Are you dreaming of a wedding that combines historic elegance with modern luxury? The Liberty Grand Entertainment Complex offers exactly that magical combination. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about planning and hosting your perfect wedding at one of Toronto's most sought-after wedding venues.
Built in 1926, the Liberty Grand stands as a testament to timeless elegance and architectural splendor. Located at 25 British Columbia Rd in Exhibition Place, this stunning venue has become the backdrop for countless love stories and celebrations. Whether you're just beginning your wedding planning journey or finalizing the details of your special day, this guide provides all the essential information you need to create memories that will last a lifetime.
From the magnificent Governor's Room with its soaring ceilings and crystal chandeliers to the intimate courtyard perfect for ceremonies, the Liberty Grand offers versatile spaces that can accommodate both grand celebrations and more intimate gatherings. With capacity for groups ranging from 100 to 1000 guests, this venue provides the perfect setting for weddings of all sizes.
In this guide, we'll explore the various wedding spaces available, detail the comprehensive packages and services offered, highlight the best photography opportunities, answer your most pressing questions, and share insider tips to make your Liberty Grand wedding truly exceptional. By the time you finish reading, you'll understand why so many couples choose this iconic Toronto landmark to begin their married lives together.
Let's begin your journey to creating the wedding of your dreams at the Liberty Grand Entertainment Complex.
The Liberty Grand Entertainment Complex stands as one of Toronto's most prestigious wedding venues, combining historic charm with modern amenities. This architectural gem, built in 1926, has established itself as a premier destination for couples seeking a venue that offers both grandeur and versatility for their wedding day.
The Liberty Grand's storied past adds a unique dimension to any wedding held within its walls. Originally constructed as part of the Exhibition Place grounds, this magnificent building has witnessed nearly a century of Toronto's history. The venue's Beaux-Arts architecture features stunning details that transport guests to an era of classic elegance and sophistication. Soaring columns, intricate moldings, and grand entrances create an atmosphere of timeless beauty that's impossible to replicate in newer venues.
Situated at 25 British Columbia Rd in Exhibition Place, the Liberty Grand enjoys a prime location that combines convenience with scenic beauty. The venue is easily accessible from downtown Toronto and offers ample parking for guests. Its waterfront location provides a picturesque backdrop, with Lake Ontario creating a serene atmosphere just steps away from the building.
For couples and guests coming from out of town, the venue's proximity to major highways and public transportation makes it a practical choice. Additionally, numerous hotels are located nearby, offering convenient accommodation options for wedding parties and out-of-town guests.
What truly sets the Liberty Grand apart from other wedding venues is its architectural magnificence. Upon entering, guests are greeted by soaring ceilings adorned with crystal chandeliers that cast a warm, romantic glow throughout the space. The venue's grand ballrooms feature ornate detailing, polished hardwood floors, and floor-to-ceiling windows that flood the spaces with natural light.
The Liberty Grand Entertainment Complex offers a perfect blend of indoor and outdoor spaces. While the ballrooms provide shelter and climate-controlled comfort, the courtyard offers a breath of fresh air with its fountain, statues, and greenery. This combination allows couples to create a dynamic wedding experience that moves seamlessly between different environments throughout their celebration.
The venue's classic design provides an elegant canvas that can be transformed to suit any wedding style or theme. Whether you envision a traditional affair with classic white and gold decor or a more contemporary celebration with bold colors and modern touches, the Liberty Grand's timeless backdrop complements and elevates any design concept.
As you walk through the halls of this historic building, you can't help but feel the special atmosphere that has made the Liberty Grand one of Toronto's most sought-after wedding venues for generations of couples.
The Liberty Grand Entertainment Complex offers a variety of stunning spaces for your wedding ceremony and reception. Each room within this magnificent venue has its own unique character and charm, allowing couples to select the perfect setting for their special day. Let's explore the different spaces available at this premier wedding venue.
The Governors Room stands as the crown jewel of the Liberty Grand, embodying the grandeur that makes this venue so sought-after. This grand ballroom is the largest space in the complex, spanning an impressive portion of the 100,000 square feet facility. With its 27-foot ceilings adorned with magnificent crystal chandeliers, the Governor's Room creates an atmosphere of unparalleled elegance.
