About Toronto
Toronto is an incredible city to explore and experience. With a vibrant culture, diverse population, and plenty of activities to do, it's no surprise that Toronto is one of the most popular destinations for tourists and couples alike. When it comes to wedding venues in Toronto, there is something for everyone—from classic churches to outdoor spaces.
Garden weddings are trendy in Toronto due to their warm climate, lush foliage, and picturesque backdrops. For couples looking for a unique way to celebrate their special day, Toronto offers a variety of garden wedding venues ranging from elegant botanical gardens to modern rooftop patios. From natural landscapes to urban settings, these outdoor locations will provide stunning views of the city skyline and create a beautiful backdrop for any event. Villages are an excellent option for those who prefer an urban environment without sacrificing outdoorsy vibes.
Located steps away from all the major attractions in downtown Toronto, these exclusive venues offer lush greenery with towering trees and vibrant flowers set against the backdrop of soaring skyscrapers and city lights. From open fields surrounded by wildflowers under starry skies, botanical gardens tucked away amidst colorful blooms and greenery, or elegant ballrooms surrounded by terraces or gardens—Toronto has something unique for every couple!
Garden Wedding Options in Toronto
- Flowers
Toronto offers many great options for couples looking for a beautiful garden setting for their wedding. But what if your chosen garden is not in full bloom when your big day comes? Don't worry. You can hire one of the local florists to liven it up for you.
- Musicians
Finding the perfect musicians for your garden wedding in Toronto has many great options. You will find rock and roll bands, single performers, and even some orchestral companies to choose from. Whether you are into soft classical music or the head-banging loud music of a metal band, Toronto has you covered.
- Pavilions
Since the weather in Toronto can be unpredictable, you may want to rent some pavilions for your nuptials. With the right furniture and event rentals, your wedding party will be covered no matter what happens. Just pick the ones you like, and they will deliver and set it up for you.
Garden Wedding Vendors in Toronto
- YUM YUM Catering
Yum Yum Catering is a gourmet catering company that provides a unique experience for any type of event. They offer onsite personal executive chef services with live cooking stations, as well as catering for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and buffet. They can do upscale BBQ catering, wedding menu packages, corporate events, and bridal showers as well as cocktail parties, birthday and anniversary celebrations, retirement parties, and children's parties. In addition to their catering services, they also offer party rentals and staffing services with professional servers and bartenders.
- AS Special Events Party & Tent Rentals
The award-winning AS Special Events has been providing top-notch items and services in the Toronto area for over 20 years. You will find whatever you need like tents and pavilions as well as furniture, décor, AV equipment, and dance floors. If you plan to have children at your garden wedding, you can get items made especially for them, too. AS Special Events also has dinnerware, décor, and bar supplies. And if they don’t have what you want, they will find it for you!
- Wild North Flowers
Wild North Flowers is proud to have Ontario-grown flowers all year! They're a flower studio that's independent and woman-owned, located in downtown Toronto. Their designs reflect nature and current trends. They have been named Toronto's Best Florist by NOW TO's readers and Canadian Florist of 2019 by Wedding Bells Magazine. They offer daily flower delivery throughout Toronto, the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), and beyond! On their website, you can order online for same-day flower delivery if you need something at the last minute.
Pros and Cons of Garden Weddings in Toronto
Garden weddings are becoming increasingly popular for couples who want to get married in the Toronto area. These beautiful outdoor events have a lot to offer, such as natural beauty and fresh air, but potential drawbacks must be considered:
Advantages
- Garden weddings in Toronto offer ample opportunities for unique and memorable décor, creating a one-of-a-kind wedding atmosphere.
- Such events can be held year-round due to Toronto's mild climate, making it easier for couples to plan without worrying about inclement weather.
- Depending on the size of the event, many gardens have spaces available for couples to bring their catering or even arrange for food trucks with less expensive options than those found at larger venues.
Disadvantages
- Garden weddings typically require more preparation work than indoor weddings, meaning couples should be prepared to spend more time coordinating details such as rental chairs/tables, sound systems, storm shelters, etc.
- Guests attending outdoor events must also know that nature can present challenges during a wedding ceremony or reception.
- Because most garden venues don’t have walls or ceilings like those found in traditional venues, noise can become an issue.
Tips on How to Organize Garden Weddings in Toronto
Garden weddings in Toronto can be a beautiful way to celebrate your special day. With Toronto offering so many fabulous gardens and outdoor spaces, it’s no surprise that garden weddings are becoming increasingly popular. To help you get started, here are some tips on organizing the perfect garden wedding in Toronto.
- Choose an appropriate venue for your garden wedding style: There are many excellent outdoor spaces throughout the city, from formal gardens in parks to more private spots like backyards or rooftops. Consider factors like size and accessibility when selecting your venue, as this will affect other aspects of your event.
- Decorate with natural elements: To make the most of your garden setting, use natural elements such as flowers, foliage, and trees to decorate the space. This can add texture and color and create an inviting atmosphere for guests while allowing them to enjoy the beauty of nature.
- Create a seating plan that works with the layout of your venue: Before deciding on seating arrangements and table placement, consider any restrictions imposed by both the space itself and local health regulations due to Covid-19 safety protocols.
- Have backup plans for inclement weather: Even though you might have chosen an outdoor venue for its stunning scenery, it’s essential to have contingency plans in place should it rain or become too hot or cold during your event. From tents to umbrellas and fans, these items are essential so that guests remain comfortable throughout the day regardless of what Mother Nature throws at them!
- Make sure all necessary permits are obtained before proceeding with booking vendors or ordering supplies: This includes anything related to assembly (tents/stages), alcohol consumption (liquor license), and noise regulations (amplified music requirements). It is vital that everything is taken care of ahead of time so there are no surprises when it comes time for guests' arrival!
Famous Locations in Toronto
- Queen's Park
Queen's Park is a stately park located in the heart of downtown Toronto. The park is named after Queen Victoria and was opened in 1860 by the Prince of Wales. Queen's Park has long been considered a possible location for new parliament buildings, and in 1879-80, construction was authorized by the Ontario Legislature and city council. However, the decision to build the parliament buildings generated controversy among Ontario architects. In 1886, the commission was awarded to Richard Waite of Buffalo, one of the adjudicators. Despite the controversy, Queen's Park remains an integral part of downtown Toronto and is a popular destination for locals and visitors alike.
- Art Gallery of Ontario
Situated in the Grange Park neighborhood in downtown Toronto, this complex has almost 45,000 square meters (480,000 square feet) of space, making it one of the largest art museums in North America. The permanent collection holds more than 120,000 pieces that include Canadian and international artists’ works from the first century to the present, with greats like Michelangelo and Warhol. The European section is the most popular, with art by Rubens, Gauguin, Degas, and Rembrandt.
- Balmy Beach Park
Hike, bike, or stroll along the beach with your pet to visit Balmy Beach Park! You'll find outdoor fitness equipment for you and lots of room in this open space. If it's not too hot outside, then take advantage of Martin Goodman Trail which runs parallel just over three kilometers (two miles) from the shoreline toward Lake Ontario—perfect scenery while exploring how much smaller saltwater lakes can be than freshwater ones. The Silverbirch Dogs area allows dogs off their leash so they're free to explore nature alongside humans without getting lost. There are also several historic structures in this area, including the Beaches Jazz Festival site, Kew Gardens, and the Fox Theatre.