Dream weddings turn into a nightmares as iconic venue goes bust

Dream weddings turn into a nightmares as iconic venue goes bust

• Kirribilli Club ceased trading on June 24
• Couples' wedding events were cancelled
• READ MORE: Amy Shark reveals the sad reason she is no longer wearing her wedding ring - after keeping marriage to husband Shane Billings very private

A renowned Sydney wedding venue has abruptly shut its doors, throwing several events into chaos and leaving couples without their deposits.

Kirribilli Club, a popular venue overlooking Sydney Harbour, closed down without warning on June 27 after being placed into voluntary administration on June 19.

Many who had scheduled events at the venue learned about the closure of Kirribilli Club only after the announcement was posted on the venue's Instagram page.

Sasha Avvali and James Saddington organised an engagement party at the venue, and just six weeks before the special day the venue announced it was closing.

They have lost thousands in deposits with little hope of getting their money back.

'We have family and friends coming in from interstate and overseas; our big event has been thrown into utter chaos,' she told the Mosman Collective.

To make matters worse, the club had taken a payment of $350 from Ms Avvali on June 20, just a day after they had gone into voluntary administration.

'The Kirribilli Club knew they were in financial trouble, and yet they still took my payments, which were made in good faith,' Ms Avvali said.

'The engagement party was to be my contribution towards our wedding, and it feels like I have been robbed financially and emotionally.'

Ms Avvali said she was unlikely to get any of her money back as unsecured creditors, like herself, are at the 'bottom of the chain' compared to banks and employees.

Meanwhile, Rachel and Steven, were left with just days to organise a new venue for their wedding reception after learning their booking at Kirribilli Club on July 13 wouldn't go ahead.

The couple had planned to host 100 people at the venue's Grand Ballroom with canapes and a three-course dinner.

However, they were left 'blindsided' when Kirribilli Club announced its closure on June 24.

'This past week has been every bride's worst nightmare,' Rachel said. 'No official communication was provided by the club and my wedding has been thrown into complete chaos.'

She and her fiancé had chosen the Kirribilli Club as the reception venue after a romantic harbourside proposal in June 2023.

They had paid a 10 per cent deposit of $1,679 to secure the club for their reception, which was quoted at $16,790 for welcome drinks in the Harbourview Room, canapes, an in-house wedding coordinator, on-site security and a five-hour premium drinks package.

Rachel and Steven are also unlikely to be refunded.

'It looks like we got off lightly, because there are other functions that were booked and paid in full,' Rachel said.

'I have heard of at least four other weddings due to take place at the Kirribilli Club. It's just devastating to think they can leave people in the lurch like this.'

Fortunately, both couples have been rescued by alternative Sydney venues for their wedding events.

Rachel said Le Montage in Lilyfield was 'pulling out all stops to ensure my wedding day is perfect' by hosting her reception.

Doltone House will host Ms Avvali and Mr Saddington's engagement party at one of their CBD venues.

The club appointed Hugh Armenis of SV Partners administrator on June 19.

'The administrator recognises the emotional and financial hardship that this closure will cause to many people and will work closely with the staff and management of the Kirribilli Club to ensure a smooth and orderly transition, and to assist those affected clients as much as possible,' SV Partners said in a statement.

'The patience and cooperation of all stakeholders during this difficult time is greatly appreciated,' SV Partners said.