Forget the chapel. Couples are heading to unexpected venues for their weddings

Marriage celebrant Kerrin Muller wanted her wedding to be different from the traditional church ceremony. Instead of filling pews, her 38 guests were ushered to velvet green seats at Golden Age Cinema and Bar in Surry Hills. Rather than a traditional ceremony, she and her husband Jacob hired a cinematographer to make a short film about their relationship. The reception included a brass band and was held in the cinema’s adjoining bar and restaurant. Kerrin and Jacob Muller opted for an unexpected venue for their wedding in October 2025, describing it as an extension of their personal style. The 1940s art deco building provided a moody, richly decorated space, enhanced by dark reds and candlelight. Their stylist transformed the venue to match their vision. Pinterest Australia’s head of content partnerships, Jace Molan, noted that 2026 wedding trends include couples choosing immersive, visually striking venues like movie theaters, which saw a 105% increase in popularity. Molan highlighted that such venues offer flexibility and a unique narrative for the couple. Another example is Yarra Valley-based Angela and Robbie Smith, who held their reception at the Old Melbourne Gaol, featuring a DJ in a Ned Kelly helmet and a nighttime dance experience through the jail’s cells. Their ceremony was at a registry office, followed by a 110-person reception. Angela emphasized that meaningful weddings reflect genuine personal choices. Sydney wedding photographer Kyle Ingram observed a rise in couples opting for non-traditional venues like restaurants, such as Hubert in Sydney and North Bondi Fish, for intimate gatherings with good food and wine. Kerrin’s favorite aspect of Golden Age Cinema was its romantic and intimate atmosphere, with air-conditioning being a bonus over outdoor sun exposure. The article discusses trends in non-traditional wedding venues, emphasizing personalization and unique experiences over conventional settings.