Small weddings are having a moment. Couples are being more intentional about how they want their day to feel. Less tradition for the sake of it, fewer expectations, and a lot more focus on what actually matters to them.

And yes, big weddings are expensive. Scaling things back often means you can put that energy (and budget) into the parts of the day you actually care about. The result is something that feels more relaxed, more personal, and more doable for the couple. The day still needs to documented, so photographers need to pivot and offer the experience these couples want.

If you’re planning a smaller wedding, these are some of the best venues across Southern Ontario to start with.

Garden / Outdoor / Private Estate Vibes

Fernwood Hills

This forested venue is about 10 minutes from London and just under two hours from Toronto. The property spans 40 acres of protected Carolinian forest in Komoka, Ontario, and is designed specifically for elopements and micro weddings (up to 25 guests). There are a few different options for your ceremony - from fully wooded outdoor spots to cozy indoor spaces, a great fit for couples who want a true forest wedding with only their closest people there.

On-site, there are two tiny cabins, a studio loft, and a farmhouse. Overnight accommodations cover around 8 guests, and the indoor spaces can host roughly 20–25 people. There’s also an outdoor pavilion that works well for a small reception.

For photos, the property has trails, open meadow, and ponds, so you don’t have to leave the venue to get variety.

Capacity - 25 guests

Location - London

Elsie Perrin Williams Estate

Once a private home, Elsie Perrin Williams Estate is now a beautiful space for celebrating milestones, surrounded by mature trees and old-growth forest right in the city. The house has a vintage feel, with two separate suites for getting ready. They do host larger tented weddings as well, but where this venue really shines is with smaller guest counts.

This video pretty much explains it all! https://youtu.be/d1BQ0cWGz1Y

Capacity - 68 for indoor seated dinner.

Location - London

Indoor / Historic / Refined Spaces

Idlewyld Inn & Spa

A historic inn in London that keeps things small, in a good way. It’s built for intimate weddings, but there’s still a solid mix of options. Spacious suites (like the Library Suite) give you room to get ready without tripping over each other, plus they look good in photos. There’s a tucked-away garden courtyard for ceremonies, and a couple of cozy spots for dinner like the wine cellar or parlour room.

You can stay overnight, which makes the whole day feel easier. The rooms have Victorian charm but don’t feel outdated, they have fireplaces, whirlpool tubs, and actually nice finishes.

From a photography side, it’s there the historic exterior, grand staircases, and vintage interiors. And if you want to go a little extra, they’ve got a classic black Rolls-Royce Phantom you can use for photos or transportation.

Capacity - 50

Location - London

Belle Vie

Once a public library, Belle Vie has packages for micro weddings. It feels modern and historic at the same time with a space leans moody in the best way: dark, cozy interiors with black and gold details that feel a little dramatic, but good drama.

A small wedding here would be so good!

If you’re into that intimate, slightly moody vibe, it’s definitely worth a look. And if you’re already picturing it… you know where to find me.

Capacity - 100

Location - Ingersoll

The Arlington Hotel

A hotel in Paris, Ontario with a space across the street called The River’s Edge that overlooks the Grand River - so you already know it’s going to photograph well.

It’s all exposed brick and big windows, which is basically the dream combo. You can have your ceremony against the brick for something a little moodier, or flip it toward the windows and get that soft river light instead. Either way works.

It leans cozy without feeling cramped and they’ve got a few different packages, including one that’s clearly made for smaller, more intimate dinner-style weddings, which fits the space really well.

Capacity - 150

Location - Paris

Restaurant / Winery / Laid-Back Vibes

Auberge du Pommier

Tucked away in Toronto, Auberge du Pommier feels like you left the city without actually leaving. Built around 1860s woodcutter cottages, it has a mix of rustic beams, fireplaces, and garden spaces that work year-round. There are two intimate dining rooms that are perfect for smaller wedding dinners, or you can book the whole restaurant if you want it all to yourselves.

In the summer, the cobblestone courtyard and garden terrace are full of greenery and flowers, ideal for ceremonies or cocktails outside. In the winter, it shifts completely with wood-burning fireplaces and a cozy, warm feel that doesn’t need much added to it.

Capacity -60

Location - Toronto

Peter Pan Bistro

A bit of a hidden gem in Toronto for intimate events. It’s a small restaurant right on the corner of Queen and Peter, with an upstairs space that works really well for weddings. When I lived in the city, I worked nearby and would meet friends here for lunch—and I even brought my grandmother a few times when she visited.

It’s a great option if you want something low-key and intimate without overcomplicating things. And being right in Queen West, you already have all the atmosphere you need.

Capacity -

Location - Toronto

The Diplomat

A cozy Hamilton restaurant that’s perfect for an intimate wedding, with a space that blends modern, and eclectic design. Has a moody atmosphere that works well for striking couple portraits and city-style weddings. The layout is broken into a few distinct areas, King William’s Corner, Rebecca’s Corner, and The East Side. Lots of options to design the celebration you want. With a full bar, giving it that upscale but still “feels like home” feel. You can host both your ceremony and reception here. Which isn’t common for a restaurant venue!

Capacity - 90

Location - Hamilton

Unique / Creative Spaces

Fanshaw Pioneer Village

Offering a pop up wedding for intimate gathering of up to 30 guests. It’s a two-hour experience that covers everything, ceremony, photos, and a small reception, set between the Jury House Garden and the Village Barn. There’s an officiant for the ceremony, personalized music, and a seasonal bouquet and boutonniere included.

Afterwards, it shifts into a laid-back reception with individual charcuterie boxes, a cake for cutting, a champagne toast, and non-alcoholic punch. They handle all the setup and cleanup, which is always a win, and your guests also get admission to Fanshawe Pioneer Village.

Capacity - 30

Location - London

Rorschach Brewing Co.

If you’re looking for something a bit different, Rorschach Brewing Co. is a solid option a warm, laid-back brewery vibe without feeling too casual.

Located in Leslieville, they offer a mix of spaces depending on what you’re planning, whether that’s a smaller, more intimate setup or a full buyout. It works just as well for a cocktail-style night as it does for a more structured reception.

They’re pretty flexible with how the day comes together, which is always a good sign. You’ll have an events team helping things run smoothly, plus craft beer (obviously) and a menu that actually feels thought-out. It’s definitely a good fit if you want something non-traditional but still pulled together.

Capacity - 70ish

Location - Toronto