5 Of My Favourite Venues I've Been a Marriage Celebrant (and Wedding DJ) At

As I quickly approach my hundredth wedding as a marriage celebrant (I didn't even realise when I'd passed 50 earlier this year - oops!), I figured it's high time to let you guys know some of my favourite places to help couples get hitched. This list is obviously not exhaustive - there's so many places to make it happen in Perth and WA, but here's a few that have stood out for me so far (in no particular order).

1. Assembly Yard, Fremantle

Alycia & Ryan, March 2020

I've done a two weddings here now and have a few more coming up over the next couple of years. There's so much to love about it no matter what time of year you're getting married. The outdoor space is vast yet intimate, with festoon lighting, beautifully maintained lawns and garden and that big ol' wooden door to the indoor area, which forms a perfect backdrop for your ceremony. Hell, even the toilets are good-looking! The indoor space is a clean, tasteful canvas for whatever you wanna do with flowers, styling etc. They provide their own sound system for the DJ as well, and it's got plenty of punch to keep the dancefloor moving. The staff are super-friendly and attentive, it's been a pleasure working there as both a marriage celebrant and wedding DJ, and I can't wait to work there again!

2. Millbrook Winery, Jarrahdale

I was marriage celebrant and wedding DJ here just a couple of weeks ago, and all I can say is WOW. But actually, I can say much more. It's one hundred percent worth the 1 hour drive, with stunning scenery in every direction. The lush gardens and glistening lake with the vineyards and main building in the background are the perfect setting to get married (and party) in. It's a perfect winter wedding venue as well, even the undercover 'back-up' ceremony area is visually striking, and partying in the upstairs function room overlooking the lake makes cold weather a total non-issue. Food was top-notch too!

3. The Raft, Perth

Belinda & Kalon, January 2021

Did an awesome surprise wedding as marriage celebrant & wedding DJ here last year and itching to get back on board. The central location more than makes up for the small inconvenience of having to board via the tender vessel (and as far as inconveniences go, it doesn't get much more glam or cool than getting a boat to the boat). Despite being an on-water venue, guests can come and go more or less as they please, with the tender vessel making trips to and from The Raft every 30 minutes. They've got a full DJ setup ready to go on board, so I had the convenient pleasure of taking an uber in with nothing more than my laptop and headphones - much easier than the carload of stuff I usually need! The food and drink options were also fantastic, and the open single-floor layout avoids the cramped, unsteady feeling that often comes with partying on a boat.

4. Bunkers Beach House, Dunsborough

Rachel & Sam, August 2021

Another of my favourite venues from last year's weddings, and a particularly great venue for more intimate weddings. Getting married on the beach is a nice idea, but the afternoon breeze/wind makes it a real challenge for most weddings. Bunkers Beach House gives you all the picturesque beauty of a beach wedding with way less of the downside - their decking sits over the sand with full, close beach views in the background, but the venue shields most of the wind and gives your guests somewhere much more comfortable to watch you get married than dealing with seats slowly sinking into the sand. While it's perfectly laid out to have a 50-60 person reception not feel too sparse, they can comfortably accommodate 100 seated and 140 cocktail, so if you're looking to do it down south, you can't go wrong here!

5. Moore & Moore, Fremantle

I'm biased because I've worked here more as a marriage celebrant and wedding DJ than I have anywhere else - but I do love this venue! Got some of my favourite photos ever from Jake and Louise's wedding in 2021 and always have a great time there. The staff are amazing, the food is spot-on every single time, and it's just got a great vibe. The outdoor area is perfect for an intimate but well-attended ceremony and is also great for pre-reception drinks when the weather is clear. The indoor reception area has a comfy rustic feel throughout, is great for long-table setups, and the separate but still connected smaller room is ideal to allocate as your dancefloor. Looking forward to another wedding at M&M!