hamilton

Steeltown Romance : 10 of Hamilton's best wedding venues /  by Saharsh Cherian

Planning a wedding in Hamilton? With a rich blend of lush natural beauty, historic architecture, and modern charm, Hamilton offers some incredible wedding venues. As a wedding photographer in this area, I’ve had the pleasure of capturing special moments at some of the best locations. Here’s a curated list of the top 10 wedding venues in Hamilton, Ontario, perfect for couples looking for a memorable setting for their big day.

1. Liuna Station

Located in the heart of downtown Hamilton, Liuna Station is a former train station transformed into a luxurious event space. Its grand architecture, high ceilings, and elegant chandeliers add a unique historical charm, making it ideal for classic or vintage-themed weddings. The iconic clock over the ceremony space, the grand pillars by the front entrance, and the charming courtyard are all great photo spots. Plus, the main ballroom and outdoor terrace offer great versatility for both ceremonies and receptions. You can see a blog post of Conrad & Christina’s Liuna Station wedding here.

Ideal For: Grand, elegant weddings

Notable Features: Historic architecture, expansive ballroom, outdoor terrace

2. The Lakeview by Carmen’s

For couples dreaming of a waterfront wedding, The Lakeview offers breathtaking views of Lake Ontario and a charming lighthouse backdrop. This venue is perfect in the fall when the surrounding trees burst into autumn colors. The ambiance is warm and intimate, and it’s a fantastic choice for those who want a cozy yet scenic setting. You can see more of Julia & Rodrigo’s wonderful wedding at the lakeview here.

Ideal For: Waterfront, intimate gatherings

Notable Features: Stunning lake views, lighthouse backdrop, fall foliage, rocky beach, sandy beach

3. Royal Botanical Gardens (RBG)

The RBG is a top choice for nature lovers. With multiple gardens, including the Mediterranean Garden and Rock Garden, it offers a stunning floral and natural setting that changes beautifully with each season. This venue offers plenty of photo opportunities, from romantic garden shots to grand landscapes.

Ideal For: Outdoor, garden weddings

Notable Features: Seasonal gardens, on-site ceremony and reception spaces

4. The Cotton Factory

An industrial-chic venue with exposed brick walls and large windows, The Cotton Factory provides a unique and artistic backdrop for weddings. It’s a popular choice for couples who love a rustic yet modern aesthetic. The Cotton Factory also has several spaces to choose from, making it ideal for small and large gatherings alike.

Ideal For: Industrial, modern weddings

Notable Features: Exposed brick, large industrial windows, versatile spaces

5. Carmen’s Banquet Centre

Carmen’s Banquet Centre is known for its lavish ballrooms, grand chandeliers, and elegant décor. This venue is perfect for large gatherings and can be customized to fit various themes, from classic and romantic to more contemporary styles. The staff at Carmen’s is known for their professionalism and attention to detail, ensuring a smooth wedding day.

Ideal For: Classic, large weddings

Notable Features: Grand ballroom, customizable décor, professional staff

6. The Ancaster Mill

This charming, rustic venue is located in a historic stone mill beside a picturesque waterfall. The Ancaster Mill has a cozy, intimate feel with beautiful natural surroundings. The scenic outdoor ceremony space overlooks a forested area, while the indoor chapel is stunning in its own right. The indoor reception spaces are equally charming with wooden beams and vintage details. There are so many nooks and crannies for photos or just for the couple to have some alone time at the Ancaster Mill, and the staff there are exceptionally good at guiding you around.

Ideal For: Rustic, intimate weddings

Notable Features: Waterfall, scenic views, historic mill

7. Dundurn Castle

For a truly grand and unique wedding experience, Dundurn Castle offers a beautiful historical setting. This 19th-century castle with its stunning architecture and surrounding gardens is a fantastic spot for wedding photos and gives couples a chance to feel like royalty on their big day. Beautiful in the autumn, summer, winter, or spring; Dundurn Castle is another venue with history and so many pockets for great pictures.

Ideal For: Elegant, historical weddings

Notable Features: 19th-century castle architecture, garden areas

8. Winona Vine Estates

Set amid beautiful vineyards, Winona Vine Estates offers a romantic, vineyard-inspired venue that’s both unique and scenic. This venue is perfect for summer weddings with an outdoor ceremony space and a charming reception hall. The vineyard setting is ideal for those looking for a wine-country feel close to Hamilton. See more of Bianca & Steven’s wedding at Winona Vine Estates here.

Ideal For: Vineyard, summer weddings

Notable Features: Vineyard setting, scenic outdoor and indoor spaces

9. Waterfront Banquet & Conference Centre

With panoramic views of Lake Ontario, the Waterfront Banquet & Conference Centre provides a stunning lakeside setting for weddings. The spacious ballrooms can accommodate large guest lists, and the nearby pier offers a great spot for waterfront wedding photos.

