A popular Sydney wedding venue has abruptly closed its doors, causing chaos at several events and leaving couples without their deposits.
Kirribilli Club, a popular venue overlooking Sydney Harbour, closed without warning on June 27 after being placed into voluntary administration on June 19.
Many of those who had planned events at the venue only found out about the Kirribilli Club’s closure after the announcement was posted on the venue’s Instagram page.
Sasha Avvali and James Saddington hosted an engagement party at the venue, and just six weeks before the special day, the venue announced it would be closing.
They have lost thousands in deposits and have little hope of getting their money back.
“We have family and friends coming from out of state and overseas and our big event has turned into absolute chaos,” she told the Mosman Collective.
To make matters worse, the club had received a $350 payment from Ms Avvali on June 20, just a day after it had entered voluntary administration.
“The Kirribilli Club knew that I was in financial trouble and still accepted my payments, which I made in good faith,” Avvali said.
Sasha Avvali and James Saddington (pictured) lost more than $6,000 after Kirribilli Club suddenly closed, forcing them to cancel their engagement party.
Kirribilli Club (pictured), a popular venue overlooking Sydney Harbour, closed without warning on June 24.
“The engagement party was supposed to be my contribution to our wedding and I feel like I’ve been robbed financially and emotionally.”
Ms Avvali said she was unlikely to recover any of her money as unsecured creditors, like her, are at the “bottom of the chain” compared with banks and employees.
Meanwhile, Rachel and Steven were left with just days to organise a new venue for their wedding reception after learning that their booking at the Kirribilli Club for 13 July would not go ahead.
The couple had planned to host 100 guests in the venue’s Grand Ballroom with canapés and a three-course dinner.
However, they were “shocked” when Kirribilli Club announced its closure on June 24.
“This past week has been every bride’s worst nightmare,” Rachel said. “I haven’t had any official communication from the club and my wedding has been a complete mess.”
She and her fiancé had chosen the Kirribilli Club as their reception venue after a romantic harbourside proposal in June 2023.
They had paid a 10 percent deposit of $1,679 to secure the club for their reception, which was quoted at $16,790 for welcome drinks in the Harbourview Room, canapés, an in-house wedding coordinator, on-site security and a five-hour premium drinks package.
Rachel and Steven are also unlikely to receive a refund.
“It seems we came out on top because there were other shows that were already booked and fully paid for,” Rachel said.
“I’ve heard of at least four other weddings taking place at the Kirribilli Club. It’s devastating to think that people can be left in the lurch like this.”
Fortunately, both couples have been rescued by alternative venues in Sydney for their wedding events.
Rachel said Le Montage at Lilyfield “went above and beyond to ensure my wedding day was perfect” when organising her reception.
Doltone House will host Ms Avvali and Mr Saddington’s engagement party at one of its CBD venues.
Many only found out that Kirribilli Club would be closing after it was announced on the venue’s Instagram page.
Couples who paid deposits to the Kirribilli Club (pictured) are unlikely to receive a refund as they are at the “bottom of the chain” compared to banks and employees.
The club appointed Hugh Armenis of SV Partners as administrator on 19 June.
“The administrator recognises the emotional and financial hardship this closure will cause for many people and will work closely with Kirribilli Club staff and management to ensure a smooth and orderly transition, and to assist affected customers 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.
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