Located in the heart of historic Yorkville, Sassafraz is one of the most stunning restaurants in Toronto and a premier venue for intimate weddings. Housed in an iconic little yellow Victorian rowhouse at the corner of Bellair and Cumberland streets, Sassafraz
restaurant has evolved through the decades to become a magical space for couples to begin their journey together.
With its blend of modern elegance and timeless charm, Sassafraz restaurant wedding experiences have earned it recognition as one of the top 15 venues for intimate weddings in Toronto. The restaurant wedding venue hosts over 100 weddings each year, making
it a trusted choice for couples seeking a sophisticated Toronto wedding experience in a stylish urban setting.
2. Why Choose Sassafraz for Your Special Day
The landmark Sassafraz offers a unique blend of contemporary elegance and classic charm. Its romantic interior makes it one of the most stunning destinations for couples planning a wedding in Yorkville. The restaurant wedding venue creates a warm, intimate
atmosphere that's perfect for celebrating your love story.
Situated at the corner of Bellair and Cumberland in the heart of Yorkville, Sassafraz provides a prestigious location surrounded by luxury retailers, art galleries, and charming streets—creating the perfect backdrop for an elegant urban wedding. Its reputation
as a celebrity hotspot adds a touch of sophistication to your special day.
3. The Venue: Spaces & Capacity
Sassafraz restaurant offers several distinct event spaces that can be customized to suit your wedding vision. The sassafraz restaurant wedding venue's versatile floor plan allows for both intimate gatherings and larger celebrations.
Main Dining Room
The elegant main dining room on the first floor creates a welcoming atmosphere with its sophisticated décor and natural light. This space features:
Capacity for up to 150 seated guests
Room for up to 200 for a cocktail-style reception
A stunning living wall with beautiful live orchids and greenery
Floor to ceiling windows that flood the space with natural light
Private Event Spaces
Situated on the second level (with barrier free access), the well-appointed private event space consists of two distinct rooms that can be used separately or combined:
The Bellair Room
Capacity for up to 32 seated guests
Accommodates up to 80 guests for a cocktail-style event
Features a sleek built-in bar
Includes state-of-the-art audiovisual equipment
The Cumberland Room
Capacity for up to 72 seated guests
Accommodates up to 140 guests for a cocktail reception
Offers banks of windows for natural light
Creates an elegant setting for both ceremonies and receptions
Combined Spaces
When the Bellair and Cumberland rooms are combined, the space can host:
Up to 100 seated guests (without a dance floor)
Up to 225 guests for a cocktail-style celebration
4. Wedding Costs & Packages
Sassafraz offers a unique approach to wedding costs that helps couples maximize their budget. Understanding the investment required is an essential part of planning your wedding at Sassafraz.
Basic Cost Structure
No Rental Fee: Sassafraz does not charge a rental fee for their private event space, eliminating a significant expense from your wedding budget (minimum spend requirements apply).
Per Person Pricing: Wedding packages typically range from $159-$179 per person for food and beverages.
Additional Charges: An 18% surcharge (13% auto-gratuity plus 5% operational fee) will be applied to all food, beverage, and minimum spend offset fees.
Bar Services: 7-hour continental bar included in most packages.
Wedding Bundles
Sassafraz offers all-inclusive Wedding Food & Drink Bundles that simplify budgeting while maintaining a high-quality restaurant dining experience:
Standard Wedding Bundle ($159 per person)
Pre-dinner canapés
Three-course plated dinner
7-hour standard bar rail
Custom menus at each place setting
Premium Wedding Bundle ($179 per person)
Enhanced pre-dinner canapés
Three-course plated dinner
Late-night canapés
7-hour premium bar rail
His & her feature cocktails
Custom menus at each place setting
Sassafraz Cost Comparison by Wedding Size
Guest Count
Standard Bundle*
Premium Bundle*
50 guests
$9,400
$10,600
75 guests
$14,100
$15,900
100 guests
$18,800
$21,200
150 guests
$28,200
$31,800
*Estimates include 18% surcharge and 13% HST
Additional Expenses to Consider
When budgeting for your Sassafraz restaurant wedding, remember to account for:
Wedding designer or florist
Centerpieces
Wedding officiant
Photographer
Audio-visual equipment
DJ and/or band
Vendor meals
Transportation
Budget-Saving Tips
Consider a Mid-Day Wedding: Booking a mid-day wedding can be both elegant and more affordable than an evening event.
Weekday Weddings: Consider a Thursday or Sunday celebration for potential savings.
Off-Season Dates: Winter and early spring dates may offer more flexibility in pricing.
Customize Your Bar: Discuss customizing the bar options to suit your budget.
