With summer and wedding season fast approaching, many couples will be gearing up for their walk down the aisle.

For those amid wedding planning, besides choosing the most beautiful wedding dress, a pivotal decision to make is nailing down the location of their dream wedding. Most couples spend $11,046 on their wedding venue – almost half of the average $30,717 price tag of a wedding in Canada.

To choose the perfect wedding venue in Toronto, couples need to consider their budget, the venue’s amenities, and their wedding theme. In some cases, finding the ideal wedding venue can take a long time: sometimes over a year. And while the current pandemic has restricted weddings in some regards, many of these wedding venues in Toronto are still open for viewings and bookings – with all the bells and whistles attached.

Choosing Your Perfect Wedding Venue

When it comes to wedding venues, there is no shortage of styles to choose from in Toronto. Your wedding venue serves as a foundational step in deciding the mood for your big day, so you must take your time when selecting one. Therefore, before you go around booking virtual tours, think about the non-negotiables you want from your wedding venue. Suppose you’re looking for an all-inclusive wedding experience where you can host your wedding rehearsal, ceremony, and overnight guests. In that case, a hotel like The Broadview Hotel is an excellent place to start. The vision you have for your wedding also plays a role. For those going for a whimsical feel for their wedding, complete with a castle backdrop and a ballroom, the Casa Loma or Eglinton Grand are popular wedding choices in Toronto. 

Of course, you should also consider your budget and your intended guest list. Couples seeking a budget-friendly wedding venue in Toronto can use the Arta Gallery in Toronto, where a rental session can cost $950, and 100 people can be seated. However, be sure to contact the venues you are considering directly to speak about their adjustments for the pandemic. While many venues in Toronto remain open for ceremonies, they have had to reduce headcounts, adjust seating arrangements, and implement new safety protocols to align with Toronto’s current wedding planning guidelines. Wedding experts recommend working with your Toronto wedding planners and vendors to narrow down rescheduling costs and processes for cancellations or postponements. The government guidelines for wedding ceremonies are changing all the time, so it helps to choose a wedding venue that is willing to work with you.

The Wow Factor: The Royal Conservatory Of Music 

If you’re after an elegant and opulent wedding, the Royal Conservatory of Music is a great venue to host it. Steeped in rich modern and traditional architectural details, the conservatory is the perfect blend of old meets new and an ideal choice for the couple who wants to pay attention to the finer details. In addition, the venue is well-lit, thanks to its floor-to-ceiling windows, high ceilings, and surrounding foliage. 

With rave reviews from Wedluxe and Wedding Bells Magazine, it’s easy to see why the conservatory is a favourite for a top wedding venue in Toronto. Located in downtown Toronto, The Royal Conservatory of Music gives your guests a glimpse of Toronto’s true metropolis, all while maintaining that classical feel. It is also a versatile wedding venue. You can either choose to utilize their outdoor spaces and views of the city for a stunning wedding backdrop or hold your ceremony, cocktail reception, and sit-down dinner indoors at the LAD Galleria. The Royal Conservatory of Music website offers a virtual tour powered by Google Maps if you’re eager to see more.

A Wedding With A View: The Royal Canadian Yacht Club

Carrying on with the perfect wedding view theme, brides who are after a stunning backdrop should also take a look at The Royal Canadian Yacht Club for its outdoor wedding venue setting. The venue’s East Lawn gives your guests a memorable front seat to Toronto’s city skyline during the ceremony and can accommodate up to 232 people (subject to current regulations at the time of your ceremony). 

They also provide an inclusive catering service in their 2021 wedding package deal, which saves you the hassle of choosing a caterer for your wedding. A three-course dinner, hors d’oeuvres, and menu tasting for two are all included in the wedding package price. Also, the wedding package consists of a private bridal suite, LCD projectors, and the provision of white table linens. The menu also includes a build-your-own buffet and children’s menu, making it an excellent place for kid-friendly weddings. 

A Beachy Wedding: The Sunnyside Pavillion 

Wishing you could whisk your loved ones away for a sunny beachside destination wedding? Well, while travel may restrict your choices right now, you can still get that beachside wedding at The Sunnyside Pavillon. Located on Lake Shore Boulevard, the venue offers a stunning platform of Lake Ontario and can host up to 90 guests. It is a beachfront café with highly ranked cuisines and cocktails, so you know your wedding menu will be loved. The Pavillion is open from May to September (based on the weather conditions), so if you are looking to get married during that time, it is worth looking at. Wedding venue packages and costs are given on request but typically average at least $2,500 for the ceremony. 

Romantic Wedding Venues: The Florist’s Loft

You can bring nature indoors for your wedding at The Florist’s Loft in Toronto. The botanical venue seats up to 80 guests (or 125 standing) and is the perfect backdrop for a bloom-filled wedding. The platform is ideal for any nature lover and makes an excellent location for a private birthday party – the perfect experience gift to help a friend celebrate a landmark birthday. The price for the venue rental ranged between $1,300 and $3,350 according to Event Source Canada and was also the winner of Event Source’s Toronto Choice Awards for 2020. They are also incredibly flexible and offer guideline-compliant packages, including elopements and micro weddings.

