Old Parliament House
About
Overview & Vibe
Old Parliament House stands on King George Terrace in Parkes, the heritage-listed seat of Australian federal government from 1927 to 1988 and now the Museum of Australian Democracy. Its wedding spaces are the rooms where the country was actually run.
Setting & Style
King's Hall was once the venue for grand functions, historic announcements and receptions for heads of state, and takes eighty to five hundred guests for cocktail receptions. The Members Dining Rooms can be used as one, two or three separate rooms or opened into a single grand space, all with a sweeping vista up to new Parliament House — the largest takes two hundred and forty cocktail or a hundred and eighty banquet. The Members Bar adjoins the third dining room for sixty-five. Outside, the internal courtyards do the ceremonies: the Senate Courtyard is described by the museum as its quintessential wedding ceremony space, while the House of Representatives Courtyard handles four hundred and forty cocktail or a hundred and sixty banquet. Catering is by Restaurant Associates.
Ideal For
Couples who want genuine national heritage and a view straight up to Parliament House.
The Need-to-Knows
- From 50 guests to 500, depending on the room.
- The Senate Courtyard is the dedicated ceremony space; the House of Representatives Courtyard is the larger one.
- Courtyard bookings need a wet weather venue booked alongside, at additional charge.
- Catering is by Restaurant Associates; pricing is quoted on enquiry.
Standout Feature
King's Hall — where heads of state were received — as a cocktail reception room for up to 500.
Contact
Amenities
- Heritage Listed 1927 Building
- King's Hall
- Members Dining Rooms
- The Members Bar
- Senate Courtyard
- House of Representatives Courtyard
- Vista to New Parliament House
- Stunning Natural Light
- Multiple Event Spaces
- Flexible Room Configurations
- Catering by Restaurant Associates
- Wet Weather Venue Available
- Museum of Australian Democracy On Site
- Courtyard Cafe
Ceremony Setting
- courtyard
- outdoor
- indoor
- heritage building
- hall
Dietary Options Supported
Nearby Landmarks
- Parliament House – Directly up the hill
- National Rose Gardens – Flanking the building
- Lake Burley Griffin – A short walk north
- National Gallery of Australia – Nearby in the Parliamentary Triangle
- Questacon – Across King Edward Terrace
- Canberra CBD – Ten minutes north
On Site Accommodation
Price Notes
- Pricing is quoted on enquiry — no rates are published. Catering is handled by Restaurant Associates, described as specialists in hospitality and fine food at some of Australia's best-known destinations. The building offers spaces for 50 guests to 500. King's Hall, once the venue for grand functions, historic announcements and receptions for Heads of State and world dignitaries, comfortably accommodates 80 to 500 guests for cocktail receptions. The Members Dining Rooms are the most versatile space and can be appointed as one, two or three separate rooms or opened into one grand space, all with a sweeping vista up to new Parliament House: Room 1 takes 140 cocktail, 130 theatre or 80 banquet; Room 2 takes 240 cocktail, 230 theatre or 180 banquet; Room 3 takes 120 cocktail, 110 theatre or 70 banquet. The Members Bar adjoins Room 3 and holds 65 cocktail. The internal courtyards suit outdoor functions — the House of Representatives Courtyard takes 440 cocktail, 200 theatre or 160 banquet, and the Senate Courtyard is the museum's designated wedding ceremony space. Additional charges apply for a wet weather venue, which must be booked in conjunction with any courtyard booking
Price Per Head
Venue Capacity
- 50–500
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