The Refinery Wedding Venue Guide

Overview and History

The Refinery is a beautifully renovated warehouse venue located in Newstead, Brisbane, Queensland. The space was previously a panel beaters' workshop before being transformed into one of Brisbane's premier wedding destinations. The venue was established in 2018 by husband-and-wife duo Dan and Rach, who also operate the sister venue Rogue Bistro. Since its opening, The Refinery has become one of Brisbane's esteemed wedding venues and has been voted The Best Wedding Venue in Brisbane.

Key Features and Amenities

The Refinery offers a minimal blank canvas design that serves as a versatile backdrop for weddings. The interior features:

• Polished concrete floors

• An 11-meter New York marble bar

• Sleek black VJ panelling

• Grey concrete walls

• Window-lit spaces that provide natural light

The venue is designed to be beautiful on its own while remaining flexible enough for couples to add personal styling. A bridal suite is available for daytime hire, allowing the wedding party to get ready on-site with complimentary light brunch provided.

Ceremony and Reception Spaces

Outdoor Garden

The venue features an expansive 150m² private outdoor garden where ceremonies and cocktail hours can take place. This garden provides an intimate setting for the ceremony before guests transition indoors.

Indoor Warehouse

The indoor warehouse spans 150m² and is exclusively yours for the duration of your event. The space accommodates both seated and cocktail-style receptions with a candle-lit ambiance.

Capacity and Configuration

The venue offers flexibility based on your reception style:

• Seated reception: 30 to 100 guests (ceremony in garden, followed by cocktail hour and long-table dinner)

• Cocktail-style reception: 70 to 150 guests (guests can mingle between indoor and outdoor spaces)

The venue hosts only one event per day, ensuring exclusive use of the entire space.

Booking Hours

• March to October: Events may be booked from 1pm onwards (ceremony & reception packages) or 12pm onwards (standalone reception packages)

• November to February: Events may be booked from 4pm onwards (ceremony & reception packages) or 4pm onwards (standalone reception packages)

• Friday-Saturday events must conclude by 11pm

Reception packages include 5 hours of venue hire, whether seated or cocktail-style.

Catering Arrangements and Options

All food and drink is exclusively catered by The Refinery's in-house team, which is operated by their sister venue, Rogue Bistro. The catering is described as restaurant-style cuisine and fine dining experience.

Catering Details

• Packages are thoughtfully curated, allowing couples to pick and choose food and drink options

• Personalised proposals are created based on your preferences

• Typical packages include ceremony, cocktail hour with canapés in the garden, and a candle-lit long-table dinner

External Catering Policy

External catering is not permitted, with the exception of:

• Wedding cakes

• Take-home guest favours

• Gelato carts

Alcohol Policy

The venue typically does not offer BYO alcohol; however, couples are encouraged to contact the venue to discuss potential corkage charges for special items they wish to bring.

On-Site Accommodation

The search results do not provide information about on-site accommodation options at The Refinery. Couples should contact the venue directly to inquire about lodging availability or nearby accommodation options in the Newstead area.

Unique Characteristics

All-Inclusive Approach

The Refinery positions itself as a one-stop-shop for weddings, offering an all-inclusive setting with impeccable service and exceptional food and drink. The venue handles vendor coordination, run-sheets, stationery, and signage, allowing couples to focus on enjoying their day.

Attention to Detail

The team is known for being highly organised, structured, and detail-oriented, with responsive communication throughout the planning process. Couples consistently praise the seamless coordination and stress-free experience provided by the venue team, particularly Rach and Amelia.

Versatile Design

The industrial-yet-romantic aesthetic combines modern minimalism with warmth and character. The space is described as having an "elegant atmosphere" with "open, light-filled spaces and stylish modern design," making it suitable for various wedding styles from intimate to grand celebrations.

Ceremony Requirements

On-site ceremonies are only offered in conjunction with one of the reception packages; standalone ceremonies are not available.

Practical Considerations for Couples

Minimum Guest Requirements

• Seated reception: Minimum 30 guests

• Cocktail-style reception: Minimum 70 guests

Elopement Options

The Refinery does not offer specific packages for elopements due to their policy of hosting only one event per day.

Venue Inclusions

The venue provides carefully curated inclusions featuring all essentials needed to host a wedding, though specific details about parking and accessibility are not detailed in available information. Couples should contact the venue directly to discuss parking arrangements and accessibility requirements for guests with mobility considerations.

Planning Support

The venue team provides comprehensive support including vendor coordination, detailed communication during planning, and seamless day-of coordination to ensure a stress-free experience.