4. Wedding Planning Services
Planning your wedding at Sassafraz restaurant comes with exceptional support from a dedicated team of professionals led by the amazing Dennette Schott, the venue's experienced Events Manager.
Your Wedding Planner
Dennette Schott will be your planner throughout the entire process:
Initial communication and venue tours
Multiple planning meetings and consultations
Day-of coordination and execution
On-site presence during your wedding day
The Planning Process
The wedding planner will guide you through every aspect of planning your Sassafraz restaurant wedding:
Initial Consultation: Tour the venue, discuss your vision, and review available dates.
Menu Selection: Work with the culinary team to create a personalized menu that reflects your tastes.
Vendor Coordination: Receive recommendations from their curated list of exceptional event professionals.
Floor Plan Design: Create the perfect layout for your ceremony and reception.
Timeline Development: Craft a detailed schedule for your wedding day.
Menu Tasting: Experience your selected dishes approximately one month before your wedding.
Final Details Meeting: Confirm all aspects of your day about two weeks before the wedding.
Sassafraz works with a preferred list of vendors who understand the venue and can enhance your wedding experience:
Photographers (we are one of the preferred photographers at Sassafraz)
Florists
DJs and musicians
Officiants
Cake designers
Decor specialists
5. Wedding Menu & Cuisine Options
One of the main reasons couples select Sassafraz for their wedding venue is the exceptional cuisine. The restaurant is known for its French-inspired Canadian cuisine that focuses on fresh, high-quality ingredients.
Menu Philosophy
At Sassafraz, the dishes on wedding menus are identical to those on the à la carte dining menu—same plate, same presentation, same taste. This ensures that you and your guests experience the culinary excellence that has made Sassafraz a Toronto dining
destination.
Dining Experience
Sassafraz offers a unique dining experience for weddings:
Guests make their selection at the table
Custom menus are placed at each setting
Servers take each guest's order directly
Restaurant-quality service throughout the meal
Sample Menu Items
Appetizers
Ontario heirloom tomato and Tuscan bean salad
House-cured charcuterie plate
Jumbo shrimp cocktail
Beef tartare with traditional accompaniments
Entrées
Wellington County beef tenderloin
Canadian Atlantic salmon
Harrison Co-op roast chicken breast
Lemon ricotta agnolotti (vegetarian)
Desserts
Dark chocolate mousse
Vanilla bean crème brûlée
Seasonal fruit tart
Chef's selection of petits fours
Canapé Options
For cocktail receptions, Sassafraz offers an impressive array of canapé options:
Cold smoked salmon
Jumbo shrimp
Itsumo tuna ceviche
Beef tartare
Pumpkin spiced duck pate
Hot crab cakes
Lamb meatballs
Vegetable samosas
Truffle mac n' cheese spoon
Late Night Options
For the Premium Wedding Bundle, late-night canapés include:
Braised bison short rib slider
Wild mushroom slider
Mini village burger
Sourdough grilled cheese
Traditional poutine
Beverage Options
Standard Bar Rail
Wiser's Canadian Whisky
Absolut Vodka
Beefeater Gin
Olmeca Gold Tequila
Bacardi White & Black Rum
Johnnie Walker Red Scotch
Selection of beers and wines
Premium Bar Rail
Crown Royal Whisky
Woodford Reserve Bourbon
Ketel One Vodka
Hendricks Gin
Casamigos Blanco Tequila
Bacardi White & Havana Club Rum
Johnnie Walker Black Scotch
Enhanced beer and wine selections
His & Her Feature Cocktails (Mojito, Old Fashioned, Bellair Collins, etc.)
6. Perfect Photo Locations
The location of Sassafraz in the heart of Yorkville provides numerous stunning backdrops for your wedding photography. From the restaurant's elegant interior to the charming streets of Yorkville, you'll have plenty of options for capturing beautiful memories.
