I currently have my fingers and toes crossed. Why? Because tonight we are checking out a really cool venue called District 28, and I hope to God it’s the one. I’d really like to get going on the OTHER wedding planning stuff, you know?
Also, it’ll calm my anxiety about NOT having a venue. There’s only so much chamomile tea one person can drink!
In honour of tonight’s adventure, I’ve compiled a list of ALL the venues we looked at, their general pricing, and a link to their website.
Toronto definitely needs a venue guide for engaged couples. Maybe that’ll become a new pet project down the line. For now, feel free to share this with your friends!
AIRSHIP 37
LOCATION: 37 Parliament St
WEBSITE: airship37.com
VENUE: For a Saturday rental, you're looking at $3,800 (that's for venue only, not including food). What's included in the price? ? 150 chiavari chairs (whatever those are), indoor & outdoor lounge furniture and bar furniture.
ARGONAUT ROWING CLUB
LOCATION: 1225 lakeshore blvd west
WEBSITE: argonautrowingclub.com
VENUE: The venue is right on the water (kinda like the west side version of Bluffer's Park) and can accommodate up to 200 people. You need to email for package pricing.
ARTS AND LETTERS CLUB
LOCATION: 14 Elm Street
WEBSITE: artsandlettersclub.ca
VENUE: The Arts and Letters Club can accommodate 100 people max (if you want a dancer floor). You're looking at $1,150 for a 5 p.m. - midnight rental. Dinner per person is $42.
BALZAC'S
LOCATION: 10 Market Street (This is the east end location. There is also one in Liberty Village).
WEBSITE: balzacs.com
VENUE: Balzac's Distillery District location has a cozy and rustic vibe. There was no pricing on the website, but they can accommodate 100 people standing and 60 people seated. They also allow for outside catering.
BLUFFER'S PARK RESTAURANT
LOCATION: 7 Brimley Road South
WEBSITE: bluffersparkrestaurant.com
VENUE: The Scarborough Bluffs are beautiful, and the marina would make for some really cool wedding shots. The venue can accommodate up to 200 people, and the cost is $89/person.
THE CIRCUS ACADEMY EAST
LOCATION: 1300 Gerrard St E
WEBSITE: centreofgravity.ca
VENUE: It's a 5000 square foot revitalized vaudeville theatre that can seat up to 220 people. The venue will cost you $2000 to rent from 7 pm - 2 am, $2600 to rent from 2pm - 2 am, and $3100 to rent from 8 am - 2 am. The rental includes the use of sound, lights, a technician and 200 folding chairs.
ENOCH TURNER SCHOOLHOUSE
LOCATION: 106 Trinity Street
WEBSITE: enochturnerschoolhouse.ca
VENUE: A Saturday rental will set you back $2,750 (that's not including food). What you do get is the venue from 1 p.m. – 1 a.m., 150 chairs, 1, wired microphone and PA system, 1 podium, grand piano, 2 easels, a screen, AV cart, coat racks + hangers, eight 8 foot long rectangular tables and six 6 foot long rectangular tables. There's also a heritage tax on food.
FANTASY FARM
LOCATION: 50 Pottery Road
WEBSITE: www.fantasyfarm.ca
VENUE: There are two rooms to choose from. The Ballroom can accommodate up to 220 guests, and the Cottage will take up to 110 guests. The Ballroom has a minimum of 150 adults for any Saturday and 125 adults for any Friday or Sunday. The Cottage has a minimum of 80 adults for any Saturday and 65 adults for any Friday or Sunday. Fantasy Farms also offers a winter wedding discount. Unfortunately you have to email for a quote (as every quote is different), but you're looking at $90-$150/plate.
GRANITE BREWERY
LOCATION: 245 Eglinton Ave East
WEBSITE: http://www.granitebrewery.ca/privateevents/weddings/
VENUE: Nestled along Eglinton Avenue East, this brewery offers dinning from $57/person to $68/person. There is an 80 guest minimum. The good stuff? There's a dance floor, free parking, wheelchair accessible and the dinner package includes wine.
JAM FACTORY
LOCATION: 2 Matilda Street, Toronto
WEBSITE: www.merchantsofgreencoffee.com/about-us/jam-factory
VENUE: $200/hour and $100/hour for set up and take down. There is a 15 per cent landmark fee of estimated total for the impact the event has on the space. They can accommodate up to 200 guests, but prefer 160 or less. The good part? You can bring in your own alcohol. Yay!
PURINA PAWSWAYS
LOCATION: 245 Queens Quay W
WEBSITE: pawsway.ca
VENUE: You're looking at a $2000 rental for the day (not including food). The price DOES include 20 6ft tables and 90 chairs. This is a great venue if you want your four legged friends to be a part of the ceremony.
ST. LAWRENCE HALL
LOCATION: 157 King Street East
WEBSITE: www.stlawrencemarket.com/st_lawrence_hall
VENUE: When I last spoke with them, they were finalizing their 2016 pricing. They quoted me at $5,500-7500 tax inclusive, with a refundable damage deposit. With that fee comes 20 round tables and up to 200 chairs (they can accommodate a maximum of 200 people).
STRATUS
LOCATION: 79 Wellington Street
WEBSITE: stratusrestaurant.com
VENUE: The venue is located on the 34th floor of the TD Tower (very pretty pictures!) The room rental is $800/day, with a minimum spend of $12,000 on a Saturday night. Food packages range from $130-80 ish. The space can accommodate 100 sitting and 200 standing. Check out the package for a full list of details.
TODMORDEN MILLS
LOCATION: 67 Pottery Road
WEBSITE: http://www1.toronto.ca/
VENUE: The North Lawn aka outside, can accommodate 150 people. The Papermill Theatre and Gallery can accommodate 90 people for a seated dinner at 150 standing. The rental for the Papermill Theatre is $175/hour while the North Lawn is $150/hour.
UNIVERSITY CLUB OF TORONTO
LOCATION: 380 University Avenue
WEBSITE: universitycluboftoronto.com
VENUE: There is an opening fee of $2, 250 with a minimum food and beverage spend of $4,500. The opening fee includes all of your linens, glassware etc. A three course dinner will set you back $69/person. For a sit down dinner, the club can accommodate 120 people per room.