The top 15 small wedding venues in Toronto

Small wedding venues in Toronto will help you host the perfect intimate event. Fortunately,

Toronto has no shortage of event venues; unfortunately, if you put sorting through them all on top of the usual stress of planning a wedding you're half way down the road to crazy. Though many large spaces can be used for smaller events, these locations are a diverse collection ideal for close-knit gatherings of 100 guests or less.

Here are my picks for the top venues for a small wedding in Toronto.

See also: The top 30 large wedding venues in Toronto

The Gooderham Lounge at Airship 37

Exposed brick, an expansive bar, vintage signage and elaborate chandeliers are all decorative features in this trendy space. This is just one space of two available, but is prime for a smaller gathering of 70 seated individuals or 150 for cocktails. Catering is by Berkeley Catering and you're provided a list of preferred partners for all the services you would require. The rental fee for the space is $1500 and you will need to add security and all suppliers.

The Market Kitchen in St. Lawrence Market

The Market Kitchen is perfect for the most intimate of ceremonies. Located above Paddington's Pump and Churrasco of St. Lawrence, the space is equipped with a state-of-the-art kitchen furnished by Miele. The best benefit? Being able to bring in any caterer and your own booze. Capacity is 60 for a sit-down dinner and 100 for a cocktail party. Rental fees range from $500 to $1,200 depending on the date and time. Fees include furniture, use of A/V and some dishes and cooking equipment, but not insurance, which you will have to purchase yourself.

Miller Lash House

This Scarborough venue owned by the University of Toronto is as versatile as it is beautiful. If you're looking for an intimate affair the indoor reception is your best bet. The beautiful building features high arched ceilings, wooden trim, fireplaces and antique furnishings. The space allows for comfortable seating of 50 with a cocktail reception limit of 100 guests. The room rental rate starts at $4,130; if you'd like to host your ceremony outdoors at the same location there is a rental fee of $1,995.

George Brown House

This beautifully maintained historic home is perfect for the classic and traditional couple looking to host an intimate affair - the residence can host parties of 50 guests or less. The space was restored in the late 80s and features a fireplace and marble mantles inside, and a Victorian-inspired garden outdoors. Open to external caterers, it's a great option for foodies. The venue is also wheelchair accessible. Rental fees vary greatly depending on how much of the space is required as well as day of the week. Fees run anywhere from $435 to $1750.

Gallery Grill at Hart House

Located in the heart of the University of Toronto campus, the Gallery Grill at Hart House can accommodate 72 seated guests. The space is long and narrow with high ceilings, large windows and warm hardwood floors. Those looking to rent the space work with Chef Suzanne Baby to create a menu that is unique to their event while selecting wines from a list of Ontario favourites. The space is available Saturdays and Sundays, September to June.

Arts and Letters Club

The Tudor-style Great Hall featuring a fireplace, cathedral ceilings and stained glass windows set the mood for a romantic and intimate gathering. Accommodating 100 guests with a dance floor, the dark hardwood floors and open area are a great space for those looking for a cozy feel. Ceremonies can be performed onsite, and the club Chef provides onsite catering. Rental fees for the space start at $1,000 per time period (noon to 5pm; 5pm to midnight), with extra time being offered at $100 per hour. All service fees and rentals are extra.

The Bram & Bluma Appel Salon at the Toronto Reference Library

Do you enjoy reading? Is your love the stuff of great novels? Then this is where you want to be. The Salon is located in the Toronto Reference Library on Yonge - home to thousands of novels and collections. The space includes an outdoor terrace, allows outside and kosher catering and has a capacity that seats up to 100 guests comfortably. Fees range from $2,500 to $3,100, depending on the season, for packages including security, washroom and kitchen access, bar service, event coordinators and access to tables and chairs.

Campbell House

Built in 1822, this heritage space is right in the downtown core and has several spaces that can be used for private events including the Ballroom for receptions of 80 or the Dining Room, which can host a sit-down dinner for 40. In addition to the well-maintained interior of the home, you have access to the perfectly groomed gardens. Catering is available on-site through À la Carte Kitchen. The rental fee starts around $800 and increases based on venue requirements and party size.

Toronto Wedding Chapel

Just as the name suggests, this midtown destination specializes in intimate weddings. Featuring a variety of predetermined packages, it can host both your ceremony and reception. The venue is pre-decorated but couples can add a number of things based on preference. The space is best for up to 25 guests and can work with any budget, available packages range from $199 to $7950.

Cool Beer Brewing

A more rustic space than most, this brewery event space allows for seated events of 88 individuals or fewer. Located in Etobicoke, the Cool Event Venue includes an on-site kitchen, free parking and the freedom to run your own bar and use your preferred caterer. A Special Occasions Permit will need to be purchased, but that allows you flexibility when it comes to your bar selections. The rental fee is $1000, but an added bonus is the 2am end time for events, a nice change from the more common 1am end.

The Richmond

This venue takes a number of steps to be as eco-friendly as possible - they're powered by Bullfrog, donate a portion of all rental fees to charities and use only eco-friendly cleaning products for events. The space is clean and modern, with an industrial interior and a loft-style second floor. There is a seating capacity of 90, a cocktail capacity of 150 and the rental fee ($1,000 to $3,000) includes use of some furniture. Available packages can include tables, chairs, bars and votive candles. You can work with any caterer, but bar services are provided by the venue at an additional cost. The cost covers consumption as well we your event license and insurance.

Camera Bar

Located next to the Stephen Bulger Gallery, this space includes a lounge complete with fireplace. Though adorned with beautiful artwork, the remainder of the space is raw and narrow, allowing you creative freedom. Capacity is 110 for a cocktail reception and 30 for a seated dinner. A unique feature of the space is a 50-seat screening room. Outside catering is also a perk, though they do have a list of preferred caterers. The venue also accommodates onsite ceremonies and provides wheelchair access. Rental fees range from $650 to $850 and includes use of the bar, screening room and gallery, as well as three staff. There is also a bar minimum of $300 for afternoon events and $500 for evening events.

Thompson Landry Gallery

Housed in the Stone Distillery Building at the Distillery District, the gallery features 14-foot walls, a rustic feel with wood posts and brick walls, Quebecois art and original distilling equipment as the backdrop for your event. Rental rates range from $1,500 to $3,500 and include use of both the outdoor patio space and the primary space, which can accommodate up to 50 people for a seated dinner or 75 for a reception. Catering, furniture rentals and security costs are all extra.

Gladstone Hotel

Restored Victorian windows, two full-service bars, exposed brick walls and restored pine flooring are the central features of the Gladstone Hotel (est. 1889). The North Ballroom is perfect for 80 seated guests or 120 for a reception. The hotel's chef provides catering on-site. Rental fees for the space range from $2000 to $2500, and that includes furniture and staff for bar service.

The Old Mill Inn and Spa

This classic Etobicoke stalwart has a variety of rooms and event spaces that can fit any need. Dark wood panels and flooring and large curtained windows are featured throughout. Lush gardens surround the property, where only those hosting a reception at the venue are permitted to take photos. With in-house catering and a whole team of experienced staff by your side you're well equipped to host a stress-free event. Room rentals range from $200 to $400 depending on the room selected, catering is provided on-site and there is complimentary parking for all guests.

Did I miss any? Leave your picks for small wedding venues in Toronto in the comments.

Photo via Airship 37 on Facebook.

by Amanda Burcul via blogTO