Wedding Reception Venues in Williamstown

Choosing the Right Wedding Reception Venue

Williamstown gives couples a choice between standing and seated. One reception happens on a rooftop above Ferguson Street with the bay in front of it; the other sits inside a hotel that has been pouring beers on Nelson Place since 1874, opposite Gem Pier and Commonwealth Reserve.

Both run dedicated function set-ups, with drinks packages, bar tabs and catering from their own kitchens.

Rooftop or heritage room – how they differ:

The Rooftop @ Hobsons Bay Hotel – a cocktail-style reception for up to 100, looking across the water towards the city.
Customs House Hotel Williamstown – The Lighthouse seats up to 110 or takes 150 standing, with a stage and its own bar access.
Weather – the Rooftop has covered and uncovered sections with heating; Customs House is indoors beneath a stained-glass ceiling dome.
Menus – roaming canapé packages and substantials on the roof; set two- and three-course menus at Customs House.
Smaller weddings – Hobsons Bay Hotel's private dining room seats 24, and Customs House's Imperial seats 40.

The Rooftop's canapé packages start From $62.50 per person, while the reception rooms at Customs House begin From $1,000 minimum spend.

Microphones: the Rooftop has a microphone, and The Lighthouse comes with a projector, screen, lectern, microphone and speakers.
Live music: a wedding band can play on the roof, at the cost of some guest capacity.
A stage: The Lighthouse at Customs House has one for the band or the speeches.
Finishing time: the Rooftop is licensed until 10pm, so a later reception may move to the indoor spaces, which can run until 1am.

Looking after the wedding guests

Lift access: Hobsons Bay Hotel has a lift to every level, including the roof.
Dietary needs: Customs House labels its vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options.
Arrival drinks: Customs House can add cocktails on arrival to a drinks package.
Parking: there is plenty of street parking near Customs House on Nelson Place.

Common Questions About Wedding Reception Venues

Which Williamstown venue suits a seated wedding dinner?

Customs House Hotel Williamstown, where The Lighthouse seats up to 110 for set two- or three-course menus.

Can we hold a cocktail wedding reception on a rooftop in Williamstown?

Yes. The Rooftop @ Hobsons Bay Hotel takes up to 100 guests standing, with its own bar and an outlook over the bay to the skyline.

Is the Hobsons Bay Hotel rooftop accessible for older guests?

There is lift access to every level, including the roof, and the venue is wheelchair accessible.

How is drinks pricing handled at a Williamstown reception?

Both venues offer drinks packages or a bar tab; Customs House runs three-hour packages and the Rooftop offers timed packages, with spirits or cocktails as add-ons.

Wedding Reception Venues in Williamstown