Ideal For: Large, waterfront weddings

Notable Features: Lake Ontario views, spacious ballrooms, nearby pier for photos

10. Backyard Wedding in Hamilton: A Personal Venue Option

While there are still so many wonderful venues in the steel city, for couples looking to create an intimate, personalized wedding experience, a backyard wedding can be the perfect solution. I have done over 15 backyard weddings in Hamilton with headcounts from 5 to 55. With its cozy, relaxed ambiance, a backyard wedding offers couples full creative control, allowing for personalized décor, layout, and vibe that truly reflects their personalities. The backyard space provides a blank canvas, with options for string lights, floral arrangements, and more, creating a charming, romantic setting right in the heart of Hamilton. Have a look at Yoni & Rivky’s backyard nuptials here.

Ideal For: Intimate, personalized weddings

Notable Features: Customizable space, family-friendly, cozy and familiar ambiance, no time constraints

Whether you're looking for a grand historical venue, a scenic outdoor garden, a chic industrial space, or your own backyard, Hamilton has something for every couple’s style. These venues offer versatile and picturesque backdrops that make them a dream to photograph, ensuring your wedding day is as beautiful as it is memorable.

Planning your Hamilton wedding? Feel free to reach out for photography tips or to chat about how we can capture every beautiful detail of your special day.

A Magical Backyard Jewish Wedding: Rivky & Yoni’s Special Day in Hamilton, Ontario /  by Saharsh Cherian

While I’m sure Rivky and Yoni had a beautiful ceremony arranged at their local synagogue, what their families managed to pull together due to necessity was nothing short of gorgeous. Six homes took down their fences and opened up their backyards so that everyone could gather and celebrate the union of the couple while being socially distant.

This intimate celebration was steeped in Jewish traditions, set in the warm and welcoming atmosphere of a family home. Every moment was filled with meaning, love, and joy, making it an unforgettable day for all involved.

A Backyard Wedding Full of Jewish Rituals

Rivky and Yoni’s wedding was a beautiful blend of tradition and modernity. The couple opted for a backyard wedding, creating an intimate and personal setting where family and friends gathered to witness their love. Despite the more casual setting, the day was filled with the rich and timeless rituals that define a traditional Jewish wedding.

The Signing of the Ketubah

Before the ceremony began, Rivky and Yoni signed their Ketubah, the traditional Jewish marriage contract. This document, rich in meaning and history, symbolizes the couple’s commitment to each other. The signing took place in a quiet, intimate space, with close family and friends gathered around. It was a deeply emotional moment, and we captured the joy and anticipation on their faces.

The Chuppah Ceremony

The Chuppah—the symbolic canopy representing the couple's future home—was set up in the backyard, with soft, flowing fabrics and beautiful floral arrangements that perfectly complemented the natural surroundings. As Yoni waited beneath the Chuppah, Rivky was escorted down the aisle by her parents, a touching moment of tradition and family connection.

Under the Chuppah, the Rabbi led the couple through the traditional Jewish wedding rituals, including the recitation of blessings and the sharing of wine. The Sheva Brachot (seven blessings) were spoken, and we made sure to capture the looks of love and reverence as Rivky and Yoni listened and participated in these ancient customs.

Breaking of the Glass

One of the most iconic moments of a Jewish wedding is the breaking of the glass, symbolizing the fragility of life and the importance of being mindful of our actions. As Yoni stomped on the glass, the guests erupted into cheers of "Mazel Tov!"—a moment of pure joy that we captured from every angle.

A Reception Filled with Love and Joy

After the ceremony, the backyard was transformed into a festive space for the reception. The tables were adorned with simple yet elegant décor, perfectly matching the relaxed yet refined vibe of the day. As the sun set, the space glowed with warm string lights, creating an enchanting atmosphere for an evening of celebration.

One of the highlights of the reception was the Hora, the traditional Jewish dance. Rivky and Yoni were lifted into the air on chairs as their family and friends danced around them in joyful circles. The laughter and excitement were contagious, and we made sure to capture the energy of the moment with dynamic, candid shots.

Capturing Every Special Moment

At Pixelesque Photography, we take pride in capturing every special moment of your wedding day, from the quiet, emotional moments to the lively celebrations. Rivky and Yoni’s wedding was filled with love, tradition, and joy, and we are so grateful to have been a part of it.

If you’re planning a wedding in Hamilton, Ontario, or the surrounding areas like Toronto, Niagara, or Burlington, and are looking for a photographer to capture your special day, don’t hesitate to contact us at Pixelesque Photography. Whether it’s a backyard wedding or a grand celebration, we’ll be there to capture every meaningful moment.

Mazel Tov, Rivky and Yoni!