The Ontario Heritage Act works to protect buildings with historical significance. As a result, Toronto has managed to preserve its stunning architectural history going as far back as 1794. Many of these heritage buildings now serve as beautiful wedding venues that might be perfect for your special day.
Each heritage venue has its own charm. Rich history and stories are rooted within their walls, each boasting unique architectural designs – some with red brick and stone foundations, others with weathered wood or exposed steel beams. When it comes to finding the perfect wedding venue, Toronto has plenty of hidden gems across the city that will help bring your dream wedding come to life.
To help get your venue search started, here is a list of five historic wedding venues that Toronto has to offer.
The featured photo by Scarlet O’Neill.
The Great Hall
The Great Hall was built as the Toronto West End YMCA’s new home in 1889. Over the course of its lifetime, this historic building has transformed from a fitness facility into a multipurpose venue for entertainment, corporate gatherings, and social celebrations. Today, this Victorian-style building still remains standing after over 130 years, bringing beauty and elegance to your special day.
The Great Hall. Historic Toronto wedding venues. Lustre Events.
Campbell House Museum
Built in 1822 by Judge William Campbell and his wife Hannah, the Campbell House Museum is the oldest remaining house from the original site of the Town of York. This heritage building was saved from demolition in 1972, and with the help of the Toronto Transit Commission, the house was physically moved from its original location at Adelaide Street (formerly Duke Street) and Frederick Street to its present location at University Avenue and Queen Street West. Today, its Georgian architecture is well preserved to host your intimate wedding celebration.
Campbell House Museum. Historic Toronto wedding venues
The Symes
What is known today as a beautiful Art Deco style venue in Toronto’s Junction neighborhood has an interesting story behind its industrial façade. The Symes’ building opened in 1933 as one of Toronto’s waste incinerators until the city’s waste policies changed in 1996. The large chimneys were removed and the old building was eventually shuttered, used for storage and occasional movie or TV shoots. Today, The Symes has been recreated and restyled to let your wedding vision come to life.
The Symes. Historic Toronto wedding venues.
Photo by Carlos Bolivar – www.carlosbolivar.com
Miller Lash House
Hidden in the picturesque Highland Creek Valley is the Miller Lash House, a charming venue located in East Toronto. This historic home, now part of the University of Toronto Scarborough campus, was built and owned by a wealthy businessman named Miller Lash in 1913. Its stunning Arts and Crafts style architecture and luscious gardens during the warmer months makes this heritage site the perfect location for your dream garden wedding.
Miller Lash House. Historic Toronto wedding venues. Design & Planning – Lustre Events. Photography – Christine Lim Florals – Patchouli
The Concert Hall
The Masonic Temple opened its doors in 1918 as a home for different masonic lodges and chapters. The temple’s main space – The Concert Hall – functioned as a rental space that has hosted many big names throughout music history. Frank Sinatra hosted private parties at The Concert Hall in the 50s, while Led Zeppelin played their first Toronto show here in 1969 and the Rolling Stones rented the space as their summer rehearsal studio for a number of years. To this day, The Concert Hall continues to uphold its character after over 100 years, adding a unique flare to your wedding.
The Concert Hall. Historic Toronto wedding venues
