Grayson Mills Weddings and Events

Add one more to the Stratford wedding venues!

After a search for wedding venues near me, I stumbled upon something new! It is rare that I come across a wedding venue that I haven't seen before in my own home town of Stratford Ontario. But here it is! a dream venue wedding location, perfectly suited to an intimate gathering or special events. This rustic space is the perfect setting for a wedding. So grab your friends and let's celebrate what's happening at this new venue, located on this iconic Stratford city centre property. Designed to accommodate from 65-265 event guests, from a ceremony spot, to reception of the whole wedding day, this place is a dream wedding venue come true. The place is so fresh, there aren't a lot of photos yet. But stay tuned, as I'll certainly supply more of those as shoot more weddings here.

Wedding day location:

Not far from the Parlour inn, this wedding venue is conveniently located in the Old Kalbfleisch building, right at the edge of downtown. Walking distance for your guests who are staying anywhere downtown. This really makes your wedding celebration feel like it's in Stratford. In comparison to a venue like The Stratford Country Club, or the Arden Park Hotel or even the Bruce Hotel, having such an elegant venue within steps of downtown helps immerse you in that unique vibes this town has to offer. Your wedding is such a special day, you wanna make sure you find the best location to play host. As event spaces go, this one has the location absolutely nailed.

Dream wedding.

Here is a little I snagged from their facebook page. Exchange vows at the stunning Grayson Mills Weddings and Events venue in Stratford, Ontario! This breathtaking space is like no other; blending a romantic rustic-style with modern trends creating an idyllic setting for you to tie the knot. Nestled in the heart of Stratford, Ontario, this unique venue brings together exquisite elegance and contemporary style to create an elegant destination you won't soon forget! The location reminds me a bit of Revival House, but with some of the Old world charm of Hughson hall bed and breakfast. As wedding venues go, this really does seem to check all the boxes.

Sophisticated venues.

This sophisticated venue is right on the money. With both modern and vintage vibes, is can serve to be both romantic and eclectic. The wedding venue here in Stratford that I'd say comes close to the charm is Revival House. Completely on point to suit my brides these days, this location serves to make incredible wedding photos. Your special occasion has wedding details that serve to make your day unique. You wanna be celebrated by attendees and making your guests feel the vibe of what you're going for, is a big part of it.

Location.

With the wedding venue property located on the south western side of downtown, guests could attend your ceremony, then step out the front door and find them selves smack dab in the city of Stratford Ontario. If you've ever been to a wedding where you hit up that ceremony main event, and then have to burn hours of your time as you wait and try and find something to do in some place and you have no idea what is going on... Yea, many of us have been there. Well, this place kicks ass. Wedding, bam, back to the hotel to grab the card you left in your room, check out the local shops, head over to the gardens and take in all those details our gardeners have been cultivating for a special day such as this. Then you're still located right down town so as soon as the wedding couple is done with photos, you're back at it to the reception.

The Capacity.

Make your event truly unique with Grayson Mills Weddings. Choose between their two awe-inspiring spaces - the Carriage House, featuring raw exposed beams and large windows for a grandiose industrial aesthetic, suitable for gatherings up to 140 guests seated for dining or 200 for a cocktail style reception.; or Lunette Lounge for intimate events up to 65 guests. You can even combine both to accommodate room for 265 guests. I think these numbers are so smart. As my average weddings fall either under that 200 number, or under the 70 number for smaller weddings. If you're looking for something extra special and a little more room then why not step out onto their terrace? It's perfect for couples who want exclusive access to some outdoor space. "All our rooms and wedding packages centre around your special event. We want timeless romance to be the cornerstone of our wedding events and celebrations. Your big day is about family and is supposed to be memorable. From the wedding ceremony to all the little details


The photos.

I mean what's not to love at this place? Apart from Revival house, this Stratford spot has that old world style that so many of my brides crave. Exposed wood and brick, amazing ceiling, and of course, as a photographer I would be remiss if I didn't mention all the wonderful light that floods in from the banks of huge windows. The slightly elevated position above the street is also super cool, so that you can work in a clean background when you need it. Also, at night time, out of focus lights in the distance make for mesmerizing bokeh balls that make me and my client go goo goo gaga.


The food.

Grayson mills catering is by Executive and Red Seal Chef Bob Friesen, of Gormet Chef At Your Table. I've had the pleasure of photographing weddings at multiple venues that Bob has catered. The restaurant like dinners... Delicious. Your taste buds are in for a treat when you book this dreamy venue! A team of red seal top-notch chefs whip up tantalizing dishes from high quality, locally sourced ingredients and seasonal produce. Wedding receptions can differ quite a bit. Whether it’s plated or cocktail dining style that does the trick, guests will be fully taken care of with menus tailor-made to fit each season. They're general manager was also a wedding planner in a previous life, so everything comes out on time, coordinated and fresh, so that you and your wedding guests have the best experience. Of course the fully stocked bar

Special events, not just a wedding venue.

I'm a wedding photographer, as you know. So I can go on and on about wedding venues all day. That said, I realize that your special event or celebration may not be exactly what I've described above. That said, with the proximity to your hotel, the setting for photos, the setup for an event like catering, this spot would also kill it for something like a meeting spot of a birthday.

The staff.

So when I first found about this spot, I reached out to the owners. Wendy and Shawn After a long search for the perfect venue, opportunity knocked when an old Kalbfleisch building (114 Erie St.) presented itself! The Bennewies family couldn't resist and took this unique space by storm. With over 17 years of wedding-planning experience between them, they are ready to give couples their dream day with modern and fresh ideas. Catering was also super important, so bringing on Gourmet Chef At Your Table was a stroke of brilliance as well. Having the catering options in house is super nice, as that can sometimes be a bit of a bottle neck for venues downtown that aren't a hotel or restaurant.








Day of coordinator.

When you first reach out for contact, you're gonna meet Jenny, she's a fun and bubbly personality that also has a bit of an edge to her. She loves to dance and sing in the shower. You'll find her sipping back some caffeine, caffeine and a bit more caffeine. She will occasionally dilute it with a bit of water, to keep things healthy. That's where it ends though, as she's not a lover of chocolate. But we choose to look past that. She's stylish, and at home rocking a jumpsuit before a dress, so that she have have those always important pockets. Apart from that, she's a flower lover. Which I love, because maybe she can put those boutonnieres on the guys, lol. Everyone looks to me as a photographer to affix those things. I'll do all kinds of stuff on the wedding day, but that's the one job I just don't feel called to. :P