Dozens of couples looking forward to the 'happiest day of their lives' will start married life thousands of dollars out of pocket after reception centre The Willows shut up shop.

The 64 soon-to-be newlyweds are collectively owed $323,000, with one couple having put down a deposit of $17,000.

The Willows wedding venue. Credit:Eddie Jim

Liquidator Dye and Co has been appointed to wind up the venue manager's company, Lewis Hospitality Management Pty Ltd, and creditors could face grim news.

The company's balance sheet shows that it's more than $1.3 million in debt and lists 135 unsecured creditors, according to documents lodged with the Australian Securities and Investment Commission.