Love is in the Air in picture perfect Niagara-on-the-Lake
By Lorie Steiner
As you stroll along the tree-lined streets of Niagara-on-the-Lake, a gentle embrace takes hold. A lasting hug that remains with you long after the visit ends. It’s a quiet kind of magic that rolls in off Lake Ontario and keeps you company while you shop, enjoy the theatre, clink glasses at sunset and fall into a deep sleep enjoying the sweetest of dreams.
The first capital of Canada, Niagara-on-the-Lake is an old-world town rich with history and the ultimate setting for romance in the heart of Ontario wine country. What better atmosphere for a wonderfully whimsical wedding… and it’s only a 90-minute drive from Toronto!
A bounty of heritage architecture, beautiful landscapes and gorgeous venues offers countless backdrops to choose from for your vow taking. Here are just a few unique options to make your special day even more memorable:
Ding, dong, the bells are going to chime…
If you prefer a traditional church wedding, historic St. Mark’s Anglican Church in the midst of Old Town Niagara-on-the-Lake is ideal. Celebrate your wedding ceremony and reception under one roof. The gorgeous chapel, which can seat up to 170 guests comfortably, and the adjoining banquet hall are fully equipped. Let their team of in-house event planners take care of the details, so you can relax and enjoy an unforgettable celebration.
Old Town brims with charm, from its often-photographed clock tower to the eclectic shops and renowned restaurants and gingerbread architecture at every turn. It’s the ideal setting for beautiful wedding photos and a hand-in-hand honeymoon wander, even better, take the romance up a level with a horse-drawn carriage ride around the charming streetscapes.
Royalty for a Day
The lovely lakeside gazebo at Queen’s Royal Park in Niagara-on-the-Lake is a popular site for film crews – truly iconic, it’s not surprising the picturesque summer house plays a role in the movies. With its outstanding water views, the Queen’s Royal Park gazebo holds up to 12 people and can be reserved for wedding ceremonies and marriage proposals.
Garden Weddings
Romantic garden weddings are a specialty at Pillar and Post in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Inspired by Monet’s French gardens, The Gardens are the ideal venue for your enchanted garden wedding. Choose from three lush ceremony spaces, from the romantic rose garden at La Roserie to the signature green Japanese bridge at Pont de Monet.
Add a rustic touch to your Niagara wedding! The Gardens at Pillar and Post are home to a bright, airy barn built with wood reclaimed from old barns across Ontario. Its simple elegance is perfect for small, intimate weddings that blend country charm with urban sophistication.
Cheers to the happy couple!
Niagara Oast House Brewers has quickly developed a reputation for offering absolutely everything you could possibly need for your wedding day. Nestled in the heart of Niagara’s wine country, Oast House Brewery provides the perfect location for a laid-back intimate wedding, rehearsal dinner, or engagement party in The Hayloft private event space. oasthousebrewers.com
Ballroom Weddings
Create your fairytale wedding with a classic ballroom wedding that’s as formal and elegant as you dream! For smaller events, the Victoria & Albert Ballroom at Prince of Wales is a guest favourite for its timeless, regal décor. For truly grand celebrations, the Georgian Ballroom at Queen’s Landing delivers, with hand-detailed chandeliers, gorgeous wainscotting and space for up to 250 guests.
A ‘Vintage’ Wedding
Take advantage of the natural beauty of Ontario wine country. The sweeping vineyards at Chateau des Charmes are an ideal choice for brides and grooms looking to enjoy an outdoor ceremony amongst the vines before retiring to the grand tent for a starlit reception you and your guests won’t soon forget.
Fit for a Prince & Princess
The Prince of Wales Hotel & Spa is the utmost regal setting in Niagara-on-the-Lake for wedding celebrations and other special occasions. With fine details, gold trim and wooden floors, its elegant reception rooms provide a lavish and historical feel to your special day. Three Feathers is the ideal space for rehearsal dinners or showers. Hold your ceremony in Hampton Court, then move on to the Victoria and Albert Ballroom where a private reception holds 80 guests. The Royal Cambridge Ballroom is the largest reception space and can hold up to 150 guests.
The Prince of Wales takes pride of place on the most popular corner in Niagara-on-the-Lake, close to unique shops and boutiques and just steps from the world-famous Shaw Festival Theatre. This historic Victorian-style hotel has 110 individually decorated guestrooms, an award-winning restaurant, lounge and patio, a world-class spa and a lavish tearoom serving afternoon tea daily.
After a long day of wedding celebrations, settle into your premium suite! The Royal Suite at Prince of Wales is perfect for couples who want the royal treatment as part of their stay. Enjoy a walk-out balcony with lovely views of Old Town, a four-poster canopy king bed, and a large, jetted tub for relaxing evenings on your honeymoon. vintage-hotels.com
A Fairytale Beginning
If you’re wishing for a storybook beginning to your new life together, Niagara-on-the-Lake is a delightful place to start. This enchanting town with its romantic venues and menus and beauty awaits your presence. For information on planning your perfect wedding, visit niagaraonthelake.com
