Couples getting married in Canada have the opportunity to combine those categories, since vineyards throughout the country can be booked as wedding venues. At a destination winery wedding, couples and guests can explore another province as well as appreciate the venue itself. Since COVID-19 has complicated international travel, a romantic-yet- unusual domestic destination is especially appealing.
incorporate their preferred sightseeing destinations into the trip. But if your guest list is short—or if lots of guests live in Western Canada already—the Okanagan might be an ideal choice. Approach your planning for an out- of-province vineyard wedding as you would for an international “destination wedding.” Try to choose a winery in an appealing, accessible location that’ll intrigue guests—for instance, one of
If you’d like to plan a destination winery wedding, start by choosing a region. Consider your family and friends’ locations; if you have an especially long guest list comprised mostly of Islanders, a Nova Scotia or New Brunswick winery that’s easy to reach by car may be most convenient. (A Maritime winery is also a good choice for couples who want to ensure they can visit their venue easily in advance.) Meanwhile, Ontario and Quebec vineyards are great for couples inviting guests and wedding party members from across Canada. A Central Canadian venue ensures that no one will need to fly coast-to-coast. From PEI, the most remote Canadian wine destination is British Columbia’s Okanagan. Hosting a large wedding in the Okanagan might be challenging— both because of the long flight from the Maritimes, and because the region is some distance from Vancouver and Victoria, making it tougher for guests to
the many Ontario vineyards situated near Niagara Falls.
Many wineries share similar interior aesthetics—natural materials like wood and stone are common—but otherwise venue details vary widely from place to place. Acceptable group size is difficult to predict, as are the accommodations and resources available. This article doesn’t delve into specific regions’ wine styles or individual wineries’ products. That’s by design— it’s more practical to create your shortlist based on size, location, accessibility and availability than by sampling and evaluating a dozen vineyards’ wines. Once you’ve chosen a venue shortlist, though, factor in your wine preferences as early as you can. When it comes to choosing between two stunning destination venues, an exquisite sparkling wine may be the tiebreaker!
When it comes to choosing between two stunning destination venues, an exquisite sparkling wine may be the tiebreaker!
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