Are you searching for a wedding venue that combines natural beauty with elegant amenities? Look no further than the Kortright Centre for Conservation. This guide offers everything you need to plan your perfect wedding day at this stunning woodland venue. From ceremony locations to costs, photography spots to reception details, we've compiled essential information to help you create a memorable celebration surrounded by nature's splendor. Whether you're just starting your venue search or have already fallen in love with Kortright's rustic charm, this comprehensive guide will walk you through every aspect of hosting your special day in this extraordinary forest setting.
• Budget appropriately – Understand the per-person pricing structure (please see full pricing details and analysis below) and minimum guest requirements that vary by season and day.
•Book early – Kortright requires booking at least 16 months in advance for peak season dates.
• Consider the seasons – Each season offers unique advantages for your wedding experience and photography.
• Plan for weather contingencies – The Gallery provides a beautiful backup option for outdoor ceremonies.
• Maximize photography opportunities – Allow sufficient time in your wedding day timeline to capture the venue's natural beauty.
• Respect the natural setting – As a conservation area, certain restrictions protect the environment while still allowing for a beautiful celebration.
• Utilize venue coordinators – These professionals know the space intimately and can provide invaluable guidance throughout your planning process.
• Consider guest comfort – Provide clear directions, information about the outdoor setting, and appropriate amenities based on your wedding season.
• Embrace the natural beauty – The venue's woodland setting provides a stunning backdrop that requires minimal additional decoration.
Located on a breathtaking 325-hectare woodland preserve just north of Toronto in Woodbridge, Kortright offers a perfect escape from urban life while remaining conveniently accessible. The venue stands out for its majestic trees, splendid natural backdrops, and excellent service.
What makes this place truly special? The venue seamlessly blends natural beauty with modern amenities. Towering trees create a cathedral-like atmosphere for ceremonies, while the reception spaces offer contemporary comforts. The natural setting provides a serene backdrop that changes with the seasons – vibrant greenery in summer, rich colors in fall, pristine snow in winter, and delicate blossoms in spring.
Couples choose this location for its versatility and unique atmosphere. Have you ever imagined exchanging vows surrounded by ancient trees or celebrating under the stars? This venue makes those dreams possible. Kortright is managed by the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA), ensuring the preservation of its natural beauty while offering a premium event space.
When researching wedding venues, many couples find that the Kortright Center (also known as Kortright Eventspace) stands out among other options in the Toronto area. The venue offers various ceremony options that create a real wedding experience unlike any other.
Kortright Centre offers three distinct ceremony locations, each with its own natural charm and character.
The most popular ceremony location, Cathedral of Trees, features towering maples creating a natural aisle and canopy. This outdoor venue accommodates up to 200 guests and provides a truly magical forest setting. The dappled sunlight filtering through the leaves creates a naturally beautiful atmosphere that requires minimal decoration.
For a more intimate ceremony, the Forest Path offers a secluded woodland setting. This location is perfect for smaller gatherings and provides a sense of being embraced by nature. The path is lined with native trees and plants, creating a naturally beautiful processional route.
The Forest Gallery serves as both an indoor ceremony option and a reception space. With large windows overlooking the forest, this location offers natural light and woodland views while providing protection from the elements. This versatile space can accommodate ceremonies of various sizes and transitions seamlessly to reception setup.
What if the weather doesn't cooperate? The Forest Gallery serves as the perfect backdrop for outdoor ceremonies, ensuring your wedding proceeds beautifully regardless of conditions. Many wedding photographer professionals recommend this location for its versatility and beautiful lighting.
The venue hosts numerous ceremonies throughout the year, with each wedding ceremony uniquely tailored to the couple's vision. From traditional to contemporary, the outdoor ceremony options allow for personalization while maintaining the natural beauty of the setting.
The main reception space at Kortright is the Forest Gallery, a versatile and elegant venue that brings the outdoors in. With its high ceilings, wooden beams, and large windows overlooking the forest, the space maintains a connection to nature while providing all modern amenities.
The Gallery can accommodate up to 200 guests for a seated dinner with a dance floor. The space features neutral décor that complements any wedding theme or color palette. The layout is flexible, allowing for various seating arrangements and event flow.
The venue's natural beauty provides a perfect backdrop for your reception. Many couples enhance the woodland atmosphere with rustic or nature-inspired décor elements like wooden centerpieces, greenery, and soft lighting. String lights, lanterns, and candles can transform the space into an enchanted forest setting for evening receptions.
Have you considered how your reception space reflects your wedding vision? The Gallery at Kortright offers a blank canvas that can be customized to create anything from an elegant formal affair to a casual celebration.
For those seeking a more traditional setting, the main hall in the main building provides an alternative reception space with its own unique character. This special event space can be transformed to match your vision while still maintaining a connection to the natural surroundings.
Understanding the cost structure is essential when planning your Kortright Centre wedding. Pricing varies based on season, day of the week, venue areas and services booked and guest count.
The cost of a wedding at Kortright Centre varies depending on several factors. Wedding packages at Kortright typically range from $3,000 to $7,500.