The restaurant wedding venue itself offers several picturesque spots for photographs:
The stunning living wall with beautiful orchids
The balcony
The charming exterior of the iconic little yellow house
Around Yorkville
The Yorkville area surrounding Sassafraz is filled with photogenic locations within walking distance:
Village of Yorkville Park
Rock gardens and water features
Seasonal plantings and landscaped areas
Urban terraces perfect for group photos
Hazelton Lanes
Picturesque Victorian houses from the 1830s
Luxury storefronts with elegant architecture
Charming, narrow streets
Ramsden Park
Beautiful greenery for a park-like feel
Natural settings within the urban environment
Seasonal foliage and landscapes
Urban Architecture
Contemporary buildings contrasting with historic structures
Charming side streets with character
Upscale storefronts and galleries
Table: Photo Location Timing Guide
Location
Best Time
Crowd Level
Travel from Venue
Sassafraz Interior
Any time
Low
NA
Village of Yorkville Park
Early morning or late afternoon
Moderate
2 min walk
Hazelton Lanes
Weekday mornings
Low-Moderate
5 min walk
Ramsden Park
Golden hour before sunset
Low
10 min walk
Yorkville Streets
Early morning (before 10 AM)
Low
1-5 min walk
Seasonal Photo Opportunities
Spring: blossoms and fresh greenery in Yorkville parks
Summer: Vibrant street life and outdoor café settings
Fall: Rich autumn colors in Ramsden Park and along Cumberland Street
Winter: Festive lights and potential snow-covered scenes (particularly beautiful during December)
Photography Planning Tips
Schedule wisely: Plan for 1-1.5 hours for couple portraits
Scout locations: Visit potential photo spots with your photographer before the wedding
Consider lighting: Early morning or late afternoon provides the best natural light
Weather contingencies: Have indoor backup options in case of inclement weather
7. Seasonal Considerations
Sassafraz is a year-round wedding venue with seasonal variations to consider when planning your celebration.
Spring Weddings (March-May)
Pros:
Beautiful flowering trees and gardens in the surrounding Yorkville area
Pleasant temperatures for outdoor photos
Fresh, seasonal menu ingredients
Lower tourism traffic compared to summer
Cons:
Unpredictable spring weather may affect outdoor photo plans
Popular spring dates book quickly
Decor Ideas:
Fresh spring flowers like tulips and daffodils
Light, pastel color schemes
Cherry blossom or garden-inspired themes
Summer Weddings (June-August)
Pros:
Extended daylight hours for photography
Vibrant street life in Yorkville
Beautiful outdoor spaces for pre/post wedding photos
Restaurant's patio can be incorporated into your celebration
Cons:
Peak tourist season in Toronto and Yorkville
Higher demand for premium summer weekend dates
Potential for very hot days
Decor Ideas:
Bold, bright floral arrangements
Minimalist white with green accents
Incorporation of summer fruits in decor
Fall Weddings (September-November)
Pros:
Beautiful fall foliage in nearby parks
Comfortable temperatures
Rich autumn menu options
Sophisticated atmosphere
Cons:
Toronto Film Festival (early September) makes the area extremely busy
Fall is wedding high season, so dates book quickly
Decor Ideas:
Rich jewel tones and metallic accents
Seasonal foliage and berries
Candle-heavy ambiance
Winter Weddings (December-February)
Pros:
Magical holiday decor (December)
Potentially more date availability
Cozy, intimate atmosphere
Lower minimum spend requirements possible
Cons:
Cold weather limits outdoor photo opportunities
Potential for snow affecting travel
Earlier sunset limits natural light photography
Decor Ideas:
Winter whites with silver or gold accents
Evergreen elements and berries
Abundant candles and soft lighting
Festive holiday touches (for December weddings)
Table: Seasonal Availability Chart
Season
Availability
Weather
Special Considerations
Spring
Good
Variable, 5-15°C
Easter and Mother's Day weekends book quickly
Summer
Limited
Warm, 20-30°C
Toronto tourist season; book 12-18 months in advance
Fall
Very Limited
Mild, 10-20°C
Avoid Toronto Film Festival; fall colors peak mid-October
Winter
Excellent
Cold, -5-5°C
Holiday decorations in December; potential snow days
8. Parking & Accessibility
Parking Options
Sassafraz is conveniently located with several parking options nearby:
Green-P Parking at 74 Yorkville Avenue: Available from Cumberland Street, a 5-minute walk from the restaurant
Cumberland Street Parking: Limited metered street parking
Yorkville Village Parking: Underground garage at 87 Critchley Lane, 4-minute walk
Valet Parking: Available at an additional rate for special events
Public Transportation
Sassafraz is easily accessible via public transportation:
Bay Subway Station: Just a 3-minute walk
Bloor-Yonge Subway Station: Approximately 10 minutes walking distance
Bus Routes: Several TTC bus routes stop nearby
Accessibility Features
Sassafraz offers barrier free access to ensure all guests can enjoy your celebration:
Elevator access to the second-floor private event space
Accessible washrooms
Wide doorways to accommodate mobility devices
No steps at the main entrance
Trained staff to assist guests with special needs
Guest Flow
