Imagine saying your vows under a canopy of trees, a gentle breeze rustling through the leaves, or raising a glass to your new life on a terrace with the city’s twinkling skyline as your witness.
An outdoor wedding in Toronto offers a chance to blend the natural beauty of a garden or waterfront with the vibrant energy of Canada’s largest city. From historic estates that feel like a step back in time to modern spaces with a view, this city is a treasure trove of picturesque spots.
This guide is designed to take you beyond the typical search, providing a curated look at the top outdoor wedding venues in Toronto and offering the insights you need to make your choice with confidence.
Before You Book: Essential Questions for an Outdoor Venue
Before you fall head over heels for a beautiful outdoor space, it’s crucial to ask the right questions. The key to a successful outdoor wedding is preparation, especially in Toronto, where the weather can be a bit of a wildcard.
- The Weather Contingency Plan: This is arguably the most important factor. Ask every venue you visit what their “Plan B” is for bad weather. Do they have a covered pavilion, an indoor hall, or even a marquee tent that can be set up in a pinch? Don’t assume a sunny day is a guarantee, even in the middle of summer. A venue with a seamless backup plan will save you a lot of stress.
- Guest Comfort: You want your guests to remember the moment, not the heat or the bugs. Consider providing thoughtful details like a hydration station with cool drinks for a warm day, or cozy blankets and outdoor heaters for a crisp autumn evening. Don’t forget to ask the venue about their bug control measures, especially if they’re near a wooded area or water.
- Permits and Logistics: Outdoor weddings, particularly in public spaces like parks, often come with their own set of rules. This includes permits for amplified sound, which can have strict time limits. You’ll also want to confirm details like parking availability, accessibility for guests with mobility issues, and whether you’re allowed to bring in your own vendors, decor, or alcohol. Getting these details ironed out early will prevent any last-minute surprises.
The List: Toronto’s Most Breathtaking Outdoor Wedding Venues
Casa Loma: A Fairytale in the City
If you’ve always dreamed of a fairytale wedding, Casa Loma is the ultimate venue. This iconic, historic castle, perched on a hill overlooking Toronto, offers a vibe that is pure romance and timeless elegance. Its Gothic Revival architecture and stunning interiors feel like something straight out of a movie, but the outdoor spaces are where the magic truly comes alive.
- Key Outdoor Spaces: The breathtaking Terrace and Gardens are the crown jewel of Casa Loma’s outdoor offerings. The meticulously manicured grounds, filled with lush florals and ornate fountains, provide a spectacular backdrop for a ceremony or a sophisticated cocktail reception. The adjacent Glass Pavilion, though an indoor space, offers a seamless connection to the outdoors with a magnificent view of the grounds and the city skyline. This is a perfect “Plan B” for weather, giving you the feel of an outdoor wedding without any of the risks.
- Capacity & Pricing: Casa Loma is a luxury venue, and its pricing reflects that. Wedding costs typically start at a premium price point, often with a minimum spend. The venue can accommodate a wide range of guest counts, from intimate gatherings to large-scale events with up to 300 guests on the Terrace and Gardens. Catering is handled in-house by Liberty Entertainment Group, so you can expect an exquisite, gourmet dining experience.
- Best For: This venue is ideal for the couple who wants to feel like royalty for a day. It’s perfect for those seeking a dramatic, romantic, and luxurious setting with a timeless, historic feel. If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind wedding that your guests will talk about for years to come, Casa Loma is an unforgettable choice.
Evergreen Brick Works: A Rustic Industrial Oasis
For couples who want a wedding that feels both raw and refined, Evergreen Brick Works is a top contender among outdoor wedding venues in Toronto. This historic former brick factory has been transformed into a vibrant community hub, offering a unique industrial-chic aesthetic that’s softened by its lush, ravine setting. The vibe here is effortlessly cool, with a strong focus on sustainability and nature.
- Key Outdoor Spaces: The site boasts several incredible options. The Pavilions, with their soaring ceilings and exposed brick, offer a covered outdoor space that’s perfect for a large ceremony or cocktail hour. For a more intimate feel, the Frances and Tim Price Terrace provides a stunning backdrop of the parkland and ponds. The surrounding grounds and Koerner Gardens are a photographer’s dream, offering a blend of natural greenery, rustic brick walls, and unique industrial features.
- Capacity & Pricing: Evergreen Brick Works is highly versatile and can host events from 50 to over 2,000 guests, depending on the space. This makes it suitable for anything from a small, laid-back celebration to a massive gala-style reception. Pricing varies significantly by space and guest count, but be prepared for a premium for this highly sought-after location. The venue also works with a curated list of catering partners, ensuring a seamless and high-quality dining experience.
- Best For: This venue is a dream for the modern, eco-conscious, or bohemian couple. If you love the idea of an urban setting that’s rich in history and surrounded by nature, and you want a space you can truly transform into your own, Evergreen Brick Works is the perfect fit.
