Three small wedding venues for your intimate Montreal wedding
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While intimate weddings were popular before the pandemic hit, the restrictions facing wedding venues over the last two years had couples re-thinking how to plan their weddings.
In late summer of 2021, I photographed Diana and Mitchel’s tiny park wedding with a restaurant reception. They mentioned that a cousin had postponed their wedding and was still planning a huge affair for when restrictions ended - over 200 people! But Diana and Mitchel decided to keep their original date, and planned for intimate instead. They told me they did not regret it one bit, as it made for a very deeply personal day, with so much less stress than a larger wedding.
If a tiny, intimate wedding sounds right up your alley, I’ve shortlisted three small wedding venues in or near Montreal that you can consider along with my yay and nay list of features and/or considerations:
La Bullerie
Manoir Hovey
Pavillon Jamaique
A note on planning: reach out to a preferred venue as early as possible. The pandemic caused a lot of postponements resulting in premium Saturday dates being snapped up early. This year, I have some Friday and Sunday bookings. If you’re up to doing things differently and really want your venue, consider alternatives to a Saturday!
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
Outdoor early evening view of Pavillion Jamaique 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.
Hi, I’m Lucy!
a Montreal WEdding & Family Photographer
And I’m here to photograph your joy, and maybe (hopefully) make you ugly-cry (even if in private or just on the inside!)
My goal is to create posts that help you make a decision when you are searching for a photographer. Carry on!
La Bullerie vineyard in saint-joseph-du-lac
Charming, rustic and polished is the way I would describe La Bullerie winery, located about an hours drive from 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 atmosphere inside, with large windows to bring the outside in, and has a wonderful terrasse to take in the evening and the scenery that surrounds the property.
Yay list
Two halls to select from
A large terrasse 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, you need to be mindful of people having to drive a bit of distance, especially heading home at night
With 2 halls, 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
La Bullerie:
2007 chemin Principal
St-Joseph-du-Lac
Québec, J0N 1M0
(450) 472 2722
Website: https://labullerie.com
For more from Cat and Kevin’s La Bullerie wedding, click here!
Manoir hovey in North Hatley
Luxury, natural beauty and elegance defines this 5-star 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 - including 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.
Yay list
Everything about the Manoir 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 - after two years of lockdowns, that kind of connection and time can be a blessing
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!
The website has a notice that some construction work was starting in the Fall of 2021 to the end of 2022. Minimally disruptive but given it’s an historic property that needs maintenance to keep it to their excellent standards, it may be a question to ask when inquiring about booking
Manoir Hovey:
575 Rue Hovey
Northy Hatley
Québec, J0B 2C0
(800) 661-2421
Website: https://www.manoirhovey.com/en
Pavillon Jamaique in Parc Jean-drapeau
Picturesque, chic and modern is the vibe of Pavillon Jamaique, 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 Pavillion can feel like a true getaway but without a lengthy commute.
It’s a bright and inviting, refreshing space, fully renovated after its original inception during Expo 67. Surrounded by nature and private, it has a large terrasse, big, unobstructed windows, and sits near a nearby water feature.
Nay list
Located off the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve which goes one-way, it can be a bit confusing to arrive. Pay close 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 Parc 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
Pavillon Jamaique:
55 Chem. des Floralies, Montréal, QC H3C 1A9
55 Chem. des Floralies
Montreal, Québec, J0B 2C0
514 872-9013
Website: https://www.parcjeandrapeau.com/en/pavillon-de-la-jamaique-hall-rental-montreal/
“Hi Lucy,
WOWWWWW!! We absolutely LOVE the [slideshow] you put together, and you did such an amazing job capturing our big day! All of the photos look amazing! I definitely “ugly cried” while watching the video haha. It really brought us back to that moment in time and helped us relive the day.
Thank you so so much for all of your hard work on the day of our wedding up until now! ”
