GUILD INN ESTATE

Have you been to the new Guild Inn Estate yet?  Thanks to their new restoration and renovation, you can have your entire special day all in one place. The open concept and high ceilings at this venue give an elegant feel. Not to mention it’s floor to ceiling windows offer gorgeous natural lighting which is ideal for photography.

The venue offers an elegant wood and stone combination with sharp geometric design. This combination provides a modern aesthetic with a rustic feel. So if you’ve not gone to the Guild Inn yet, you’re missing out on some great sights.

It is one of the most popular wedding venues in Scarborough. It also happens to be only ten minutes from where I live and one of my favorites to shoot at.

GUILD PARK AND GARDENS

Best of all, there is a one-of-a-kind park named Guild Park, located directly behind the venue. This park is the dream location for any photos. Not just weddings but engagements, maternities, and family photos as well. The Guild Park grounds are huge. Even during the off-season, the historical outdoor museum works as a beautiful backdrop. The permits are a bit steep, but honestly are worth every penny.

If you’re interested in having your ceremony or portrait session at the gardens behind Guild Inn Estate, call the City of Toronto at 416-392-8188. The gardens are not part of Guild Inn Estate so the venue can not include the permit fee in their contract. The prices listed below are accurate at the time of writing this post. For a more up to date price list on this permit as well as others in the Toronto area, check out their website. Photo Permit $358.40 per 2 hour Ceremony Permit $192.01 per hour

HISTORY OF GUILD INN ESTATE

Guild Park and Gardens is a public park in Scarborough. The park was formerly the site of an artist colony. It is notable for its collection of saved building relics. These buildings are primarily from downtown Toronto and arranged as ancient ruins. The story of the Guild Inn Estate begins in 1932, at the height of the depression. Rosa Breithaupt Hewetson, a wealthy young businesswoman, purchased the property. She later married Herbert Spencer Clark. The plan was to transform their summer home into a space for artists and craftsmen.

Later, Spencer became involved with preserving Toronto’s architectural heritage. So when the city demolished historical buildings, he would save architectural fragments and have them re-erected at the Guild Inn Estate. The Metropolitan Toronto Council acquires the property in 1978 when the couple passed. After decades of neglect, the City of Toronto entered into an agreement with Dynamic Hospitality & Entertainment Group. So the brand new venue opened in 2017 as a wedding and special event space.

THE VENUE

The Guild Inn Estate is a hidden gem on the waterfront. The property overlooks Lake Ontario surrounded by 88 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds. This spectacular multi-venue complex features several spaces that can be used individually or combined. The venue features outdoor terraces, state of the art audio/visual technology, and a gazebo. Their indoor space is neutral, but it can transform into anything you wish. So whatever your theme or background, you have a blank canvas to work off.

As one of Toronto’s most photogenic wedding venues, it offers couples a one-stop-shop destination to host their ceremony, wedding day photos, and reception all in one location. With stunning backdrops at every corner, the Guild Inn Estate is the perfect fit for couples seeking an Instagram-worthy setting for their wedding.

FACILITIES AND CAPASITY

Whether a bridal party for 80 friends or a wedding reception for 400 guests, this venue has several event spaces that can accommodate a whopping 1,000 guests for a sit-down dinner. It offers multiple event spaces that can adjust to suit large and small weddings alike. The Guild Inn Estate does offer a beautiful outdoor ceremony space under their Gazebo. It’s an outdoor space with a full shaded covering to keep guests comfortable during hot summer days.

HOW TO BOOK THE GUILD INN ESTATE

There are so many wonderful locations to photograph wedding portraits at this venue. For more information about wedding photography at the Guild Inn Estate, send an inquiry. More information about the venue’s wedding packages is available on their website. If you’re interested in using the Guild Inn Estate strictly for portraits, fill out their photo permit and email it to the City of Toronto Parks and Recreational Office

INQUIRE FOR MORE INFO

SEE MORE PHOTOS

LOCATION/DIRECTIONS

201 Guildwood Pkwy

Scarborough, ON M1E1P5

Being so close to Lake Ontario, the Guild Inn Estate is not really connected to any highway. So if you’re coming from the East end, take the Kingston Road exit until you hit Guildwood Parkway. Turn left on Guildwood Parkway (heading south). And the Guild Inn Estate is on your right side. If you’re coming from Toronto, you’ll be taking the DVP and exiting Eglinton Avenue heading east which will eventually connect you to Kingston Road. And if you’re coming from the 401, the Markham exit going south will connect you to Kingston Road as well.

OFFICE HOURS

Monday – Saturday: 9:30 am – 5:30 pm (*Open till 9:00 pm on Wednesday)

Sunday: Closed

PARKING

There is ample free parking available at the Guild Inn Estate. If you’re looking for a nearby hotel to spend the night, the Super 8 by Wyndham Toronto East is only 5min away. There is also an assortment of discount motels along Kingston Road as well.