I've written plenty of venue posts to help couples find a place that speaks to them and matches the wedding they've been picturing. But one thing I haven't really focused on is waterfront venues, whether that's a lake, pond or river.
The backdrop for your ceremony matters. An outdoor ceremony with the water behind you makes quite an impression on your guests, and it gives your wedding photos something pretty special, too.
Of course, when you're walking down the aisle and saying your vows, you're probably not spending much time admiring the scenery. You're focused on getting married! But the setting shapes what your guests see, what your photographs look like, and the atmosphere of the day.
photo by Steve Gerrard
I actually chose my own wedding venue because of the lake it was on. I grew up in a town in Quebec on the Lake of Two Mountains, where I spent my summers taking sailing lessons. I spent a lot of time on that lake, including plenty of time capsizing my boat and learning how to get it back upright on my own! Having that same lake as the backdrop for my wedding ceremony felt like a nice full-circle moment. There was even a rainbow!
So, if a waterfront wedding sounds like your kind of thing, I've rounded up some of the best waterfront wedding venues Ontario has to offer
Burlington, Hamilton & West GTA
Spencer's at the Waterfront , Burlington
A beautiful glass pavilion overlooking Lake Ontario, Spencer's offers a ceremony space that transforms into your reception space later in the day. The floor-to-ceiling windows facing the lake create a backdrop for an indoor ceremony while still giving you those waterfront views.
There isn't an outdoor ceremony option, but you can use the waterfront for your portraits and wedding photos.
With its modern architecture, clean interiors and lake views, Spencer's is a classy choice for couples who want a waterfront setting without having to be outdoors. And once the sun goes down, the exterior of the pavilion makes for some killer nighttime photos.
Capacity - 120 guests
Paletta Mansion, Burlington
A historic 14-acre estate on the shores of Lake Ontario. Use the outdoor terrace with its waterfront backdrop for your ceremony, followed by an indoor reception. You can even get ready in the suites provided! It's the kind of venue where you can have everything in one place. We love that!
And you don't have to go far for photos either. There are plenty of opportunities to take advantage of the property for your wedding portraits. Inside, the mansion has a cozy, old-world feel that's perfect for some regal portraits, if that's your thing. I'm talking king and queen poses, a little editorial spread, as they say in the biz.
Capacity: 100 guests
Edgewater Manor, Stoney Creek
Situated on Lake Ontario, Edgewater Manor is a restaurant known for its fine dining, historic castle-like architecture and several rooms for private events. Most are suited to more intimate gatherings, while the largest can accommodate up to 100 guests for a seated dinner.
The real draw here is the Great Gatsby-inspired setting. You can have your ceremony on the outdoor lakeside property, with nothing but sky and water as your backdrop.
And from looking at the photos, I can tell you right now that marble staircase would be a killer spot for some editorial, moody portraits. I'm already picturing how I'd light and set up the shot, and it's making me a little giddy.
Capacity - 100 guests
The Waterfront Centre, Hamilton
If you're planning a large wedding and feel like a banquet hall is the easiest way to accommodate your guests, The Waterfront Centre in Hamilton has some pretty nice views!
Ceremonies take place on the grass with Hamilton Harbour in the background. All of the reception rooms also have views of the water through their walls of windows.
From what I can tell, their wedding packages are quite all-inclusive, making this a good option for a busy couple with a big guest list who don't want to coordinate a million different things.
For photos, you can use the harbour and sailboats as your backdrop. And added bonus - this venue is right in the city!
Capacity - 220
The Lakeview by Carmen's, Hamilton
Have your beach wedding without leaving Ontario. The Lakeview offers options for both outdoor beach ceremonies and indoor ceremonies overlooking Lake Ontario.
The reception room has big windows that let in plenty of natural light while keeping those waterfront views. For photos, you have the beach and waterfront path, and the balcony is a great spot to shoot a group shot from, with everyone arranged below. A photographer's dream to work at with the beachy light and backdrop (minus the busy walking path on a Saturday!).
Capacity - 150
Harding Waterfront Estate, Mississauga
A beautiful white historic mansion in Mississauga overlooking a creek and Lake Ontario. There are trees and a creek between the lawn and the water, where most ceremonies take place, so you don't get that wide-open waterfront backdrop, but you do get a peek at the water.
The real draw for me is the glass-enclosed pavilion. It's all white and beautiful! If you love a clean backdrop for your wedding and lean towards simple elegance, this venue really stands out.
Capacity - 240
Niagara Region
Martin Estates, Beamsville
Only an hour outside of Toronto, Martin Estates is a privately owned gem in the Niagara Region. It has peach and apricot orchards, along with a large green lawn overlooking Lake Ontario where you can host your ceremony.
