For fans of Married at First Sight Australia, the opulent apartments and dramatic dinner parties are as much a part of the show’s allure as the relationships themselves. Each year, viewers tune in to see where the newlyweds embark on their journey, from picturesque wedding venues to idyllic honeymoon destinations, before settling into their shared living spaces. These apartments aren’t just backdrops; they’re designed to facilitate the experiment, offering a stylish yet functional environment for couples to navigate the highs and lows of the televised matchmaking process.
The Couples’ Abodes: A Stylish Sydney Setting
For the past several seasons, the heart of the Married at First Sight experiment has been located at One Global Resorts Green Square in Sydney’s inner-south. This modern complex provides the contestants with a luxurious home base, offering a suite of amenities designed to impress and support the demands of the production.
- Apartment Features:
- Each apartment boasts premium bedding for a comfortable night’s sleep.
- Private balconies offer residents a personal outdoor space with city views.
- Fully equipped kitchens are provided, allowing couples to cook and share meals together, a key element of the show’s narrative.
- Interiors are described as modern and homely, creating a sense of domesticity amidst the chaos of the experiment.
Beyond the individual suites, the building itself offers a range of communal facilities that add an extra layer of luxury and convenience for the participants.
- Building Amenities:
- A heated infinity pool is a standout feature, providing a stunning vantage point high above Green Square. This offers a perfect spot for relaxation and potentially intimate moments (or dramatic confrontations).
- Residents also have access to a spa, sauna, and a fully equipped gym, catering to their wellness and fitness needs throughout the demanding filming period.
The architectural design of One Global Resorts is also noteworthy. The building’s facade is a departure from typical urban structures, thanks to its design by the internationally acclaimed architect Koichi Takada. Takada’s work is renowned for drawing inspiration from nature, a philosophy that imbues the building with a unique aesthetic.
The General Manager of One Global Resorts, Quercy Jouannes, highlighted why the location is so well-suited for MAFS. He explained that Green Square offers a unique blend of space, privacy, and a residential feel, all while being conveniently close to the city centre and major transport links. Jouannes emphasised that the building’s design is inherently geared towards supporting everyday living, which aligns perfectly with the show’s format and its requirement for couples to cohabitate and build a life together.
A Look Back at Previous Residences
Before establishing its current home at One Global Resorts, Married at First Sight Australia famously filmed at Skye Suites on Kent Street in Sydney. This previous location also offered a self-contained environment conducive to filming a reality television show.
Ari Foo, the Area Director of Sales and Marketing for Skye Suites, noted the appeal of their property for production companies. He explained that Skye Suites allows for filming to be contained within a few floors, enabling the production to operate as a closed set to a degree. The boutique size of the property was a key advantage, offering a level of privacy and security that larger hotels might struggle to provide. This ability to isolate filming areas and maintain discretion was a significant factor in its selection as a filming location.
The Hub of Drama: Dinner Parties and Commitment Ceremonies
While the apartments serve as the couples’ private lives, the most explosive moments of Married at First Sight often unfold at the infamous dinner parties and commitment ceremonies. These crucial events, where relationships are put under the microscope and decisions about staying or leaving the experiment are made, take place in a very different setting.
Both the dinner parties and commitment ceremonies are filmed in a converted industrial warehouse located in Lilyfield, Sydney. This gritty, utilitarian space stands in stark contrast to the luxurious apartments, creating a distinct atmosphere for these high-stakes gatherings.
According to reports, Endemol Shine, the production company behind the show, leases this space for approximately $7,000 per week. The reality of the filming environment within the warehouse has been described as less glamorous than one might expect. Contestants have reportedly had access to only one toilet, and the building itself featured temporary, fake walls and lacked air conditioning.
To achieve the signature MAFS television setup, the production team brings in hired furniture and employs specific lighting techniques to create the desired ambiance for the dramatic confrontations and heartfelt discussions.
The Lilyfield warehouse is owned by Legs on the Wall, a company with a connection to the NSW Government. Promotional materials for the warehouse describe its “light, rustic charm, and ample space” and highlight its versatility, having hosted a range of events including arts rehearsals, film and television productions, and commercial showcases.
Adding to the bespoke nature of the filming location, the sliding door through which contestants enter at the beginning of the commitment ceremonies is reportedly built specifically for the show. The expansive 1200-square-metre loft space is also utilised for the show’s intimacy sessions, further underscoring its role as a multifaceted production hub.
