If you're getting married in Simcoe County, there are dozens, if not hundreds of wedding venues from which to choose. Traditionally, the majority of wedding ceremonies occurred in a place of worship, and were followed by a plated dinner served in a banquet-style reception room. The wedding industry has changed, particularly over the past two decades, and this has opened an opportunity for couples to feature their unique style in their wedding day, opting for more modern venue choices including hotels, golf courses, parks, beaches, or their own backyard.
I find that most clients choose a wedding venue based on the following criteria:
Can it fit the number of guests we plan on inviting?
How much does it cost per guest?
Can we bring our own preferred vendors to the property?
Are there hotels nearby for us to stay at - and what about our friends and family?
Is the space suitable for portraits, with plenty of diverse backgrounds that can accommodate our full family and bridal party, as well as just the two of us?
Is it an easy place to travel to for guests who might be driving and need parking?
If you're looking for a space to get married that checks every single box, consider Belcroft Estate. Situated on a very quiet historic farm property, but still only minutes from highway 400 (easy access for your guests), this venue has it all. Originally a working cattle ranch, the grounds have since been repurposed to accommodate weddings and events of many sizes. Free and spacious parking steps from the venue entrance, a variety of lovely outdoor ceremony spaces, and two very different areas for your reception. The best part? This property is dog-friendly! Rover is welcome to participate in your wedding ceremony, or the entire day!
The first reception area is a rustic barn with beautiful courtyard at the back, overlooking an outdoor dance floor under the stars, and plenty of natural light. It is certainly a dream location for photography with the exposed beams, original panelled walls, and twinkle lights strung across the ceiling. For an extra touch of elegance your decorator can attach florals or greenery from the ceiling beams, draping it above the dining area and creating a partial canopy. In the mid-summer months, opening the large barn doors on both sides of the main reception room brings in the fresh outdoor air and the sounds of nature.
The second reception area is a large marquee tent situated behind the barn, out of direct sight-line and with its own driveway area and completely separate patio. Having photographed a wedding in the tent at the same time as a second wedding was taking place in the barn, I can honestly say these spaces each function entirely independently without noise or wandering guests interrupting the other event. What does this mean for your wedding? If you chose a popular date and are not the only couple tying the knot, your wedding will still be very private in the marquee tent area. The tent is solid in construction with doors that open on all four sides for excellent ventilation and fresh air, and close in the event of wind or rain. Raise the roof with your DJ pumping out the tunes, and then step outside to stare up at the stars.
Looking to get married at Belcroft Estates? Drop me a line -- I'd love to chat about your plans!
Location: Belcroft Estate, 2539 14 Line, Gilford, ON L0L 1R0.
Keywords: Barn Wedding Venues, Belcroft Estate (3), Simcoe Muskoka Wedding Venues, Tent Wedding Venues.