Toronto and surrounding GTA hosts tons of wedding venue options. Like people, they come in all shapes and sizes. Choosing the best wedding venue for you is determined by many factors such as budget, season and personal style.
Choosing where to start sourcing a wedding venue can be a daunting task. Especially without a wedding planner. A planner can help you narrow down your choices based on your top desires and guide you through site visits with the important questions to ask. If you have opted to go without a planner, we have some top choices and vital questions to get you started on your search!
Restaurant Weddings
Restaurant wedding venues are a great choice for smaller scale weddings with a focus on good cuisine. A well suited choice for off-season celebrations, groups that aren't that into dancing and even brunch or afternoon fares.
Generally restaurant weddings require a full buy-out of the space which includes all catering, staffing and the venue itself. Forget about having to rent furniture, linens, dishwares etc. Decor might be more low key with this option too, however most restaurants already have a pretty vibe going without any add-ons. With all of these factors combined, you are likely to save quite a bit of money choosing a restaurant venue.
Brick and beam, modern and industrial; these are great aesthetics for a city wedding venue. These venues are generally bare bones from the start which can be daunting but oh so worth it! The wonderful part about being bare bones, is that you can make it become what you want, exactly. Many of these lofts also allow you to byob which can save a lot on alcohol! While this option may seem inexpensive at first, it can cost a lot more than you bargained for. Be careful to check what all the extra add-ons would cost like furniture rentals, dishwares, deliveries, staffing, security, SOCAN fees etc.
While having an outdoor wedding in Ontario might sound like a pipe-dream, it is possible to feel like you are outdoors by selecting a space that either brings the outdoors in, or is interconnected with green space. Its just better to be safe than sorry when planning a wedding in Ontario. Rain options are key! Here are some of our favourites that make you feel part of nature while being protected simultaneously.
Tented wedding venues might sound like an oxymoron since tents can be erected just about anywhere, but some venues keep tents up seasonally. This can cut costs if you are not just renting a tent for one day.
Don't only limit your tent choices to already erected ones though. Plenty of venues allow you to erect a tent so you can bring the outdoors in.
Many venues in Toronto offer outdoor ceremony spaces with indoor receptions which helps satisfy that urge to be married in the fresh air and sun. Make sure your venue offers a safe back-up rain plan in the case you need to move all your guests last minute too! If your outdoor space has a rooftop, than even better!
Visually stunning with art already curated on the walls, an art gallery can be the perfect setting for a contemporary city reception. These spaces are usually industrial, with high ceilings and tons of space to spread out!
History lovers and vintage enthusiasts, will swoon over these architectural delights. With very few left in the city, these options will leave guests with a memorable experience.
Toronto has its fair share of hotel wedding venues. Apart from the box chains of numerous hotels, we want to pinpoint some artsy gems that will host epic dance parties.
So these barns are not in the GTA, but they are close. Creating a short destination wedding an hour ride from the city is a lovely weekend escape, surrounded by nature, and everything camp. Outdoor ceremonies, dance-offs and bonfires make for a night to remember. Many options offer guest houses or allow guests to camp out too!
Toronto and surrounding GTA hosts tons of wedding venue options. Like people, they come in all shapes and sizes. Choosing the best wedding venue for you is determined by many factors such as budget, season and personal style.
Choosing where to start sourcing a wedding venue can be a daunting task. Especially without a wedding planner. A planner can help you narrow down your choices based on your top desires and guide you through site visits with the important questions to ask. However, if you have opted to go without a planner, we have some top choices with their best features and max standing capacities to help get you started!
Restaurant Wedding Venues
Restaurant wedding venues are a great choice for smaller scale weddings with a focus on good cuisine. A well suited choice for off-season celebrations, groups that aren’t that into dancing and even brunch or afternoon fares.
Generally restaurant weddings require a full buy-out of the space which includes all catering, staffing and the venue itself. Forget about having to rent furniture, linens, dishwares etc. Decor might be more low key with this option too, however most restaurants already have a pretty vibe going without having to make any significant add-ons. With all of these factors combined, you are likely to save quite a bit of money choosing a restaurant venue.