The layout of Sassafraz creates a natural flow for wedding events:
Separate areas for cocktail hour and dinner service
Smooth transitions between ceremony and reception spaces
Easy movement between indoor and outdoor areas (weather permitting)
Clear sightlines for key moments like first dance and speeches
Drop-Off & Pick-Up
Designated drop-off point at the front entrance on Cumberland Street
Easy access for wedding party arrivals
Convenient for elderly guests or those with mobility concerns
Space for wedding vehicles to pull up for photographs
9. Accommodation Options
When planning your wedding at Sassafraz, consider these nearby accommodation options for you and your guests:
Luxury Hotels within Walking Distance
Four Seasons Hotel Toronto (0.3 km)
60 Yorkville Avenue
5-star luxury
Wedding suite packages available
The Hazelton Hotel (0.2 km)
118 Yorkville Avenue
Boutique luxury hotel
Special wedding rates available
Park Hyatt Toronto (0.5 km)
4 Avenue Road
Sophisticated urban retreat
Rooftop lounge with city views
Mid-Range Options
Windsor Arms Hotel (0.3 km)
18 St. Thomas Street
Historic boutique hotel
Group booking discounts
Kimpton Saint George Hotel (0.7 km)
280 Bloor Street West
Stylish boutique property
Special event packages
Room Block Recommendations
For the best experience, consider:
Booking 10-20 rooms for out-of-town guests
Negotiating a courtesy block (no financial commitment)
Securing rooms 9-12 months in advance
Including hotel information in your wedding website or invitations
Transportation Between Hotels and Sassafraz
Most hotels are within a 5-10 minute walk
Ride-sharing services readily available
Consider arranging a shuttle for larger groups or during inclement weather
10. Testimonials & Reviews
Hear what couples say about their Sassafraz restaurant wedding experience:
"Sassafraz was the perfect venue for our wedding. The planning was organized, friendly, and respectful & we had an amazing experience at our wedding. The atmosphere brought so much to our special day, and Dennette was a true professional
who made the entire process smooth and enjoyable."
"We had our wedding reception at Sassafraz and it was absolutely stunning! The food was incredible, the service impeccable, and the living wall provided the perfect backdrop for our photos. Everyone raved about what a beautiful Toronto wedding venue we had chosen."
"As a Toronto bride looking for something unique, Sassafraz delivered beyond our expectations. The heart of Yorkville location meant our guests could easily find accommodations nearby, and the restaurant wedding experience felt so much more intimate and special than a traditional banquet hall."
"Having our intimate wedding at Sassafraz was the best decision we made. The private event space was transformed beautifully, and the wedding planner took care of every detail. Our
wedding photography around Yorkville gave us the perfect blend of urban sophistication and romantic moments."
"Our wedding at Sassafraz restaurant exceeded all of our expectations. From the moment we began planning to the last dance, the team made us feel special and valued. The wedding in Yorkville atmosphere was exactly
what we wanted—sophisticated yet warm and inviting."
Planning a wedding at Sassafraz requires attention to detail and proper timing. Here's a comprehensive timeline to help make your special day a success:
12-18 Months Before
Tour Sassafraz restaurant and meet with the event space coordinator
Select your wedding date and secure it with a deposit
Establish your budget and guest count
Book your wedding photographer (consider photographers familiar with Sassafraz restaurant wedding setups)
Begin researching other vendors (DJ, florist, officiant)
9-12 Months Before
Send save-the-dates
Book your officiant
Secure hotel room blocks for out-of-town guests
Begin dress shopping
Select and confirm your wedding party
6-9 Months Before
Meet with Dennette Schott, Sassafraz's wedding planner
Discuss menu options and bar preferences
Book your DJ or band
Select your florist and discuss decor concepts
Arrange transportation if needed
3-6 Months Before
Send invitations
Schedule menu tasting at Sassafraz
Book your cake designer
Purchase wedding rings
Plan your rehearsal dinner
1-3 Months Before
Finalize menu selections and guest count with Sassafraz
Have final dress fittings
Create a detailed timeline for your wedding day
Confirm all vendor arrangements
Plan seating arrangements
2-4 Weeks Before
Have final meeting with Dennette to review all details
Confirm final guest count
Create place cards and finalize seating chart
Break in wedding shoes
Assemble welcome bags for out-of-town guests
1 Week Before
Deliver welcome bags to hotels
Pack for your honeymoon
Organize wedding day emergency kit
Prepare vendor payments and tips
Get beauty treatments (facial, manicure, etc.)
Wedding Day
Relax and enjoy—let Dennette and the Sassafraz team handle the details
Arrive for getting-ready photos if planned
Trust your vendors to create the perfect wedding at Sassafraz restaurant
Take a moment to appreciate your special day in the heart of Yorkville
Tips for a Perfect Wedding at Sassafraz
Trust the Experts: The Sassafraz team hosts over 100 weddings each year—they know how to make your day special.