You can stay and get ready in the renovated farmhouse, which is absolutely perfect for getting-ready photos. And you don't have to leave the property for your wedding photos either. Between the orchards and the grounds, there are plenty of backdrops to work with.
One thing I love is that they even offer al fresco dining! You don't find that at every wedding venue. Maybe that's one of the reasons they're booked up so far in advance. There's also a tent on the property that can accommodate your reception if dining outside is too risky for you.
Capacity - probably 120
Stonewall Estates, Lincoln
This is truly such a beautiful spot for a wedding. Stonewall Estates has everything you need for a wedding, and the whole property feels like a little hidden resort.
Ceremonies are held on the terrace overlooking Six Mile Pond. The drama of those huge doors opening as you walk down the aisle is made for couples who want an aisle reveal and not a first look.
The main building, with its red roof, completely reminded me of the resort in Dirty Dancing. Nobody carried a watermelon, but the staff will bring you down to the dock at golden hour, where the light over the water is absolutely breathtaking.
The reception space is a mix of modern and rustic, checking all your wedding dream boxes.
Capacity - up to 200
Tower Hotel, Niagara Fallsview
I felt like I had to include an option overlooking the Falls. Located on the 25th and 26th floors of the Tower Hotel, the Sky Fallsview Steakhouse offers panoramic views of Niagara Falls.
This is primarily an indoor wedding venue, but it looks like you may also be able to combine it with an outdoor ceremony at The Hawk Niagara Falls Golf Club or other venues under the Fallsview name.
It's a pretty cool option if you want to get married in Niagara Falls and have your reception high above it all, looking down at one very impressive natural wonder. Even better if you have guests travelling from other countries who might be seeing the Falls for the first time.
Capacity - 90
South West Ontario
The Lakehouse Estate, Blenheim
A truly unique venue, unlike anywhere else on Lake Erie. The Lakehouse is a large property with over twenty architecturally distinct accommodations, and some of them are kind of amazing. There's an Airstream, a wigwam, a treehouse and plenty more funky places to stay. I mean, what would I photograph first? There are so many interesting things here, I'd need someone to drag me away!
Some of the interiors are funky, while others are more classic. You can really have a wedding weekend of your dreams here and feel like you're doing something different.
Ceremonies take place with the lake in the background, and you can head down to the beach for more photos, on top of all the cool ones you'll get at the very retro Roundhouse. You really have to check this place out to see what I mean.
Please book this place and hire me!
Capacity - It doesn't say
Sprucewood Shores, Harrow
A beachfront winery with a rustic-modern look, Sprucewood Shores sits on Lake Erie and is a beautiful place for a wedding. Ceremonies take place on the grass with the lake right behind you.
Receptions are held in their large, high-ceilinged room, with stone, wood beams and modern chandeliers. For photos, you have the beach with the sun going down, the vineyard and the stone winery building.
It's a perfect place if you're going for waterfront with a little bit of rustic, but not a barn, and something that still feels elegant. I think the real bonus of this venue is the variety you can get in your final photos.
Capacity - 250
Prince Edward County
Lakecroft, Cherry Valley
An absolutely charming little spot for an elopement or micro wedding. I don't use the word "charming" very often, but I can't think of another word that suits this venue.
If you're having a small, intimate wedding and want some waterfront views, this one is worth checking out. Their packages are two hours long and include a toast and charcuterie for your guests. The website also shows photos of full sit-down dinners and dancing, so there may be options beyond the standard packages worth looking into.
I think it's a perfect place for a waterfront ceremony, followed by a reception at a local restaurant. You also have the option of booking the on-site accommodation for your small wedding.
The dock has sunset views, which will no doubt make for an epic golden hour!
Capacity - 30
Drake Devonshire, Prince Edward County
An artsy boutique hotel right on Lake Ontario, the Drake Devonshire has several different options for a waterfront wedding. They offer small elopement packages, intimate dinners, and the option to book the property for a full wedding weekend.
There are a few spaces to choose from, including the lakeside suite, outdoor pavilion, dining room and The Glass Box. It's beautiful and unfussy, with a laid-back feel that suits the property.
The outdoor ceremony site sits directly on the lake, with the water as the backdrop for your vows. Afterwards, everyone can move inside or onto the deck for cocktail hour.
Capacity - Up to 120 guests. Individual spaces range from 30 to 65 guests
Kawarthas & Muskoka
Riverstone on the Crowe, Campbellford
A completely outdoor wedding venue along the Crowe River. Part enchanted forest, part hidden hideaway, Riverstone caters to elopements and micro weddings.
