Are you dreaming of a wedding with a natural twist and a touch of Canadian romance? Ontario, with its green forests, crystal clear lakes, vibrant cities and picturesque vineyards, is a goldmine for couples searching for the perfect venue.
Whether you're drawn to the elegance of a grand urban hall, the rustic charm of a century-old farmhouse or the magic of a winery, Ontario offers a broad range of stunning spaces to celebrate your love in style.
From intimate ceremonies surrounded by nature to fancy receptions under lofty wooden ceilings, follow our guide to find the perfect wedding venue in Ontario.
Ontario is known for its incredible diversity on all levels, and this is reflected in its current wedding trends and popular themes.
The rustic chic style continues to appeal to many couples: raw wood, minimalist décor, hay bales and dried flowers are the order of the day in venues like 100 Acre Wood, in Picton, with two barns and acres of beautiful wild.
Many couples fall for Ontario’s beautiful vineyards (having already fallen for each other) and choose a winery for their big day. Ravine Vineyard, in Niagara-on-the-Lake, offers a picturesque setting for weddings, combining rustic charm with modern elegance. The venue features a 4,000-square-foot Event Centre with panoramic vineyard views and a wraparound terrace, accommodating up to 250 guests for seated dinners or 500 for cocktail receptions. For more intimate gatherings, the venue’s Barrel Cellar provides a cozy atmosphere for up to 60 guests. Outdoor ceremonies can be held on the lush ceremony lawn.
In town, the modern and industrial style is all the rage. In Toronto, Modus Ristorante offers an elegant and customizable setting for a contemporary wedding in the heart of the city. Riviera in Ottawa, with its Art Deco aesthetic and refined gastronomy, also appeals to the most demanding couples.
While city venues are still popular, more and more couples decide to get married in the most beautiful decor of all: nature. The Algonquin Eco-Lodge in Moffat Pond is a haven of peace in the middle of the forest with a private lake and waterfall. It’s the perfect venue for a micro-wedding surrounded by trees, silence and raw nature.
Finally, micro-weddings are increasingly in demand. 147 Restaurant & Bar, in Barrie, welcomes small groups of up to 52 guests in an intimate, relaxed and charming atmosphere by the lake. These smaller venues allow you to take care of every detail and spend more time with each guest.
Let's start our wedding venue exploration with a heritage gem: the Alton Mill Arts Centre, in Caledon. This exceptional venue blends art, history and 19th-century architecture to create an elegant and inspiring setting. It’s just as suitable for artistic weddings as it is for those seeking a refined, country atmosphere. When you get there, you’ll have a hard time believing the hustle and bustle of Toronto is so close!
For a traditional Catholic wedding, the stunning Millbrook Cathedral offers a lovingly restored spiritual space from the 19th century, ideal for romantic and solemn weddings. Its stained glass windows, solid wood framework and leafy exterior make it a very popular location for wedding photos.
If you’re dreaming of a wedding by the water, the Living Water Resorts in Collingwood and the Bonnie View Inn in Haliburton are ideal with theirlake views, large terraces for receptions and on-site accommodation to keep the party going. These venues are popular for sunset ceremonies, waterside dining and outdoor activities.
Considering a country wedding? Dyment's Glen Drummond Farm in Dundas offers several barns with vintage charm, perfect for a relaxed rustic wedding. Set in the serene Hamilton countryside, this wedding venue offers two stunning outdoor ceremony spots: the peaceful Lawn Site, with views of the surrounding farm and historic farmhouse, and the elevated Peak Site, perched along the Niagara Escarpment with sweeping vistas over Dundas Valley and the city. If the weather doesn’t cooperate — or if you simply prefer an indoor option — the beautifully restored Wagon Wheel Barn serves as a charming alternative.
Nature lovers will be in heaven at Long Point Eco-Adventures in Turkey Point. This unique wedding venue offers a one-of-a-kind experience, blending natural beauty with adventure. With stunning outdoor ceremony spaces, the stylish Forestview Pavilion, and locally inspired catering, it’s the perfect place for a stress-free, personalized celebration. Before or after the big day, guests can enjoy unique extras like ziplining, stargazing, and cozy fireside gatherings, all while staying in luxurious glamping accommodations.
