Top 10 Laid back Outdoor Wedding Venues in Ontario
Are you on the search for the right laid back outdoor wedding venue in Ontario with good vibes all around? And by that I mean - friendly staff, peaceful nature surroundings, space for activities, and making sure that it’s not a wedding factory, where multiple weddings take place on the same property on the same day.
If you don’t know where to start, then let me help you out!
I’ve photographed hundreds of weddings in numerous locations. Knowing that when I get married, I will want a laid back outdoor wedding, I’ve paid close attention to every wedding venue I've photographed. I’ve been able to narrow down these top 10 best laid back outdoor wedding venues in Ontario for you that I personally have had amazing experiences with and they all have beautiful surroundings, friendly staff, and all-around great atmosphere!
10. Cherry Island Cottage
A whole private island to yourself? Hell yeah! Located in Muskoka Lakes, Ontario, Cherry Island Cottage is everything you want from your laid back outdoor wedding day and more. The island is frickin' magical, literally in the middle of the lake with leafy green surroundings and a ton of fun for everyone pre and post-ceremony. The cottage perfectly balances those forest cottage vibes in a more upscale and luxurious way. And oh my gosh, all the water activities you can imagine - from boat rides and kayaking to hammocks, a hot tub, outdoor bar, a spacious terrace, chilling on the dock, and huge inflatable flamingos you can enjoy on the lake. I honestly cannot get over how much fun this place is! You can have your wedding ceremony on the lakeside and then once the night falls, chill under the stars, by the fire with some s'mores and perhaps even fireworks.
9. Belcroft Estate
Not far from Lake Simcoe, located in Innisfil, Ontario, Belcroft Estate is so idyllic and charming with its impressive tree alley, the perfect backdrop for a wedding ceremony. It's a family estate and that's the feeling you get - it's a true family place for coming together and connecting. Super elegant but still with a rustic soul, Belcroft Estate has not only beautiful country surroundings but also the most charming indoor space for the reception - whether you choose the rustic barn or the draped marquee tent, you can count on it being fully magical.
8. Kortright
Located on Pine Valley Drive in Woodbridge, Ontario, the Kortright wedding space is surrounded by a magical forest that gives off the most soothing sense of calm. Perfect for a nature-loving couple wanting a forest wedding, where the sun is gently peeking through the trees. For the cocktail hour and reception, there are beautiful indoor spaces at Kortright, too, and they seamlessly blend in with the surroundings.
7. Brantview Apples + Cider
You might have guessed it - farm wedding! And with wedding venues like this, it's so easy to have an unforgettable farm wedding in Ontario. The vast apple orchards at Brantview Apples + Cider create the most beautiful surroundings for both your wedding and reception. Whether you've gone apple picking as a kid, there's something sweet and sentimental about getting married in a place like this. It feels familiar and comfortable having your favourite people there in such a grounding environment. The open wooden pavilion is THE place for your wedding reception - it's rustic and spacious, meaning there's plenty of space for dinner and crazy partying afterwards.
6. Waupoos Estate Winery
Another unbelievably beautiful wedding venue overlooking Lake Ontario is the Waupoos Estate Winery. Such a romantic venue at the heart of Prince Edward County while still bursting with country charm. Interestingly, it's the only waterfront vineyard space in the country and it's so zen there. And how can it not be? Overlooking the lake, close to nature, and there are even farm animals! I love that they have a policy of only booking one wedding per weekend which gives couples peace of mind knowing that the focus and energy are entirely on your special day. For a full experience, you can rent out the farmhouse and arrive on Friday - perfect if you want to host the rehearsal dinner there or simply enjoy this incredible location.
5. Artscape Gibraltar Point
Artscape Gibraltar Point is one of those versatile venues where creative energy is everywhere you look and it can really inspire you to make your vision of the ideal wedding come true. And it's just so perfect for laid back weddings that are all about coming together, having fun, and celebrating love as well as connecting with your favourite people. It's located on the Toronto Islands and the surroundings are unbelievable. While it's only a short ferry ride from downtown Toronto, once you get to Artscape Gibraltar Point, it makes you wonder - am I really still in Toronto? The arts centre is literally surrounded by stunning parkland and greenery, which is perfect for outdoor weddings and those little moments you want to embrace each other before or after the ceremony. What's more, it's steps away from the beach overlooking Lake Ontario and even I, when looking back at the photos, have to think - man, is this really in Toronto? So gorgeous! There's also plenty for your guests to do before the ceremony or during cocktail hour. The place has an amazing camp or garden party vibe going on, where everyone can feel free to play table tennis, giant Jenga, and chill out.
4. Sequel Inn
Wow, Sequel Inn… where do I begin? There are so many great things that I know you'll love about this country wedding venue in Creemore, Ontario. It's a dream come true country property - a chic + comfortable country house you can get ready at + there's a rustic barn that will, honestly, make you fall in love with this venue even more. And all of that in the middle of the most stunning nature complete with rolling hills and leafy trees that look unbelievable during early fall weddings. And it's super convenient that they also offer in-house catering using locally sourced ingredients from nearby farms.
3. Fernwood Hills
If you're after those fairytale forest wedding vibes then Fernwood Hills delivers that and so much more. Honestly, there's something so magical about that place! It's lush and green, and you get a balance between a farm and a forest wedding, where you can kick off the shoes and walk barefoot through the grass feeling connected with your surroundings. It's only minutes away from London, Ontario and just a two-hour drive from Toronto. There's a house on the property you can rent out for the bridal party to use when getting ready in the morning. Country weddings and a tented reception go together so well, and you know what those tall trees mean, right? Bistro lights, everywhere, and the most magical atmosphere once the night falls, and you can dance the night away under the starlit sky.
2. Trillium Resort & Spa
Trillium Resort & Spa is conveniently located in Port Syndey, Ontario and can easily be reached from both Toronto and Ottawa. The beautiful surroundings will make you instantly fall in love with this place if you're after a lakeside wedding in Ontario and greenery all around. The laid back country cabin vibes are so relaxing here, and the place makes it so easy to leave all worries behind. And there's space for everything - chilling out under the trees and by the lake in the morning, jumping in the canoe or simply just hanging out with your favourite people on the terrace while everyone's getting ready. You'll love the Post-and-Beam dining room reception space with its rustic wooden beams and huge stone fireplace. The floor-to-ceiling windows let so much natural daylight in allowing you to still feel like you're in the middle of nature.
1. Arowhon Pines Resort
Arowhon Pines Resort is located in Algonquin, Ontario and it is the perfect setting for a weekend wedding celebration camp style with your family + friends. The staffs are SO friendly and their food is finger-licking good! Plus they have a huge dock that’s perfect for everyone to relax on during the morning of a wedding day. Your friends and family can swim, play tennis, and even canoe or kayak! Top the night off with dancing it away in their cozy games room and even hang out by the fire pit late into the night!
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