Features: exposed brick, wooden beams, on-site catering, outdoor patio space for ceremonies and cocktail hour, great lighting and service!
Capacity: up to 150 guests
Lofty Spaces Wedding Venues
Brick and beam, modern and industrial; these are great aesthetics for a city wedding venue. These venues are generally bare bones from the start which can be daunting but oh so worth it! The wonderful part about being bare bones, is that you can make it become what you want, exactly. Many of these lofts also allow you to byob which can save a lot on alcohol! While this option may seem inexpensive at first, it can cost a lot more than you bargained for. Be careful to check what all the extra add-ons would cost like furniture rentals, dish-wares, deliveries, staffing, security, SOCAN fees etc.
Features: hard loft space with wood floors, painted white brick, exposed brick and a long narrow space. 3 floors with a gorgeous rooftop terrace with 360 degree view of the city.
Features: Right in the heart of downtown. Exposed grey brick and beam. Vintage lounge furnishings included. On-site catering and off-site catering available. 2 Floors.
Features: 2 Rooms, Exposed brick, immense natural light with circular window features, vaulted ceilings, skylights and patio space. Let your imagination run wild with this gigantic clean slate space.
Capacity: Up to 750 Guests
Bringing the Outdoors In
While having an outdoor wedding in Ontario might sound like a pipe-dream, it is possible to feel like you are outdoors by selecting a space that either brings the outdoors in, or is interconnected with green space. Its just better to be safe than sorry when planning a wedding in Ontario. Rain options are key! Here are some of our favourites that make you feel part of nature while being simultaneously protected.
Features: An enormous exposed brick and beam space with an abandoned railroad track running through it. Protected by a greenhouse roof and decorated with graffiti art and beautiful gardens with steel art. A transformable space with a huge capacity AND your event helps generate revenues to deliver onsite programming that support Evergreen’s mission of inspiring action to green cities.
Features: A majestic castle turned museum surrounded by lush gardens in midtown, Toronto. Stained glass dome Conservatory space offering natural light and a feeling of letting the outdoors in. An outdoor terrace as well.
Features: 4 rooms to choose from with ample natural light, a modern and minimalist feel in the core of the city.
Capacity: Up to 180 Guests
Tented Wedding Venues
Tented wedding venues might sound like an oxymoron since tents can be erected just about anywhere, but some venues keep tents up seasonally. This can cut costs if you are not just renting a tent for one day.
Don’t only limit your tent choices to already erected ones though. Plenty of venues allow you to erect a tent so you can bring the outdoors in. Even better, if you have the perfect property to host the event, a tent can be the perfect addition to make your wedding dreams come true!
Features: A white tent with 4 sides open to the lush garden surrounding makes this tent one to swoon for. No interior poles and fully equipped with fans, lighting and a dance floor. Free parking and wheelchair accessible too!
Features: This stone manor was built in 1936, surrounded by lush gardens, a huge stone terrace, cascading fountains and groomed lawns. There are numerous rooms to utilize all with their own unique charm. Sunny bay windows, charming fireplaces and ornate mouldings will surely excite those who want a romantic garden manor wedding.
Capacity: Up to 300 Guests
Outdoor Ceremony Spaces
Many venues in Toronto offer outdoor ceremony spaces with indoor receptions which helps satisfy that urge to be married in the fresh air and sun. Make sure your venue offers a safe back-up rain plan in the case you need to move all your guests last minute too! If your outdoor space has a rooftop, than even better!
Features: This bright white and modern reception space is modern and airy. Sunset facing windows allow for breathtaking sunset beams of light. A huge outdoor patio with tent allows for outdoor ceremonies too. Catered by Oliver + Bonacini which is a HUGE plus!
Features: Rustic mainfloor space with immense natural light. A tented patio perfect for cocktails and ceremonies. It even hosts a treehouse for groomsmen to get ready in. Antique details, feature wood walls and friendly staff.
Features: Numerous rooms to choose from with huge outdoor space for ceremonies. The Great Hall is a magnificent room hosting dark wood paneling and cathedral windows with wrought iron chandeliers.
