Unique and Classy Ideas for Your Wedding Day in Waterloo

WATERLOO, Ont. — It is one of the most important days of your life, pledging your love to your soulmate in front of friends and family.

A wedding is the kind of event where you want everything to be perfect — the guest list, the menu, the dress, the tux, the attire of the wedding party. But in the quest to make your wedding memorable, the one element that your guests will remember is the venue.

"You go to so much work to make your wedding unique, you want to make sure you go the extra steps to set this milestone event apart from the crowd," says Minto Schneider, Chief Executive Officer of Waterloo Region Tourism. "Pick a venue that not only provides a stunning backdrop, but will ensure your guests have a great time."

There is no shortage of amazing venues across Waterloo Region that combine fantastic catering and service with an ambiance and atmosphere fitting for your special day:

• Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory — Looking for a stark departure from your typical banquet hall? How about tying the knot amidst lush tropical foliage with cascading waterfalls and butterflies flitting around? The butterfly conservatory offers unique wedding packages for your ceremony, reception or even bridal shower.

• The Cambridge Mill — A perfect blend of the old and the new, this beautifully restored 19^th century mill offers historic elegance and natural beauty to your special day. Pick from several classy rooms and enjoy the scenic views of the Grand River. The Cambridge Mill is not only a great place to have your wedding, it is also an amazing backdrop for your pictures.

• Waterloo Region Museum — With 60 acres at the Museum, including the historic Doon Heritage Village, there are countless ways to make your special day truly unique. Create your own distinctive ceremony outside, in the museum itself or walk down the aisle of a historic chapel. The attractions at the museum also offer a spectacular background for your pictures.

• Puddicombe House — With a brand new wedding hall this year,Puddicombe House is offering free hall rental for 2016 weddings (with a minimum number of guests). This historic home also offers full spa services for the bride and her wedding party, a three-course dinner, room décor, the services of a wedding co-ordinator and, pending availability, a bridal suite.

• Langdon Hall — A historic mansion amid sprawling gardens with private dining halls and chef-prepared meals is the hallmark of a wedding at Langdon Hall. From the ceremony through your pictures, cocktail hour and reception, a wedding at this turn-of-the-century revival house is all about elegance and class.

• Chicopee — Embrace the outdoors with a ceremony and reception at a hillside chalet surrounded by picturesque forests at Chicopee Ski & Summer Resort. Or take it indoors in the Silvertip Lounge or Chicopee Hall.

• Bingemans — It’s not all fun and games at Bingemans, where they will bring your dream wedding to life. Whether you are looking at a large gathering or an intimate event, Bingemans has the facilities — and exceptional catering — to make your ideas a reality.

While weddings are on the mind, a quick visit to the Fashion History Museum in Cambridge may be in order. Until December, it is running a unique exhibit on weddings gowns of years past. Called Tying the Knot, it is a showcase of 200 years of wedding attire. It would be interesting to see how they stack up against your dress of choice!

For more information, please visit www.explorewaterlooregion.com, or connect with Waterloo Tourism on social media; Like it on Facebook and Follow on Twitter@ExploreWR.