A few minutes outside the GTA, I stumbled upon what I can only describe as a “secret gem” of a wedding venue: the Carrying Place Golf & Country Club. This member-owned golf club is beautifully maintained, and the clubhouse has a cozy, inviting charm that makes it feel like a hidden retreat. Fun fact: if you look up the address, you’ll find it’s actually on the same property as The Manor (managed by Peter and Paul’s), but it feels completely its own place.

One thing to know is that Carrying Place doesn’t actively advertise weddings—you have to reach out and inquire, and they’re happy to host you. So don’t be thrown off if their Instagram doesn’t have a single wedding post!

A bit of background from my perspective: I not only celebrated my own wedding here in October 2023, but I’ve also photographed and done floral work at Carrying Place multiple times. And let me tell you, it’s one of my absolute favorite venues to work at. This is a 100% honest review from a past bride and vendor—no sponsorships, just my experience.

1. Stunning Grounds and a Cozy Banquet Hall

When I first emailed Frank to inquire about hosting my wedding, he invited us for an in-person tour—and we were instantly smitten. The rolling hills, ample parking, and charming, modern clubhouse felt like the perfect canvas for our day. The banquet hall comfortably seats up to 110 guests (or 80 if you want a bigger dance floor), and the space is clean, minimal, and thoughtfully detailed—even the washrooms had little touches like mouthwash and feminine products.

As a photographer, I immediately spotted endless opportunities for gorgeous photos both indoors and outdoors.

2. Surprisingly Affordable

We got an off-season discount for our October wedding, which was a bonus because fall is a very popular wedding season in Ontario. Here’s what we paid:

• $1,500 venue fee (included on-site ceremony and reception)

• $90 per person for a three-course seated meal

• “Open bar” via pre-purchased drink tickets at $6 each

• +18% gratuity and +13% HST

Compared to other GTA venues, many of which were far less convenient or clean, this felt like a steal. Full open bar would have been $140 per person, which was over our budget—and not all our guests drink. Pre-purchasing drink tickets gave us a flexible, cost-effective solution, and if we ran out, we could buy more (though unused tickets were non-refundable). We purchased 200 tickets for our 80 guests, which worked perfectly.

From talking with other couples married here, summer weddings are slightly higher: $3,500 for the venue and $110 per person for plated meals. Bonus: vendor meals are free!

3. Exceptionally Accommodating

Many venues I’ve worked with feel like “assembly lines”—two or three weddings in a weekend with strict setup and teardown windows. That wasn’t the case at Carrying Place.

Frank allowed us to set up decor the Friday night before, and clean up the Sunday morning after, at no extra charge. Since my flowers were artificial, this meant I could arrive on the day knowing everything was ready—so calming!

We also had access to two spacious locker rooms, one for the bridal party and one for the groomsmen, complete with private washrooms—perfect for prep away from guests.

4. The Most Incredible Staff

Wedding-day staff can make or break an experience, and Carrying Place delivered in spades. Frank and his team had everything ready by Friday afternoon, from tables to linens, making setup a breeze. Dinner service was seamless, and they even joined the dancing Saturday night! All the behind-the-scenes work they did allowed us to fully relax and enjoy our day.

5. Multiple Ceremony Options

I wanted a venue that offered both indoor and outdoor ceremony options. We had our October wedding indoors in the bistro, which was cozy and convenient—no stressful room flips for cocktail hour! I’ve also photographed outdoor ceremonies here, and they are absolutely stunning.

6. Gorgeous Sunset Photos

If the weather cooperates, the golden hour at Carrying Place is magical. The pond, willows, and rolling greens create a picture-perfect backdrop. Pro tip: check the sunset time for your wedding day and schedule a golden hour photo slot—you won’t regret it.

7. The One Minor Con

I usually have a list of cons for venues, but I only had one here. While taking photos on the golf course, a few impatient golfers made me feel slightly rushed. Luckily, we found more intimate photo spots away from the greens, and everything went smoothly.

Overall, Carrying Place Golf & Country Club exceeded my expectations as a bride, photographer, and florist. From the stunning grounds and flexible staff to the affordable pricing and beautiful photo opportunities, it’s a flawless venue for a wedding day full of memories. I would wholeheartedly recommend it to any couple seeking a stress-free, gorgeous wedding experience.