This spectacular space can accommodate between 300 and 800 guests for a sit-down dinner with a dance floor, making it ideal for large wedding celebrations. For cocktail-style receptions, the capacity increases to an impressive 1500 guests. The room's massive oak staircase provides a dramatic focal point, perfect for grand entrances and group photographs. This staircase overlooks both the courtyard and the dining area, offering a wonderful vantage point for capturing the entire celebration.
The Governor's Room's classic architecture and timeless design create a perfect backdrop for weddings of all styles, from traditional to contemporary. The space can be transformed with lighting, decor, and floral arrangements to match any wedding theme or color palette.
The Renaissance Room offers a luxurious setting with spectacular views of Lake Ontario through its floor-to-ceiling arched windows. This elegant space spans approximately 14,000 square feet and can accommodate up to 300 guests for a sit-down dinner with a dance floor.
What makes the Renaissance Room particularly special is its private foyer, perfect for hosting your cocktail hour while the main space is being prepared for dinner. Guests can enjoy drinks and hors d'oeuvres while taking in the beautiful surroundings. Additionally, couples who book this room gain access to the southern Dome area, which features four interior waterfalls that create a magical atmosphere for photographs.
The Renaissance Room's architectural details, including its arched windows and ornate moldings, provide a romantic setting that requires minimal additional decoration. The natural light that floods the space during daytime events creates a warm, inviting atmosphere that transitions beautifully into an elegant evening setting as the sun sets.
The Centennial Room mirrors the Renaissance Room in size and layout, offering the same capacity for up to 300 guests in a sit-down dinner arrangement with a dance floor. Like its twin, this approximately 14,000 square foot space features stunning floor-to-ceiling arched windows with views of Lake Ontario.
This room also includes its own private foyer for cocktail hour and access to the southern Dome with its four interior waterfalls. The Centennial Room's classic design elements, including crystal chandeliers and architectural details, create an atmosphere of timeless elegance.
Many couples choose the Centennial Room for its perfect balance of grandeur and intimacy. The space feels luxurious and special while still allowing for a connected feel among guests. The room's layout facilitates easy flow between dining, dancing, and socializing areas.
The Artifacts Room offers a unique setting for weddings, with capacity for up to 300 guests for a sit-down dinner with a dance floor. This versatile space can also accommodate up to 900 guests for a reception-style event.
With its distinctive character, the Artifacts Room provides an alternative to the more traditional ballroom settings of the other spaces. Its unique architectural elements and atmosphere make it a favorite for couples seeking something slightly different while still maintaining the elegance that the Liberty Grand is known for.
For couples dreaming of an outdoor ceremony or reception, the Liberty Grand's courtyard provides a breathtaking option. This triangular outdoor space features a fountain, statues, and lush greenery, creating a tranquil oasis in the heart of the city.
The courtyard can accommodate between 200 and 400 guests, depending on the setup. It's particularly popular for wedding ceremonies, offering a picturesque setting with the historic Liberty Grand building as a backdrop. The long aisle creates a dramatic processional opportunity for the bride and wedding party.
From April through October, the courtyard is available for events, with gas heaters available for cooler days. This versatile outdoor space provides a beautiful contrast to the indoor grandeur of the ballrooms, allowing couples to create a dynamic wedding experience that incorporates both indoor and outdoor elements.
One of the advantages of the Liberty Grand is the ability to combine different spaces for your wedding. Many couples choose to hold their ceremony in the courtyard, cocktail hour in one of the foyers, and reception in one of the grand ballrooms. This progression creates a varied experience for guests and allows them to enjoy the full beauty of this magnificent venue.
For very large weddings, there's even the option to book the entire facility, which can accommodate up to 4,000 guests across all spaces. This exclusive use of the venue ensures complete privacy and allows for a truly customized wedding experience.
Whether you're planning an intimate gathering or a grand celebration, the Liberty Grand Entertainment Complex offers the perfect space to bring your wedding vision to life.
The Liberty Grand Entertainment Complex offers comprehensive wedding packages designed to make your special day both memorable and stress-free. Understanding the options available will help you select the perfect package for your celebration at this premier wedding venue.
The Liberty Grand provides customizable wedding packages that can be tailored to suit your specific needs and budget. While pricing typically ranges between $120 and $150 per person, the exact cost depends on several factors including the day of the week, season, and specific services selected.
