Planning the Perfect Wedding in Peterborough: Top Venues and Entertainment Ideas
Peterborough, Ontario, and its surrounding areas offer some of the most charming and picturesque wedding venues in the region. Whether you're dreaming of a rustic barn wedding or a sophisticated cathedral ceremony, there are venues to suit every couple’s vision. In addition to the stunning backdrops, incorporating unique entertainment options will help make your wedding day unforgettable for you and your guests.
Here’s a guide to some of Peterborough’s best wedding venues and entertainment ideas to help you plan the wedding of your dreams.
1. Rolling Grape Vineyard
For wine lovers, Rolling Grape Vineyard in Bailieboro is a hidden gem just outside Peterborough. This picturesque vineyard offers the perfect setting for a vineyard wedding, with rows of grapevines providing a beautiful natural backdrop. Whether you’re planning an intimate gathering or a larger celebration, Rolling Grape’s stunning grounds and relaxed vibe make it an ideal choice for couples seeking a romantic and scenic venue.
Entertainment Tip: At a vineyard wedding, enhance the guest experience with a champagne wall during cocktail hour. Allow guests to sample the local wines produced on-site, paired with gourmet appetizers. For added fun, include a photobooth where guests can pose and create fun boomerangs! A digital drop-off photobooth is a great option for outdoor weddings, providing up to 14 hours of self-serve fun for guests to enjoy at their leisure.
2. Century Barn Weddings
If you’re looking for a venue with history and character, Century Barn Weddings in Cavan Monaghan is a beautiful option. This century-old barn offers a warm, rustic ambiance, complete with original wood beams and stunning countryside views. The venue’s authentic charm makes it perfect for couples who want a vintage or country-themed wedding.
Entertainment Tip: At a venue like Century Barn, a live band can elevate the rustic atmosphere. A folk or acoustic band can complement the country charm, while a DJ can provide more variety for guests to dance the night away. Pair the music with a photobooth setup to add a modern touch, where guests can capture their own fun moments.
3. Millbrook Cathedral
For couples dreaming of a more elegant and sophisticated wedding, Millbrook Cathedral is a breathtaking venue. Originally built in 1889, this fully restored cathedral offers stunning stained glass windows, vaulted ceilings, and a historic atmosphere that creates a romantic backdrop for any ceremony. The unique blend of old-world charm and modern luxury makes Millbrook Cathedral a one-of-a-kind venue for Peterborough weddings.
Entertainment Tip: A venue as stunning as Millbrook Cathedral deserves equally impressive entertainment. Consider a harpist or classical musicians to enhance the ambiance during the ceremony or cocktail hour. For the reception, surprise your guests with an interactive photobooth that includes a video guestbook feature, allowing friends and family to leave heartfelt video messages that you can cherish for years to come.
4. Farmhill Weddings
Located just outside of Peterborough, Farmhill Weddings offers a beautiful blend of rustic charm and modern amenities. Nestled in the countryside, this venue features a stunning barn that’s perfect for couples seeking a relaxed, rural atmosphere. The spacious grounds and scenic views provide endless photo opportunities, and the venue’s flexible setup allows you to customize your wedding day to suit your style.
Entertainment Tip: Since Farmhill Weddings offers expansive outdoor spaces, consider incorporating interactive entertainment like lawn games for guests during cocktail hour. Games like giant Jenga, cornhole, and croquet can keep guests entertained while the bridal party takes photos. Add a photobooth to the reception area to capture candid moments and provide guests with fun keepsakes.
Unique Entertainment Ideas for Your Peterborough Wedding
Once you’ve chosen the perfect Peterborough wedding venue, it’s time to think about how you’ll entertain your guests and create lasting memories. Here are some fun and engaging entertainment ideas to consider:
1. Photobooths
Photobooths are one of the most popular wedding entertainment options—and for good reason. They offer a fun and interactive experience that guests of all ages can enjoy, and they provide instant keepsakes that guests can take home to remember your special day.
Digital Drop-Off Photobooth: A cost-effective option, the digital drop-off photobooth gives you up to 14 hours of self-serve use, making it a flexible choice for couples who want to provide entertainment throughout the entire event without the need for an attendant. For just $500, you can set it up anywhere at your venue, allowing guests to snap fun photos on their own time.
Traditional Photobooth with Attendant: For couples who prefer a more hands-on approach, having a professional attendant ensures everything runs smoothly and that guests have access to unlimited prints. The added bonus of a video guestbook lets your friends and family leave heartfelt messages that will become cherished memories.
2. Live Music
Live music is a classic wedding entertainment option that can elevate the atmosphere and create unforgettable moments. Whether you opt for a live band or a DJ, music sets the tone for your event. At venues like Rolling Grape Vineyard or Century Barn, a live band can bring a rustic and intimate vibe, while a DJ can keep the party going late into the night with a customized playlist.
3. Interactive Stations
Interactive stations are a great way to keep your guests engaged throughout the day. Consider setting up:
DIY Candy Bar: Allow guests to mix their own signature candy mixes with a variety of ingredients and treats. This interactive experience is not only fun but also gives guests a personalized snack to enjoy.
Lawn Games: For outdoor weddings, offering lawn games like bocce ball, ladder golf, or even a ring toss can be a great way to entertain guests during cocktail hour or after dinner.
Watercolour Artist: A unique form of entertainment, a watercolour artist can create portraits of your guests, providing them with a one-of-a-kind keepsake to take home.
Looking for the Perfect Way to Decorate Your Wedding Day?
If you’re looking to elevate the style and decor of your Peterborough wedding, consider working with Seven Events and Florals, our sister company. Whether you’re envisioning luxurious floral installations, rustic table settings, or elegant ceremony decor, Seven Events and Florals can bring your wedding vision to life. From faux floral rentals to customized decor packages, they provide everything you need to create a stunning backdrop for your big day.
With their expertise in wedding design and attention to detail, Seven Events and Florals ensures that every aspect of your wedding day looks as beautiful as you’ve imagined. Ready to transform your venue into a breathtaking space? Check out Seven Events and Florals for all your wedding decor needs!
Whether you’re planning a rustic barn wedding at Century Barn, a vineyard celebration at Rolling Grape, or an elegant ceremony at Millbrook Cathedral, Peterborough has no shortage of incredible venues and entertainment options. By incorporating unique and interactive entertainment, you’ll ensure your wedding day is one your guests will never forget.
