Three small wedding venues for your intimate Montreal wedding
Charming Jamaica Pavilion/ Pavillon de la Jamaïque in Parc Jean-Drapeau, Montreal
An intimate Montreal or Monteregie wedding: small in size, mighty in meaning
Intimate weddings hold a kind of magic. Despite being small scale events, there is somehow more space to be present with each other, with family and friends, and with the meaning of the day itself. I’ve named these kinds of weddings as BESTKND, because the best kind of wedding is one fully on your own terms — even if that means a guest list of few.
The value of an intimate wedding was really brought home for me when a couple of mine had another family member planning a large wedding at around the same time as theirs. They initially felt some pressure to plan something similar, but they simply could not imagine their day with 200 guests. They decided to take a zero off of that number for a celebration of around 20! They stayed true to what felt right for them. It was a deeply personal, low-stress day full of connection, ease, and moments that actually had room to breathe. They told me they did not regret their choice for a second.
If an intimate Montreal wedding sounds like your kind of thing, I have shortlisted three venues in or near Montreal that are well suited to celebrations that embody intimate atmosphere. Below, you’ll find my personal yay and nay notes for each, covering both practical considerations and emotional ones.
Three small wedding venues to consider for your small, tiny, or even micro Montreal wedding
La Bullerie vineyard in St-Joseph-du-Lac (~1 hour from Montreal)
Manoir Hovey in North Hatley, Quebec (~1.5- 2 hours from Montreal)
Pavillon de la Jamaïque at Parc Jean-Drapeau in Montreal (in the city)
Planning note: If you have your heart set on a specific venue, reaching out early is critical especially for popular dates. Being open to a Friday or Sunday wedding can be an option if a Saturday at your chosen place is booked. Doing things a little differently often leads to something that feels much more yours.
A bride is dressed and ready in her suite at Manoir Hovey in North Hatley
An intimate gathering at La Bullerie in Saint-Joseph-du-Lac
Golden hour at Pavillion Jamaïque at Parc Jean-Drapeau
Remember, small doesn’t necessarily equal small on style or aesthetic. Many small venues are gorgeous and upscale; a perfect and refined backdrop for sharing your celebration with your most important people.
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.
La Bullerie vineyard in saint-joseph-du-lac
Charming, rustic and polished is the way I would describe La Bullerie winery, about an hour outside Montreal. With a focus on natural wines and Quebec products, the unique flavour of this location is unmistakable. Sustainability is of importance, showcased in the decor and architectural details. It has a warm and modern chalet-like atmosphere inside, with large windows to bring the outside in, and has a wonderful terrace to take in the evening and the scenery that surrounds the property. Skies for miles. And cozy fire pits for late-night lounging! You can opt for the ceremony in the onsite permanent tent (perfect in case of a rainy day), or you could also opt for informal vows on the terrace.
La Bullerie:
2007 chemin Principal
St-Joseph-du-Lac
Québec, J0N 1M0
(450) 472 2722
Website: https://labullerie.com
For more of Cat and Kevin’s Fall La Bullerie wedding (featured below), click here
For Sissy and Marc-Étienne’s Summer La Bullerie wedding, click here
Yay list
Two reception rooms to select from
A large terrace for outdoor cocktails or to take in the evening during the reception
A large tent onsite for wedding ceremonies - bonus that you can still get married outside if it rains!
Beautiful decor - no need for added decoration. Ready for just your finishing touches!
An apartment onsite suitable for preparations, and bride and groom can stay overnight.
Colours are spectacular if planning a Fall wedding
Nay list
While it’s not far out of the city, it may be far enough to warrant an overnight stay. Nearby St. Eustache is a good overnight option with several hotels
With 2 reception rooms, you may be sharing the space with another wedding or event
The grounds have some gravel paths and may be difficult to navigate with heels. I recommend the bride have an alternate pair of flats to get around for photographs.
It’s a bit of a walk from the main building to the tent. If the weather doesn’t cooperate, make sure you bring a few umbrellas
You may need to book early to get first dibs on the apartment, as there is only one onsite
Manoir hovey in North Hatley
Luxury, natural beauty and elegance defines this 5-star North Hatley property in the heart of the Eastern Townships. It’s just shy of a two-hour drive outside of Montreal, but offers accommodation which makes it a great getaway/ weekend wedding option.
Originally a private estate with a rich history, Manoir Hovey boasts incredible architecture, impeccably landscaped gardens and spectacular lake views. I had the absolute pleasure of being part of Karla and James’ intimate weekend wedding. Upon arrival guests were relaxing by the pool while Karla and her family prepared for the ceremony at an unhurried pace. The next morning we had an early photography session to capture the tranquil atmosphere of the grounds and the couple’s day- after vibe of now being husband and wife. We ncluded their pup who was too anxious to be part of the festivities the night before. While I took leave shortly after breakfast, guests remained for the afternoon, soaking in some sun, paddle boarding and enjoying their time together.
Manoir Hovey:
575 Rue Hovey
Northy Hatley
Québec, J0B 2C0
(800) 661-2421
Website: https://www.manoirhovey.com/en
Yay list
Everything about Manoir Hovey is about luxury and top-notch comfort. If you want every need attended to, this is a venue for you!
Accommodation onsite for guests, so people can truly enjoy without having to worry about the drive home
You can make it a weekend wedding, where you can enjoy the company of loved ones for longer than just a ceremony and reception
Offers a range of wedding options, including to exclusively book the entire hotel for your event!
Lots of incredible spots for photography. Pretty much anywhere you look!
Nay list
An away or weekend wedding naturally has more logistics to plan. A wedding planner can help take the pressure off
For guests coming from Montreal, the traffic just after the bridge and towards the Eastern Townships on the weekends can be surprisingly heavy, especially just ahead of spots like Granby. Encourage ample time for travel!
Historic properties need maintenance to keep it to their excellent standards. It’s good to ask about repairs or renovations around your wedding date.
Pavillon Jamaïque in Parc Jean-drapeau
Picturesque, chic and modern is the vibe of Pavillon Jamaïque, located in the heart of Montreal in Parc Jean-Drapeau. Because it’s nestled in our gem of a green space just minutes from the downtown core, your wedding at the Pavilion can feel like a true getaway but without a lengthy commute.
It’s a bright, inviting and refreshing space, fully renovated after being built for Expo 67. Surrounded by nature and private, it has a large terrace, big, unobstructed windows, and sits near a nearby water feature.
Pavillon Jamaïque:
55 Chem. des Floralies
Montreal, Québec, J0B 2C0
514 872-9013
Website: https://www.parcjeandrapeau.com/en/pavillon-de-la-jamaique-hall-rental-montreal/
Nay list
Located off the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve which goes only one (longish) way, it can be a bit confusing to arrive. Pay attention to the signs, because if you miss the driveway you have to go around again!
While it is an open concept, there are beams in the middle of the room; something to be mindful as you plan your layout for tables and dance floor
The Park can have detours, cones and cyclists, and lots of people if there is an event or concert taking place
Yay list
Really close to the city but with a natural and private feel
Lofty and open vibe, perfect for a modern wedding with hints of rustic and industrial
Hosts a singular wedding so you have the place entirely to yourselves
Lots of really great spots for photos - hidden pathways, foot-bridges
Versatile space for any kind of party and a large outdoor space
