Whitby Weddings: Top Venues and Entertainment Ideas to Make Your Day Unforgettable
Whitby, Ontario, is home to a variety of stunning wedding venues, offering both rustic charm and modern elegance. Whether you're envisioning a grand celebration or an intimate gathering, Whitby has something for every couple's dream wedding. Paired with creative entertainment options, you can ensure your big day is memorable for both you and your guests.
Here's a guide to some of Whitby’s best wedding venues and entertainment ideas to help you plan the perfect celebration.
1. Royal Ashburn Golf Club
The Royal Ashburn Golf Club is one of the most popular wedding venues in Whitby, known for its elegant ballroom, lush golf course views, and top-notch service. Surrounded by picturesque scenery, this venue is ideal for couples looking for both indoor and outdoor ceremony options. The breathtaking gardens and beautiful banquet hall make Royal Ashburn a top choice for couples who want to combine elegance with a natural setting.
Entertainment Tip: With Royal Ashburn’s expansive grounds, outdoor entertainment options are endless. Consider setting up a photo booth where guests can take fun pictures with the golf course as their backdrop. This venue also provides an excellent space for a live band or DJ, ensuring the party atmosphere stays strong throughout the night.
2. Events on 12welve
If you’re seeking a contemporary venue with a chic, industrial feel, Events on 12welve is a unique option located in downtown Whitby. This trendy space offers modern design elements like exposed brick, polished concrete floors, and large windows that provide plenty of natural light. It’s perfect for couples who want a stylish, urban wedding with a more intimate atmosphere.
Entertainment Tip: With its modern vibe, photo booths and interactive entertainment pair perfectly with Events on 12welve’s aesthetic. A digital drop-off photobooth allows guests to enjoy hours of self-serve fun, capturing memories at their own pace throughout the event. You can also opt for a charcuterie board station where guests can create their own personalized cheese and meat platters, adding a touch of gourmet fun to your reception.
3. Centennial Building
For a wedding venue that combines history with grandeur, look no further than Whitby’s Centennial Building. This historic landmark dates back to the 19th century and offers a stunning backdrop with its classic architecture and elegant ballrooms. If you’re planning a large wedding, the Centennial Building’s spacious halls and high ceilings provide plenty of room for dining, dancing, and celebrating.
Entertainment Tip: The stately ambiance of the Centennial Building calls for equally elegant entertainment. Consider a string quartet or a live jazz band to set the mood for your cocktail hour or dinner. Later in the evening, switch things up with a photo booth featuring a video guestbook, allowing your guests to leave heartfelt messages as part of their well-wishes. This classic yet fun addition fits seamlessly with the Centennial Building's timeless appeal.
4. The Vintage Loft
For couples planning an intimate wedding, The Vintage Loft in Whitby is the perfect venue for a smaller, more personal celebration. This charming loft venue is ideal for weddings with up to 60 guests, offering a cozy and inviting atmosphere. With its rustic, vintage décor and warm ambiance, The Vintage Loft provides a beautiful setting for couples looking for a more relaxed and intimate experience.
Entertainment Tip: At a smaller venue like The Vintage Loft, entertainment can be more personalized and interactive. A self-serve photobooth is a fantastic option that allows guests to capture candid moments in a casual and fun way. For a venue with vintage charm, you might also consider hiring an acoustic musician or duo to provide soft, live background music during your ceremony and reception.
5. The W. Galen Weston Centre for Food
Located on the Durham College campus, the W. Galen Weston Centre for Food offers a unique wedding venue for couples who want a farm-to-table dining experience. This venue specializes in locally sourced and sustainable cuisine, making it an excellent choice for food-conscious couples. With both indoor and outdoor spaces available, the Centre for Food provides a blend of modern sophistication and natural beauty.
Entertainment Tip: The W. Galen Weston Centre for Food is perfect for couples looking to incorporate unique and upscale entertainment. Since the venue focuses on culinary experiences, consider creating an interactive food or dessert station where guests can build their own gourmet dishes. Additionally, a video guestbook could be a meaningful touch, allowing friends and family to leave messages while enjoying the exquisite dining experience.
Entertainment Ideas to Elevate Your Whitby Wedding
Once you’ve chosen the perfect venue, it’s time to think about how to entertain your guests and make your wedding a one-of-a-kind celebration. Here are some entertainment ideas that work well with Whitby’s top wedding venues:
1. Photobooths
No matter the venue, a photobooth is always a crowd-pleaser. They provide guests with a fun, interactive experience and give them something to take home as a memento of your special day.
Digital Drop-Off Photobooth: This self-serve option is perfect for couples looking for a budget-friendly yet fun entertainment solution. For just $500, you get up to 14 hours of photobooth use, allowing guests to snap pictures whenever they want throughout the event.
Traditional Photobooth with Attendant: If you prefer a more hands-on experience, a staffed photobooth can come with unlimited prints and ensure your guests have assistance with the props, setup, and photo process. The added bonus of a video guestbook feature lets guests leave messages in a unique and heartfelt way.
2. Live Music
Live music can set the tone for your wedding, whether it’s a string quartet during the ceremony, a jazz band during cocktail hour, or a DJ to keep the dance floor packed all night long. Royal Ashburn and the Centennial Building are excellent venues for live bands, while smaller spaces like The Vintage Loft are perfect for acoustic sets.
3. Interactive Food and Drink Stations
At a venue like The W. Galen Weston Centre for Food, an interactive culinary station—such as a DIY cocktail or dessert bar—adds a personalized touch that your guests will love. This hands-on entertainment option allows them to create their own dishes or drinks while mingling with friends and family.
4. Lawn Games
If your venue offers outdoor space, consider setting up lawn games like cornhole, giant Jenga, or bocce ball to keep guests entertained during cocktail hour. Venues like Royal Ashburn Golf Club and The W. Galen Weston Centre for Food are ideal for outdoor activities that add a touch of fun and relaxation.
Looking for the Perfect Way to Decorate Your Wedding Day?
If you’re looking for a way to elevate the style and decor of your Whitby wedding, check out Seven Events and Florals, our sister company. Specializing in luxurious faux floral rentals and custom decor, Seven Events and Florals can help bring your wedding vision to life. Whether you're looking for elegant ceremony arches, stylish table settings, or breathtaking floral arrangements, they have everything you need to transform your wedding venue into something unforgettable.
For couples who want stunning, stress-free decor that suits any theme, Seven Events and Florals is here to help you create the perfect atmosphere for your big day. Visit them to explore their wide range of faux floral options and custom packages designed to fit every wedding style.
Whether you’re planning a grand event at Royal Ashburn Golf Club, an intimate celebration at The Vintage Loft, or a culinary-focused reception at The W. Galen Weston Centre for Food, Whitby offers a variety of beautiful wedding venues that suit every couple’s taste. By pairing your venue with unique entertainment ideas like photobooths, live music, and interactive stations, you’ll ensure your wedding is an unforgettable experience for both you and your guests.
