Whim Event Planning and Design is a team of Toronto wedding planners and day of coordinators specializing in modern romantic weddings for fun, sweet couples. Get in touch with us today to start planning your dream day! Niagara Wedding Planners Niagara winery wedding planners Mississauga wedding planner woodbridge wedding planner vaughan wedding planner
Venues in the GTA: Niagara Wineries
Tuesday, 06 June 2017
If you and your SO are fans of cozying up to a nice glass of red by the fire, then a winery wedding is the perfect choice for you. And, well, even if you don’t fancy a glass of chardonnay every now and then… it might still be your ideal venue. Wineries in Ontario are absolutely stunning in every way, and offer an exceptional backdrop for your nuptials. Whether it’s your dream to get married in a vineyard or in the quaint accommodations of a historic winery, there’s one place in Ontario that we can guarantee you’ll find it all: Niagara. Just outside of the GTA is brimming with stunning Niagara wineries with exquisite wines and more importantly, beautiful wedding venues. If you’re interested in tying the knot at one of the elegant wineries Niagara has to offer and aren’t quite sure where to begin, worry not. Take a look at some of our favorite Niagara wineries—we guarantee you’ll find something you love!
Beautiful Niagara Wineries for Your Wedding
Hernder Estate Wines
Located in St. Catherines, Hernder Estate Wines is the perfect option for any type of wedding. Their outdoor facilities are gorgeous, with a quaint little bridge for photos, and a gazebo just begging to be strewn with flowers. They have indoor facilities if you fancy a winter wedding, with two different rooms that seat from 140 to 300 guests. The barn-like structure of this venue gives us some serious rustic vibes, making it perfect for a rustic chic event.
Vineland Estates Winery
Just outside of St. Catherines is where you’ll find this stunning winery. Well-suited for a more intimate affair, this quaint venue is ideal for someone looking for a cozy place to say I do. The stunning view of their vineyard that seems to go on forever is incomparable, and makes for a gorgeous outdoor backdrop.
Peninsula Ridge Estates Winery
If you venture a little further out of St. Catherines towards Beamsville, you’ll stumble upon Peninsula Ridge Estates Winery. Since it sits right at the gateway to Niagara, you’ll find incredible views of the Niagara Escarpment, Toronto skyline and Lake Ontario when you visit this venue. What’s most unique about this location is their incredible charming coach house, where you can entertain just under 50 guests for a sit-down dinner. This makes it the perfect spot to have the intimate wedding you’ve always dreamed of.
Stratus Winery
This Niagara-on-the-lake winery’s ambiance is surprisingly modern, while still maintaining the peaceful and elegant atmosphere of the surrounding area. They have a number of stylish rooms you can host you guests in, their most notable being the Press Alley Industrial Chic. Here, Stratus Winery can become the setting for your reception, with 50 to 100 of your closest loved ones seated at a harvest table among the oak fermenters and stainless steel tanks. Could your winery experience get any more authentic?
Reif Estate Winery
If you’re looking for a winery with a grand Victorian mansion, you’ve found the place. If you’re planning a winter wedding, you can take advantage of their stunning stained glass windows and cozy fireplaces in the Great Hall. In the summer, couples have a wrap-around verandah and an acre and a half of gardens to take gorgeous photos that’ll last a lifetime. With something to offer year-round, you’ll find that the Reif Estate Winery is the embodiment of the term ‘quaint.’
Chateau Des Charmes
An absolutely regal venue, Chateau Des Charmes is a stunning winery that absolutely begs to host the most luxurious of winery weddings. As is the Bosc Family Wines weren’t delicious enough, their grounds are swoon-worthy. With both indoor and outdoor accommodations, this is the ideal choice for those that want to forego the cozy and quaint vibe associated with most wineries, and opt for something a little more grand.
These are just a few of our favorite Niagara wineries, and we hope you found something you like too! Did we forget to mention your favorite Niagara winery? Leave us a comment and let us know!
- Published in 2017, Venues, Wedding, Wedding Planning
No Comments
Rustic Wedding Venues In the GTA
Thursday, 09 March 2017
And we’re back with another edition of Wedding Venues in the GTA! This time we’ll be tackling rustic wedding venues in the GTA, for all of you who are aiming for that shabby-chic vibe on your big day. These venues aren’t just suited for casual affairs (although they’re perfect for those, too), they can also be glammed up for for a glitzy event with an added rustic edge. Rustic glam weddings have been on the rise in popularity, and we aren’t mad it it. From naked cakes, lace dresses, to venues strewn with fairy lights, we can’t get enough of this trend. Living in the big city can make it tough to find the perfect venue that’s a mixture between rustic and chic, but you don’t have to worry since the Whimlets are here to help. We’re super excited to share some of our favorite rustic wedding venues around the city with you, so let’s jump right into it!
