Love doesn’t cost a thing, right? Well, when it comes to hosting the perfect wedding for you and your partner, celebrating your love can get quite expensive. Finding a venue that works for you is not only one of the most important parts of a wedding, but also one of the most costly. There is no shortage of beautiful places in Ontario where couples can tie the knot—luscious outdoor spaces, banquet halls, country estates—but many of them come with a big price tag. While some couples have saved on venue costs by getting hitched at their family cottage, this often comes with its own set of challenges, and not everyone has property suitable for hosting. The good news is, there are many budget-friendly options for couples who don’t want to sacrifice the scenery on their big day. From rustic barns to romantic waterfront getaways, we’ve narrowed down a list of affordable wedding venues that showcase the beauty of cottage country and are perfect for holding the intimate celebration of your dreams.
Bayfield Boutique B&B in Bayfield
This B&B is located in the heart of Bayfield, Ont., and offers a variety of wedding packages between $1,000 to $10,000. From all-inclusive, 60-person celebrations, to romantic private elopements, owners Mary and John can provide something for everyone. Couples can tie the knot in the on-site English garden or at the beach on Lake Huron. Receptions take place in a quaint, elegant barn, with an add-on wedding tent available to accommodate larger guest lists. The Bayfield Boutique B&B has an in-house catering team and rustic decorations at the ready—all you need to organize is your marriage license, and they do the rest. One thing to note: though the venue is licensed, couples need to organize their own bar if they wish to serve alcohol during the reception.
Stillwater on the Lake in Peterborough
Guests? Who needs them? Stillwater on the Lake is the perfect choice for couples who are looking for a luxurious elopement to celebrate their love. This bed and breakfast provides packages from $899 for a romantic ceremony to $2,000 for accommodations and a gourmet breakfast. Bonus: all packages include professional photography to commemorate your day. Couples can opt to add on extra nights to take a “mini-moon” at this romantic wedding destination. Ceremonies take place under the lakefront gazebo, which is decorated by the venue, and in the winter there is an indoor ceremony option. And because Stillwater on the Lake is all about elopements, only two adult witnesses are allowed in addition to the wedding couple for the ceremony.
Portage Inn in Huntsville
If you want to truly emulate a family cottage wedding but don’t have a big enough space at your cottage, this DIY venue is for you. The Portage Inn, an expansive three-acre Muskoka property with a private dock and beach, sleeps 30 people in 10 bedrooms and can be rented out in its entirety for your wedding party. You can rent the Portage Inn for $1,800 a night on weekends or $8,900 for a whole week in the summer. They also offer multiple rental options throughout different seasons, and there is a large kitchen and reception area in the inn that caterers can use. If you’re looking to minimize your costs, you can ask your guests to chip in a small amount to cover their accommodations.
Country Cut Flowers in Newmarket
You can get married among fields of flowers at this sweet barn wedding venue just outside of Newmarket, Ont. Country Cut Flowers can accommodate weddings of up to 25 guests and host a ceremony in various locations across the 29-acre property. Whether you choose to say “I do” in the flower fields or in front of the rustic barn, the venue provides chairs, a wedding arch, and fresh-cut flowers from the farm for ceremonies. The scenery truly does most of the work for you; if a minimalist, natural feel is what you’re going for, Country Cut Flowers is an elegant choice. Food arrangements, such as a food truck, can be brought in externally by the wedding couple. Just make sure to note that alcohol is currently not allowed at this venue.
Brooklands Farm in Bracebridge
However you wish to celebrate your union, Brooklands Farm has an option for you. The small wedding and elopement packages make this venue an easy choice for couples on a budget. For a little under $10,000, couples can hold an intimate ceremony in front of the small lake on the farm grounds with up to 24 guests—this price includes live music, games, ceremony set-up, dinner, and an open bar. Brooklands Farm also has a collection of “pay-it-forward decor” from over the years, which wedding parties can use at their disposal. Add-ons such as bouquets, professional photography, or an overnight stay are available at an extra cost.
Millbrook Cathedral in Millbrook
This cathedral wedding venue offers pop-up wedding packages for couples who want to tie the knot and celebrate with their nearest and dearest. If you want a small wedding without losing out on traditional wedding elements like a wedding planner, live music, champagne toast, photography, and more, this venue is for you. All-inclusive packages range from $4,500 for 25 guests to $6,200 for 50 guests, with additional customization options available. Millbrook Cathedral has both indoor and outdoor spaces for your use during the ceremony and celebration, and the red door of the cathedral itself provides a stunning backdrop for photos.
Algonquin Eco-Lodge in Algonquin Park
For the eco-conscious couple who want to celebrate their day without leaving a huge impact on the environment, this eco-lodge at the south end of Algonquin Park is a great option. The all-inclusive packages range from $1,500 to $4,250 and provide exclusive use of the lodge for three days, plus free access to hiking trails and use of canoes and paddleboats on the private Moffat Pond. Algonquin Eco-Lodge will also assist couples in organizing their ceremony and celebration and includes an in-house catering option in the largest package. The lodge can also provide transportation to the property for guests with mobility restrictions.
The Eddie Hotel & Farm in Prince Edward County
Want to go big without going broke? The Eddie Hotel & Farm offers a hundred-person Saturday wedding during peak season for a minimum spend of $12,100. Lower cost options are available for different days and during the off-season. The property has multiple areas where couples can hold their festivities, including a tranquil pond, a heritage barn, and a sheep shed that serves as a back-up ceremony option for rainy days. In-house decor and optional accommodations make this a stress-free, one-stop venue. And if you live in the area, The Eddie offers a 10 percent discount on venue fees for local couples.
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