Customs House

1. Overview and History of the Venue

Customs House is a heritage-listed wedding venue located at 399-427 Queen Street, Brisbane QLD 4000, Australia, offering a luxurious riverside setting overlooking the Brisbane River and Story Bridge. Built in 1886 in Victorian Free Classical style with grand Corinthian columns, a portico, pedimental gables, and a distinctive green patina copper-sheathed dome (19.5m high), it originally served as a customs house, including the Queen's Warehouse (now the River Room). Managed by the University of Queensland, it was added to the Queensland Heritage Register in 2005 and has evolved into Brisbane's premier function venue for weddings, events, and dining at Patina Restaurant, blending historic architecture with modern luxury.

2. Key Features and Amenities Available

Customs House provides award-winning cuisine, exceptional service, and personalized event coordination from initial enquiry through to the wedding day, including a dedicated banquet supervisor and senior waiter for the bridal party. Amenities include six private function rooms, state-of-the-art technology in refurbished spaces, unlimited photographic opportunities on terraces, and all-inclusive packages covering venue hire, food, beverages, and styling for up to 5 hours (additional hours at $20/hour). Site inspections are by appointment only, with coordinators available Monday-Friday and occasional Saturdays.

3. Ceremony and Reception Spaces (Capacity, Layout, Settings)

• Ceremony Spaces: Riverside Terrace (river level) hosts outdoor waterfront ceremonies for 30-150 guests with Brisbane River and Story Bridge views; indoor/outdoor options available, with wet-weather backups arranged. Minimum 10 / maximum 150 ceremony guests; 1-hour ceremony package includes pre-reception drinks and canapés.

• Reception Spaces: | Space | Location | Layout Features | Banquet Capacity | Cocktail Capacity | |||||| | River Room | River Level | Modern refurbishment, operable walls, direct terrace access, Story Bridge views (former Queen's Warehouse/bond store) | 50-120 | N/A | | Long Room | Queen Street Level | Grand columns under copper dome, private balcony with river views; cruciform design (each arm 23m long) | 220 | 300 |

• Overall: Sit-down receptions up to 200 guests, cocktail up to 300 guests; ceremonies on-site. Music ends by 12:00 AM; event time restrictions apply.

4. Catering Arrangements and Options

All catering is in-house by the award-winning executive chef team, with no external providers except for wedding cakes (must be from approved BCC-licensed professionals). Packages are all-inclusive (venue, food, beverages), priced $205-$280 per head, featuring extensive menus for dietary requirements but not specific cultural cuisines; options include high tea, luncheons, banquets, and canapés. Complimentary Sunday ceremony ($2,500 value) with Long Room or River Room reception booking.

5. On-site Accommodation (if available)

No on-site accommodation is available at Customs House.

6. Unique Characteristics of the Venue

• Heritage charm: Stunning Victorian architecture, riverside terraces, and Story Bridge backdrop create a picturesque, unforgettable setting described as Brisbane's top riverside wedding venue.

• Riverside Luxe Receptions: Expansive balconies with stately columns offer unlimited photo ops and a blend of history (e.g., grand dome, Corinthian columns) with contemporary styling.

• Personalized service: Dedicated coordinators ensure seamless planning; romantic atmosphere ideal for ceremonies and receptions.

7. Practical Considerations for Couples (Parking, Accessibility, etc.)

• Parking: No on-site parking; limited access only for off-loading equipment/supplies. Public parking nearby in Brisbane CBD.

• Accessibility: Heritage restrictions limit setups (all receptions indoors; outdoor ceremonies with backups); appointments required for inspections.

• Other: Alcohol licence on-site; cancellations must be in writing; minimum 10 guests for receptions; brochures and compendiums detail packages with no hidden costs. Contact: 07 3365 8999 or via website for enquiries.