Top Wedding Venues Just Outside Toronto: The Perfect Options for Stunning Wedding Photos
Top Wedding Venues Just Outside Toronto: The Perfect Settings for Stunning Wedding Photos
As a wedding photographer based in Toronto, I have the privilege of capturing weddings in some of the most beautiful venues throughout the Greater Toronto Area. While Toronto itself has many spectacular locations, some of the most unique and serene wedding venues can be found just outside the city. If you're looking for a stunning venue that’s a little bit off the beaten path but still close enough for your guests to enjoy, these wedding venues will give you a memorable experience and incredible photos. From golf courses to garden estates and rustic barns, here are some of the top wedding venues just outside Toronto, and why you should consider them for your big day.
1. Deer Creek Golf Wedding Venue: Elegance and Nature in one Location.
Located just outside Toronto in Ajax, Deer Creek Golf Wedding Venue offers a gorgeous setting for couples who want a blend of natural beauty and elegant service. With rolling green hills and a modern clubhouse, it’s an ideal location for both outdoor ceremonies and indoor receptions.
Why choose Deer Creek for your wedding?
Scenic golf course views: The expansive grounds and scenic backdrop make it a photographer's dream. Whether you choose the outdoor ceremony space by the water or a romantic reception in the banquet hall, Deer Creek offers stunning photo opportunities.
Versatility: The venue offers both indoor and outdoor spaces, making it perfect for every season. From the lush greens of summer to the charming fall foliage, each season brings a new kind of beauty to your wedding photos.
All-in-one convenience: With catering, wedding planning services, and multiple event spaces, Deer Creek provides an all-inclusive experience for couples.
Wedding photographer tip: Deer Creek’s picturesque fairways and nearby water features are perfect for sunset photos, adding that magical glow to your wedding album.
2. Waterstone Estate & Farms: Rustic Elegance Meets Countryside Charm
Waterstone Estate & Farms, located in the rolling hills of Vaughan, is the perfect place for couples who want a rustic, countryside wedding with a touch of elegance. Surrounded by lush farmland and beautiful gardens, this estate provides the ultimate backdrop for creating timeless, romantic wedding photos.
Why choose Waterstone Estate for your wedding?
Breathtaking estate: The sprawling grounds, vintage barn, and historic farmhouse provide a stunning canvas for photography, with plenty of outdoor spaces for your ceremony and photos.
Rustic charm with modern luxury: Waterstone offers rustic charm combined with luxurious amenities, creating a unique atmosphere for couples who want both elegance and natural beauty.
Outdoor and indoor spaces: Whether you choose to exchange vows under the open sky or indoors in their grand hall, the venue offers versatility for any type of wedding style.
Wedding photographer tip: The outdoor space is perfect for candid shots and romantic couple portraits in the golden hour light. The barns and vineyards make for charming, rustic backdrops that are full of character.
3. Trail Hub: A Nature-Lover’s Dream
For couples who love the great outdoors, Trail Hub, located just outside Toronto in the heart of nature, is the perfect spot for an adventurous and nature-filled wedding. This venue combines stunning views with a relaxed atmosphere, ideal for couples looking for a wedding that feels connected to nature.
Why choose Trail Hub for your wedding?
Natural beauty: Surrounded by forests, trails, and open fields, Trail Hub is perfect for couples who want to celebrate their love in the great outdoors. The view is like no other venue I have ever worked at. It is truly so unique!
Rustic charm: The venue’s rustic cabins and woodsy setting provide an idyllic, laid-back atmosphere for couples who want a more intimate, boho-style wedding.
Adventure-inspired: Trail Hub is for couples who want to embrace adventure and enjoy the outdoors with friends and family.
Wedding photographer tip: The incredible view at Trail Hub makes for such a unique wedding experience. Sunset photos are such a bonus as the location is just steps outside of the reception area.
4. Farmhill Weddings: Picture-Perfect Barn Weddings
Farmhill Weddings, located just outside of Peterborough, Farmhill offers a Modern barn experience that exudes charm and warmth. Perfect for couples looking to create a country-style celebration, Farmhill Weddings blends the best of rural beauty while keeping your venue autistically pleasing, aka, a photographers dream venue.
Why choose Farmhill Weddings for your wedding?
Modern barn charm: The style of Farmhill is truly a unique barn compared to any other barn in and around the area. It is located on a beautiful farm with rolling hills, Lamas and outdoor campfire spots, while still giving a stunning modern barn feel instead of a typical rustic barn that is super common and easy to access.