There are two rooms to choose from: The Green Room and The White Room. The Green Room comes with intricate floral designs and plant installations, customized according to your taste and wedding colour scheme. The White Room has ceramic and wooden floral arrangements, which give you the freedom to decorate as you wish. In addition, you can have a cocktail reception with appetizer choices on the menu like Peking duck crepe roll, sweet potato crab cakes, and mushroom and truffle risotto cakes.

Elegance And History But On A Budget: Old Mill Toronto

If you and your fiancé want an elegant wedding but still want to keep your wedding affordable, The Old Mill Toronto is a must-add for your list. Currently, the venue has launched its Whirlwind Weddings package, helping couples get married in line with current government guidelines. On their website, you will find a list of pre-released dates and time slots to choose from. 

Most ceremonies are held on The Garden Room Patio and cater to 20 or fewer guests, so it is intimate. The cost is $3,000 plus taxes and gratuity, and it also includes a wedding cake, venue décor, wedding DJ, and a 60-minute photo session. The Old Mill Toronto comes highly recommended by past couples. It won the Wedding Wire’s Couple’s Choice Awards in 2016 and came highly recommended if you want to add a vintage element to your nuptials.

Old Hollywood Glamour: The Eglinton Grand Theatre 

Built-in 1936, The Eglinton Grand Theatre was designated a National Historic Site by Parks Canada. It is the perfect place to plan a larger wedding since it can accommodate 227 and 400 guests. The venue comes with the use of an exquisite ballroom and fits well if your wedding has an art deco theme. However, prices range from $70 to $150 per guest, so that it can get a bit pricey. 

The Eglinton Grand Theatre has maintained its historical architecture over the years, including its mahogany woods and art deco décor. You also get access to the entire space for the evening of your wedding, so you can hold a cocktail hour on the mezzanine before hosting your ceremony in The Gallery. For your reception, The Grand Ballroom accommodates up to 400 people and comes equipped with the services of an experienced catering and design team, all there to make your day unforgettable.

Your Fairytale Garden Wedding: Madsen’s Greenhouse 

If you have dreams of a beautiful outdoor garden wedding but don’t want to host it in your garden, then Madsen’s Greenhouse is the place to go. Steeped in romance, the greenhouse comes with a waterfall and fountains and is set over four acres of beautifully landscaped garden grounds. For an outdoor ceremony, you can book The Garden Chapel, which houses up to 200 guests. You and your guests can then retire to The Fig Leaf Room or The Ivy Chapel and Cocktail Room. Prices for The Fig Leaf Room start at $7,500, while The Ivy chapel and Cocktail Room will cost $1,000 for a three-hour rental slot. As a bonus, Madsen’s Greenhouse also boosts its DJ, bartenders, and romantic miniature lighting as the night envelopes you and your guests. You will, however, need to apply for a liquor permit and provide your alcohol if you plan on serving it at your wedding. With such varied choices, you and your spouse-to-be are bound to find the perfect venue for your nuptials. Whether you’re after an outdoor wedding space, a beachfront venue, or a venture back in time to Old Hollywood for the day, Toronto is filled with possibilities for your perfect wedding venue.

Summary: 7 of the Top Wedding Venues in Toronto to Suit Any Bride’s Dream

• Toronto offers a range of exceptional wedding venues that cater to various styles and preferences.
• Casa Loma, a majestic castle, provides a fairytale setting with its grand architecture and stunning gardens.
• The Distillery District offers a charming and historic atmosphere with its brick-lined streets, art galleries, and unique event spaces.
• For waterfront elegance, consider venues like The Carlu or Palais Royale, which offer breathtaking views of Lake Ontario and luxurious settings.
• The Aga Khan Museum showcases exquisite Islamic architecture and serene gardens, providing a cultural and sophisticated backdrop for weddings.
• Couples seeking a modern and sleek venue can choose The Fermenting Cellar, located in the Distillery District, with its industrial chic ambiance.
• The Royal Conservatory of Music offers a blend of elegance and architectural beauty, with its stunning concert halls and lush outdoor spaces.
• For a blend of nature and contemporary design, Evergreen Brick Works is an eco-friendly venue surrounded by lush greenery and unique event spaces.
• Each of these top wedding venues in Toronto offers a distinct ambiance and charm, ensuring that every bride can find her dream setting for her special day.

FAQ – Wedding Venues

What is the most affordable wedding venue?

The courthouse has long been a popular alternative for low-cost weddings, and with good reason. Most localities charge a minimal price — generally less than $100 — for civil ceremonies performed inside city halls or county clerks’ offices, while other regions, such as Washington, D.C., provide them for free. Courthouses sometimes limit attendance to roughly five or ten people, which might help you save money on other aspects of the big day.

What is the most popular wedding location?

Farm and barn wedding venues are among the most popular types of event facilities, accounting for 18 percent of all receptions. Because of the rustic vibe, as well as the magnificent setting for outdoor wedding ceremonies and picture backgrounds, many couples pick farms, barns, and ranches as their dream wedding destination.

What is the cost of a wedding venue in Toronto?

The cost of a large wedding venue can range from $2300 to $6500 per event, or $1000 to $1800 each day. You may also locate places that are charged per person, with prices ranging from $47 to $65 per day.

What part of a wedding is the most expensive?

While the typical wedding costs $20,300, as the event grows more elaborate, the cost may quickly escalate. The most expensive component of most weddings is the reception location, which includes the cost of renting equipment like as tables and chairs, as well as the cost of providing food or beverages.