Top 10 Wedding Venues in Toronto
Planning your wedding isn't easy. With so many decisions like photographers, wedding dress', florists, DJ's, bridesmaids and of course wedding venue's, it's a bit overwhelming. As one of Toronto's top wedding photographers, I have shot over 100 weddings in the GTA and have seen a lot of amazing spaces along the way. From Castle Loma to The Arlington Estate, below I have compiled my favourite top ten to help you pick the perfect one that best suits your wedding style and budget. Affordable wedding venues in Toronto still do exist!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
1. What is the best wedding venue in Toronto for a large number of guests?
When it comes to spaces you need for 300, 400 or even 500 of your guests to fill into, the number of venues begin to diminish. For these large capacity spaces we recommend Liberty Grand, One King West or Steam Whistle Brewery
2. Are venues open in Toronto during CORVID 19?
Ontario just entered Stage 2 which means venues are permitted to have events with up to 50 people outside for ceremonies and up to 30% capacity for receptions. This will be subject to change of course depending on the number of new cases in Toronto and Ontario at large.
3. What are some of the more rustic feeling venues in Toronto?
Some of our favourite weddings we have shot were in these types of spaces including Berkeley Church, STORYS Building, and The Burroughs Building. All of these are filled with charm and boho inspired love!
4. What are some of the venue’s that provide a lot of outdoor space in Toronto?
To be honest there are not a lot of these in Toronto proper but the three that do are all quite amazing! Toronto’s only castle, Casa Loma , The Estates of Sunnybrook, and Graydon Hall Manor. Casa Loma has a large lush garden behind the castle along with a glass filled tent which holds many receptions. The Estates of Sunnybrook with its historic manors and large lawns also provide a large beautiful ceremony space nestled right next to a lush ravine. And last but not least Graydon Hall Manor offers a posh Great Gatsby feel to its VERY large backyard and green space both suitable for ceremonies and receptions alike.
5. What are some of the more smaller wedding venues in Toronto?
It’s not about the size its about the love! I get this question quite often from people and my immediate answer is Airship 37 and The Gladstone Hotel. Airship 37 is located right next door to the historic Distillery District which also serves as a great photography location and The Gladstone Hotel is located on West Queen West. The latter is a 19th century Victorian building that has been renovated into a unique space with funky hotel rooms available in the upper floors.
1. Casa Loma
If you are looking for a castle conveniently located in Toronto, Casa Loma is the place. This famous castle provides a spectacular setting overlooking the skyline. Access to the conservatory, library , terrace and gardens are all available and who knows, you might even get a chance to see a famous Toronto Raptor or Hollywood celebrity!
2. Graydon Hall Manor
Graydon Hall is STUNNING. This venue offers a beautiful outdoor ceremony space located on the back lawn. You will feel like you are at a Great Gatsby party smooching with guests while sipping the quality wine and delicious hors d'oeuvres.
3. The Guild INN Estate
Have you been to the new The Guild Inn Estate yet? Thanks to the completion of the new restoration and renovation, you can have your entire special day all in one place! The open concept and high ceiling gave the wedding a magnanimous feeling, not to mention it’s also a photographer’s ideal shooting conditions. The elegant wood and stone combination with sharp geometric design combines modern aesthetic with a rustic feel. If you’ve not gone yet, you’re missing out on some great sights! Best of all there is a one of a kind park aptly named Guildwood Park located directly behind it.
4. The Steamwhistle Brewery
The 4000-square foot loft style space at the back of the Steam Whistle Brewery radiates a rustic country charisma with its exposed brick walls and 30 foot high hardwood ceiling, reminiscent of weddings of days gone by. For something as traditional as a wedding, this inviting old building is the perfect fit, with it’s country feel juxtaposed with iconic city sights of the CN Tower and the Rogers Center, formerly but also always known as the Skydome.
5. The Aga Khan Museum
Aga Khan Museum is the first museum in the western world dedicated to Islamic art. It is a one of a kind event space with multiple area's for your ceremony and reception space. Located just off the DVP in North York.
6. The Arlington EstatE
As a preferred photography vendor at The Arlington Estate, I have come to know this space very well. It has a beautiful back lawn with a large pool and fountain. Also optional now are fireworks and the ability to arrive by helicopter!
7. The Eglinton Grand
The Eglinton Grand is a very unique space in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. In 2016, it was designated a National Historic Site by Parks Canada and the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada. Built in 1936, the Eglinton became one of the best examples of the Art Deco-style in Canadian theatre design.
8. Liberty Grand Entertainment complex
Liberty Grand is another historic Toronto venue with 3 separate reception rooms to choose from. In the centre of these rooms there lies an epic courtyard for holding the ceremony and cocktail hour. Highly recommend this one!
9. One King West Hotel
One King West Hotel is located just off Yonge St. in downtown Toronto. It is a very prestigious event space which has an epic photography location located in the basement called "the vault". Set in a modern high rise and a grand beaux-arts-style building dating from 1914, this elegant all-suite hotel is a 5-minute walk from both the Hockey Hall of Fame, and upscale shopping at the Toronto Eaton Centre mall
10. Vaughan Estate | Estates of Sunnybrook
Rounding out the top ten we have Vaughan Estate which is part of Sunnybrook Estates in North York. Both Vaughan Estate and Mclean House share an amazing ceremony space between themselves which overlooks a lush ravine. Both venues here share an old world charm.
11. Notable Mention:
Harding Waterfront Estate in Mississauga
Located on the calm shores of Mississauga, Harding Waterfront Estate offers an epic spot for some great photos! Not only is the outdoor location very well suited for this, but the indoor wedding venue is also there just in case!