Here are some examples of prices:
Prime season (May to October) Saturday weddings with a 7-hour event, including cocktail reception, 3 courses, and 7-hour bar service, start at $159 per person with a minimum of 100 guests.
Friday or Sunday weddings during the same period start at $149 per person with a minimum of 80 guests.
Winter wedding pricing (November to April) starts at $149 per person for Saturday events and $139 per person for Friday or Sunday events.
Ceremony-only options are also available:
Two-hour rental of the Forest Path (120 capacity) costs $2,000 plus admin fee and tax.
The Cathedral of Trees (200 capacity) is priced at $2,350 plus admin fee and tax.
It's important to note that prices may vary, and it's best to contact Kortright Event Space directly for the most current and accurate pricing information for your specific wedding plans
For peak season (May-October) weddings on Fridays, Saturdays, and holiday Sundays, expect to pay between $192-$204 per person, including administration fees and HST. This requires a minimum of 100 guests. Regular Sunday weddings during peak season run slightly less at $187-$199 per person with an 80-guest minimum.
Off-season weddings (November-April) offer better value at $175-$186 per person with an 80-guest minimum. These packages include venue rental, open bar, wine service during dinner, in-house catering, staff, and various amenities.
For couples interested in ceremony-only options, the package costs $1,295 plus taxes. If you're having both ceremony and reception on-site, the ceremony fee is reduced to $995 plus taxes.
What's included in these packages? Reception packages cover venue rental, open bar, table wine service, in-house catering, waitstaff and bartenders, two complimentary vendor meals, bridal suite access, cake cutting service, coffee and tea stations, free guest parking, and a tasting menu for the couple.
Additional fees to consider include mandatory security fees and optional items like cruiser tables, chair rentals, heaters, centerpiece bases, bistro lighting, and ceremony arches.
When comparing Kortright Centre wedding costs to other wedding venues in the area, many couples find the value exceptional given the unique setting and comprehensive packages. The venue occasionally offers special offers for off-season dates or last-minute bookings, so it's worth inquiring about current promotions.
• Winter weddings (November to April) offer significant cost savings compared to prime season (May to October).
• Saturday weddings have the highest per-person cost but also the most availability of services.
• Minimum guest requirements vary by day and season, with Saturday events requiring more guests.
• Ceremony-only options provide flexibility with three distinct locations of varying capacities.
• All wedding packages include comprehensive services and amenities.
• Bar upgrades and late-night food stations can be added to enhance the guest experience.
• Additional fees include a mandatory security fee of $250 + 18% administration fee + tax.
All wedding packages at Kortright Centre include the following items and services:
• Open Deluxe Bar (7 Continuous Hours Service)
• Imported Red and White Wine on Tables during Dinner
• Sparkling Toast
• Cake Cutting
• Photo Permit
• Private VIP Suite
• No Partition Walls
• Dedicated Restrooms
• Complimentary Parking
• In-House Tables & Chairs
• Invitation Map Insert Cards
• Customized Menu Offerings
• Catering by Peter and Pauls
• Glassware, Tableware, Silverware
• Room Rental Fee for Reception
• Dedicated Function Manager, Waiter & Bartender Service
Timing is crucial when planning a Kortright Centre wedding. As the second most popular wedding venue in the Greater Toronto Area, booking at least 16 months in advance is highly recommended.
The venue is typically fully booked for peak season dates (May-October) well over a year in advance. Winter weddings offer more availability and potential cost savings. To check date availability, contact the event coordinators directly at (416) 667-6295.
Working with the venue's coordinators simplifies the planning process. These professionals know the space intimately and can provide valuable guidance on timeline, layout, and logistics. They'll help coordinate with vendors and ensure everything runs smoothly on your wedding day.
Kortright works with a full-service hospitality group, offering various services from audio-visual support to décor, gifts, and entertainment. This integrated approach can streamline your planning process.
Have you considered the seasonal aspects of your wedding date? Each season at Kortright offers distinct advantages: summer provides lush greenery, fall delivers spectacular colors, winter creates a serene snow-covered landscape, and spring brings delicate blossoms and renewal.
Many couples choose to work with a wedding planner who has experience with the venue. These professionals can offer ideas and insights that enhance your wedding day experience while reducing stress during the planning process. They can also help coordinate with vendors who are familiar with the venue's layout and requirements.
For your big day, consider creating a detailed timeline that allows for flexibility, especially for outdoor portions of your celebration. Having contingency plans for different locations within the venue ensures your special day proceeds smoothly regardless of weather or other unexpected circumstances.
Kortright offers exceptional photography opportunities throughout its 325-hectare property. The natural setting provides a stunning backdrop for wedding photos in any season.
Popular photography locations include:
1. Cathedral of Trees – The natural aisle and canopy create dramatic, light-filtered images
2. Forest paths – Winding trails offer intimate settings surrounded by nature
3. Open meadows – Provide beautiful light and expansive views
4. Wooden bridges and structures – Add architectural interest to natural settings
5. Gallery – Large windows create beautiful light for indoor portraits
Seasonal considerations affect your photography options. Spring offers delicate blossoms and fresh greenery. Summer provides lush, vibrant backgrounds. Fall delivers spectacular colors and golden light. Winter creates a magical snow-covered landscape for unique photos.