Features: Exposed brick and beam with 30 foot ceilings. Centrally located with views of the CN Tower and paying homage to the trains found in the park. 2 huge rooms to choose from with outdoor patio access, versatile lofty vibes and of course all the beer you can drink!
Capacity: Up to 1000 people
Art Gallery Wedding Venues
Visually stunning with art already curated on the walls, an art gallery can be the perfect setting for a contemporary city reception. These spaces are usually industrial, with high ceilings and tons of space to spread out!
Features: The Art Gallery of Ontario hosts hallmarks of Frank Gehry’s world renowned design, including dramatic sculptural staircases and the extensive use of glass. Take your photos surrounded by the Thompson Collection or contemporary collections from around the world. Cater your dinner with AGO’s culinary dream team!
Features: A second floor brick and beam venue space with ample natural light and modern art showcased on the walls.
Capacity: Up to 250 Guests
Historic Sites
History lovers and vintage enthusiasts, will swoon over these architectural delights. With very few left in the city, these options will leave guests with a memorable experience.
Features: Oldest school in Toronto transformed into an event space. Still has a school house set up with desks in one part. Beautiful church-like windows, with a vintage charm. Vaulted ceilings and white walls.
Features: Heavy timber beams, and limestone walls. This industrial space offers a blank canvas to let you design as you wish. Hanging installations are welcomed in this breathtaking, romantic moody atmosphere.
Capacity: Up to 600 Guests
Concert Halls
If you are a unique and musical couple, looking to basically create your own concert or dance party, these venues are for you!
Features: 4 rooms with very different looks to choose from. The Main Hall and Longboat Hall are the most concert-like atmospheres. State of the art sound and lighting with a stage and balcony.
Features: 2 Floors with a combo of traditional and contemporary. A stage, Victorian-inspired bar, stained glass windows, wine cellar, and enclosed courtyard. Historical character and vintage charm.
Features: A modern industrial space in all white with beautiful natural light. A perfect space to dress up or keep simple. Garage doors that open up to an unconventional patio.
Capacity: Up to 400 guests
Cityscape Hotel Vibes
Toronto has its fair share of hotel wedding venues. Apart from the box chains of numerous hotels, we want to pinpoint some artsy gems that will host epic dance parties.
Features: In house catering, hotel rooms abound, a dark and moody atmosphere with a great sound system will make your dance party one to remember. The rooftop patio is an extra add on for photos!
Capacity: Up to 200 guests
Barns
So these barns are not in the GTA, but they are close. Creating a short destination wedding an hour ride from the city is a lovely weekend escape, surrounded by nature, and everything camp. Outdoor ceremonies, dance-offs and bonfires make for a night to remember. Many options offer guest houses or allow guests to camp out too!
Features: A restored barn surrounded by beautiful gardens and fields. Full service barn including local food, vintage furnishings and planning services.
Questions to ask your venue before signing on the dotted line
Logistics
The obvious question to first ask is if the venue is available for your wedding date. Duh. If you haven’t decided on a date, and want a cheaper option, ask if they offer reduced rates for Fridays or Sundays to get started.
Find out if there is a flat fee for the venue itself or if they charge per head?
What is the capacity for the style of event you want to host? Seated, cocktail etc.
Find out if they accommodate any special requests like wheelchair accessibility, kosher meals, vegetarian and vegan options etc.
How much time do you have to change from your outdoor ceremony plan to the indoor plan based on bad weather?
Find out if you can use your own vendors and if there is a fee to use your own outside of their recommended vendors.
Food + Drink
Is there an in-house caterer or preferred caterers?
Is there a food and drink minimum spend?
Determine if you can bring your own alcohol?
Can you offer his and her cocktails?
Can you bring a cake/desserts from an outside baker? Is there a fee?
Can you bring late night food trucks or outside food?
Extras
Find out the extra fees like: security, cleaning fees, AV charges, parking, SOCAN, venue access extensions, over-time, set-up fee, tear down fee, corkage fees, cake cutting fees etc.
Do they provide any heaters, tents or umbrellas for outdoor spaces?