RUSTIC WEDDING VENUES IN THE GTA
Photo by Erica Hammer
Ward’s Island Clubhouse
Steps from the Ward’s Island Ferry docks, you can find this adorable clubhouse on the Toronto Island. It may be a bit of a treck, but it’s totally worth it— you can get that beach house vibe without venturing too far from the city. In addition to its charming aesthetic, the location of this rustic wedding venue offers a great opportunity for stunning photos against Toronto’s skyline. Whether you choose string fairy lights from the stunning cathedral ceiling and go all out with decor or leave the setting in its natural beauty, you can’t go wrong with Ward’s Island Clubhouse.
Photo by Chris Luk
Berkley Fieldhouse
You probably won’t believe us when we say you can have cocktails in a tree house and a stroll along a creek, followed by a gathering in a natural garden in the heart of downtown Toronto, but at Berkley Fieldhouse, you can have it all. Located in the centre of our bustling city, this venue is an ideal option for those that want the feel of a country carriage house, without having to actually go into the country. With quaint accents like antique chandeliers, wood walls, and french doors that lead to a garden patio, it’s tough to beat the charm of this rustic wedding venue. rustic wedding venues in the GTA
Photo by Lushana Bale Photography
Black Creek Pioneer Village
This name might ring a bell— and yes, it’s the place you went on your seventh grade field trip to. But we promise we aren’t insane to suggest you have your wedding here! You might be surprised at how adorable the facilities are. With different options, both indoor and outdoor, of where to have your ceremony and reception, Blackcreek Pioneer Village gives you a ton a freedom when deciding what your big day will look like. Whether you choose to get married at Town Hall and celebrate in the Grand Pavilion, this village offers its 19th century charm wherever you go. rustic wedding venues in the GTA
Photo via Tiffany’s Bridal Tips
Cambium Farms
There’s no better way to achieve that rustic vibe than getting married in a barn. You may question how you’ll prepare a barn for a chic wedding, but it’s simple when you choose Cambium Farms. An architectural masterpiece with exposed beams, braces, posts, and rafters, the intricate craftsmanship on display here doesn’t require draping or sheaths to be covered up. You can use the barn’s original form along with a few delicate embellishments to create a perfect setting for your big day. rustic wedding venues in the GTA
Photo via Pleasurevalley.com
Pathways on Pleasure Valley
Located just 45 minutes outside Toronto, this is the perfect rustic wedding venue for couples who want to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city to enjoy their day in a tranquil location. Described as a “hidden gem” on their website, Pathways on Pleasure Valley is just that. You can choose to hold your event at their picnic area underneath a heavenly canopy, or inside their quaint lodge. If you’re looking for a quiet, relaxing venue to get married, then look no further. rustic wedding venues in the GTA
Photo via Artscapeeventvenues.ca
Artscape Wychwood Barns
A wonderfully unique venue in midtown Toronto, this is another option that offers the charm of a rustic barn without leaving the city. With soaring ceilings, a full-length skylight, and incredibly detailed architecture, it’ll be tough to find a more stunning rustic wedding venue in Toronto. The Covered Street Barn can accommodate up to 450 guests in the theatre, and up to 600 in the reception area. However, if you’re planning on a slightly small affair, the barn can be partitioned into smaller spaces for a more intimate feel. rustic wedding venues in the GTA
These are just a few of our favorite rustic wedding venues around the GTA, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t more. Toronto is crawling with rustic-chic venues that might be perfect for your big day, so if you didn’t fall in love with any of the ones on our list, don’t get discouraged! Have we left out any rustic wedding venues you think should have an honourable mention? Leave us a comment below and let us know!
XOXO,
The Whimlets
Whim Event Planning and Design is a team of Toronto wedding planners and day of coordinators specializing in modern romantic weddings for fun, sweet couples. Get in touch with us today to start planning your dream day!
Wedding Venues in the GTA: Volume 1: Unique Wedding Venues
Wednesday, 26 August 2015
Unique Wedding Venues in the GTA
If you’re in the process of planning a Toronto wedding, I’m sure you know how endless the possibilities are when it comes to choosing a venue. Planning a wedding in a city brimming with stunning wedding venues to choose from can become overwhelming very quickly. A wedding planner often comes in handy when it comes to this aspect of the planning, but if you’re on your own the options can seem endless. With all of these choices, how do you know what to look for?
Worry not, we’ve created a comprehensive list of wedding venues in the GTA to help you decide where to have your big day; this is only the first post of a new series where we will list a number wedding venues in and around the GTA. Focusing on the aesthetics of each venue, we’ve linked the website to each respective site below, so that you and inquire about pricing and decide which works best for your budget. For our first addition to this series, we’ve chosen unique and “artsy” venues that would likely be best suited for those who aren’t fond of garden gazebos and banquet halls, and who would like something a little different for their nuptials. Keep reading to find out what are some of our favorite wedding venues in the GTA!
Imagine the insane wedding pictures you’d be able to get, having your nuptials inside Toronto’s aquarium that houses jellyfish, stingrays, and a variety of exotic fish.