Toronto Botanical Garden: A Serene Garden Escape
If your dream day involves a tranquil, romantic setting overflowing with nature’s beauty, the Toronto Botanical Garden is a place you must consider. This four-acre urban oasis in the heart of North York is a serene escape from the city hustle, offering a timeless and classic garden vibe. It’s the perfect canvas for a couple who wants their wedding to feel elegant, natural, and utterly timeless.
- Key Outdoor Spaces: The Toronto Botanical Garden features a variety of stunning outdoor spaces. For a classic ceremony, the Perennial Border offers a manicured lawn surrounded by a lush garden, perfect for a smaller guest count. The Courtyard, with its water channel and bubbling waterfall, provides a picturesque, sunken amphitheater feel for a larger ceremony. The Westview Terrace, which is attached to the main building, is an ideal spot for a cocktail reception with beautiful views of the gardens.
- Capacity & Pricing: This venue can accommodate a wide range of guest counts, from intimate micro-weddings of around 50 guests to larger celebrations with up to 350 for a cocktail-style reception. Pricing varies by space and the day of the week, with packages available for different needs. They work with a curated list of catering partners, which simplifies the planning process and ensures a high-quality menu.
- Best For: This venue is a match made in heaven for the romantic at heart. It’s for the couple who wants a garden-inspired wedding, where the changing seasons and blooming flowers become part of their special day. It’s also an excellent choice for those who value an all-in-one location for their ceremony, reception, and photos.
Graydon Hall Manor: Old-World European Glamour
Step into a world of refined elegance and old-world charm at Graydon Hall Manor. This stunning 1930s Georgian manor in North York offers a completely private and luxurious experience, making it one of the most sought-after outdoor wedding venues in Toronto.
The vibe here is reminiscent of a European estate, where every detail, from the architecture to the manicured grounds, speaks of sophistication and romance.
- Key Outdoor Spaces: The centerpiece of the outdoor space is the spectacular 160-foot-long stone terrace. This magnificent area overlooks cascading fountains and immaculately kept formal gardens, providing a breathtaking backdrop for a ceremony, cocktail reception, or even a seated dinner under their custom canopy. The gardens themselves are a photographer’s dream, with enchanting pathways, mature trees, and a sense of history that’s impossible to replicate.
- Capacity & Pricing: Graydon Hall Manor is a high-end, all-inclusive venue with a focus on a personalized experience. They can accommodate an intimate dinner for as few as 50 guests or a grand celebration for up to 250 on the terrace. The pricing is on the higher end, typically with a minimum spend, reflecting the exclusivity, bespoke service, and gourmet, in-house catering provided by their world-class culinary team.
- Best For: This venue is perfect for the couple who wants a sophisticated, glamorous, and truly private wedding. It’s for those who dream of a day that feels both timeless and luxurious, surrounded by the kind of elegant beauty you’d expect to find in a classic European film.
The Guild Inn Estate: Art, History, and Nature Combined
Located on the scenic Scarborough Bluffs, The Guild Inn Estate is a one-of-a-kind venue that feels like an open-air art gallery and a lush park all in one. The vibe here is a captivating blend of historic art, architecture, and natural beauty, offering a truly unique and memorable setting for a wedding.
This is a place for a couple who wants their wedding day to be as visually stunning and creative as their love story.
- Key Outdoor Spaces: The grounds are what truly set this venue apart. The Guild Park and Gardens feature a unique collection of architectural fragments from demolished Toronto buildings, creating a striking sculptural park. Imagine saying your vows or taking photos in front of historic stone facades, Greek-style columns, or even a quaint 19th-century log cabin. The restored grounds themselves are beautifully manicured and provide sweeping views of Lake Ontario, adding an extra layer of romance and drama to the day. For a ceremony, the on-site Gazebo is a popular choice, offering a semi-outdoor space with a view of the gardens.
- Capacity & Pricing: The Guild Inn Estate is a versatile venue that can host everything from intimate celebrations for 50 guests to grand affairs for up to 1,000 in their ballrooms. The pricing is considered reasonable for the quality and uniqueness of the venue, with various wedding packages available. They offer all-inclusive options that include in-house catering, bar services, and a dedicated team to ensure a seamless planning process.
- Best For: This venue is an excellent choice for a couple who loves art, history, and a touch of the unconventional. It’s for those who want their wedding to be not just a celebration, but an experience for their guests—a day filled with discovery and unforgettable photo opportunities.
Palais Royale: Lakeside Art Deco Glamour
For a wedding with a rich history, a touch of Art Deco flair, and a breathtaking waterfront setting, look no further than Palais Royale. This historic Toronto landmark was once a famous 1920s dance hall, and its revitalized spaces offer a unique blend of old-world glamour and modern elegance.
