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  • Writer's pictureAlissa Baltazar

HIDDEN GEMS: Wedding Venues in Southern Ontario



Tapestry Hall is a wedding venue in Cambridge, Ontario, that offers a unique and elegant setting for your special day. It is located in a 19th-century building that has been renovated to reflect modern design and style. Tapestry Hall can accommodate up to 500 guests for a seated reception or 900 guests for a cocktail-style event.


The zest of this place is a living sculpture piece called Meander that is embedded in the architecture of the building and adds a touch of art and beauty to the venue. It is made of spheres, columns, and canopies that react to your movements with sounds, lights, and motions. It was created by Philip Beesley, a professor of architecture at the University of Waterloo, and his team of artists, engineers, and scientists. Meander is inspired by the structures and beauty of nature, especially the Grand River. It is the largest permanent living architecture sculpture in the world, and it aims to show how we can learn from nature to build more sustainable and adaptive systems.


Tapestry Hall also has an onsite brewery called Foundry Brewing that offers craft beers on tap for your guests to enjoy. Tapestry Hall is a wedding venue that combines history, art, and innovation to create a memorable and stunning experience for you and your guests.





Paletta is a historic mansion and a popular wedding venue located in Burlington, Ontario. It is situated on a 14-acre waterfront parkland, offering scenic views of Lake Ontario and the surrounding nature. Paletta Mansion was built in 1929 by Cyrus Albert Birge, a prominent industrialist and philanthropist. It was later owned by the Paletta family, who donated it to the city of Burlington in 2000. The mansion has been restored to its original glory, featuring elegant rooms, fireplaces, and hardwood floors. Paletta Mansion can accommodate up to 130 guests for weddings and other events, and provides exclusive access to the venue for the duration of the booking. Paletta Mansion is a charming and romantic destination for couples who want to celebrate their special day in a historic and picturesque place.


Personally, my favorite room there is the Library. It is located on the second floor of the mansion, and features a cozy fireplace, bookshelves, and a large window. The Library room can accommodate up to 20 guests for a seated dinner, or up to 40 guests for a cocktail, but I like to use it for elegant family portraits.





If you are looking for a wedding venue that will transport you and your guests to a tropical paradise, the Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory is your best choice. This venue is located in Cambridge, Ontario, and offers a stunning natural backdrop for your special day. Imagine exchanging your vows in an indoor garden filled with free-flying butterflies, waterfalls, and lush foliage. Then, enjoy a delicious meal in the dining room, where you can toast to your love and happiness. You will also have access to a bridal suite and three event spaces that can accommodate up to 160 guests.


The Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory is a perfect choice for couples who love nature and want to celebrate their special day in a magical and enchanting setting.





Are you dreaming of a fairytale wedding in a castle-like estate surrounded by nature? Erin Estate is a historic mansion and a unique wedding venue in Ontario. It is a stunning castle-like structure in the forest with beautiful gardens and elegant architecture. Erin Estate has everything you need for your wedding day, from a forest ceremony space to a luxurious bridal suite to a new building called the Timber Frame Great Hall for your reception. They can host up to 160 guests and you will have the whole property to yourself. The owners and the staff will take care of everything for you, from the planning to the catering. They will make sure your wedding is perfect and unforgettable. Erin Estate is a wedding venue that combines old-world charm with modern luxury. You will love it as soon as you see it.





Dreaming about a ceremony on the ocean but can’t commit to travel that far with all your wedding guests? Not a problem. With an experienced photographer, you can turn the Lakeview wedding venue into your dream location. This venue is located on the shores of Lake Ontario in the heart of Confederation Park and features an intimate sun-drenched ballroom with a private balcony overlooking the beach. You can also choose from various indoor and outdoor ceremony locations, including a unique 60-foot lighthouse style viewing tower. The Lakeview can host up to 160 guests, and provides everything you need for your special day. The Lakeview is a perfect choice for couples who want to have a beach wedding without traveling far from the city.





The Ancaster Mill is a historic and charming wedding venue located in Ancaster, Ontario. This venue is nestled under the Escarpment beside a mesmerizing waterfall and a stream. It offers a romantic and cozy atmosphere for your special day with floor-to-ceiling windows overseeing the river and the fall, a cute wooden walking bridge and a cozy chapel with a stone fireplace. The Ancaster Mill can host up to 200 guests. It is a perfect choice for couples who love nature and history. This venue offers couples a timeless and romantic setting to embark on their journey into wedding bliss creating memories that will last a lifetime. This enchanting mill dates back to the early 19th century. Now the Ancaster Mill is one of the seven venues that belong to the Pearle Weddings and Events. This group is a collection of historic and scenic venues.





How do you feel like stepping into a restaurant with a cave-like design? Capri Ristorante Italiano is a cozy and authentic Italian restaurant located in downtown Hamilton. It has been serving traditional Italian food since 1962. Capri Ristorante Italiano is a venue that also hosts weddings or events, with a capacity of up to 130 guests. Capri Ristorante Italiano is a perfect choice for couples who love unique locations with extravagant interiors.





Romanian Park is a real hidden gem, a scenic wedding venue that celebrates European culture  and heritage. It is located in Carlisle, Ontario, and it is owned and operated by the Romanian Canadian Cultural Association of Hamilton.


Romanian Park has beautiful trees, lawns, and trails for your wedding ceremony and reception. You can say "I do" outdoors surrounded by nature, take pictures next to the bridge with a peaceful sunset and enjoy the cocktail hour at the gazebo next to the well.


If you prefer an indoor wedding, Romanian Park has banquet hall spaces that are decorated with cultural elements. They combine modern and traditional styles and create a home-like mood for your celebration. At night, the venue becomes a rustic wonderland with warm lights and a comfortable atmosphere. Romanian Park can host up to 300 guests and it has everything you need for your special day.


This is just the start of our long journey of exploring Southern Ontario's cool wedding venues. In our next issue, we will dive deeper into this interesting world of wedding paradise.



Photos by Alissa Baltazar

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