Couples planning weddings during the off-season (January through March) can benefit from special pricing with discounts of approximately 10%. Similarly, Friday and Sunday weddings often come with reduced rates compared to Saturday celebrations. These options provide flexibility for couples working with different budgets while still enjoying all that this stunning venue has to offer.
Each package includes the rental of your chosen hall, sound equipment, servers, bartenders, a standard 8-hour bar service, and the assistance of an experienced wedding coordinator. The venue also provides a bridal suite for the couple to use throughout the day, ensuring you have a private space to prepare and relax.
The Liberty Grand's wedding packages are designed to be comprehensive, including many elements that other venues charge extra for. Standard inclusions in most packages are:
- Venue rental for your ceremony and/or reception - Tables, chairs, and standard linens - Fine bone china and elegant glassware - Professional serving staff and bartenders - Complimentary menu tasting for the couple - Bridal suite access - Champagne and chocolate-dipped strawberries for the wedding party - Full bar service (typically 8 hours) - Basic sound equipment - Cake cutting service - Wedding coordinator assistance - Platform stage with lighting system
This inclusive approach gives couples peace of mind, knowing that most essential elements are covered in their package. The Liberty Grand's attention to detail extends to every aspect of these packages, ensuring a seamless experience from planning through to the end of your celebration.
The Liberty Grand is renowned for its exceptional culinary offerings, led by their experienced culinary team. Wedding packages include a variety of dining options to suit different preferences and styles:
- Plated service: Formal multi-course meals served directly to guests - Buffet style: Diverse selection of dishes for guests to choose from - Family style: Shared platters placed at each table - Food stations: Interactive culinary experiences throughout the venue - Cocktail reception: Passed hors d'oeuvres and stationed appetizers
The venue's culinary team can accommodate various dietary requirements and preferences, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and religious dietary restrictions. Menu tastings are provided for couples to sample and select their wedding meal options in advance.
The Liberty Grand offers several bar service options to complement your wedding celebration:
- Standard open bar (included in most packages) - Premium open bar (upgrade option) - Signature cocktails customized for your event - Wine service during dinner - Champagne toast - Specialty beer options
Bar packages typically include professional bartenders, glassware, and a selection of spirits, wines, and beers. The venue holds a liquor license, so outside alcohol is not permitted.
Beyond the standard packages, the Liberty Grand offers various enhancements to elevate your wedding experience:
- Custom uplighting to highlight architectural features - Specialty linens and chair covers - Centerpiece options - Floral arrangement services - Custom backdrop for the head table - Ceiling treatments and drapery
- Dance floor lighting - Audio-visual equipment for slideshows and videos - Microphones for speeches - DJ services recommendations - Live music options and staging
- Coat check facilities - Valet parking - Accessibility accommodations - Welcome reception setups - Late night food stations
- If weather permits, use the courtyard for your ceremony or cocktail hour - Plan your event timeline to allow guests to experience different spaces within the venue - Consider sunset timing when planning outdoor portions of your event
- Work with the venue's existing elegance rather than trying to completely transform it - Focus decor budget on key focal points like the head table, entrance, and ceremony area - Use the venue's crystal chandeliers as a starting point for your decor theme
Capturing beautiful wedding photos is a priority for most couples, and the Liberty Grand Entertainment Complex offers numerous stunning backdrops for wedding photography. This section highlights the best photo locations and provides tips for maximizing your wedding photography at this elegant venue.
The Liberty Grand's architectural beauty provides wedding photographers with countless opportunities to capture memorable images. Here are some of the most photogenic spots within the venue:
The massive entrance doors of the Liberty Grand create a perfect backdrop for dramatic wedding portraits. The Renaissance Hall entrance, which faces west, is particularly ideal for golden hour photographs as the sun sets. These entrances feature beautiful architectural details, including columns and ornate stonework, that frame couples beautifully.
All three halls at the Liberty Grand feature impressive crystal chandeliers that create a romantic atmosphere and look stunning in wedding photos. These chandeliers provide elegant overhead lighting that flatters couples in formal portraits and adds a touch of luxury to your wedding album.
Located at the south of the building, the Dome area features four interior waterfalls that create a unique and photogenic setting. This area is accessible to couples who book the Renaissance or Centennial rooms and provides a perfect backdrop for intimate portraits or small group photos with up to 10 people.
