Are you getting married in the next year or more? Congratulations! You are embarking on a quest to create the most memorable and magical event of your lifetime. 

Today's modern weddings mean you aren’t stuck with a traditional church wedding or civil ceremony, the sky’s the limit for where you have your ceremony, and what your venue experience looks like. 

Imagine saying I do from a lookout tower with an awe-worthy vista, in a stunning heritage stone building, or in an authentic railyard, with a real caboose as your background. On your first anniversary you should be able to look back on your wedding day and say “Wow, that was so awesome!” 

Embrace the unusual and discover your dream wedding at one of these Ontario’s Highlands locations. 

Hitched at the Railyard - Smiths Falls

Imagine exchanging vows while in a historic railyard setting at the Railway Museum of Eastern Ontario, complete with a period rail station and rail cars (and yes, there’s a caboose!). A covered breezeway between two buildings, parallel to the rail line, makes for especially unique wedding pictures, with a caboose in the background. This spot has been a popular location for weddings, corporate parties, and even movie filming. 

Reception Inspiration:

When your ceremony takes place at the museum you can have your reception right there, in the authentic dining car, or on the museum grounds. 

Bask in Historic Architecture - Carleton Place

Carleton Place’s Town Hall has more than 150 years of history in its walls and was built by architect George W. King (the same architect who designed the Ontario Legislature). This historic landmark is so photogenic it’s often used as a backdrop for photos, video, and for weddings in the green space overlooking the Mississippi River.

As a bonus, when you get married in Carleton Place you can get everything you need right there in town – including dresses from bridal shops, jewellery, florals, and a pre-wedding spa treatment at Mahogany Salon & Spas. 

Reception Inspiration:

There are multiple options for your reception in Carleton Place, including the historic The Grand Hotel, or you can rent out the entire space for an intimate reception at one of the local fine dining restaurants like Black Tartan Kitchen or Boulton House Restaurant.

Say I Do with a View - Eagle Lake

Say I do in Haliburton Highlands, at Eagle View Wedding & Event Centre and exchange your vows at the top of a 60-foot tower with a total elevation of 450-feet. Dance the night away on the platform at the bottom of the tower with unforgettable views of Eagle Lake and the Haliburton Highlands countryside. 

Reception Inspiration:

You don’t need to leave the hill after you have said your I do's. Your guests can enjoy a three-course gourmet meal before the party really gets started on the dance floor at Eagle View. For those guests looking for a nearby accommodation option, Sir Sam’s Inn & Spa is located right next door. 

Waterfall Wonder - Harcourt

Surrounded by 74 acres of beautiful South Algonquin forest, Gaia’s Den in Harcourt offers a one-of-a-kind backdrop for wedding ceremonies, with three secluded waterfalls and an on-site labyrinth for a full nature and spiritual immersion. Gaia’s Den owner, Karen Warner is also a shaman, ceremonialist and ordained minister so your search for an officiant can stop with a booking here. 

Reception Inspiration:

After your nature ceremony you can maintain the focus on nature by booking Algonquin Eco-Lodge for an intimate sustainable accommodation and dining experience. 

Explore Algonquin's South Gate
Disconnecting to Reconnect at the Algonquin Eco-Lodge

Lakeside Tranquility - Algonquin Highlands

Luxury lovers will fall in love with the intimate setting at Dimensions Retreat in Algonquin Highlands, overlooking Maple Lake. Exchange vows on the stunning lakeside platform, immersed in a forest setting, or in the on-site Ceremony Dome accompanied to a soothing sound bath. 

Reception Inspiration:

Not only are there luxurious accommodations located right at Dimensions, but you can also enjoy an intimate gourmet meal inside their lodge. 

Wild Wedding on the York River - Harcourt

Picture yourself getting married next to the rushing waters of the York River in Haliburton Highlands. Deep Roots Adventure’s High Falls Paddle, Explore & Dine offers a perfect elopement or small wedding option for someone looking for a super unique ceremony. At Deep Roots Adventure they take care of all the details,  leaving only the officiant booking to the wedding couple.

Reception Inspiration:

Enjoy a sumptuous gourmet meal while seated beside a roaring waterfall. 

Savour the Sweetness - Lanark County

In the heart of the Maple Syrup Capital of Ontario sits a timberframe building that serves as an operating sugarbush in spring and a wedding venue for the rest of the year. At Temple's Country Weddings you will find inspiration with two stunning options for your ceremony, including a beautiful garden space or a magical forest setting, both just feet from the reception hall. This is where your dream country wedding can come to life!

Reception Inspiration:

Your reception can take place outdoors under a tent canopy and beside a roaring bonfire or you can dine in the timberframe building. Both locations will feature a country-inspired menu of charcoal-grilled meats and dishes that include a hint of maple.

Rural and Farm Style - Ottawa Valley

Say I do in a rural setting that will keep you grounded, with farm animals frolicking in the background. Ottawa Valley Farm to Fork is an operating farm that offers a fun farm stay experience in a cozy farm house retreat, so you can waken to the call of a rooster on the big day of your countryside wedding. 

Reception Inspiration:

You won’t have to go far for your reception – the repurposed hay loft in a heritage barn is the perfect rustic setting for a farm-style wedding. The perfect accompaniment to a farm wedding is a toast with a glass of Brooker Cider’s unique and local cider blends.

Beachside Ceremony - Golden Lake

Create your dream wedding at Sands on Golden Lake in the Ottawa Valley and create memories that include fiery sunsets over the lake, relaxing spa treatments and long, calming walks on the beach. Decorate the perfect arbour to frame the lake view, or use the sun and the sand as your picture perfect background. 

Reception Inspiration:

The Deacon Room banquet hall is a perfect reception spot and can accommodate up to 120 guests. Your bridal party and guests can stay the night before right on site in one of the rooms, chalets, or cottages. If you are dreaming of a beachside honeymoon, your post-wedding vacation can start right from the moment you say "I do."

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