You might think that June, July, or August is the most popular month to get married in Canada. But it’s actually September, and October isn’t far behind. It makes sense. Autumn’s just right temperatures and fall foliage provide the picture-perfect backdrop for a wedding to remember. And here in Hastings County, where those colours are part of what puts us on the map, some wedding venue operators say they’re often busiest in the fall. In other words, book early if you’re looking to tie the knot in September or October here. If you need some help choosing, keep reading. From a modern barn on over 15 acres to a new event centre at a race track, these venues are ideal for a fall wedding in Hastings County.
The Meadows – Stirling
Found in the idyllic rolling hills near Stirling, The Meadows is one of those venues that books up fast — and for good reason. “We’re a one-stop shop for a stunning fall wedding with over 15 acres of meadow and forest for photos, four ceremony areas to choose from, outdoor patios with fire pits, delicious catering, and a beautifully decorated barn,” says owner Kori Lekun. With room for up to 150 guests and lots of options for smaller ceremonies, this family operated venue is the place for that romantic and cozy rural wedding surrounded by all those fall colours. In 2023, look out for a new bridal suite and pool.
195 Smith Road, Stirling
Footprints Resort – Harcourt
A private lake, a forested backdrop, and rooms, villas, and cabins for up to 56 people. What more do you need for an autumn destination wedding? Footprints is located about 20 minutes west of Bancroft, and the entire boutique resort is available to book for your exclusive use. That includes the lounge with full kitchen, the cabana with bar area, and the dome for your reception. And then there’s the sprawling deck with the lake in the background, the long dock, and the lawn overlooking the water — all of which would be perfect ceremony locations. As Footprints’ owners like to say, expect “more of a weekend celebration than a conventional wedding.”
2844 South Baptiste Lake Road, Harcourt
Tyendinaga Cavern and Caves – Tyendinaga Township
That’s right. Ontario’s largest cavern isn’t just for spelunkers anymore. You can now book the entire site for elopements and tiny weddings, too. This is probably the most unique wedding venue in Hastings County, but it’s also safe and practical with smooth concrete floors, stone staircases, handrails, and ambient lighting. Think of it is as an underground cathedral with amazing acoustics and a simple but dreamy setup with an earthy colour palette and natural elements. Wedding packages can include photography, bridal bouquets, grazing platters, elevated picnic setups, non-alcoholic drinks, lawn games, a sound system, and live music.
2623 Harmony Road, Belleville
O’Hara Mill Homestead – Madoc
This is another unique wedding venue, particularly for history buffs who have a love of nature. Known for having one of the most well-preserved 19th-century homesteads in Ontario, the O’Hara property features a number of rustic buildings, including a schoolhouse, a blacksmith shop, a carriage house, a covered bridge, and a sawmill. All of them are situated on a sprawling conservation area with trails that wind through mature forests, across babbling creeks, around marshes, and past old stone fences. However you choose to use the property, you’ll work one-on-one with an O’Hara volunteer to make sure all of your needs are taken care of.
638 Mill Road, Madoc
Shannonville Motorsport Park – Shannonville
Shannonville Motorsport Park – Photo Source: Shannoville Motorsport Park
Calling all racing couples: you can now host your wedding at Hastings County’s premier racetrack. This summer, Shannonville Motorsport Park opened its much-anticipated state-of-the-art event centre. Boasting 4,000 square feet of space on one level and capacity for 150 people, the new complex is ideal for both big and small weddings. For a wedding to truly remember, try booking it on race day. The park features a multi-configurable road course plus a drag strip and skip pad where a variety of motorcycle and car racing competitions happen throughout the year. Or better yet, go for a wedding during a Mix and Match event, where you can lap your own car and test your ultimate speed on the drag strip.
7047 Old Highway 2, Shannonville