The only thing cooler than saying your I do’s alongside sharks is doing it beside dinosaurs. Choose to get married in your favorite exhibit at the ROM!
Located in Toronto’s quaint yet popular Distillery District, Arta Gallery exhibits world-class pieces from international artists.
Get married in the Gardiner Museum’s Terrace room, where you’ll have a stunning view of Queen’s Park through their floor-ceiling-windows. The ceramic pieces in the actual museum will have your guests raving!
Originally a stone distilling and milling building, the Fermenting Cellar features heavy timber beams and trusses, as well as Kingston limestone walls from its initial construction in 1861.
This multi-purpose lounge and venue space features incredible exposed brick walls, as well as tasteful vintage furniture that will transport you back to the 19th century Victorian era.
Located on Queen Street West and constantly featuring new exhibitions by a variety of artists and photographers, Twist gallery is the perfect venue for a modern, intimate wedding in the city.
Aside from the food, the architecture of this restaurant is the real stunner. High pine ceiling, concrete floors, exposed brick walls, and reclaimed timber bar and tables combine the contemporary style with the historic tradition of the Distillery District.
Originally built in 1907 as a department store, the Burroughes now functions as an event venue, boutique retail spaces, and office suites on the ever-trendy Queen Street West.
The University Club of Toronto
Prestigiously located on Toronto’s University Avenue in the heart of the city, the University Club of Toronto is an inspiring and historical space. To top it all off, there’s access to a treasured wine cellar!
It’s a castle… Need we say more? Doesn’t everyone dream about getting married in a castle? This Gothic revival style house and garden is located in midtown Toronto was built in 1911. It’s now a museum and landmark with decorated suites, secret passages, stately towers, estate gardens as well as luxurious stables
This is only a small portion of the available wedding venues in the GTA. If none of these sites pique your interest, look out for our next addition to this series, where we’ll be featuring more tradition banquet hall styled venues. Wedding Venues In The GTA.
20 Questions to Ask Your Toronto Wedding Venue
Thursday, 21 May 2015
Toronto Wedding Venues
Choosing a Toronto wedding venue is a crucial step when planning your wedding. The location and inner workings of the wedding venue that you pick are equally in importance, which is why it’s critical to ask all the right questions rather than selecting a site merely for its aesthetic value. Are you new to site visits and are unsure of what to inquire about? Don’t have a wedding planner to ask all the right questions on your behalf? Worry not; we’ll help you cover all the basics! Here are 20 questions that you need to ask your Toronto wedding venue!
- What is the maximum number of guests you can accommodate?
- Is this facility wheelchair accessible?
- Do you have an on-site coordinator or facility director? Who will be here to oversee the setup on the day of my event?
- Do you have a valid liquor license? Is it valid for your outdoor grounds?
- Am I allowed to bring in my own alcohol?
- Do you have in-house catering? Do I have the option of bringing in external caterers?
- What are your decoration guidelines & restrictions?
- Some venues don’t allow open flames, etc.
- Do you supply tables, chairs, linens, or place settings? Do I have the option to bring in my own?
- Is there a designated area for cocktail hour?
- You don’t want your guests crammed into a small lobby or left outside.
- Is there a private bridal suite?
- It’s nice to have a quiet place when you need a few moments alone. And no one wants to have to bustle their dress in the bathroom!
- Do you have on-site security? Am I permitted to employ my own security guards?
- Do you have a list of preferred vendors? Will I be allowed to employ vendors outside this list?
- If you haven’t started looking on your own, you can use their list get a kick-start with finding a DJ, caterer, photographer, etc.
- Who will be responsible for setting up and taking down the decor, tables and chairs? When will it be completed?
- Does the price per guest include liability insurance?
- If your venue doesn’t have liability insurance, you’ll want to get your own- you don’t want to be responsible if someone gets hurt at your event
- What are the taxes and service charges on the food and beverage cost per person?
- Is the SOCAN fee included in your price?
- SOCAN licenses allow you to play any music during your event. Visit their site for more information.
- Is there sufficient parking in accordance with the maximum capacity of this venue? Is there a fee associated with parking? Is valet parking available?
- Are there any additional service charges?
- Do you have an alternative plan for outdoor events, should they be disrupted?
- What time must the venue be empty by? Is there a fee if I exceed this time?
Pro Tip: Try to schedule your site visit during the time of day (and year) that your event will be happening. This way you can get a good idea of the natural lighting in and outside of the venue, so that you can coordinate your photos beforehand. And make sure to get any agreements you make in writing, so that you have something to refer back to should there be any discrepancies in the process.
Be as thorough as possible when touring possible Toronto wedding venues- don’t be afraid to ask all the questions you want. If you have a number of venues in mind, asking the same questions during every visit can help you create a comprehensive pro and con list in the end, to aid in your decision.
Do you think we missed some questions? Leave us a comment and let us know what you think the most important question to ask your venue is!
- Published in 2015, Trends, Wedding, Wedding TIps