Getting Married in Hamilton

How to Get Married in Hamilton, Ontario Area on a Budget

Hamilton is a difficult city to navigate through when trying to figure out how to get married economically.  Many unique and traditional venues are incredibly expensive.  There are also many unique and traditional venues that are very reasonable.  The following is a list of half a dozen possible wedding venues for the bride on a budget.

1. The Grand Olympia

Unbelievably this high-end banquet hall can fit in your budget, if you are willing to get married off-season.  For less than $60/plate you get a gourmet meal, a full bar, and a decorated hall.  They are open to negotiations in the off-season and you should be able to get the DJ and the cake added to your package at no, or little extra charge.  If you are willing to get married Sunday-Thursday you may be able to get married for under $50/plate.  http://www.olympiabanquets.ca/pdf/specials2.pdf

2. Grand River Dinner Cruises

If you want a magical wedding on the river, this is one of the nicest ways to get married.  If your wedding guest list is under 60 people, you can get married, cruise, enjoy a delicious three-course meal with a few glasses of wine, all for under $3000.  You can decorate the boat as you wish and the staff are very accommodating.  http://www.grandrivercruises.ca/2012%20wedding%20info.pdf

3. Slainte Irish Pub

If you are looking for a more casual atmosphere that promises a down to earth style, great tasting food and a super fun atmosphere, it is worth taking a look at this authentic Irish Pub.  (It truly is authentic, torn down in Ireland and shipped to Hamilton).  Get married at church, the lake, or even Gage Park (yes, they do it, call city of Hamilton for more details) and then come enjoy the reception at this unique venue and pay as little at $40/plate.  http://www.slainteirishpub.ca/pdf/Platters_Menu.pdf

4. Christies Conservation Area

Get married on the conservation lake and then have a picnic reception at the park.  They have a gorgeous pavilion available with a kitchen that you are free to decorate as you like.  You can have your wedding catered, hire a barbeque service or just have a friend run the grill.  Add some salads, some sandwiches and a bar and you are away to a reasonable priced wedding that is fun for everyone.  The charge to use the park is under $500 and the price of the reception can be done for as little as $10/person. http://www.conservationhamilton.ca/christie-lake

5. The Binbrook Agricultural Society Building

This venue is terrific if you are looking for a venue to hold more than 200 people.  It is big enough for a large dance floor and the hall will cater your wedding for you, for less than $20 per person.  The food is good old-fashioned home cooking and is delicious.  http://www.binbrookfair.org/Catering/Catering.html

6. Flamborough Downs Live Horse Racing

If you want to try something completely different, how about an Outdoor Barbeque at their outdoor pavilion or a hot dinner or lunch buffet inside.  Meals start as low as $10/person and the room rental is under $300.  It does not come much more reasonable, or much more fun. http://www.flamborodowns.com/groups/catering/we_offer_you.aspx

This list of economical venues in Hamilton is far from exhaustive but it is a great place to start.  You might also want to check http://www.paulshalls.info/ which lists hundreds of halls for rent throughout Ontario.  Remember to negotiate. The stated price for wedding is seldom the final price.  Do not be afraid to ask for discounts on everything from your flowers to your venue, to your dress.