My 5 Favourite Wedding Venues to Photograph in Ontario
Because good light, solid locations, and zero regrets matter.
After more than a decade of photographing weddings across Southern Ontario, I’ve worked in just about every type of venue vineyards, barns, historic chapels, hotels, greenhouses, and everything in between. I can make great images anywhere but some venues give you better light, cleaner backdrops, and less stress doing it.
This list highlights five of the most photogenic venues I’ve worked at chosen based on actual experience, not marketing photos. I’ve included the good, the tricky, and a few things you only catch when you’ve spent a full wedding day actually working the space, not just passing through.
Cranberry Creek Gardens — Lynedoch, ON
If you’re after rustic charm with a hint of nostalgia, the ever-popular Cranberry Creek is it. The old chapel is beautifully preserved, and the surrounding gardens light up beautifully in the late afternoon sun. Bonus: the staff are lovely, and the whole space has this peaceful, tucked-away feel.
It’s one of those venues where everything feels intentional and easy to photograph. You can even do portraits inside the chapel, which has soft, diffused light and moody windows, perfect for quiet moments or as a solid Plan B if the weather turns. The back field and wildflower patch are especially beautiful as the sun starts to dip, and there’s a hidden nook between the cedars that’s perfectly shady and just a little mysterious. During the reception, the barn adds character with its warm wood tones and string lights, creating a cozy backdrop for speeches, dinner, your first dance and candid moments. After dark, the twinkle lights cast a warm ambiance that makes romantic nighttime shots feel effortless. It’s fair to say every photographer loves this venue.
Art Gallery of Hamilton + Hamilton City Hall — Hamilton, ON
The Art Gallery of Hamilton is a modern, minimalist venue that’s great for couples who want something clean, bright, and a little different. The outdoor ceremony space is a contemporary courtyard, more urban than garden with manicured turf, some greenery, and a strong city backdrop. It’s a good fit if you like the look of sleek architecture and want your ceremony to feel modern without being too stark. This couple opted out of an arch for their vows, but adding one would elevate the look for sure!
The reception was held in the Pavilion, a bright white space with soaring ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows. During daylight hours, the room is flooded with soft, natural light basically a dream for clean, airy reception photos. The minimalist design leaves room for any kind of decor, whether you're going tropical (like this one) or keeping it simple and sculptural.
And here’s a pro tip: walk across the street to Hamilton City Hall. The plaza outside has an industrial feel, wide open space, and the massive “Hamilton” sign perfect for bold, editorial-style portraits that balance out the gallery’s clean vibe.
Erin Estate - Erin, ONtario
Erin Estate is a private forest venue that feels very Twilight wedding, but with more sun. The ceremony spot is tucked back in the trees, and it’s genuinely peaceful. You’re not sharing the space with anyone else, and you’re not racing for photo spots. It’s yours for the day.
The grounds have great variety. There’s an area of towering, old-growth pines that gives you shaded backdrop for portraits. The manor house has an old mansion feel, and the getting-ready suite photographs beautifully. Typically, one partner gets ready upstairs and the other downstairs, which makes it easy for a solo photographer to move between both.
Their forest ceremony setup also allows for one of my favourite angles, a clean shot of the first kiss from behind the couple, with the guests and forest in the frame. Not every venue makes that possible without being disruptive, but here, I can quietly slip behind the arbour and (if needed) ask the couple to do a quick encore. Family photos can be done right outside the ceremony area in the trees, or in the grassy cocktail area, which is great if you’ve got relatives who are hard to wrangle.
I haven’t photographed in their new Great Hall yet, but if the rest of the estate is any indication, it’s probably just as thoughtfully designed. If you’re looking for privacy, a real forest and a venue that doesn’t feel mass-produced, Erin Estate is it.
Oh and fun fact: I found out I was pregnant the morning of this wedding.
