Out of the Ordinary Locations to Plan Your Wedding in Algoma.
By Heather Bot
Heather is a staff writer at Algoma Country.
May 8, 2023
Every couple wants their wedding day to be special and one-of-a-kind. There are many things to consider when making sure your wedding day reflects who you are as a couple from the venue to the food, the music, decorations and favours, and of course the atmosphere.
Algoma Country's breathtaking wilderness not only makes the perfect backdrop for your special day but we've got some very out-of-the-ordinary venues that will impress your guests! These venues are non-traditional and double as both the ceremony and reception sites and have options for both outdoor and indoor settings. If you're a couple looking for a place to elope alone, we've got a place for that too!
Get Married at a Lighthouse
Photo credit: Bruce Bay Cottages & Lighthouse
Say your "I do's" on the beautiful shores of Lake Huron. Located in the waterfront town of Bruce Mines, Bruce Bay Cottages & Lighthouse offers couples a secluded, intimate gathering place for a wedding with their closest family and friends, or a private spot to elope by themselves. There are a number of places to say your vows: on the deck overlooking Lake Huron, on the manicured lawn in front of the Lighthouse, on one of the private beaches, or inside the Lighthouse Lounge in front of the rustic puddingstone fireplace.
Photo credit: Bruce Bay Cottages & Lighthouse
Important Things to Know
The Lighthouse Lounge seats a maximum of 65 guests for a sit-down reception. A mingle reception holds up to 100 guests including the grounds and deck.
Help with finding a caterer, photographer, and assistance with details, cake, decorations, music, etc. is available upon request.
Elope Alone: Arrangements for officiating to perform the ceremony, witnesses if required and wedding coordination can be arranged. This package offers a candlelit dinner or lunch for two to four people in the Lighthouse Lounge, or a picnic basket for two packed with food and beverages to go.
The Big Lake offers many adventures, so why not start off the biggest adventure of your life by getting married on its shores? Rock Island Lodge is happy to host your secluded, intimate wedding with family and friends. Located at the mouth of the Michipicoten River, Rock Island Lodge is part of Naturally Superior Adventures' paddling centre. Host your outdoor wedding on the sandy beach of Lake Superior's rugged, rocky shoreline with the sounds of its rolling waves. End the day with a big bonfire on the beach!
Photo credit: Rock Island Lodge
Important Things to Know
Outdoor Wedding Packages accommodate up to 100 people, and Indoor Wedding Packages accommodate up to 35 people. Accommodations are available in Wawa for larger guest lists.
Work with on-site catering to create your special menu.
Available upon request: a list of local vendors for decorations, wedding cake, music, etc. is provided upon booking the venue.
Many couples love the appeal of a barn wedding because it's rustic and romantic. We can proudly boast that you can host a barn wedding in Algoma Country! There are only three 12-sided barns in all of Canada, and two of them are located in the region. Originally built in 1919, the Cordukes/Weber Barn located in Sowerby was restored by the Sowerby Heritage Centre Committee as a loving and proud tribute to this area. Couples can host both the ceremony and reception in the Cordukes/Weber Barn.
Important Things to Know
Perfect for an intimate gathering with your closest family and friends.
Food preparation is not permitted in the Barn. The Municipality can make recommendations for local caterers to help you plan the meal. Tables and chairs are available for use.
If the distance is a factor, it's possible to charter buses to and from the venue.
If you're looking for a picturesque wedding set against the magnificent wilderness, this destination is for you. Situated on the shores of Mikel Lake just north of Elliot Lake, Laurentian Lodge can boast of a beautiful, remote setting. The main lodge is built of rustic white pine logs with big picture windows overlooking the lake. Couples can choose to get married on the manicured lawn with guests seated on handcrafted wooden benches, or in the Gazebo. There are many pretty, scenic spots to have photos taken including the on-site waterfall and sandy beach.
Photo credit: Laurentian Lodge
Important Things to Know
The Banquet hall seats 180 for dinner/dance or 200 for dinner. The dining hall is fully licensed.
Book the cottages and motel units for your guests. They'll love the tennis courts, sauna, hot tub, boat rentals, fishing, hiking and golf.
The cool greens of summer and the vibrant colours of fall make the lodge an ideal location.
Laurentian Lodge PH: (705) 848-0423 www.laurentianlodge.com Wedding Packages are available upon request.
Get Married at a Bushplane Hanger
Photo credit: Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre
This is definitely a one-of-a-kind location. The Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre preserves and tells the story of bush planes in Canada but is also available to host both your ceremony and reception. This is an ideal venue for those looking for something out of the ordinary and guests with small children will appreciate the hands-on interactive displays to keep their little ones entertained during the festivities. Couples can get married outside of the Hanger overlooking the St. Marys River waterfront, or have an indoor ceremony.
Photo credit: Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre
Important Things to Know
Wedding Packages and Pricing available upon request.
The venue can host up to 300 guests and there's lots of parking.
Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre PH: (705) 945-6242 www.bushplane.com Wedding Packages are available upon request.
How to Get to Algoma Country
Travel distance can be a factor for both the bridal party and guests. Here are a few key things to know about getting here:
Both Porter Airlines and Air Canada fly to Sault Ste. Marie from a number of major Canadian and US cities. In Ontario, Bearskin Airlines flies to a number of Northern cities.
Guests driving from the Greater Toronto Area and Southern Ontario can take the Chi-Cheemaun Ferry. From May to October, the Ferry sails from Tobermory to South Baymouth on Manitoulin Island.
The most eastern border of Algoma Country is Spanish, Ontario, only a 2-hour drive from South Baymouth.
