This weekend’s weather was nothing but inspirational! The sun was shining and my vitamin c levels were smiling! There’s nothing like a fabulous weather weekend to get you excited for summer weddings and al fresco dining. So I thought it was a perfect time to narrow down my top 5 favourite wedding venues in Toronto that allow for some fabulous outdoor dining.
In no particular order…
Graydon Hall Manor
The beautiful Graydon Hall Manor is an anomaly in the city. With it’s stunning old world charm, incredible gardens, and impeccable service and hospitality to boot, this is always a venue I am excited to work at. With ceremony options both outside in the gardens, around the fountain, outside the front of the manor, or inside the chapel, there is really an option for everyone. Not to mention the stunning terrace that allows for up to 240 guest to dine al fresco under the beautiful sun or moon. If the gorgeous outdoor space doesn’t lure you in, perhaps the absolutely delicious menus by Couture Cuisine will win you over. It’s a venue that is always sure to impress.
Evergreen Brickworks
The Evergreen Brickworks is one of those hidden gems in the city of Toronto that allow you to feel like you’re not in the city anymore. Hidden down in the Don Valley, this is a gem of a location for a wedding. With it’s massive historical brick factory that can be used as an event space with a huge capacity, it’s beautiful Keorner Gardens that is one of the most beautiful locations for a cocktail hour, and a stunning terrace overlooking a pond full of lily pads and turtles, this venue has something for everyone. Now that’s not to say that it doesn’t come with it’s challenges- this beast of a venue is a blank slate and everything needs to be brought in from outside suppliers (with the exception of catering- Café Belong will tempt your taste buds with locally sourced food). You’ll definitely want a wedding planner to guide you through creating a masterpiece at this one of a kind venue! And if you do it right, it will blow away your guests.
Archeo
The smallest option on this list, Archeo is a beautiful restaurant option in the historic Distillery District. The gorgeous brick and beam loft design of the space gives it a lovely rustic yet contemporary charm. I love the fact that it takes very little to make this place look amazing, and the beautiful cobblestone patio that is available for ceremonies and al fresco dining. Smaller weddings fit best in this space and are able to capitalize on their in house furniture that goes perfectly with the aesthetic of the restaurant.
Malaparte
Care for a view of the Toronto skyline? Then this is the perfect venue for you. Situated high above busy King Street in the TIFF Bell Lightbox building is the beautiful and modern Malaparte. Operated by Oliver & Bonacini, this is a wonderful venue for food and film buffs alike. The gorgeous concert patio overlooks the city lights with a great view of the CN Tower. Entice your guest with an urban vibe with the ceremony outside on the patio and the cocktails along the steps leading up to a second bar area. Once the sun sets, most weddings move inside to continue the party with dinner and dancing. The indoor space is just as impressive with beautiful floor to ceiling windows, a modern design, and super cool sloped ceiling. Oh, and did I mention that Oliver & Bonacini always kill it when it comes to food and beverage?
The Hunt Club
The venue with bar far the most beautiful view is the Toronto Hunt Club. A members only golf club located just on the edge of Toronto, THC sits on the edge of the Scarborough Bluffs and overlooks the water. Ceremonies take place in their outdoor chapel area with beautiful sloping hills that create perfectly tiered seating for guests. The sunsets are breathtaking over the water and create for some of the most stunning photography moments. Guests typically enjoy cocktail hour outside on the terrace and weddings have the option of either hosting their reception inside the club house, or in a tent marquee overlooking the water. Whatever option you go with, make sure you opt for oysters served out of a vintage canoe during cocktail hour- always a crowd pleaser!
Check out more of my favourite Toronto venues on my Pinterest Board!