9 Incredible Outdoor Wedding Venues in Toronto, GTA, Niagara, and Beyond:
Whether it’s a ceremony location in a beautifully manicured, romantic garden, or it’s an entire ceremony and tented reception on a private estate, outdoor weddings create some of the most magical wedding days!
But figuring out how to choose the perfect wedding venue can cause a little bit of overwhelm in the wedding planning process.
So to help you get inspired and to find the best wedding venue for your occasion, I’ve put together a list of the 9 outdoor wedding venues in Toronto, GTA, Niagara, and beyond! You’ll find a variety of options here, with something for everyone!
Here are the 9 highlighted in this post:
Kortright EventSpace
Queen’s Landing
Brantview
Graydon Hall Manor
Holland Marsh
Cranberry Creek
Kurtz Orchards
Ivy Ridge
The Earth to Table Farm
Outdoor Wedding Venues in Toronto: What to Expect & What You Need to Know:
Hosting an outdoor wedding is much different than putting together an indoor event. Yet, when it’s done well, outdoor weddings are among the most spectacular occasions!
Here’s what you need to expect and what you need to know when looking for the best outdoor wedding venues in Toronto:
Consider a Toronto Outdoor Wedding Venue That Has a Backup Plan:
As you know, the weather in Toronto is… unpredictable. Even the sunniest days of summer can come with crazy rain and even crazier winds. Autumn and spring days can see all four seasons within 8 hours. And winter weddings can span from comfortably mild to bitter cold.
But the weather doesn’t mean you should just give up on having an outdoor wedding if that’s what you truly want. There are plenty of ways to host a wedding outside, while still being mindful of crazy weather.
For one thing, you can always look for a Toronto outdoor wedding venue that has a backup plan. By this, I mean look for venues that have an indoor or covered outdoor option in case the day is calling for high winds or rain. It’s just a Plan B to have in your pocket should things not go according to plan.
Ask Outdoor Wedding Venues in Toronto If They Have Multiple Sites for the Ceremony and Reception:
And speaking of having a Plan B, one thing you may want to consider is asking if the outdoor venues you’re touring have multiple sites for the ceremony and reception.
Some wedding venues have a “room flip” option. This means that the wedding ceremony and the reception are held in the same room or space, but the design and decor will need to be “flipped” between the ceremony and the reception.
While these kinds of wedding locations are doable, the better option is to choose a wedding venue that has two separate locations for the ceremony and reception. This will keep everything running smoothly and efficiently!
Keep in Mind That Other Vendors May Have Circumstantial Requirements or Restrictions with an Outdoor Wedding Venue:
One of the great parts about booking a wedding planner to help you through this process is that they’ll keep you in the know about things you might not otherwise think about.
For one thing, many other vendors have requirements or restrictions if you’re having an outdoor wedding ceremony or reception.
For example, DJs may include an additional charge for outdoor weddings because of the potential risk of damage due to weather to their equipment. Catering companies may also include additional charges because they have to find alternative ways to serve hot or cold food. Rental companies may also add additional charges to cover for any potential damage to their items due to bad weather.
Make the Best of Both Worlds! Have Your Ceremony Outdoors, and Plan for Your Reception Indoors:
No matter what the weather ends up doing on your wedding day, I always highly recommend and encourage my couples who want an outdoor wedding to plan for an outdoor ceremony and an indoor or covered reception.
Ceremony designs and decor are much easier to shift inside if weather conditions require it. However, it’s incredibly difficult to maneuver all of the seating arrangements, table designs and decor, sound equipment, lighting equipment, and food and drink once it’s all set up.
So if the weather suddenly gets bad, moving an entire reception from outdoors to inside will create a bit more stress on your day.
Skip all of the overwhelm by making the best of both worlds! Plan to have a gorgeous wedding ceremony outside. Then, plan on an indoor reception or a tented reception so you don’t have to worry about what the weather decides to do.
Think About Your Guests’ Comfort Levels - And What That Means for Your Wedding Budget:
Being outside can create absolute magic for your wedding day. Breathing in the fresh air, feeling the breeze on your skin - it’s hard to imagine anything disturbing that.
But there may be a few things that you might forget when you’re dreaming up such a beautiful occasion.
No matter what time of year you’re planning for an outdoor wedding, you always want to think about your guests’ comfort. After all, if you’re having them sit outside for an extended period of time, you want to make sure their spirits stay high for the entirety of the celebration!
Taking their comfort level into consideration might also mean finding room in your budget to cater to them.
In the summer, that might mean needing to find ways to deal with the heat. Having bottles of water or even having a bar with one or two signature cocktails at the entry of your ceremony can keep them feeling refreshed and hydrated. Leaving fans on the seats of an outdoor ceremony can also help them fan themselves off in higher temperatures.
For colder months, you’ll want to keep everyone from being so cold they can’t focus on your ceremony. That might mean adding blankets to your budget so they can wrap up. Or it could mean incorporating outdoor heaters to keep them cozy.
