A popular Sydney wedding venue has abruptly shut its doors, forcing the hasty re-scheduling of several nuptials and leaving couples without their deposits.
Kirribilli Club, a popular venue overlooking Sydney Harbour, closed down on June 27, just eight days after being placed into voluntary administration.
Many who had booked events at the venue only learned about the closure of Kirribilli Club when the announcement was posted on the venue’s Instagram page.
Sasha Avvali and James Saddington had 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.
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, ceased trading without warning on June 24
‘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 who have priority if the business’ assets are liquidated.
Another couple – Rachel and Steven – were left with just days to organise a new venue for their wedding reception on July 13, after being ‘blindsided’ by the Kirribilli Club’s closure.
The couple had planned to host 100 people at the venue’s Grand Ballroom with canapes and a three-course dinner.
‘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.
Rachel and Steven (pictured) 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
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.
Many only discovered Kirribilli Club was closing after it was announced on the venue’s Instagram page
Couples who paid deposits to Kirribilli Club (pictured) are unlikely to be refunded as they’re at the ‘bottom of the chain’ in comparison to banks and employees
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.