The venue's varied terrain and natural features allow for diverse photography styles. From romantic portraits among the trees to playful group shots in open areas, the possibilities are endless. The changing light throughout the day creates different moods and opportunities, from bright morning light to golden sunset hours.
We recommend scheduling at least 1-2 hours for portraits to take full advantage of the venue's beautiful settings. Consider a "first look" before the ceremony to maximize photography time and capture the best light.
Many couples also choose to include family photos in their photography timeline. The venue offers several locations that accommodate larger groups while maintaining the natural beauty of the setting. An engagement session at the venue before your wedding day can help you become familiar with the best photo locations and lighting conditions.
The venue's recent posts on social media often showcase beautiful wedding photos that can provide inspiration for your own photography plans. These images highlight the venue's versatility and the beautiful moments captured throughout the seasons. Similar posts from past weddings can also offer valuable insights into photography possibilities.
Creating a memorable experience for your guests begins with clear communication about the venue's unique features and location.
Accessibility at Kortright includes paved pathways to main areas and wheelchair access to the Gallery. However, some outdoor ceremony locations may present challenges for guests with mobility issues. The venue staff can provide assistance and recommendations for accommodating all guests.
Parking is complimentary and plentiful, with spaces located near the main building. For larger weddings, consider providing transportation options from nearby hotels or arranging shuttle service, especially if guests will be consuming alcohol.
While Kortright doesn't offer on-site accommodation, numerous hotels are available within a 15-20 minute drive. Popular options include hotels in Vaughan, particularly those near Vaughan Mills or Highway 400.
Have you thought about weather contingencies? Inform guests about the outdoor nature of the venue so they can dress appropriately. For cooler months or evening events, consider providing blankets or heaters for guest comfort.
The natural setting of Kortright creates an atmosphere of love and celebration that guests consistently praise. The combination of natural beauty and modern amenities ensures everyone can enjoy your special day in comfort. Many couples receive related posts and messages from guests long after their wedding, commenting on the unique and memorable experience.
Kortright offers comprehensive amenities and services to enhance your wedding experience.
Catering is provided in-house through the Peter & Pauls Hospitality Group, known for their excellent food and service. Their wedding packages include a variety of menu options that can be customized to your preferences. A tasting session for the couple is included in wedding packages.
Bar service features an open bar included in the wedding package, with wine service at tables during dinner. Standard packages include house selections, with premium options available for an additional fee.
The venue provides a private bridal suite for the wedding party's use throughout the day. This comfortable space offers a place to prepare, relax, and store personal items during the celebration.
Additional services available through the venue include:
- Audio-visual equipment for speeches and presentations
- Décor elements including centerpieces and lighting
- Event coordination assistance
- Vendor recommendations and coordination
What special touches might enhance your event? Consider adding outdoor lounge areas, photo booths among the trees, or specialty food stations to create a unique experience for your guests.
For couples seeking a beautiful wedding with minimal stress, the venue's comprehensive packages provide everything needed for a memorable celebration. The staff's attention to detail ensures that every beautiful moment of your day unfolds seamlessly, allowing you to focus on creating memories rather than managing logistics.
Some couples choose to compare Kortright with Hazelton Manor or other similar venues, but most find that the natural setting and comprehensive services make Kortright the perfect place for their celebration. The groom and bride alike appreciate the different location options available within the property for various aspects of their wedding day.
Photographers with experience at Kortright can provide valuable information about the best times and locations for photos. Their expertise helps couples maximize the venue's natural beauty in their wedding photography. Many photographers consider this venue among their favorites for outdoor wedding settings.
The venue can accommodate up to 200 guests for ceremonies and receptions. Minimum guest requirements vary by season and day of the week, ranging from 50-100 adults.
The Gallery serves as a backup location for outdoor ceremonies. This decision is typically made 2-3 hours before the ceremony based on weather conditions, in consultation with the couple and venue coordinator.
As a conservation area, there are some restrictions to protect the natural environment. These include limitations on confetti (biodegradable options only), restrictions on open flames in some areas, and noise regulations after certain hours. The venue provides a complete list of guidelines during the booking process.
Decorations must be removable without causing damage to the natural environment or structures. The venue allows hanging décor from designated points in the Gallery. All decorations must be removed immediately following the event unless other arrangements are made.
While the venue provides catering in-house, couples may bring their own photographers, florists, entertainers, and other service providers. The venue can also recommend trusted vendors familiar with the space.
A deposit is required to secure your date, with payment milestones leading up to the event. Cancellation policies vary based on timing, with different refund percentages depending on how far in advance the cancellation occurs.
While there is no on-site accommodation, numerous hotels are available within a 15-20 minute drive in Vaughan and surrounding areas.
Due to the conservation status of the property and fire safety concerns, fireworks and sky lanterns are not permitted.
Typically, access begins 2-3 hours before the ceremony start time. Extended access can sometimes be arranged for an additional fee, depending on venue availability.
As an environmental conservation area, there are noise limitations, particularly after 11:00 PM. The venue coordinator can provide specific guidelines based on your event date and time.