Consider a Thursday or Sunday Wedding: If you're flexible with your date, you may find better availability and potentially lower minimum spend requirements.
Plan Your Photography Route: With so many beautiful spots in Yorkville, work with your photographer to map out a route that maximizes your time.
Weather Contingencies: Have a backup plan for outdoor photos in case of inclement weather.
Vendor Deliveries: Coordinate with Dennette regarding vendor delivery times and access points.
Parking Information: Include parking details in your invitations or wedding website.
Sound Levels: Discuss music volume restrictions and timing with your DJ or band.
Seasonal Menu: Take advantage of seasonal ingredients for a truly fresh dining experience.
Personal Touches: While Sassafraz has a beautifully elegant interior design, add personal touches to make the space uniquely yours.
Timing Buffer: Build small buffers into your timeline to accommodate any unexpected delays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Venue and Logistics
Q: Is there a rental fee for holding a wedding at Sassafraz? A: Sassafraz does not charge a rental fee, eliminating a significant cost from your wedding budget. However, minimum food and beverage expenditure requirements apply.
Q: What is the maximum capacity for a wedding at Sassafraz? A: The main dining room can accommodate up to 150 seated guests or 200 for a cocktail reception. The second-floor private event space can host up to 100 seated guests when the Bellair and Cumberland rooms are combined.
Q: Can we host both our ceremony and reception at Sassafraz? A: Yes, many couples choose to host both their ceremony and reception at Sassafraz. The spaces can be transformed between events to create different atmospheres.
Q: Is Sassafraz accessible for guests with mobility concerns? A: Yes, Sassafraz offers barrier free access to all levels of the restaurant, including the second-floor private event space.
Planning and Services
Q: Does Sassafraz provide a wedding coordinator? A: Yes, Dennette Schott, the Events Manager, will be your dedicated wedding planner from initial communication through the entire planning process up to the big day.
Q: Can we bring our own decorations? A: Yes, you can bring in your own decorations to personalize the space. However, there are some restrictions (no confetti, for example), which your coordinator will review with you.
Q: Does Sassafraz have preferred vendors? A: Sassafraz has a curated list of preferred vendors who are familiar with the venue, but you are welcome to bring in your own vendors as well.
Q: How far in advance should we book our wedding at Sassafraz? A: For peak season (May-October), it's recommended to book 12-18 months in advance. For off-peak season, 6-12 months is usually sufficient.
Food and Beverage
Q: Can we taste the menu before our wedding? A: Yes, Sassafraz offers a menu tasting approximately one month before your wedding once the menu is finalized.
Q: Can Sassafraz accommodate dietary restrictions and allergies? A: Yes, the culinary team at Sassafraz can accommodate various dietary restrictions and allergies. Be sure to discuss these needs during your planning process.
Q: Do you allow outside alcohol? A: No, all alcohol must be provided by Sassafraz due to licensing restrictions.
Q: Can we bring our own wedding cake? A: Yes, you can bring in a cake from an outside vendor. There may be a cake cutting fee, which your coordinator will discuss with you.
Miscellaneous
Q: What parking options are available for our guests? A: There is a Green-P parking garage at 74 Yorkville Avenue (accessible from Cumberland Street) approximately a 5-minute walk from the restaurant. Additionally, there is limited street parking and other nearby garages.
Q: Is there a minimum spend requirement? A: Yes, Sassafraz has minimum spend requirements that vary based on the day of the week and time of year. Your coordinator will provide specific details during your initial consultation.
Q: Can we have a DJ or live music? A: Yes, both DJs and live music are permitted at Sassafraz. However, there are some volume restrictions and timing considerations that will be reviewed with you.
Q: What is the payment schedule? A: Typically, Sassafraz requires a deposit to secure your date, with additional payments due at specific intervals leading up to your wedding day. The final balance is usually due shortly before the event.
With its iconic little house and romantic interior in the heart of Yorkville, Sassafraz restaurant provides a truly magical wedding venue for couples seeking an intimate and sophisticated celebration.
The blend of modern elegance and warm atmosphere makes it one of the most popular destinations for intimate wedding celebrations in Toronto.
Whether you're planning a formal affair or a more relaxed celebration, the team at Sassafraz will work with you to create a stunning wedding that reflects your personal style and creates memories to last a lifetime. From
the exceptional cuisine to the perfect venue setting, your wedding at Sassafraz will be an unforgettable experience for you and your guests.
Begin your journey to a Sassafraz restaurant wedding by scheduling a tour of this enchanting Yorkville gem and discover why so many couples have chosen to celebrate their love in this special day venue.
