic as this.

Food by famed chef Peter Gilmore.

All the catering options are exceptional but this is a great way to treat your guests to a singular experience.

Most weddings here are lunch time weddings to take advantage of the minimal minimum spend.

Lunch and weekday weddings here attract a minimal minimum spend which most couples choose to take advantage of - plus the light in the morning bouncing off the Opera House sails makes for some incredible images at this time of day. Lunch time weddings typically extend from 11 AM to 4 PM, in order for the restaurant to reset for dinner service.

Couples often choose a lunch time wedding, and then hire a space at a bar nearby for the reception / afterparty.

A plethora of options exist at the Quay and the Rocks nearby, both within walking distance.

You get the opportunity for photographs within the opera house.

This is generally reserved for people getting married at one of the Opera House’s venues.

Bennelong Restaurant Ceremony Options

Two configurations are typically used for ceremonies at Bennelong, both on the upper level. Both are beautiful and take full advantage of the space, but in my opinion as a photographer the ceremony centred at the top of the stairs simply creates an opportunity for too many utterly unique and beautiful perspectives.

Option One - Top of stairs

Option Two - Against north-western windows

Bennelong Restaurant Reception Options

Opera Circle

Perfect for intimate weddings of up to 28 guests, the Opera Circle is located on the upper floor of Bennelong, right next to the ceremony space which makes it easy for your arbour set up or any decorations to be repurposed for the meal. This option is available Mon-Thu at 210 per head for three courses, and a minimum spend of 6000-7000 food and beverage depending on the time of year, with no venue hire fee.

City Circle

Suited to larger weddings, the City Circle is located on the lower floor of Bennelong with expansive views of the Quay and city scape. The City Circle can accomodate 100 for a seated meal or up to 300 cocktail at 210 - 240 per head with a minimum spend of 18000 - 40000 for lunch depending on time of year, and 65000 - 71000 for dinner.

What It Could Look (and feel ) Like

I’ve shot scores of weddings at Bennelong. It is sincerely one of my favourite venues to shoot in Sydney. Here’s what it could look like if you get married there.

You can also see a full wedding shot at Bennelong if you want to get a better feel for it here.