Ace Hotel Sydney: For a Design-Led Wedding

At Ace Hotel Sydney, weddings are anything but traditional. Think design-led spaces, exceptional food, thoughtful details and an atmosphere that feels more like an intimate destination celebration than a conventional wedding venue. We speak with the team at Ace Hotel Sydney about creating celebrations that are deeply personal, refreshingly unconventional and, above all, welcoming to every kind of love.

THEODORE Mag: Ace Hotel has become known for doing things a little differently. What does a wedding at Ace look and feel like when couples move beyond the traditional wedding formula?

AHS: A wedding at Ace Hotel Sydney bypasses the traditional playbook in favour of an intimate, design-forward celebration focused on exceptional food, drink, and genuine connection. Couples are trading rigid traditions for elevated dinner-party energy, where effortless style meets thoughtful hospitality. It is all about stripped-back elegance that puts local flavours, creative design, and good company centre stage.

THEODORE Mag: From the interiors to the food, music and art, design is such an important part of the Ace experience. How does that translate into the way you approach weddings?

AHS: Design isn’t just an afterthought at Ace - it’s the lens through which every event is crafted. From our warm, industrial-chic architecture to curated artwork and bespoke local touches, every corner tells a rich visual story. We bring that same creative ethos to weddings, helping couples curate a setting that feels naturally vibrant, artful, and distinctly their own.

THEODORE Mag: Ace offers a number of spaces, from the rooftop Kiln to Brick & Clay and the more intimate Tyne. How can couples choose a space that feels right for the kind of celebration they have in mind?

AHS: Choosing the perfect backdrop starts with a personal guided journey through our diverse event spaces, whether you are drawn to the gorgeous view at our hatted rooftop restaurant Kiln, the warmth of Brick & Clay or intimacy of Tyne. Our team guides couples through site inspections and tailored proposals to match the exact scale and mood of their celebration. With flexible room configurations and expert guidance at every step, we ensure the space naturally fits your vision.

THEODORE Mag: Food is often one of the most memorable parts of a wedding. How does Ace approach menus and dining for weddings, and how much freedom do couples have to make the experience their own?

AHS: Led by Culinary Director Isobel Whelan-Little, our approach to dining centres on punchy, seasonal dishes driven by weekly fresh deliveries from local producers. We view the wedding meal as a centrepiece of the day rather than a standard banquet formula. To make the dining experience truly personal, our culinary team works directly with couples to craft bespoke menu edits on a case-by-case basis.

THEODORE Mag: You describe Ace weddings as being radically inclusive and welcoming to every kind of love. What does genuine inclusivity look like in practice for couples celebrating their wedding with you?

AHS: Inclusivity at Ace means throwing out rigid expectations and building a celebration where every couple feels seen, respected, and warmly hosted. Our spaces are physically accessible, and our approach is deeply personal—we adapt seamlessly to the unique needs of every couple. Guided by our core pillars to be inclusive, curious, and collaborative, we create an open environment that honours all love stories without pretension.

THEODORE Mag: There’s something wonderfully un-wedding-like about Ace, from the Surry Hills setting to the design and atmosphere. What do you think couples are looking for when they choose a venue that feels more like a destination than a traditional wedding space?

AHS: Couples choose Ace because it offers the atmosphere of a boutique getaway right in the heart of Surry Hills. It acts as an all-in-one destination where guests can stay, celebrate, and gather for post-wedding drinks, framed by design elements and warm colour palettes that feel refreshingly un-wedding-like. Plus, because Ace is a living cultural hub, couples can return for years to come to celebrate anniversaries in the exact spot they tied the knot.

THEODORE Mag: What are some of the details or touches you’ve seen couples introduce at Ace that have completely transformed the space or made their celebration feel unmistakably theirs?

AHS: We’ve seen couples make the space unmistakably theirs with playful culinary statements like bread-and-butter towers or signature custom cocktails at the bar. Others lean into personal touches with photo booths, private pre-ceremony vows, or extending the party into casual recovery sessions the next day. The versatility of the venue allows every couple to strip away formal filler and highlight what matters most to them.

THEODORE Mag: For couples dreaming of a wedding at Ace Hotel Sydney, what would you say is the best way to approach planning a celebration here, and what should they know before they begin?

AHS: Start by reaching out with an open mind and letting our team handle the heavy lifting, from group room bookings to catering and vendor coordination. Whether you're planning a grand reception or an effortless, casual gathering, we tailor every detail to fit your exact style. We are here to help you skip the stress, bring your favourite people together under one roof, and focus on enjoying every second of the day.

Visit acehotel.com/sydney

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