Wedding Reception Venues in Middle Ridge

Choosing the Right Wedding Reception Venue

Middle Ridge holds two reception venues that suit quite different weddings. Gabbinbar is a heritage-listed homestead from 1876 that hosts one wedding at a time on 13 acres of gardens, while The Ridge is the wedding and events side of the golf club on Rowbotham Street.

One is a full-day, all-inclusive estate; the other is a catered club venue where you build the package around a deck or a formal room.

Weighing up Gabbinbar against The Ridge:

Guest numbers: Gabbinbar takes up to 150 in its Conservatory or on the Homestead Lawn, and The Ridge's deck and its Diamond Room each hold 120 seated.
Ceremony spots: Gabbinbar offers The Pavilion, The Woods and two lawns, and The Ridge uses its lawns or the shade of a large camphor laurel.
Exclusivity: couples have Gabbinbar to themselves from 8am, with brunch for the wedding party while getting ready.
Catering: Gabbinbar includes a four-course menu and 7.5 hours of drinks, while The Ridge cooks on site, with packages From $28 per person for 40 or more.
Planning help: Gabbinbar runs planning through an online portal, and The Ridge has in-house coordinators.

Gabbinbar's 1881 ballroom has three crystal chandeliers and room for a band, a DJ or your own playlist.
The Ridge's Alfresco Deck sits under fairy lights, with high tables and wine barrels for a cocktail-style finish.
The Diamond Room at The Ridge has its own bar and restrooms, keeping the reception self-contained.
Gabbinbar lists sparklers, fireworks, supper stations and dessert bars as add-ons for the late part of the night.

Season and budget questions for a Middle Ridge wedding

Winters on the range are cold, so ask Gabbinbar about its Conservatory and The Ridge about using the Diamond Room rather than the deck.
Summer brings afternoon storms; get each venue's wet-weather plan for a lawn ceremony in writing.
At The Ridge you set a bar tab limit and staff update you as it is spent, a useful control on a reception budget.
For a September wedding, arrange beds for out-of-town guests well ahead of Carnival of Flowers crowds.

Common Questions About Wedding Reception Venues

Which Middle Ridge venue suits a wedding of 150?

Gabbinbar, which seats up to 150 in the Conservatory or on the Homestead Lawn. The Ridge seats up to 120.

Can a lawn ceremony at the golf club lead straight into the reception?

Yes. Vows can be said on the lawns or under the big tree, followed by a reception on the deck or in the Diamond Room.

Will another couple share Gabbinbar on our date?

No. It hosts one wedding at a time, and couples have the estate from 8am.

Which Middle Ridge venue includes drinks in the package?

Gabbinbar's all-inclusive package covers 7.5 hours of beverages. At The Ridge you run a bar tab with a limit you set.

Wedding Reception Venues in Middle Ridge