They have a ceremony spot set up right on the river, complete with an arch, so you get the water as your backdrop when you say your vows. The property has woodchip trails winding through the trees and stone steps for photos that really highlight the natural surroundings. And that's one of the main reasons you'd choose this venue in the first place!
Small receptions are held in a peaked tent tucked into the woods. I feel like this venue would make for some absolutely killer nighttime photos, with twinkle lights and uplighted trees. Evenings have a laid-back, cozy feel, with a fire pit to gather around.
Hotels and Airbnbs are also close by in town.
Capacity - 50
Elmhirst's Resort, Keene
Located on Rice Lake, Elmhirst's accommodates everything from elopements to full wedding celebrations. You can have your ceremony on the terrace with the lake behind you, then head down to the dock for photos. Especially at golden hour, you'll get that beautiful glow coming off the water.
There are a number of cottages available for accommodation, along with spa packages to indulge in before the big day. It's a perfect spot for a weekend wedding and checks the box for that waterfront view.
Capacity - doesn't say
Eganridge Resort, Kawartha Lakes
Located on Sturgeon Lake in the Kawarthas, Eganridge has six different ceremony locations and six reception options. All of the outdoor ceremony spots have a view of the lake, with the lakeside wedding tree being the closest to the water. It has a serious 400ft walk down the aisle! Maybe driving down would be faster? Or milk your day and have everyone wait.
There's a rustic pier down by the water for photos, and I think fall would be spectacular on this property. With its huge maple trees and all the surrounding foliage, the fall colours alone might make choosing a cooler month worthwhile.
The overall feel here is cottage-style, but don't think that means you're limited to rustic decor. You can certainly dress things up for a more sophisticated look.
Capacity: The tent accommodates up to 250 guests. Indoor capacities vary, with the smallest space, the Log Cabin, accommodating 48.
Sherwood Inn, Port Carling
A very Muskoka-esque venue on Lake Joseph, with a ceremony space down by the waterfront under gigantic pine trees. I feel like I can smell all the nature smells just looking at their ceremony setup!
The Sherwood Inn hosts weddings all year round, and the winter weddings look so dreamy. If I were planning a winter wedding, I'd seriously consider this spot. Cozy forest vibes all the way.
You can have your reception indoors or arrange for a tent rental. They also have a boathouse suite that is classic Muskoka, and you'll definitely need that quintessential photo in front of it.
This venue is another great option if you want a wedding weekend on the water with all your favourite people.
Capacity - 120. Maybe more in a tent.
Toronto
Palais Royale
A downtown Toronto grand ballroom venue for grand affairs. The ballroom seats 350 for dinner, which is big enough for your massive Italian family and all their neighbours!
Grandeur aside, the view of Lake Ontario from the courtyard is quite stunning. It's also a great spot to have your ceremony before stepping inside for the wedding festivities.
The sun sets to the right of the property, allowing for some golden-hour photos along the little stretch of waterfront access.
You can have a big, happy wedding right downtown and still have the lake as part of your day.
Capacity - 350
I didn't get any photos of this couple by the water at Palais Royale, apart from the black-and-white nighttime shot. They had their ceremony at a church and opted for a park for their portraits. By the time the sky was golden and beautiful over the lake, they were busy greeting their guests in the receiving line.
Royal Canadian Yacht Club
If you love Toronto and would like to make it a guest at your wedding, the Royal Canadian Yacht Club is the place to go. You can have your ceremony on the lawn overlooking the water, with the Toronto skyline right across the lake. The city becomes part of the backdrop, almost like another character in your wedding story, but one that doesn't need to take a water taxi to get there.
The ballroom, with its nautical theme (of course!), is where most receptions happen. Classy nautical, not arrrr nautical.
Capacity: 225 guests
The Henley Room
Right on the Toronto waterfront, The Henley Room is part of the Argonaut Rowing Club and markets itself as an escape from the city without actually leaving it.
Outside, there's an unobstructed view of Lake Ontario from the terrace, where you can hold your ceremony. A definite draw for both your guests and your photographer! There's also a long dock to wander along for photos and a few dip kisses. The sunsets here will be much like those at Palais Royale, and I can just imagine how beautiful golden hour would be on that dock.
Inside, you'll find a clean, understated space with a stone fireplace that you can dress up or leave minimal. No tacky ropes or trophy cases!
Capacity: 160 guests
OMG that was a long list and I hope it helps find your dream venue on the water. Take a look at my other venue posts!
Most Photogenic Wedding Venues in Southern Ontario
Best Wedding Venues in Hamilton
Best Wedding Venues in Norfolk County Ontario and Surrounding Area
Intimate Wedding Venues in Southern Ontario (20–80 Guests)
Best Wedding Venues in Cambridge, Ontario: From Industrial Chic to Martha Stewart-Worthy