Top 10 Wedding Venues in Toronto for Your Dream Wedding on Any Budget
Does the perfect venue for your wedding in Toronto? Unequivocally yes! Engaged couples are lucky to have so many great options in this city whether you want to go big (post-COVID), small or have a unique twist to your celebration. As a wedding musician, I've had the privilege of seeing the full gamut of venues available and thought I'd list some of my favourites. Even though it is really tough to plan a wedding right now, getting the venue down is still a great first step. Many venues are getting advance bookings for 2022 and beyond and it doesn't hurt to secure your top choice now.
Without further ado, here is my list for top Toronto wedding venues:
1. Go big: Liberty Entertainment Group
This is a great place to start to look at some iconic Toronto venues. Casa Loma & Liberty Grand are staples in the city if you are looking to go all out and have a big guest list. The views and interiors of both are stunning. Pictured below is my view during a ceremony in the Conservatory of Casa Loma.
2. Go Classic: Hart House at U of T
I love playing at this venue - so many options for both outdoor and indoor settings that are classy and refined. I'm also partial to the Music Room and the Great Hall which both feature beautiful Steinway Grand Pianos. For lovers of Harry Potter, this would be the perfect spot. This photo was from a wedding proposal in the Music Room.
3. Converted Church: Berkeley Church
If you like the idea of a church wedding but aren't religious, this is the best of all worlds! The cavernous open space to put lights or decor, built in stage and stained glass windows all add to the ambiance.
4. Go Historic: Enoch Turner School House
Another converted building (aren't those great?) from old Toronto times. Close to the Distillery District, this old one room school house is now a beautiful open space for weddings and events. Intimate and cozy with amazing light and endless decor opportunities.
5. Clean Lines: Gardiner Museum
On the edge of the trendy Yorkville area and looking over the ROM, this is another excellent Toronto venue choice. The upstairs event space is modern, clean and features floor to ceiling windows on all sides. This photo is from a Jewish wedding ceremony Meghan and I played here back in 2019.
6. For Foodies: George Restaurant
Full disclosure: this was where I got married! Once I had the vegetarian tasting menu, I was sold. If food is a big priority, then look no further than George which completely excels in this area. Tasting menus are breathtakingly beautiful and gorgeous on the plate. The atmosphere is dark and luxurious and the service is bar none.
7. Eclectic Pick: Lodge on Queen
I've played for two weddings here and the atmosphere is excellently unique. Picture an artist's showing in a loft in Brooklyn. Located smack dab in the center of Queen West, this is the perfect spot for brides and grooms who want a casual, eclectic and chic feel to their big day. This photo was of the ceremony space. Guests were invited to sit wherever they please as the vows took place in the center of the room.
The last three are a bit outside of Toronto, but still in the GTA and worth the drive:
8. For the art & nature lover: McMichael Canadian Art Collection
Take a beautiful drive out to Kleinburg, ON and experience this art museum in the midst of the Canadian wilderness. Be transported with art amidst the nature, sculptures in forests, and paintings that capture Canadiana so well. There are a few options to get married here including on a hilltop looking out over the forest below. For those who like to wander and ponder. Below photo is not a bus stop - it's art!
9. For the Wine lover: Holland Marsh Wineries
I was introduced to this venue just before COVID hit, and it took my breath away. A beautiful two story building with a log cabin feel on the edge of a vineyard that stretches as far as the eye can see. Located in Newmarket area, it is just a quick drive from Toronto but feels like a country getaway.
10. Big country estate: The Arlington Estate
Sometimes you just have to go all out - that is what the Arlington Estate promises. Luxe vendor partners, a gorgeous mansion sized venue, acres of outdoor spaces. They've got it all and are just a stone's throw outside of the city in Vaughan. Every time I come here, I'm so impressed with the scope of this venue and the quality of all the little details. Even the coffee here is the best I've ever had at a wedding venue, the espresso is straight from Italy and made in one of those tall gold Elektra machines.
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