If you’re dreaming of a wedding day filled with romantic storytelling, timeless décor, mouthwatering Italian fare, and a city backdrop that oozes atmosphere, then Pepe’s Italian & Liquor in Melbourne’s CBD might just be the one.
Nestled in the heart of Melbourne’s theatre district, Pepe’s is no ordinary venue.
Once the city’s original synagogue, this heritage building has been transformed into a glamorous, Italian-inspired celebration space.
Think soaring cathedral ceilings, vintage leather banquettes, checkerboard floors, and fairy-lit courtyards. It feels like a film set made for your love story.
Why Brides Are Falling in Love with Pepe’s Italian and Liquour
From the moment you step inside, Pepe’s envelops you in rich textures, moody lighting, and a warmth that feels like the Amalfi Coast met New York’s Little Italy and landed in Melbourne.
Whether you’re planning an intimate ceremony or a full-scale wedding reception, this venue brings heart, soul, and serious style.
Pepe’s isn’t just a place to host a wedding, it’s a place to experience a moment.
Aperol spritz in hand, surrounded by family and friends, sharing plates of handmade pasta and clinking glasses under festoon lighting… it’s romance, nostalgia, and joy, wrapped into one perfect evening.
Event Spaces at Pepe’s & What They’re Best Suited For
1. Pepe’s Dining Room & Bar
- Capacity: ~110 seated / ~200 cocktail
- Style: Italian luxe, candlelit romance, big family feasts
- Perfect For: Traditional wedding receptions, elopement dinners with flair, editorial-style portraits under chandeliers, large cocktail style wedding receptions, large engagement parties
This is the heart of the venue. With soaring ceilings, deep burgundy tones, checkerboard floors, and dramatic lighting, it’s a feast for the senses.
Ideal for couples wanting a sophisticated yet soulful setting that channels classic Italian dining rooms.
2. Pepe’s Parlour (aka The Trunk Diner)
- Capacity: ~60 seated / ~120 cocktail
- Style: Light-filled, garden-inspired with a retractable roof
- Perfect For: Cocktail-style celebrations, brunch weddings, cocktail-style weddings, bridal showers, engagement parties
This space is perfect for couples who love natural light and that laid-back, garden-party feel.
The retractable roof makes it perfect for Melbourne’s unpredictable weather.
3. The Rintel Room
- Capacity: ~40 seated / ~60 cocktail
- Style: Intimate, romantic, private
- Perfect For: Ceremonies, rehearsal dinners, small weddings, private elopement dinner
Featuring soft pink walls, lush velvet seating, and access to a hidden courtyard, this room is utterly romantic. It suits couples planning an intimate celebration with maximum wow factor.
4. The Garden Courtyard
- Capacity: Flexible
- Style: Alfresco, charming, festoon-lit
- Perfect For: Cocktail hours, post-ceremony drinks, golden hour portraits
Imagine cocktails under the stars, barefoot dancing, or an early evening aperitivo hour with fairy lights twinkling above.
Packages, Menus & Bar Options
Pepe’s is all about seasonal, locally sourced Italian-inspired fare—think wood-fired pizzas, spicy vodka rigatoni, pumpkin and ricotta ravioli, and generous antipasti boards.
Their dining packages include:
- Family-Style Sit Down Menus: From ~$68–$100pp
- Pizza Parties: ~$50pp
- Canapés & Grazing Menus: From ~$55–65pp
Bar packages include local and Italian wines, sparkling, beer, and signature cocktails.
For extra sparkle? Add arrival spritz towers or a post-dinner limoncello round.
Cocktail favourites include the Dolcezza Martini (seriously smooth) and the forever-classic Aperol Spritz.
These details make every toast that little bit sweeter.
Booking Your Wedding at Pepe’s & Contact Details
- Venue Address: 275–285 Exhibition Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
- Phone: +61 3 9663 7994
- Email: reservations@pepesitalian.com.au
- Website: https://pepesitalian.com.au
Opening Hours:
- Tuesday to Sunday: 12pm – late
- Monday: Open for private functions
For private bookings and events, request a function package or set up a tour through their events enquiry page.
Accommodation Near Pepe’s Italian & Liquor
- Hotel Windsor – Elegant, timeless, and just a short walk away
- Ovolo Laneways – Artsy and stylish, perfect for bridal parties or guests
- Adelphi Hotel – Boutique and bold for couples wanting something a bit quirky
Parking & Transport
- Street Parking: Limited 2-hour on Exhibition St
- Public Parking: First Parking (Exhibition St), Wilson Parking on Lonsdale or LaTrobe
- Trams: Route #86 stops nearby
- Train Stations: Melbourne Central or Parliament Station both a short walk
Real Weddings at Pepe’s
I recently photographed Laura & Dan’s engagement party at Pepe’s—a celebration that looked and felt like an Italian destination wedding, right in the heart of the city.
With surprise speeches, Greek dancing, flowing wine, and all the laughter in the world, it was the perfect setting to document something so emotionally rich and visually cinematic.
Why You’ll Love It
Pepe’s isn’t just a wedding venue. It’s a setting that helps you feel your wedding day. It’s made for warm hugs, stylish entrances, heartfelt vows, and candid dancing.
It’s rich in mood and heavy with atmosphere—perfect for timeless wedding photos.
And if you want imagery that feels like it belongs in a European film, but with all the joy and authenticity of your real love story—that’s exactly what I love to capture.
Planning a Pepe’s Wedding? I’d Love to Photograph It.
Let’s bring your Italian wedding dreams to life in Melbourne.
Whether it’s editorial portraits in the Parlour or golden hour cocktails in the courtyard, I’m here to capture your love story the way it felt.
Ready to explore dates or see sample timelines?
Click here to get in touch or let’s book a time to chat.
With love,
Emma x
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