To rent a wedding venue in Toronto, expect an average price of $8,000 to $9,500 for a full weekend. That being said, affordable venues can start as low as $3,000, while super luxury places can go beyond $22,000. In big cities like Toronto, prices can be up to 50% higher than the national average, with venue rentals typically ranging from $10,000 to $20,000 or more.
If you want to get married in Ontario during the high season (June to September), particularly on a Saturday, we strongly recommend that you book your venue between 12 and 18 months in advance. The most popular estates, such as the ones by the water, near a tourist attraction like Niagara Falls or in big cities like Toronto, fill up really fast.
On the other hand, for winter or off-season weddings, lead times for Ontario wedding venues are more flexible, and some providers can offer special rates. That being said, the growing popularity of certain mountain or alternative venues means that early planning is essential, even out of season.
Spring (March to May) transforms Ontario into a sea (or lake) of buds and flowers, perfect for partially outdoor weddings. Average temperatures range from 10°C to 18°C, so make sure to look for a venue that also has an indoor space. Venues like Mill Run Golf Club in Uxbridge become fairytale-like, with their immaculate lawns, romantic gazebo and fragrant woods. This is the season for country weddings and ceremonies in flower gardens.
Summer (June to August) is the peak season for weddings. With temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C, there's plenty of time for outdoor festivities. Isaiah Tubbs Resort in Picton, overlooking the dunes of Sandbanks Park, is the perfect setting for a barefoot reception on the beach. Offering a very different, but just as dreamy vibe, Calabogie Peaks Resort combines a romantic ceremony with a mountain getaway.
Fall (September to November) is the season when the flamboyant forests are a show on their own. Mild temperatures (between 10°C and 20°C) mean that outdoor ceremonies are still possible, at least partially. The Stevenson Inn and Spa in Alliston or the Sue-Ann Staff Estate Winery in the Niagara region are sublime at this time of year, surrounded by golden vines and colorful trees. It's also harvest season: perfect for menus featuring local flavors.
Winter (December to February) covers Ontario with snow and magic (average temperatures between -6 and -20°C). Twist Gallery in Toronto or The Chanterelle in Thunder Bay are the perfect places to welcome your guests in a refined, cozy atmosphere. The first one is a contemporary, artistic venue in the heart of the city, while the latter offers an elegant decoration with an industrial touch. Both are perfect for a chic wedding without worrying about the weather!
Ontario has a well-developed transport infrastructure, which makes it very convenient for travel between wedding venues. The international airports of Toronto, Ottawa and Hamilton provide many connections with Europe, the United States and the rest of Canada. Via Rail provides easy connections between the province's main cities.
There is a wide range of accommodation on offer, from quaint guest houses to fancy resorts. The Nottawasaga Resort in Alliston can accommodate large weddings thanks to its 269 rooms and multiple halls.
Hosting a mid-size wedding? Christie's Mill Inn & Spa, in South Muskoka, is a modern lakeside resort offering a romantic setting for weddings year-round — whether you're dreaming of a sun-soaked summer ceremony or a magical winter celebration. With 41 guest rooms, a 3-bedroom cottage, and amenities like a full-service spa, the resort is perfect for a relaxed wedding weekend.
For more intimate weddings, the Legacy at Vieni Estates in Lincoln and the Falls Inn & Spa in Walter's Falls offer more cosy options, with 6 and 15 rooms, respectively, in a friendly atmosphere. These smaller estates offer exclusive use of the entire venue, and let youaccommodate some of your guests on site for an entire weekend in the countryside.
Wedding venues in Ontario boast a diverse range of architectural styles, each offering unique features that contribute to their charm and appeal. One distinguishing architectural feature found in many Ontario wedding venues is their historic significance. From grand estates and manor houses to barns and heritage buildings, Ontario's wedding venues often showcase rich architectural heritage that adds character and elegance to the celebration.
These historic venues may feature intricate woodwork, ornate moldings, and stately facades, providing a picturesque backdrop for the most romantic wedding venues. Couples and their guests can immerse themselves in the timeless beauty of these historic settings, creating an atmosphere of romance and sophistication that is truly unforgettable.
