Sherwood Inn Wedding venue guide

Sherwood Inn Sign

A Timeless Lake Joseph Wedding Venue Couples Fall in Love With

Sherwood Inn on Lake Joseph is the kind of Muskoka wedding venue that immediately makes people exhale. It’s calm, welcoming and naturally beautiful without even trying. Set quietly in the trees just outside Port Carling, it delivers that classic lakeside Muskoka feel while still feeling relaxed.

After photographing many weddings here over the years, Sherwood Inn continues to stand out for its unmistakable Muskoka waterfront vibe. From the its lake views to its cozy cabins, everything works together to create a wedding day that feels relaxed and special.

Sherwood Inn boathouse suite

A Muskoka wedding that feels easy

Sherwood Inn sits on roughly eleven acres along Lake Joseph and everything about the property is designed to feel slow paced. Guests arrive, park once and then spend the entire weekend walking between cabins, ceremony locations, cocktails and dinner. From a photography perspective, that flow matters. From a couple’s perspective, it means less stress and more time spent with friends and family.

The property balances forest, shoreline and open lawn. Ceremonies are typically held lakeside on the open grass with the lake stretching out behind you. The setting feels unmistakably Muskoka.

Sherwood Inn staircase photo

Getting ready without feeling rushed

One of the strongest advantages of Sherwood Inn as a wedding venue is how well it works for the morning of the wedding. Most couples choose to get ready in the on-site cabins, which are cozy and full of character. These cottages allow wedding parties to spread out, relax, and enjoy the morning instead of feeling squeezed into a single room.

The Sherwood Boathouse is a favourite getting-ready spot, especially for anyone who wants natural light, privacy and lake views. With docks just steps away, it is also ideal for quiet portraits and/or first look. Forested paths between the cabins create natural pockets that feel perfect for those emotional moments before the ceremony.

Sherwood Inn fire pit

A venue with real history and warmth

Built in 1939, Sherwood Inn carries a sense of history that you can feel the moment you arrive. The architecture reflects classic Canadian cottage design and that heritage has been carefully preserved over decades. Instead of feeling dated, the grounds feel authentic which - selfishly speaking - translates beautifully in photographs.

Couples who value atmosphere will connect with this Sherwood.

Dining and evening atmosphere

Dinner and evening celebrations are a highlight here. The quality of the food at Sherwood is exceptional. Over many weddings I’ve had the opportunity to try so many different dishes here - they’re always a 10.

Guests can move from cocktails on the patio overlooking the lake into dinner and then into dancing with only a few steps. For couples planning a full wedding weekend rather than just a single-day event, this makes a noticeable difference in the overall experience.

Sherwood Inn main lodge

Why couples choose Sherwood Inn for their wedding

From an expert planning and hospitality standpoint, Sherwood Inn consistently works well because they combine location, accommodation and service all in one place. Their Wedding Coordinator, Christina Van Kempen is the best in the business and their hospitality team has decades of experience.

Sherwood Inn offers multiple indoor and outdoor event spaces, experienced coordination staff, on-site catering and seasonal flexibility. It works equally well for intimate weddings and larger celebrations, and it adapts beautifully to Muskoka’s changing seasons.

You can contact Christina and her team at (705) 765-3131.

Sherwood Inn boathouse in winter

Sherwood Inn boathouse in winter

Is Sherwood Inn right for your wedding?

If you’re looking for a Muskoka wedding venue that feels calm, scenic and genuinely personal, Sherwood Inn should be on your shortlist. It’s especially well suited for couples who value experience over spectacle, natural beauty over trends and a wedding day that unfolds at a Muskoka pace.

If you are planning a Sherwood Inn wedding and want photography that reflects the natural spirit of Muskoka, I’d be happy to share insight, timelines and real-world experience from shooting here over the past 10 years.


Sherwood Inn Information

  • Sherwood Inn Address: 1090 Sherwood Rd, Port Carling, ON P0B 1J0

  • Sherwood Inn Parking: There is plenty of on site parking as well as an overflow lot. There is also EV charging stations and reserved parking available.

  • Sherwood Inn Accommodations: There is a good mix of cottages as well as hotel style rooms in the two lodges. The boathouse is a popular option for weddings.

  • Sherwood Inn Reviews: See their Google Reviews

Vaughn Barry

All reviews are provided in the client’s own words. All articles are written by Vaughn Barry, professional photographer at Vaughn Barry Photography. I’m based in Orillia, Ontario on the south end of Muskoka. Read my Google reviews.

https://www.vaughnbarry.com/
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