When to Plan for an Outdoor Wedding in Toronto:
Because the weather is so temperamental in Toronto and the surrounding areas, planning for an outdoor wedding can feel a little bit difficult.
After all, how do you make the right decision so you and your guests have the best time?
If you want to avoid the cold and wind, then plan on a July or August wedding. On the opposite side, if you want cooler temperatures, June or September are a great time for your outdoor wedding. That said, the summer months tend to bring rain, especially in the last couple years, so be prepared to face rainier temperatures (remember tip #1!).
9 Outdoor Wedding Venues in Toronto, GTA, and Niagara:
Whether you’re looking for a winery wedding venue, a waterfront wedding venue, or an estate venue with all the bells and whistles, there’s definitely something out there for you.
Here are 9 outdoor wedding venues in Toronto, Greater Toronto Area, and Niagara to consider for your occasion:
The Kortright Centre
Kortright is one of the most spectacular outdoor wedding venues in Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area!
It’s a breathtaking venue nestled within an incredible forest conservation area which creates the most magical, whimsical backdrop for your wedding day.
Imagine saying “I do” under a cathedral of trees, with cozy, ambient lights strung from tree limbs above you.
After the ceremony, picture retreating with your favorite people to the Glass House for a gorgeous reception, which practically has full walls made of glass windows. You’ll dine and dance the night away amidst the magic of the forest and the twinkling stars above you.
It’s, without a doubt, one of my absolute favorite outdoor wedding venues in the area. With catering by Peter and Paul’s it also has some of the best tasting food you’ll find at any wedding venue in the area!
What to Know About The Kortright Centre:
Venue Location: Woodbridge
Maximum Capacity: 200 guests
Quick Description: Woodland preserve wedding venue filled with canopies of trees and picturesque backdrops for your portraits
Aesthetic: Whimsical, enchanted, rustic elegance
Notable Features: Ceremony locations and reception locations among a forest, lakefront locations, glass house reception location, main hall and forest gallery reception locations
2. Queen’s Landing
If you’re hoping for something that’s more fairytale-like, complete with opulent ballrooms, crystal chandeliers, and Old World luxury, then Queen’s Landing is a perfect wedding venue in Niagara for you.
You can have the best of both worlds with an outdoor wedding ceremony overlooking the Niagara River and an indoor wedding reception inside the Georgian mansion.
What to Know About Queen’s Landing:
Venue Location: Niagara-on-the-Lake
Maximum Capacity: 300 guests
Quick Description: Vintage hotel wedding venue, complete with Old World elegance and charm with an outdoor waterfront ceremony location
Aesthetic: Elegant, opulent, Old World charm, vintage
Notable Features: Water view garden, opulent ballrooms, lakeside Georgian mansion
3. Brantview Events Pavilion
Brantview Apples and Cider is a family-owned and operated apple orchard in St. George.
It’s complete with row after row of apple orchards and a reclaimed barn wood event space that’s been completely renovated to host weddings of all sizes.
If you love the idea of having a rustic, woodsy, and charming wedding day, then this is an excellent venue option. You’ll have the flexibility to incorporate plenty of personality and special touches to make the venue backdrop completely yours.
Plus, did I mention they have delicious apple donuts and exclusive ciders for you and your guests to enjoy? Consider that a bonus of choosing an orchard wedding venue!
What to Know About Brantview Events Pavilion:
Venue Location: St. George
Maximum Capacity: 140 seated guests
Quick Description: Barn reception with the option of an outdoor ceremony overlooking rows of apple trees at golden hour.
Aesthetic: Rustic, woodsy, charming, natural
Notable Features: Reclaimed barnwood event space, charming apple orchards
4. Graydon Hall Manor
Graydon Hall Manor is one of the most sought-after wedding venues in Toronto, and for good reason!
It’s a stunning venue filled with gorgeous, well-manicured gardens, bubbling fountains, and historic stonework buildings. Not to mention, because it’s an estate venue, they also have excellent food and high-quality hospitality services.
If you’re chasing a wedding day aesthetic that’s romantic, elegant, sophisticated, and classic, then Graydon Hall Manor is one of the best venues for you!
Between the numerous locations on the property, you can choose to have your ceremony outdoors in one of the gardens, followed by a tented reception on the terrace or a fully indoor reception inside the Hall.
What to Know About Graydon Hall Manor:
Venue Location: Toronto
Maximum Capacity: 250 guests for seated dinner
Quick Description: A boutique wedding venue filled with stunning backdrops, like multi-tiered fountains, beautifully manicured gardens, and historical architecture
Aesthetic: Elegant, romantic, classic, sophisticated
Notable Features: Breathtaking gardens, historical stonework buildings, indoor and outdoor locations, excellent food and hospitality services
5. Holland Marsh Wineries
There’s something so elegant and romantic about having a winery wedding. The whimsical grapevines, the sunsets that seem to make wineries glow - everything about winery weddings is magical.