In addition to historic venues, Ontario is also home to modern architectural marvels that offer a contemporary twist on wedding celebrations. Sleek, minimalist designs, expansive windows, and open-concept spaces characterize many of these modern venues, providing couples with a blank canvas to personalize and customize their wedding decor and ambiance.
Wedding venues in Ontario often pride themselves on providing a wide array of indoor amenities to ensure that couples and their guests have a comfortable and enjoyable experience throughout the celebration. These indoor amenities may vary depending on the specific venue and its offerings, but there are several common features that many Ontario wedding venues provide.
First and foremost, many wedding venues in Ontario offer spacious and elegantly appointed event spaces that serve as the backdrop for wedding ceremonies, receptions, and other festivities. These event spaces are typically designed with attention to detail, featuring versatile layouts, high ceilings, and tasteful decor that can be customized to suit the couple's vision for their special day.
In addition to event spaces, indoor amenities at Ontario wedding venues often include amenities such as bridal suites and groom's lounges.
Yes, wedding venues in Ontario often incorporate distinctive cultural influences into the ambiance and services they provide, reflecting the diverse cultural landscape of the province. Ontario is home to a rich tapestry of cultural traditions, and many wedding venues strive to honor and celebrate these traditions by offering personalized services and incorporating cultural elements into the wedding experience.
One common way that wedding venues in Ontario showcase cultural influences is through their culinary offerings. Ontario's vibrant multicultural communities have contributed to a diverse culinary scene, and many wedding venues offer menus that feature traditional dishes from various cultural backgrounds. Whether it's Italian pasta dishes, Indian curry stations, Chinese dim sum, or Middle Eastern mezze platters, couples can often customize their wedding menus to include dishes that reflect their cultural heritage or pay homage to their cultural roots.
In addition to culinary offerings, wedding venues in Ontario may also incorporate cultural influences into their decor and ambiance.
Wedding venues in Ontario understand the importance of weather considerations, particularly outdoor venues, given the province's varied climate throughout the year. To address these concerns and ensure a seamless experience for couples planning outdoor weddings, venues often implement a range of strategies and contingency plans.
One common approach is to provide flexible indoor-outdoor spaces that can accommodate various weather conditions. For example, venues may offer covered pavilions, tents, or gazebos that provide shelter from rain or excessive sun while still allowing guests to enjoy the beauty of outdoor surroundings. These versatile spaces offer a blend of indoor comfort and outdoor ambiance, ensuring that couples can proceed with their planned outdoor ceremony or reception regardless of the weather.
Additionally, many wedding venues in Ontario have backup indoor spaces available in case of inclement weather.
Yes, there are numerous historical landmarks and iconic views associated with wedding venues in Ontario, adding a touch of charm and significance to couples' special day. Ontario is rich in history and natural beauty, offering a variety of stunning locations that serve as memorable backdrops for wedding celebrations.
One iconic landmark often associated with weddings in Ontario is the picturesque Niagara Falls. The majestic beauty of the falls, combined with its romantic allure, makes it a popular destination for couples seeking a truly unforgettable wedding experience. Several venues around Niagara Falls offer breathtaking views of the falls, providing couples and their guests with a magical setting to exchange vows and celebrate their love. Furthermore, Ontario's picturesque landscapes provide countless opportunities for couples to tie the knot amidst natural beauty and iconic views.
Wedding venues in Ontario are increasingly embracing sustainable practices and eco-friendly options to reduce their environmental impact and promote responsible stewardship of resources. Many venues recognize the importance of sustainability and are taking proactive steps to incorporate eco-friendly initiatives into their operations.
One common sustainable practice embraced by wedding venues in Ontario is the use of locally sourced and seasonal ingredients for catering and dining options. By sourcing food and beverages from local farmers, producers, and suppliers, venues reduce their carbon footprint associated with transportation and support local economies. Additionally, choosing seasonal ingredients ensures freshness and minimizes the need for preservatives or additives, promoting healthier and more sustainable dining options for wedding guests.
Furthermore, some wedding venues in Ontario are implementing waste reduction and recycling programs to minimize the amount of waste generated during wedding events.