The Governor's Room features a magnificent oak staircase that overlooks both the courtyard and the dining area. This elevated position allows for dramatic portraits of the couple and provides an excellent vantage point for capturing overview shots of the entire reception space.
Each hall has its own air-conditioned foyer where beautiful photos can be taken. These spaces often feature elegant furnishings and architectural details that complement wedding photography. During cocktail hour, these areas also provide opportunities for candid shots of guests enjoying the celebration.
The Liberty Grand's outdoor spaces and surrounding area offer additional options for wedding photography:
The interior courtyard is one of the most photogenic spots at the Liberty Grand. With its fountain, statues, and greenery, this space provides an oasis of tranquility perfect for wedding portraits. The courtyard receives even, diffused light throughout much of the day, creating ideal conditions for photography. The darker walls of the surrounding building create splendid backdrops that make brides in white dresses stand out beautifully.
Given the Liberty Grand's proximity to Lake Ontario, many couples choose to incorporate the lakefront into their wedding photography. The waterfront setting provides a natural contrast to the architectural elements of the venue and offers beautiful lighting, especially during golden hour.
The surrounding Exhibition Place grounds offer additional photography locations, including gardens, architectural features, and open spaces with city views. These areas provide variety to your wedding album and can be especially beautiful during spring and summer when the gardens are in bloom.
Understanding the lighting conditions at the Liberty Grand will help you plan for the best possible wedding photography:
The venue's large windows allow abundant natural light into the ballrooms during daytime events. The Renaissance and Centennial rooms, with their floor-to-ceiling arched windows, are particularly well-lit during the day. This natural light creates a warm, inviting atmosphere in photographs.
At night, the Liberty Grand is transformed with beautiful uplighting both inside and outside the building. This lighting creates a luxurious backdrop for evening portraits. The crystal chandeliers provide elegant overhead lighting that adds a romantic glow to indoor evening photographs.
The venue's high ceilings can create lighting challenges for photographers. However at Photography by Calin we use a few techniques to deliver beautiful imagery.
Also, the Liberty Grand has installed spotlights that illuminate key areas such as the head table, cake table, and dance floor, ensuring these important moments are well-lit for photography.
To ensure you get the best possible wedding photos at the Liberty Grand, consider these tips:
- If you're having a summer wedding, be aware that the Liberty Grand often hosts multiple weddings on the same day. Discuss with your coordinator how much time you'll have available for photography in shared spaces like the courtyard. - Plan your photography timeline to take advantage of the best lighting conditions, particularly if you want sunset photos at the Renaissance Hall entrance. - Allow extra travel time if you plan to take photos at nearby locations like the Distillery District or University of Toronto, as downtown traffic can be busy on weekends.
If you're considering a first look before your ceremony, the Liberty Grand offers several perfect locations: - The courtyard provides a private, picturesque setting for this intimate moment - If you're getting ready at a downtown hotel, consider locations like St. James Cathedral, St. James Park, or the Distillery District - High Park, just 3 km from the venue, offers a natural setting with gardens and greenery
Given Toronto's unpredictable weather and the possibility of multiple events at the venue, always discuss backup photo locations with your photographer. The Liberty Grand's interior spaces offer plenty of beautiful alternatives if outdoor photography isn't possible.
If you're getting married at the venue, you don't need a separate photography permit for the venue. However, if you plan to take photos at other locations, check whether permits are required.
To make the most of your wedding photography at the Liberty Grand, consider these additional tips:
- Share specific photo ideas and locations with your photographer before the wedding day - Consider a pre-wedding venue visit with your photographer to scout locations and plan shots - Discuss lighting options with your venue coordinator, including the possibility of adding uplighting to enhance the architectural features - Plan your timeline to include photography during different lighting conditions throughout the day - Consider seasonal elements in your planning – spring flowers, summer sunsets, fall foliage, or winter holiday decorations can add unique elements to your photos
The Liberty Grand's combination of historic architecture, elegant interiors, and beautiful outdoor spaces provides the perfect backdrop for wedding photography. By planning ahead and working closely with your photographer and venue coordinator, you'll ensure that your wedding photos capture all the beauty and emotion of your special day at this stunning venue.