Is an SOP required? (special occasions permit?)
Are staff included?
Do they offer on-site coordination?
Can the venue accommodate a DJ or band?
What time can vendors start setting up?
Are there any noise restrictions or hard tear down times?
Do they have a sound system and microphones on-site?
Is there parking on-site?
How many restrooms are there?
Is insurance required and how much is it?
Is there a bridal suite on-site?
What is weather back up plan?
Do they have liability insurance?
Decor
If you have specific decor ideas, make sure they will allow them like candlesticks, hanging installations, welcome cocktails, confetti, lawn games, fireworks, string lights, food trucks etc.
Is there any decor or furniture included in rental?
Do they include any signage?
Payment
How much is the deposit and is it refundable?
What forms of payment do they accept and what is payment plan for entire bill?
Is there a ceremony location on-site? What extra fees go with this?
Olive Studio is a documentary based photography studio, specializing in unique, intimate and off-the-beaten track weddings. Our candid shooting style allows for couples to...
Toronto and surrounding GTA hosts tons of wedding venue options. Like people, they come in all shapes and sizes. Choosing the best wedding venue for you is determined by many factors such as budget, season and personal style.
Choosing where to start sourcing a wedding venue can be a daunting task. Especially without a wedding planner. A planner can help you narrow down your choices based on your top desires and guide you through site visits with the important questions to ask. If you have opted to go without a planner, we have some top choices and vital questions to get you started on your search!
Restaurant Weddings
Restaurant wedding venues are a great choice for smaller scale weddings with a focus on good cuisine. A well suited choice for off-season celebrations, groups that aren’t that into dancing and even brunch or afternoon fares.
Generally restaurant weddings require a full buy-out of the space which includes all catering, staffing and the venue itself. Forget about having to rent furniture, linens, dishwares etc. Decor might be more low key with this option too, however most restaurants already have a pretty vibe going without any add-ons. With all of these factors combined, you are likely to save quite a bit of money choosing a restaurant venue.
Brick and beam, modern and industrial; these are great aesthetics for a city wedding venue. These venues are generally bare bones from the start which can be daunting but oh so worth it! The wonderful part about being bare bones, is that you can make it become what you want, exactly. Many of these lofts also allow you to byob which can save a lot on alcohol! While this option may seem inexpensive at first, it can cost a lot more than you bargained for. Be careful to check what all the extra add-ons would cost like furniture rentals, dishwares, deliveries, staffing, security, SOCAN fees etc.
While having an outdoor wedding in Ontario might sound like a pipe-dream, it is possible to feel like you are outdoors by selecting a space that either brings the outdoors in, or is interconnected with green space. Its just better to be safe than sorry when planning a wedding in Ontario. Rain options are key! Here are some of our favourites that make you feel part of nature while being protected simultaneously.
Tented wedding venues might sound like an oxymoron since tents can be erected just about anywhere, but some venues keep tents up seasonally. This can cut costs if you are not just renting a tent for one day.
Don’t only limit your tent choices to already erected ones though. Plenty of venues allow you to erect a tent so you can bring the outdoors in.
Many venues in Toronto offer outdoor ceremony spaces with indoor receptions which helps satisfy that urge to be married in the fresh air and sun. Make sure your venue offers a safe back-up rain plan in the case you need to move all your guests last minute too! If your outdoor space has a rooftop, than even better!
Visually stunning with art already curated on the walls, an art gallery can be the perfect setting for a contemporary city reception. These spaces are usually industrial, with high ceilings and tons of space to spread out!
History lovers and vintage enthusiasts, will swoon over these architectural delights. With very few left in the city, these options will leave guests with a memorable experience.
Toronto has its fair share of hotel wedding venues. Apart from the box chains of numerous hotels, we want to pinpoint some artsy gems that will host epic dance parties.
So these barns are not in the GTA, but they are close. Creating a short destination wedding an hour ride from the city is a lovely weekend escape, surrounded by nature, and everything camp. Outdoor ceremonies, dance-offs and bonfires make for a night to remember. Many options offer guest houses or allow guests to camp out too!