Holland Marsh Wineries is no exception!
It’s a Toronto outdoor wedding venue that provides plenty of locations and backdrops for everything from your ceremony and reception to your couple’s and wedding party portraits.
Imagine walking through the rows of vines while the sun casts a beautiful, magical glow over the two of you. You can’t get much more picturesque than this venue!
What to Know About Holland Marsh:
Venue Location: Newmarket
Maximum Capacity: 200 guests
Quick Description: Rustic winery venue with an indoor option for reception, upper level with views looking down over the dance floor, woodsy backdrop and barrel tables.
Aesthetic: Rustic elegance
Notable Features: Rustic-style clubhouse, floor-to-ceiling windows with views of the vineyard, the vineyard, outdoor wood-burning fireplace
6. Cranberry Creek Gardens
If you’re looking for the quintessential picturesque, romantic outdoor wedding venue in Southern Ontario, then you definitely should consider Cranberry Creek Gardens.
This location is full of the most spectacular spots and locations that are perfect for romantic wedding day portraits.
From tree-lined pathways that feel like you’ve stepped into a European fairytale to lush gardens that were expertly designed to the vintage chapel and rustic barn, Cranberry Creek Gardens is an incredible location for a wedding in any season.
What to Know About Cranberry Creek:
Venue Location: Delhi
Maximum Capacity: 125 guests
Quick Description: Garden wedding venue complete with both outdoor and indoor locations for ceremony and reception.
Aesthetic: Romantic, vintage, whimsical
Notable Features: Beautifully manicured gardens, vintage chapel, rustic barn, all-inclusive packages, on-site accommodations to stay and get ready.
7. Kurtz Orchards
If you could combine a romantic winery venue and an elegant private estate venue into one outdoor wedding venue in Niagara, then you’d have Kurtz Orchards.
If you’re looking for a location that has it all, then add this to your list of places to tour. There are numerous different locations on site you can choose from for your wedding ceremony and reception.
Imagine a gorgeous outdoor wedding ceremony in front of the orchards with sunset portraits in the vineyards. Then, create the stunning, romantic tented wedding reception of your dreams on the grounds!
What to Know About Kurtz Orchards:
Venue Location: Niagara-on-the-Lake
Quick Description: Winery and private estate wedding venue, complete with vineyards and locations for a tented reception, or indoor reception in the marketplace.
Aesthetic: Romantic, whimsical, magical, elegant
Notable Features: Vineyards, orchards, large bridge over pond, tented reception locations, indoor reception location
8. Ivy Ridge
There’s something romantic about a wedding in the countryside. Maybe it’s the winding drive, the rolling hills, or the established trees with the sunlight peeking through. Whatever the reason, Ivy Ridge has all of that for you and more.
This outdoor wedding venue just north of the GTA includes a gorgeous, newly transformed rustic barn on site to provide a beautiful rustic and elegant backdrop for your wedding reception.
And a great bonus is the yummy cuisine they offer through their exclusive caterer, Cravings Fine Foods. You and your guests will love the delicious menu you can curate at this venue!
What to Know About Ivy Ridge:
Venue Location: Thornton
Maximum Capacity: 200
Quick Description: Country estate in a romantic, whimsical woodland setting
Aesthetic: Whimsical, romantic, woodsy, rustic
Notable Features: Heritage barn, high-quality hospitality, great food, stone walkways, landscaped gardens, covered ceremony pavilion
9. Earth to Table: The Farm
Earth to Table: The Farm is a part of Pearle Weddings, a hospitality group that also owns The Pearle Hotel, Spencer’s at the Waterfront, and Ancaster Mill, which I’ve highlighted in this post!
The Farm is a unique outdoor wedding venue, so if you’re looking for a place with plenty of character, then this is definitely a location for you to check out. With 97 acres of picturesque farmland, you’ll have the rustic and elegant wedding you’re looking for!
One of the best parts of The Earth to Table Farm is the emphasis they put on food at this venue location. And because The Farm is a working property, you’re sure to get farm fresh foods for your occasion. You and your guests will rave about the menu they help you curate for weeks afterward!
What to Know About Earth to Table: The Farm:
Venue Location: Millgrove
Maximum Capacity: 240 guests
Quick Description: Farm wedding venue, including an elevated barn for indoor receptions and an outdoor ceremony space
Aesthetic: Rustic chic, romantic,
Notable Features: Breathtaking views of the farm, outdoor chapel, rustic barn
Outdoor venues help create some of the most spectacular and magical wedding days! But considering there are so many options in Toronto and Southern Ontario, finding the one that’s the perfect fit can be a little overwhelming.
Depending on your dream wedding aesthetic and what you need for your day, hopefully one of these 9 outdoor wedding venues in Niagara, Toronto, and the GTA will be a great fit for you!