The Pearle Hotel & Spa – Burlington, ON
The Pearle has a modern, clean aesthetic that works well for portraits, especially if you’re into minimalist architecture, soft neutral tones, and waterfront views. The reception room is fine. It’s functional, it’s neutral, and with the right decor, it can absolutely be elevated. But it’s not the reason to book this place.
What does make the Pearle cool are the photo opportunities around it. The staircase inside is sleek and sculptural, and the natural light in the lobby gives you a lot to play with. Outside, you’ve got the lake, the rocks, the stairs backed by urban vibes, and wide-open space for portraits that feel clean and modern without being too sterile. Best time to shoot outside is when the sun is lower in the sky,golden hour or close to it when the light gets soft and flattering.
For one wedding here, we headed over to the Royal Botanical Gardens for portraits, which gave us more variety and green space. It’s nearby and worth considering if you want a mix of nature and architecture in your gallery.
Ancaster Mill – Ancaster, ON
This place is romantic with a capital R. Waterfalls, a tucked-away chandelier pavilion, stone walls, and hand-in-hand strolls on the bridge are all photo moments that are easy to capture at Ancaster Mill.
It’s got great variety for portraits, which is probably why I keep ending up here in the middle of winter. But to be fair it does look stunning in the snow, and shooting in winter light here is a skill I’ve definitely mastered by now.
Some of the best photo spots include the waterfall (a showstopper for dramatic, cinematic couple portraits), the chandelier pavilion (a hidden gem for quiet, romantic shots), and the stone-walled bar, which leans full castle vibes, candlelight, shadows, and a little drama. The indoor staircase gives off editorial energy, especially in black and white. Even the entryway couch and vestibule bench can turn into mini portrait zones.
One thing to note: Ancaster Mill can be tricky with large wedding parties. Some of the walkways and portrait spots are tight, and it’s a busy venue that often hosts multiple weddings in a day. If you’re working with a big group, you’ll need a solid plan.
When it comes to family photos, there’s not much usable outdoor space beyond the parking lot or driveway (which are… not it). But if you’re having your ceremony in the chapel, we can usually grab that space just outside the doors if we move quickly and stay organized. Most of the weddings I’ve shot here have had indoor ceremonies, but there is an outdoor option with some green and trees. I just haven’t seen it in full summer mode, since again, every time I shoot here, it’s winter.
Because the indoor areas are dimly lit, your photos will lean moody and warm, which can be gorgeous if you're into a more romantic or dramatic style. Just trust your photographer (hi!) to find the light. This isn’t a place for bright-and-airy all day long. It’s more “classy castle after dusk.”
Sorry, Officiant, You’re Not Invited to This Photo
Over the past 12 years of working full-time as a wedding photographer, I’ve had my fair share of removing distractions and imperfections to make sure every photo shines in the final gallery. But hands down, the most frequently photoshopped element in my images? The officiant. This is especially true in first kiss and aisle recessional shots. While many officiants do step aside, they often don't move quite far enough to fully clear the frame. I genuinely appreciate their role and all they do for the couple, but let's be honest—those photos are just better when it’s just the couple in the spotlight. So, I’m always happy to use my Photoshop magic to make them disappear. After all, who needs the head of a third wheel in that perfect shot, right?
Something to consider for your ceremony: have the officiant perform from the side. It’s a great option, especially if you don’t need a microphone. A microphone can be another obstacle for a wedding photographer trying to capture close-up shots during the vows. But let’s face it—your guests want to hear your vows, especially those who might be hard of hearing. Without a mic, many will miss the moment entirely. If you do decide to use one, I recommend a handheld microphone—wired is best to avoid interference or dropouts. And please, no mic stands! They tend to get in the way of the close up shots.
If you have a videographer, they’ll likely mic you up with a small lavalier mic, which is almost invisible. You clip it onto your lapel or collar, and there’s no need for a stand if the officiant prefers to keep their hands free.
Wedding Photography Timeline
For most couples, planning a wedding is a first-time experience, and the photography timeline can feel entirely new. A well-planned wedding photography timeline is key to capturing all the special moments without feeling rushed.
