How exciting! You got engaged, and now the first step is to set a date and find the best wedding venue in Toronto. Once that step of wedding planning is done, everything somehow falls into place. And I know it’s a lot of decisions to make and there is a lot of choice out there. But hopefully with this handy guide, you will enjoy the process.
Toronto and area has so many incredible wedding venues to choose from. Whether it’s a rustic loft or a modern restaurant, a gold course surrounded by greenery and nature or a minimal art gallery, there is plenty of options to fit what you are looking for in a Toronto wedding venue.
Hopefully this list of Toronto venue options, helps you in your search!
Restaurant Wedding Venue
There are some incredible Toronto restaurant wedding venues.
Restaurants usually have a very intimate feel about them. You are the only wedding there and the food options, this coming from a foodie, are always great! You usually have the space to yourself, and even though the opening and closing times are set. There’s usually plenty of time allotted for your event. With tables and seating already there, and usually pretty great interior design to start with, you can add minimal decor or go all out, but it definitely can be budget friendly.
If you’re looking to have a large guests list, perhaps a restaurant might not have the capacity.
Winery Wedding Venue
The Niagara/NOTL and PEC have some awesome choices for Ontario winery wedding venues. Depending on which winery you choose, the decor may be rustic or modern, but one thing for certain, you will have gorgeous grape vines as your backdrop and usually pretty epic sunsets. And of course, great wine!
Usually you’re not sharing the space, which is always a bonus, and most wineries allow you to bring in your own caterer or choose from their preferred vendor list. There is usually plenty of space for a ceremony. Lots of green space to mingle during cocktails, maybe even enjoy some lawn games, and from a photographer’s perspective, there is no shortage of photo backdrops. Some wineries allow photos in their cellars as well, so make sure you inquire. You will most likely have to bring in external vendors, such as dj, caterer, etc.
Private Estate Wedding Venue
Estate wedding venues in the Toronto area are so great. They are hidden gems, usually with a lot of history and good updates. They provide pretty indoor and outdoor spaces for photos and for guests to enjoy and usually supply basic tables and seating. They are also a nice backdrop to get creative with your decor, and truly put your own unique spin on what you’d like the ambiance to feel like. Usually have an indoor and outdoor option. Depending on the venue, the DJ and the catering may be an external company.
Shot on assignment for Developed with Heart Photography
Museum Gallery Wedding Venue
There are so many galleries and museum wedding venues in the city. They range from super modern, to more loft-like, and definitely allow for a really interesting backdrop for your wedding. Most are in the city, so if you are looking for a more urban feel, it’s definitely a great consideration. Depending on the venue, you will have artwork in the background, which is always fun for your guests to enjoy during cocktails. Added cost might be having to bring in furniture rentals, dj and caterer.
Loft Wedding Venue
If you are craving warm exposed brick and an urban loft vibe, there are so many great options in Toronto for loft wedding venue ideas. The city is your backdrop and lofts just ooze coolness. No? They are usually a blank slate, so you can get as creative as you’d like with the decor and florals. Keep in mind you will most likely need to rent table and seating externally as well as bring in a caterer. Some things to keep in mind.
Brewery Wedding Venue
Speaking of cool venues. Toronto brewery weddings always have a super relaxed vibe. So if you are a couple looking for a fun, easy going atmosphere, with an amazing craft beer selection, you should definitely consider a brewery as your Toronto wedding venue ideas. Usually you will have a view of the stainless tell tanks, which is pretty neat. It’s definitely a more modern industrial feel, but you can have so much fun complimenting or contrasting that. Kind of a great blank canvas. Keep in mind, you will most likely have to bring in your own caterer and other external vendors.
Golf Club & Country Club Wedding Venue
Toronto golf club wedding venues are a great option if you are looking for beautifully manicured grounds, greenery, flowers and great Toronto wedding venue ideas. They are a great option, if you’re not looking to source out your own catering or furniture. Most golf clubs offer this as a package and it does make it easy for the couple, not to have to worry about all of the basics. Tables, linens, sounds system, catering is usually all taken care of. Depending on the size, some are able to accommodate large weddings. The ceremony location always has a pretty backdrop. And sometimes a tented wedding is an option.
Rustic Barn Wedding Venue
Usually a bit out of the city, barn wedding venues offer backdrops of nature and the weathered look of the barn. They are airy and rustic. But usually do not offer A/C or do not host winter weddings. As they are more open air venues. They are a neutral canvas, to bring your vision to life. Just imagine cocktails and lawn games with the beautifully textured barn as your backdrop. Keep in mind, you might have to source a caterer and other external vendors. Barns usually have a set capacity as well.
Toronto Banquet Hall Wedding Venue
The city has a good amount of banquet hall weddings venues. Some might be outside of the city, but just a short drive out. If you are looking to have a larger guest list, banquet hall wedding venues are a great option. They are also a blank canvas in terms of decor, as they are usually pretty neutral in colour scheme and interior design. They are truly a one stop shop for a wedding. You get a package of the hall rental, tables and seating, serving staff, caterer and sometimes DJ. Plenty of parking. Due to their size, you might be sharing the day with other couples. Sometimes the ceilings are quite high and the in-house lighting is quite pronounced, so make sure your photographer is able to wrk in tricky lighting conditions. Some out of the city banquet hall venues are a bit more industrial looking on the exterior, so a secondary photo location might be something to consider.
Cottage Country Wedding
Although these are definitely out of the city. If you have access to a beautiful lake side or country property it is always a beautiful backdrop for a wedding. It feels homey and nature-y and as elegant or rustic as you’d like it to be. Dock side or lakeside ceremonies are some of my faves, and if you are happy to get in a boat, we will create serious magic. Cottage and private property weddings always remind me of laid back atmosphere, the smell of the forest, and bon fires with warm blankets and s’mores. Keep in mind this is a blank slate, so everything, every vendor will have to be sourced, but this is something a planner would be able to help you out with. Don’t forget the porta potties!
