Photo via Christopher Luk Photography
Updated January 9th, 2017.
During my seven-year career as a DJ, I had the chance to work and attend 400+ weddings all over Toronto and the GTA. I’m always paying close attention to the food, service and how well I am treated (even as a staff member – these are the people who will sing your praises). A few of them stand out in mind, so I’m sharing my most favourite and unique wedding venues in Toronto as an industry-insider:
1) The Berkeley Field House
You cannot go wrong with the indoor/outdoor space that is The Berkley Field House. The white walls are the perfect blank canvas to add your wedding colours to and I truly love the garden patio space for guests to sip champagne under the summer stars.
Think South Beach interior, big greenhouse windows, a lovely garden patio and outdoor tent option. Even comes with its very own treehouse and eclectic dressing room for the wedding party. I once attended a family-style Thanksgiving wedding here and the food was phenomenal. The chef is extremely flexible and open to ideas – no rubber chicken or typical steak and potatoes here.
Photo via Christopher Luk Photography
2) The Argo Rowing Club
Hidden gem alert! If you’re priced out of Palais Royale down the street, head over to The Argo Rowing Club which features a grand main room and a huge outdoor patio overlooking Lake Ontario. Just make sure you order lounge chairs and a few tables to fill up the empty space and to give it a bit more personality. Definitely one of my favourite unique wedding venues in Toronto.
3) The Algonquin Island Association Clubhouse
If you’ve dreamed of having a wedding on the Toronto Islands, one of the most affordable and adorable options is The Algonquin Island Association Clubhouse. You could easily host your ceremony outside on the lawn with a view of the lake and Toronto skyline and then move guests inside for your reception. It’s like a wedding at a cottage without the two-hour commute.
Photo via BlogTO
4) St. Lawrence Hall
This city-owned property in the heart of Downtown Toronto features soaring ceilings, pretty gold accents and an ornamental ceiling on the third floor of this historic building. The pictures don’t always do it justice, you have to see it in-person.
Best part? Get your own permit and stock your own bar! You’ll save a ton of money and because St. Lawrence Hall is city-owned, the rental fee is incredibly reasonable. Bring your own caterer and furniture. Last I checked, they included Chivari chair rentals with your venue rental! Big savings right there and they look fantastic in this room.
Photo via BlogTO
5) The Arts & Letters Club
Another hidden gem which features a large fireplace, soaring ceilings, a stage and grand piano inside The Great Hall. The Arts & Letters Club is listed in the National Historic Sites of Canada. The space feels cozy and intimate – perfect for a winter wedding. I’ve seen couples do ceremonies on the stage and have sat the head table up there as well.
6) Wychwood Barns
Have you considered hosting your reception inside an urban barn in the middle of the city? This former transit hub has been coverted into an artist and event space with warm exposed brick walls, slick steel beams and lots of space – so your guests never feel squished. Lots of capacity at Artscape Wychwood Barns and I love that it’s flooded with natural light. It’s one of the more unique wedding venues in Toronto.
7) Todmorden Mills
A little bit off the beaten path off Pottery Rd, Todmorden Mills features a huge smoke stack that you just can’t miss. This former lumber mill now features rotating works of art and a full-sized theatre for your ceremony. This venue is also city-owned which means lower rental fees and the ability to stock your own bar and bring your own caterer.
8) Arta Gallery
I’ve hosted many events myself at Arta Gallery in Toronto’s Distillery District. I find the space to be intimate, full of interesting works and can fit approximately 150 people for a cocktail reception. The prices are very reasonable and you can bring in your own caterer and stock your own bar. The space is modern and raw, plus you can do photos around the Distillery District.
Photo via Jenn Stark Photography
9) Hart House
As a University of Toronto Alumnae, I have always loved the quad in the middle of the historic Hart House. This student recreation centre is the fanciest place ever bursting with character and history. A tented cocktail reception in the quad would be incredibly dreamy. Catering is all done in-house by Hart House. The food has always been good.
10) Sunnyside Pavilion
Are you dreaming of an outdoor wedding but can’t bear to risk rain and bad weather? Toronto’s Sunnyside Pavilion is a unique venue located on a covered second floor terrace with views of Lake Ontario. A pretty courtyard on the main level features a fountain with leafy trees and another option for a ceremony spot. Catering is done in-house.
Photo via Pink Pearl Images
11) Steam Whistle Brewery
Host your wedding in the historic roundhouse with features like exposed wood beams, warm red brick, huge windows with views of the city skyline and 30-foot ceilings. It’s the opposite of a sterile window-less banquet hall. Best part? Fresh Steam Whistle on tap!
Guests can take tours of the brewery during cocktail hour or hang on the huge, newly renovated back patio. The gallery space (bar) can be rented for cocktail hour and there’s even a classic photo booth on-site. It’s one of our favourite venues in the city. AV works with a built-in house system – you bring the band of DJ. Choice of exclusive caterers, event furniture/decor would have to be brought in.
12) The Berkeley Church
The old church has been converted into an event venue and is more edgy then the Field House next door. The space has a large stage (perfect for a live band), exposed cement walls, stained glass windows and a mezzanine upstairs to host your ceremony or cocktail hour. If you’re thinking cocktail reception, this would be an excellent space as well. Lots of capacity here for a large wedding.
Photo by: Real & Blush
Last but not least, book early. The typical engagement period is 18 months with prime Saturdays being snapped up as soon as you say YES! Don’t forget to feed your staff members (DJ, photographer, wedding planner) – it’s awkward and tacky if you don’t.
Congratulations on your engagement!
Do you have any unique wedding venues in Toronto in mind? Please share with me in the comments!
The post Our Top 12 Unique Wedding Venues – Toronto appeared first on This Beautiful Day.
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