Wide open spaces: Farmhill Weddings offers expansive grounds with rolling hills, gardens, and plenty of outdoor areas for photos, giving you the freedom to create a wedding that matches your style. It’s Iconic barn also creates the perfect backdrop for wedding photos.
Local is important: Staying local is super important to Farmhill. In supporting Farmhill, you also support the local community. including farmers and locally sourced breweries/wineries.
Wedding photographer tip: The unique modern barn setting combined with the outdoor fields is perfect for capturing both candid and posed shots. I love using the wide-open spaces for couple portraits, especially with the rustic barn in the background. No matter the time of day, there are always beautiful spots to take photos on the property.
5. Three Feathers Terrace: A Hidden Gem for Intimate Weddings
Nestled just outside Toronto, Three Feathers Terrace is a hidden gem for couples looking for an intimate, secluded venue. The venue offers stunning views of the countryside and a peaceful, serene atmosphere—perfect for a relaxed and romantic wedding day.
Why choose Three Feathers Terrace for your wedding?
Private and intimate: With its secluded setting, Three Feathers Terrace offers the perfect atmosphere for couples who want a more intimate, personal wedding experience.
Breathtaking views: Surrounded by beautiful gardens and scenic vistas, this venue offers a variety of photo opportunities that capture the essence of your special day. I personally love the unique arch for ceremony location options and also the large windows that offer such a unique feature for wedding photos. Three Feathers truly offers a stunning ceremony option whether it is inside out outdoors.
Wedding photographer tip: This venue has a beautiful little house option for getting ready which is right on the property that makes for beautiful lighting. I love that there are so many spots for photos including fields and a forest which gives great lighting options for any time of the day.
6. Bloomfield Gardens: A Garden-Lover’s Paradise
For couples who love the idea of a garden wedding, Bloomfield Gardens, located in the countryside just outside Toronto, offers a stunning garden setting with lush blooms and beautiful landscapes. This venue is ideal for couples who want an outdoor wedding surrounded by natural beauty.
Why choose Bloomfield Gardens for your wedding?
Stunning gardens: Bloomfield Gardens is filled with vibrant flowers, lush greenery, and romantic pathways, making it a picture-perfect venue for your wedding photos.
Intimate atmosphere: The serene garden setting offers an intimate and romantic atmosphere, perfect for small-to-medium-sized weddings.
Eco-friendly: Bloomfield Gardens is a great option for eco-conscious couples, with its focus on sustainability and natural beauty.
Wedding photographer tip: The abundant flowers and greenery are perfect for soft, romantic portraits, and the garden paths offer beautiful leading lines for creative shots. One unique addition that my couples always love is the carrousel. Taking photos at sunset or just after is always a nice touch to your wedding photos and a fun little escape to slow your wedding day down.
7. The Pearle Hotel & Spa: Waterfront Elegance with a Touch of Luxury
Located in Burlington, just a short drive from Toronto, The Pearle Hotel & Spa offers a luxurious and sophisticated wedding venue with stunning waterfront views. Ideal for couples looking for an elegant setting that combines nature with luxury, The Pearle Hotel & Spa is perfect for a high-end, modern wedding.
Why choose The Pearle Hotel & Spa for your wedding?
Waterfront location: Overlooking Lake Ontario, The Pearle Hotel & Spa offers spectacular views that create a beautiful backdrop for your wedding photos, especially at sunset.
Modern luxury: The contemporary design of the hotel, combined with its world-class amenities, creates a luxurious atmosphere that is ideal for upscale weddings.
Comprehensive services: With on-site catering, a spa, and wedding planning services, The Pearle Hotel & Spa makes wedding planning easy and stress-free.
Wedding photographer tip: Take advantage of the waterfront location for romantic couple shots by the lake. The hotel’s modern design and sleek interiors also provide excellent backdrops for sophisticated, high-end wedding photos.
Final Thoughts: Stunning Wedding Venues Just Outside Toronto
While Toronto offers a wealth of beautiful wedding venues, there’s something special about saying "I do" at a venue just outside the city. Whether you're drawn to the rustic charm of Waterstone Estate & Farms, the countryside elegance of Deer Creek Golf, or the serene gardens of Bloomfield Gardens, these venues offer stunning backdrops for unforgettable wedding photos.
As a wedding photographer near Toronto, I’ve had the opportunity to capture couples at each of these amazing locations, and I can confidently say that each one offers unique photo opportunities and a memorable experience. So, if you’re looking for a wedding venue that’s just outside the city but still easily accessible, consider one of these beautiful spots for your big day!