Typically, the day begins with getting ready shots, where the bride and groom are photographed separately as they prepare for the big day. Two photographer is definitely a bonus for the two locations. Although, if you are close in proximity its not unheard of that I can move between two locations. I love this part of the day because it’s purely documentary. I’m not directing anyone, except maybe positioning you in the best light or making small adjustments to the scene—like moving a plastic water bottle out of the frame—to ensure the moment looks as aesthetically pleasing as possible.
Before the ceremony, you have the option of a first look, which comes with several key benefits. One of the main advantages is that it allows for more relaxed and intimate photos. Since the couple isn’t rushed after the ceremony, there’s more time to enjoy cocktail hour with your guests. It also provides the photographer ample opportunity to capture emotional, candid moments in a private setting, resulting in more meaningful shots. Additionally, a first look can help streamline the timeline—by taking care of the couple’s portraits before the ceremony, the day flows more smoothly, leaving more time for family and guest photos, as well as extra time to enjoy the reception. Finally, the first look offers a quiet, personal moment between the couple, helping to calm any pre-ceremony nerves and setting a peaceful tone for the rest of the day.
The ceremony follows, where key moments like vows, the first kiss, and your first walk as a married couple are captured. Afterward, it’s ideal to set aside time for family and bridal party photos, ensuring everyone is ready and in place. The couple’s portraits come next (if you opted out of a first look), giving you time for quiet, cute moments together. Once the reception begins, the focus shifts to details of your décor, candid shots of guests, the first dance, speeches, and fun moments like cake cutting and dancing. A well-planned timeline ensures all these moments flow naturally, with plenty of time for spontaneous shots. During dinner, I typically don’t take photos because, honestly, no one wants pictures of them eating.
And don’t forget about your sunset photos! Consider pausing your reception and scheduling a few minutes during golden hour for dreamy, romantic shots. It’s an opportunity you won’t regret!
Here is a sample timeline that you can download and use for your own scheduling. I assist every couple who books me in perfecting their timeline, ensuring there is ample time to capture all the important moments.
Guests Deserve a Spot in Wedding Photos
As a photographer, I always make it a point to capture guest photos during the cocktail hour. After finishing the portraits of the bride, groom, and their inner circle, I immediately shift to photographing the guests. These images might not end up on a photographer’s website or framed in the couple’s home, but they’re just as important. Why? Because they show the people you're celebrating with—the ones who made your day special. It’s not just about posed shots; it’s about capturing the connections, laughter, and the joy of everyone who came together to be part of your celebration.
How happy will your guests be when you send them a photo of them dressed up and taken by a professional? Most likely, it’ll end up on their fridge or even framed in their home. Guest photos can even become an awesome addition to your thank you cards—an extra touch to show appreciation for their presence on your special day.
I make it a point to circle around and ensure I get everyone in the shots—group photos, family photos, couple shots, etc. If the bride and groom are close by, I’ll often include them in these images too, capturing those treasured memories with friends, university groups, or work colleagues. These photos rarely get enough credit and are often overlooked by photographers.
Also, wedding party and their significant other is always on top of my shoot list during cocktail time! So whatever photographer you go with, if not me, ask about if they can schedule time to capture your guests.
Here are some great examples:
The funny wedding photos that I just can't exclude
Weddings are filled with romantic, emotional, and sweet moments—and a whole lot of hilarious personalities that make the day even more entertaining for me. Those spontaneous, quirky shots? I secretly live for them and always make sure they’re part of the wedding gallery.
As a wedding photographer, there are certain moments I simply can’t leave out—because, honestly, why would I? If you’re funny, those unexpected, goofy wedding photos are pure gold. When couples get their final photos, I want them to experience the full spectrum of emotions: smiles, tears, and plenty of laughter.
Don’t be afraid to be yourself, and remember that not every photo has to be Instagram-perfect. There’s no need to put pressure on yourself or worry about being awkward in front of the camera—real wedding photography is all about real people being their true selves.
