My picks for the best wedding venues in Orillia, Ontario

Let's face it, besides finding the right partner - the most important wedding items to check off your to-do list are your wedding venue and wedding date.  Everything else comes together from there.

Orillia is the "Sunshine City". It's just under 90 minutes from the GTA and has a classic small-town charm.  It strikes a relaxed balance between the outdoor Muskoka vibes while still being close enough to major urban areas.  What does this have to do with your wedding? 

There are several wedding venues with beautiful outdoor gardens, fields and water features in the area.  At the same time, your guests are close enough to local hotels and not too far from the GTA should they choose to make the drive home.I live just outside of Orillia so I've had the chance to spend a bunch of time at each of these locations.  The wedding venues below are my favourite for many reasons, however since I'm a photographer - their photo opportunities play a large role in making this list.

I’ve put together this list of the best Orillia wedding venues to fuel your planning - check out my wedding planning checklist when you're done here. 

Now on to the list, these are in no particular order...

• Northbrook Farm Weddings

• Glen Oro Farm Eco Retreat Weddings

• Horseshoe Valley Resort

• Stephen Leacock Museum

But don't take my word for it, pop by and see these wonderful wedding venues for yourself.  I'll get you started with a quick introduction of each of them below...

NORTHBROOK FARM WEDDINGS

Just outside of Orillia sits a garden of eden named Northbrook Farm. Built in 1852, the country estate home is surrounded by an amazing arrangement of gardens, rolling lawns and water features. Surrounding the manicured gardens are acres and acres of country fields and woodlands. You'll recognize Northbrook from my many other "Best of" posts because it's really that amazing! 

Not to mention, it's within walking distance of my home so I'm able to visit often.   Contact Laurie at Northbrook, and learn more about weddings at Northbrook Farm here.

GLEN ORO FARM ECO RETREAT WEDDINGS

Just outside of Orillia, Ontario there’s place that offers an escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life called the Glen Oro Eco Retreat. Nestled amongst towering trees and breathtaking landscapes of Oro-Medonte, this eco-friendly haven is a gem for those seeking tranquility and connection with the environment.

Glen Oro Eco Retreat is designed to blend seamlessly with its natural surroundings. It’s nestled within a pristine forested area, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the beauty of nature. From the moment you arrive, you are greeted by towering trees, winding trails, and the soothing sounds of nearby creatures of the forest.

HORSESHOE VALLEY RESORT

A short 15 minute drive south of Orillia is the sprawling Horseshoe Valley Resort that many of you will know well as a mini-vacation retreat with skiiing, golf, mountain-biking etc.  But Horseshoe is a great option to host your wedding with all the amenities you'll want like accommodations, catering, activities and so many amazing photo opportunities around the property.

The views from the various hilltops surrounding Horseshoe look incredible any time of the year. Choose from outdoor ceremony locations which includes the top of the ski hill, as well as their intimate on site Chapel. For your reception they also have multiple options depending on where your vision takes you.

STEPHEN LEACOCK MUSEUM

The Leacock Museum is a historic heritage site that creates an intimate setting for your wedding.  You and your guests will love the beautiful location right on the shores of Lake Couchiching.  The amazing views of the lake are matched only by the beautiful gardens around the property along with the historic boathouse. Stephen Leacock Museum has an 89 guest licensed capacity, 65 seated and the terrace has a seated 50 capacity or 94 standing.

The advantages of having your wedding at the Leacock Museum are that you have all the beauty for photos along with the historic footprint of a Canadian icon.

Bonus Orillia Wedding Venues

Here are a couple bonus venues to check out in Orillia, Ontario. While I’m very familiar with and have spent time at each of the following wedding venues, I haven’t shot a wedding at either of them.

• Creative Nomad Studios

• Hawk Ridge Golf Club

CREATIVE NOMAD STUDIOS

In downtown Orillia, a unique wedding venue for our area sits across the street from the Orillia Opera House - Creative Nomad Studios. Featuring original exposed brick and beam architecture, massive windows and high ceilings this industrial chic event space is made for unforgettable gatherings. In fact, Creative Nomad Studios is home to two unique spaces that can accommodate groups of 12 to 100.

From micro weddings and budget packages to full size weddings, the Creative Nomad team has packages for everyone.

HAWK RIDGE GOLF CLUB

I've golfed here countless times as I live nearby so I know the property well.  Hawk Ridge Golf Club is a more traditional option with large indoor reception facility where they can accommodate up to 300 guests - not that you would want to, but you could. 

Since it's a golf club there's no shortage of beautiful, manicured lawns and trees. The facilities also have indoor and outdoor ceremony options, executive boardroom for your bridal party and outdoor waterfall to gather around for cocktails.

Hawk Ridge is located just off Hwy 11 so it's easily accessible for you and your guests.  It's also just down the road from the new location for the famous Cavana Spa.

Planning a wedding in Orillia?
CONTACT ME for Availability.