A Fairytale Wedding at Ste. Anne’s Spa
By Michelle Mahoney
If an all-inclusive wedding in a gorgeous natural setting is what you’ve been dreaming of, Ste. Anne’s Spa in Grafton, Ontario is the perfect place to celebrate your special day. Imagine exchanging vows on the grounds of an old country castle, surrounded by the blooms of an English garden. Or picture a serene forest ceremony, with wild meadows and a canopy of trees as your backdrop. Ste. Anne’s can transform your day into an occasion as unique as your love story, inviting you and your guests to relax and soak in every moment.
The Magic of Intimate Weddings
If you are planning to keep it small, Ste. Anne’s Spa is an excellent spot to host your wedding or vow renewal, and the benefits of an intimate gathering are anything but minimal. The goal isn’t to do less, but to make each moment feel more personal and meaningful. Friends and family can be part of the wedding and also enjoy the full Ste. Anne’s experience, from nourishing spa treatments to deliciously prepared meals. It’s all about making the day into a joyful and restorative experience for everyone – like a destination wedding, without having to travel as far.
Ste. Anne’s takes care of the details, curating a perfect menu, preparing your chosen venue, and making sure your day goes as smoothly as possible. In-season flowers and greenery are even harvested from the property to use as one-of-a kind decorations. This doesn’t mean there isn’t room to add your own touches. In fact, a smaller wedding can be as customized as you want, from food, flowers and music to wedding favours. The goal is to create a stress-free occasion to celebrate your love, in the company of your favourite people.
For something even more private, elopement packages are a way to connect with each other while you say “I do.” Designed for up to four people, you can invite your ‘besties’ to witness your vows and then treat them to a day at the spa. With Ste. Anne’s looking after everything, it’s all about relaxing and enjoying the day. What a romantic way to start your happily ever after.
Your Wedding, Your Way
Getting married on the grounds of a 19th century castle sounds like a fairytale, but the beauty of Ste. Anne’s Spa is that it works for any style of small ceremony – from traditional to informal and everything in between. Brides have walked the aisle in black gowns, vows have been exchanged in spa robes, and personalized menus and mocktails have been created to honour and share a part of a couple’s journey. You can even arrive in style, escorted up the driveway in a vintage car from an amazing collection.
Ste. Anne’s offers four venues, each with its own signature charm. The English Walled Garden is a secluded haven just steps from the main inn. Framed by stone walls and seasonal blooms, this area is scenic and comfortable, a great place to celebrate your love with people you care about. The Forest Pavilion, an open-air hideaway surrounded by trees, is ideal for smaller ceremonies or vow renewals. For those seeking a quiet sanctuary, Poustinia, a tiny chapel tucked among meadows and woodland, features simple wooden pews, stained glass and rustic character.
For slightly larger gatherings, the Anna Quinn Room provides a classic indoor option for up to 40 guests. Adjacent to the English Walled Garden, it combines elegance with country charm and is a welcoming space in any weather.
An Experience for Everyone
What makes a Ste. Anne’s Spa wedding even more meaningful is that it’s not only about the couple but also about the guests. Attendees are welcomed into a day or overnight spa experience, complete with treatments, wholesome food and time to unwind together. It’s a gift of wellness shared with those closest to you, making your wedding into a time of joy, pampering and relaxation.
Wedding Packages
Every wedding at Ste. Anne’s Spa includes the essentials – a beautiful ceremony venue, tables, linens and dinnerware, fresh flowers, a personalized menu, and wedding signs to take home. From there, couples can choose from a selection of options, creating an experience that is just right for them and their guests. On the day, an onsite coordinator will help make the event run smoothly and worry free.
Day Celebrations feature a private lunch at the venue of your choice, afternoon tea, spa and wellness time, and full use of the facilities.
Overnight Celebrations extend the joy into the next day with a private dinner, breakfast, lunch and overnight accommodations.
Elopement Packages focus on the romance of two (or a few), with ceremony venues, a picnic-style meal, afternoon tea and time spent together enjoying the spa and grounds.
Special Touches To make the day even more memorable, Ste. Anne’s offers thoughtful extras like seasonal bouquets and boutonnieres, floral table runners, and specially designed options that set the scene. Couples can also provide wedding favours (local honey or apothecary bundles made with onsite botanicals are always a great choice!) or add private meals and extra spa allowances for their guests. Although Ste. Anne’s does not serve alcohol, you can provide your own wine or champagne, a little cost saving bonus. And if there’s something else you’d like to include, they’ll happily work with you to bring your vision to life. For details, visit steannes.com.
The Grafton Village Inn
Just minutes from Ste. Anne’s Spa, the Grafton Village Inn offers another charming option for couples planning ahead. This historic inn carries the same welcoming spirit and cozy atmosphere, with the added capacity to host larger gatherings. Currently under renovation, it will soon include a restaurant, a boutique featuring local and Canadian made products, and be available for weddings, retreats and celebrations of up to 100 guests. A perfect solution for those who love the feel of Ste. Anne’s but need more space.
For now, the inn is already a delightful place to stay, whether you’re attending a wedding at Ste. Anne’s, exploring the beauty of the region, or both. Guests can enjoy a cozy overnight in the Petit Pont Guest House or Barton Cottage, pairing it with spa time just down the road. It’s a wonderful extension of the Ste. Anne’s experience, and an exciting future venue for the wedding of your dreams. graftonvillageinn.com
