Hotel William Gray Jewish Wedding
A music-inspired wedding at Hotel William Gray with Jewish traditions, personalized song-lyric vows, and a vibrant celebration in the Old Port of Montreal.
Set in the heart of Old Montreal, a wedding at Hotel William Gray blends modern luxury with historic charm in a way that feels effortlessly stylish. With its clean architectural lines, light-filled spaces, and rooftop terrace, the hotel offers a refined backdrop that works beautifully for couples who want something elevated yet relaxed. Thoughtful design details, exceptional service, and a central location make it one of Montreal’s most sought-after wedding venues.
Just steps outside the hotel, Old Montreal adds another layer of magic. Cobblestone streets, centuries-old stone buildings, and a European feel give the neighbourhood a timeless romance, while nearby cafés, galleries, and waterfront views create terrific opportunities for unforgettable wedding photographs. It’s a setting that feels both vibrant and intimate; perfect for a celebration full of personality.
Planning your wedding at The William Gray HoteL in Montreal’s Old Port
Colour was the name of the game for this wedding. Vibrant and bright! I didn’t know beforehand that the bride’s dress would have a beautiful blend of pastels; like an upscale, elegant and modern version of tie-dye! The colour palette of pinks, greens and fuchsia carried through in the flowers, invitations and centre-pieces. The couple considered themselves non-traditional. While they incorporated Jewish traditions into the wedding, their touches on decor and theme — song-based — reflected their style and taste. Read on for details of their day:
Getting Ready
The couple got ready onsite in the hotel. The rooms at the William Gray are spacious and bright, with a balcony (theirs was overlooking Jacques Cartier Square with the ferris wheel in the background). It removes a lot of stress to have everyone under one roof, with only a few steps (or an elevator ride) between portraits, ceremony and reception. In the heart of the Old Port of Montreal, you also don’t have to worry if you’ve forgotten something — the city is at your doorstep
First Look
The bride and groom opted for their first look in the second floor atrium of the hotel. The rooftop terrace would have been perfect except we were in a HEAT WAVE! The bride wanted to remain as comfortable as possible, because her wedding dress was already heavy (as they usually are). The atrium was a great alternative; still light and bright, but cool!
Ceremony
The ceremony had traditional Jewish elements: A ketubah signing in a private room with witnesses, and the exchange of vows and rings and breaking of a glass, under a Chuppah. Rabbi Sherril Gilbert was one of the warmest people I have ever met, and the ceremony was relaxed and filled with laughter and good wishes for the couple. Being music junkies, the couple not only had musical-themed decor, but wove a few favourite song lyrics into their personal vows. I can say that I’ve never been able to join in on speaking (or singing!) anyone’s vows, but I could here!
Cocktail and reception
The cocktail took place just outside of the reception room. Guests were free to enjoy the rooftop deck if they could manage the hot weather! During the reception, the couple wanted photos of guests from each table, but to make things more interesting, tried the Table Dash (or photo blitz/ rush) trend! The couple remained on the dance floor and DJ Shane lead the charge with some upbeat music and an announcement of each table. Guests quickly made their way to the couple and just did a fun and candid pose. It injected some major laughter into the celebration, and SOOO much better than traditional table photos. The guests and their antics made this so fun. Try it!
Couple Portraits
The hotel and the Old Port have some beautiful areas for couple portraits. Our timeline and the muggy heat outside didn’t allow for us to stray too far from the hotel but we didn’t have to — we had perfect spots right at our fingertips. We did portraits in the atrium, on the rooftop deck, and just outside the hotel on the street by the building. We finished up in their room. They wanted to freshen up before the reception, and that allowed us to do a few private portraits on the balcony that had a great view.
About the author:
Hi, I’m Lucy; a wedding photographer serving the areas of Montreal, West Island of Montreal and Monteregie. With a new family connection to our most remote province, I would love the opportunity to photograph weddings in Newfoundland.
I specialize in BESTKND Weddings; intimate events with the warmth of a celebration but the freedom feels of an elopement. Imagination is your best kind of luxury in planning a day that feels exactly like you.
I am happy to serve in English, French and Polish. Sto lat! Reach out to me here.
Why Couples might choose au William Gray Hotel as their bestknd wedding place
Couples who love the urban energy of being in the middle of it all are drawn to Hotel William Gray for its location in Old Montreal, where historic streets, cafés, and the waterfront are all within easy walking distance. It’s a setting that gives guests a sense of place and makes a wedding weekend feel like a shared experience rather than a single event.
Inside, the hotel blends original architectural details with modern design in a way that feels considered and unfussy. The spaces are bright and calm, with a neutral palette and clean lines that let the day unfold naturally and photograph beautifully without needing much added styling.
Having so much available on site makes the planning feel simpler. Couples can move through the day without rushing between locations, keeping the focus on time together rather than logistics
Not to miss in the Old Port if yours is a multi-day event (weekender) and especially if you and/or your guests are out-of-towners
Just wandering the (mostly) cobblestone streets of the Old Port is wonderful. It is such a vibrant, bustling and happy place, especially in the summer months. Just stroll and take in the sights and sounds!
Food trucks: Need a snack? The food truck alley is the perfect place to sample some yummy options!
La Grande Roue (The Montreal Ferris Wheel): Unparalleled views of the city, open year-round. This is a must if eloping to Montreal. Such a fun way to experience the city!
Dinner at Jardin Nelson: An iconic and historic restaurant in the Old Port. The building dates back to the 1800’s. The current owners purchased in 1998 to create a unique place and dining experience. The nature-and-flower filled enclosed courtyard is super cool. Top it off with a great menu and a live jazz singer and it’s really special.
The Montreal Clock Tower: If you’re “up” for some stair climbing, the Clock Tower is another famous landmark. It’s so interesting to see the clock mechanisms up close and from the inside. Great views too, if you opted out of the ferris wheel.
Ceremony and reception location: Hotel William Gray
Rabbi: Sherril Gilbert
Wedding Planner: Events2Flaunt
Photographer: Lucy Baum Photography
DJ Services: DJ Shane Oliveira
Wedding Dress: Melissa Gentile
Groom’s Suit: Suitablee
Makeup: Makeup by MaryK
Hair: Coiffure PA
Flowers: Fleuriste Monarque
Macron Tower Cake: Bar a Beurre
Invitations: withSquaredHeart
Feather Tower Centrepieces: Vallari Decor