The vibe here is sophisticated and lively, perfect for a couple who wants to dance the night away with Lake Ontario as their backdrop.
- Key Outdoor Spaces: The star of the show at Palais Royale is its stunning, two-tiered lakeside Courtyard Patio. This 4,000-square-foot deck is perfect for an outdoor ceremony, a lively cocktail hour, or a summer reception. It provides uninterrupted views of Lake Ontario and the city skyline, making for incredible golden-hour photos and a truly memorable experience. Guests can also enjoy the waterfront promenade, which is easily accessible from the venue, offering a chance for a scenic stroll and some fresh air.
- Capacity & Pricing: Palais Royale is incredibly versatile, with the ability to host a seated dinner for up to 200 on the outdoor patio alone, or a cocktail-style reception for over 300 guests. The indoor Ballroom can accommodate even larger parties, creating a seamless indoor-outdoor flow. As with most premium outdoor wedding venues in Toronto, pricing is on the higher end, but they offer several wedding packages that can be customized to suit your needs, from gourmet in-house catering to a wide range of bar service options.
- Best For: This venue is a perfect match for the couple who wants a grand, elegant, and fun-filled wedding. It’s for those who appreciate history and love the idea of a beautiful waterfront location with a sophisticated, Art Deco-inspired feel.
The Arlington Estate: Modern Luxury in a Secluded Setting
The Arlington Estate defines modern luxury and sophistication. Located in Vaughan, just a short drive from the city, this venue offers a grand, private, and secluded feel that makes it stand out from other outdoor wedding venues in Toronto.
The vibe is sleek, contemporary, and absolutely lavish, designed for a couple who wants a high-end destination wedding experience without the travel.
- Key Outdoor Spaces: The estate is a seven-acre private compound with a stunning 1.5-acre pond as its focal point. This majestic water feature, complete with a waterfall, provides a picturesque backdrop for a ceremony or unforgettable golden-hour photos. The main ceremony area features a beautiful wooden pergola and is surrounded by private, manicured grounds, ensuring your day is intimate and exclusive. There are also private terraces overlooking the pond, which are perfect for a sophisticated cocktail reception.
- Capacity & Pricing: The Arlington Estate can host ceremonies for up to 450 guests, making it an excellent choice for large celebrations. The price per person is on the higher end, often starting at a premium, and includes an all-inclusive experience with in-house catering and a dedicated event management team. The venue’s modern and flexible spaces, divided into East and West Wings, mean you can customize the layout to fit your guest count and vision perfectly.
- Best For: This venue is for the couple who is dreaming of a truly lavish, grand, and private wedding. It’s for those who want a modern aesthetic with a destination-style feel, where every detail is meticulously curated for a seamless and unforgettable experience.
Also check our article:Top Comedian In Toronto: To Hire For Your Event
Final Tips for an Unforgettable Outdoor Wedding in Toronto
Once you’ve found your perfect outdoor space, the real fun begins! To ensure your day runs smoothly and is as magical as you’ve imagined, here are a few final tips from a planning perspective.
- The Importance of Vendor Expertise: Working with vendors who have experience with outdoor events is a game-changer. Your photographer, for instance, should be skilled at shooting in natural light, dealing with harsh sun or overcast skies, and capturing stunning moments in any outdoor setting. Similarly, an experienced florist will know which flowers can withstand a hot day, and a DJ or band should be prepared with the right equipment for a flawless sound system outdoors.
- Planning for the Unexpected: We’ve already talked about the weather, but it’s worth a final mention. Think about smaller details, too. Is the ground even? Will guests have to walk on grass in heels? A thoughtful host will provide things like flip-flops or comfortable sandals. Plan for a lighting design that goes beyond practical needs. String lights, lanterns, and even candles in glass holders can completely transform a space as the sun sets, creating a warm, magical ambiance.
- Final Checks on the Big Day: On the day itself, take a deep breath and trust your team. A good venue coordinator or a day-of planner will handle all the last-minute details. Your only job is to be present, enjoy the moment, and celebrate your love with your guests. Remember, even the smallest unplanned detail can become one of the best memories. Embrace the unexpected!
Conclusion: Your Happily Ever After Starts Here
Finding the perfect outdoor wedding venue is a huge step in bringing your vision to life. As we’ve seen, Toronto offers a remarkable array of choices, from the fairytale elegance of Casa Loma to the modern luxury of The Arlington Estate and the artistic charm of The Guild Inn.
No matter your personal style, there’s a unique and beautiful backdrop waiting for you. The key is to start early, ask the right questions, and choose a space that truly resonates with you as a couple.
With the right planning and a little help from the stunning outdoor wedding venues in Toronto, your dream day is closer than you think. Now, go visit these beautiful spaces and start imagining your happily ever after.
If you’re searching for a wedding DJ, here are our top recommendations that you can book right on the AGNT platform.
