BLACK CREEK PIONEER VILLAGE

If you’re planning your wedding, you may find yourself in the venue rut where every location starts to look the same. It seems every venue your fiancé and you consider reminds you of a wedding you just attended. That to me is the key feature behind this particular venue. It’s not your everyday wedding venue.

If you’re on a mission to find something as unique as you are, there’s nothing like it. There are a number of venues throughout the city that offer something a little different in their own way, but this one offers a truly unique experience. So while there are a number of factors to consider when choosing your final venue, here’s why Black Creek Pioneer Village scores perfectly in the wedding photography category.

TRAVEL BACK IN TIME

While most of my Featured Venues include a bit of venue history, Black Creek Pioneer Village takes it to a whole new level. Because you escape the modern world when you visit here. This venue is a re-created 1860’s Ontario country village. In fact, it brings together a charming historical setting and an environmentally sustainable venue all in one location.

But don’t think the rustic roots make this venue old. Its state-of-the-art meeting and event spaces can accommodate up to 200 people or as many as 2,000 people outdoors. At this venue, you’ll experience the old history and traditions during your portrait walk around. As well as that, every corner is a photo opportunity of historical significance.

DON’T GET LOST

You can’t explore Black Creek Pioneer Village the same way you would most portrait sites. It is an authentic recreation of a mid-19th century rural Ontario community. So you won’t find a lot of information signs, or location maps. Instead, you’ll find interpreters and tradespeople in period-appropriate clothes. After all, when was the last time you asked a woman churning butter for directions to the Cider Mill? It is definitely an experience.

For this reason, having a photographer who is familiar with the grounds is essential. The village features 40 heritage buildings connected by winding roads. There are hundreds of photographers out there who can document your wedding. But it is nice to have one who won’t get you lost when you head off the beaten trail.

For most of your guests, a horse-drawn wagon will take them to the appropriate ceremony/reception spots. However, you’ll still need a plan for your bridal party once you finish with portraits.

CEREMONY

The venue offers four ceremony locations that can host anywhere from 90 to 180 guests. Here’s a descriptive breakdown of each location so you can make the best decision.

Fisherville Church accommodates 120 people. This is perfect if you want a cozy chapel feel. It’s not your traditional church. So there’s no center aisle for you to walk down. Instead, you’ll have two aisles. So the bridesmaids and groomsmen can get separate ones. There are no photos or religious symbols, so feel free to decorate any way you wish. It’s also a bit of a tight squeeze so handle those wedding dresses with care.

Victoria Green accommodates 180 people. It’s a large open meadow located across the Grand Pavilion. This location offers tall trees lining right behind your alter. This provides some nice shade for sunny afternoon weddings.

Town Hall Green is outdoors and accommodates 180 people, while Town Hall is an indoor space that can handle 90. Because they share a similar area, I don’t believe they ever have events happening simultaneously. Or at least I’ve never seen it happen in the years I’ve photographed weddings there. Personally, I’d recommend the Town Hall Green if the weather holds out.

RECEPTION AT BLACK CREEK PIONEER VILLAGE

The venue also offers four reception spaces to accommodate all your festivities afterward.

• Grand Pavilion (180 Guests)
• Canada West (130 Guests)
• The Patio (150 Guests)
• Victoria (90 Guests)

BLACK CREEK PIONEER VILLAGE PHOTO SPOTS

Anywhere you turn, you will see gorgeous backdrops for your wedding pictures. So give yourself plenty of time. One of my favorite photo spots is right outside the Halfway House. Obviously it doesn’t really have a wedding theme. But, this rustic building that has some serious white picket fence vibes.

Alternatively, Taylor’s Cooperage building is the complete opposite. This building has beautifully aged wood with rustic barrels to match. Its textured walls are a great backdrop for wedding portraits and well-shaded on hot summer days.

If you love rich colors as much as I do, definitely check out the Harness Shop and Saddler for burnt reds.

Or if you’re more mellow yellow, the Flynn House is a great option as well.

If you have large bridal parties and are looking for unique areas to display them, I’ve always liked Robin’s Mill or the Tinsmith Shop. These buildings offer stairs and ramps to pile on larger groups. So you can include everyone in your wedding photos.

BLACK CREEK PIONEER VILLAGE PHOTO PERMITS 

If you are tying the knot at this venue, you won’t need a photo permit. In fact, it’s already in your contract. However, for couples who only want to do their photoshoot here, a permit is required. They do sell up to five simultaneous photo permits. Yet, due to the size of the complex, you might not ever actually see another bridal party.

The permits are $300 plus tax. You can book your permit directly off their website. These permits include admission for up to 20 people during the hours of operation.

If you are doing any portraits here, please adhere to the following rules.

• Permits are not refundable.
• No indoor photography.
• Pyrotechnic (smoke bombs, sparklers, exc.) are not allowed
• No drones

HOW TO BOOK BLACK CREEK PIONEER VILLAGE

There are so many wonderful locations to photograph wedding portraits at this venue. For more information about wedding photography at the Black Creek Pioneer Village, send an inquiry. More information about the venue’s wedding packages is available on their website.

INQUIRE FOR MORE INFO

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LOCATION/DIRECTIONS

1000 Murray Ross Pkwy

North York, ON M3J2P3

If coming by car, take Highway 400. Take the Steeles Avenue exit heading East. You’ll be making a right on Murray Ross Parkway. And Black Creek Pioneer Village will be on your right side.

HOURS OF OPERATION

Monday – Friday 10 am – 4 pm

Saturday and Sunday 11 am – 5 pm

They are closed to the public from January to April. However, you can still book your winter wedding here during this time.

PARKING

The venue offers free parking for guests and vendors. It’s also conveniently located near Pearson International Airport that’s only 15min away via toll route. A list of nearby hotels is included below.

Staybridge Suites Toronto – 3600 Steeles Ave W, Vaughan

Comfort Inn Toronto North – 66 Norfinch Dr, North York

Best Western Plus Toronto – 50 Norfinch Dr, Toronto