The heritage-listed architecture, with its towering ceilings, intricate details, and beautiful stained-glass windows in rooms like the Gallery Room or the stately Mitchell Vestibule, provides a stunning and grand backdrop for your ceremony. Choosing this location means your wedding photos will possess a classic, timeless beauty.
Located conveniently on Macquarie Street, the Library is easily accessible for all your guests, no matter where they are travelling from. Being in the heart of the city also puts you within walking distance of other iconic landmarks for post-ceremony photos and a huge range of reception wedding venues.
The Library offers several different spaces suitable for a marriage ceremony, from the more intimate Shakespeare Room to the spacious and magnificent Mitchell Vestibule. Whether you are having a small elopement or a larger gathering, you can find a room that perfectly matches your vision and guest numbers.
For couples who appreciate history, literature, and culture, getting married in an institution dedicated to knowledge and stories adds a profound and romantic layer to your day. It’s an unforgettable setting that symbolises the start of your own shared story.
Unlike outdoor wedding venues near me which often require a risky Plan B, the State Library offers its ceremony spaces entirely indoors. This provides absolute peace of mind against the unpredictable Sydney weather, guaranteeing a dry and comfortable experience for you and your guests.
Authority Responsible for Booking: Venue Hire, Visitor Services Branch, State Library of NSW
Contact Details:
Requirements and Fees:
As the State Library is a premium function venue, fees for its various rooms (such as the Glasshouse, Dixson Room, or Mitchell Vestibule) are generally substantial and vary widely. These fees cover venue hire and may include basic furniture, but they do not typically include your marriage celebrant or catering. For an accurate quote and to discuss capacity limits (which can range from intimate groups to 350+ cocktail guests depending on the room), you must contact the Venue Hire team directly. Security fees may also apply for bookings outside the Library's standard operating hours.
Standard: 20 People. Add Guests: Add up to 100+ in total +$75.
You can have up to 20 people (the 2 of you and 18 guests) at your ceremony. This excludes children under 6 years old. For an additional fee of $75, this number can be increased to 100+ people in total. To add guests after your initial booking, go to the Add-ons tab in your portal.
I understand that, it is my responsibility to make the required booking with the park authority and pay any associated site fees directly to them.
Please aim to arrive 15 minutes prior to your ceremony (along with your guests) to ensure you are in the right location and ready to go at your scheduled time. The State Library of New South Wales is located at 1 Shakespeare Place, Sydney, NSW 2000.
Here are the best ways to reach this iconic marriage registry office-style setting:
The nearest and most convenient train station is Martin Place Station, which is wheelchair accessible and only a short, level walk (approximately 200 metres) to the Library's main entrance on Macquarie Street. St James Station is also close by (approximately 450 metres).
Numerous bus routes stop along Macquarie Street, directly outside or very close to the Library. Key stops include those near Martin Place. Check the Transport for NSW website for the best route from your starting location.
As the Library is in the busy Sydney CBD, street parking is very limited. The nearest public secure parking station is the Wilson Parking located at 60 Elizabeth Street, or the Sydney Eye Hospital Car Park on Hospital Road (opposite the Library). We highly recommend that you and your guests pre-book parking online to secure a spot and potentially save on the hourly fee.
If you or your guests are coming from the North Shore or other harbour locations, the nearest ferry terminal is Circular Quay. The Library is about a 10-15 minute walk from the Quay, or you can take a short bus ride or taxi up to Macquarie Street.
Now it doesn't happen often, but when it does you will need to shelter under trees or bring umbrellas - how romantic. Fortunately, when you book a space at the State Library of New South Wales, your wet weather planning is stress-free!
As all the ceremony spaces within the State Library—such as the Mitchell Vestibule, Dixson Room, or Gallery Room—are completely indoors, you have a guaranteed, dry, and spectacular setting for your entire marriage ceremony. You will not need an alternative outdoor backup plan.
a) Reserve Location and Pay Associated Fees
I understand that it is our responsibility to ensure this location is available for our ceremony, and I will make all necessary arrangements and pay any associated fees directly to the venue or relevant authority.
b) Standard Duration of Booking is 30 Minutes
I understand that the total time for the standard booking is 30 minutes and that this time cannot be extended on the day of the ceremony. However, if you would like to extend the duration of your booking, this can be done, prior to the date of the ceremony, for an additional fee of $150. (Click on Add Ons after making your booking.)
c) Confetti and Natural Materials
I understand that to maintain the cleanliness and integrity of the area, confetti of any sort, including natural materials such as flower petals, rice, glitter, or artificial equivalents, are strictly prohibited—unless prior written consent is received from the venue.
d) Public Liability Insurance
I understand that if Public Liability documentation (cover note) is required, there will be an additional fee of $50.
e) Guest Numbers
I understand that the standard number of guests is 18 guests plus the 2 of you. This can be increased to 100+ people for an additional fee of $75. (Click on Add Ons after making your booking.)