Guests driving from the US to the border at Sault Ste. Marie:
Detroit - 5 hours
Grand Rapids - 4.5 hours
Chicago - 7 hours
Minneapolis - 9 hours
More Locations. . .More Options
If you're looking for more locations and options in our region, be sure to read: Plan Your Wedding Day in Algoma. This list contains more venues with all-inclusive wedding packages and some with wedding photography packages.
Edited Body Text
Every couple wants their wedding day to be special and one-of-a-kind. There are many things to consider when making sure your wedding day reflects who you are as a couple from the venue to the food, the music, decorations and favours, and of course the atmosphere.
Algoma Country's breathtaking wilderness not only makes the perfect backdrop for your special day but we've got some very out-of-the-ordinary venues that will impress your guests! These venues are non-traditional and double as both the ceremony and reception sites and have options for both outdoor and indoor settings. If you're a couple looking for a place to elope alone, we've got a place for that too!
Get Married at a Lighthouse
(Photo credit: Bruce Bay Cottages & Lighthouse)
Say your "I do's" on the beautiful shores of Lake Huron. Located in the waterfront town of Bruce Mines, Bruce Bay Cottages & Lighthouse offers couples a secluded, intimate gathering place for a wedding with their closest family and friends, or a private spot to elope by themselves. There are a number of places to say your vows: on the deck overlooking Lake Huron, on the manicured lawn in front of the Lighthouse, on one of the private beaches, or inside the Lighthouse Lounge in front of the rustic puddingstone fireplace.
(Photo credit: Bruce Bay Cottages & Lighthouse)
Important Things to Know
The Lighthouse Lounge seats a maximum of 65 guests for a sit-down reception. A mingle reception holds up to 100 guests including the grounds and deck.
Help with finding a caterer, photographer, and assistance with details, cake, decorations, music, etc. is available upon request.
Elope Alone: Arrangements for officiating to perform the ceremony, witnesses if required and wedding coordination can be arranged. This package offers a candlelit dinner or lunch for two to four people in the Lighthouse Lounge, or a picnic basket for two packed with food and beverages to go.
The Big Lake offers many adventures, so why not start off the biggest adventure of your life by getting married on its shores? Rock Island Lodge is happy to host your secluded, intimate wedding with family and friends. Located at the mouth of the Michipicoten River, Rock Island Lodge is part of Naturally Superior Adventures' paddling centre. Host your outdoor wedding on the sandy beach of Lake Superior's rugged, rocky shoreline with the sounds of its rolling waves. End the day with a big bonfire on the beach!
(Photo credit: Rock Island Lodge)
Important Things to Know
Outdoor Wedding Packages accommodate up to 100 people, and Indoor Wedding Packages accommodate up to 35 people. Accommodations are available in Wawa for larger guest lists.
Work with on-site catering to create your special menu.
Available upon request: a list of local vendors for decorations, wedding cake, music, etc. is provided upon booking the venue.
Many couples love the appeal of a barn wedding because it's rustic and romantic. We can proudly boast that you can host a barn wedding in Algoma Country! There are only three 12-sided barns in all of Canada, and two of them are located in the region. Originally built in 1919, the Cordukes/Weber Barn located in Sowerby was restored by the Sowerby Heritage Centre Committee as a loving and proud tribute to this area. Couples can host both the ceremony and reception in the Cordukes/Weber Barn.
Important Things to Know
Perfect for an intimate gathering with your closest family and friends.\
Food preparation is not permitted in the Barn. The Municipality can make recommendations for local caterers to help you plan the meal. Tables and chairs are available for use.
If the distance is a factor, it's possible to charter buses to and from the venue.
If you're looking for a picturesque wedding set against the magnificent wilderness, this destination is for you. Situated on the shores of Mikel Lake just north of Elliot Lake, Laurentian Lodge can boast of a beautiful, remote setting. The main lodge is built of rustic white pine logs with big picture windows overlooking the lake. Couples can choose to get married on the manicured lawn with guests seated on handcrafted wooden benches, or in the Gazebo. There are many pretty, scenic spots to have photos taken including the on-site waterfall and sandy beach.
(Photo credit: Laurentian Lodge)
Important Things to Know
Banquet hall seats 180 for dinner/dance or 200 for dinner. The dining hall is fully licensed.
Book the cottages and motel units for your guests. They'll love the tennis courts, sauna, hot tub, boat rentals, fishing, hiking and golf.
The cool greens of summer and the vibrant colours of fall make the lodge an ideal location.
Laurentian Lodge PH: (705) 848-0423 www.laurentianlodge.com Wedding Packages are available upon request.
Get Married at a Bushplane Hanger
(Photo credit: Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre)
This is definitely a one-of-a-kind location. The Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre preserves and tells the story of bush planes in Canada but is also available to host both your ceremony and reception. This is an ideal venue for those looking for something out of the ordinary and guests with small children will appreciate the hands-on interactive displays to keep their little ones entertained during the festivities. Couples can get married outside of the Hanger overlooking the St. Marys River waterfront, or have an indoor ceremony.
(Photo credit: Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre)
Important Things to Know
Wedding Packages and Pricing available upon request.
The venue can host up to 300 guests and there's lots of parking.
Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre PH: (705) 945-6242 www.bushplane.com Wedding Packages are available upon request.
How to Get to Algoma Country
Travel distance can be a factor for both the bridal party and guests. Here are a few key things to know about getting here:
Both Porter Airlines and Air Canada fly to Sault Ste. Marie from a number of major Canadian and US cities. In Ontario, Bearskin Airlines flies to a number of Northern cities.
Guests driving from the Greater Toronto Area and Southern Ontario can take the Chi-Cheemaun Ferry. From May to October, the Ferry sails from Tobermory to South Baymouth on Manitoulin Island.
The most eastern border of Algoma Country is located at Spanish, Ontario, only a 2-hour drive from South Baymouth.
Guests driving from the US to the border at Sault Ste. Marie:
Detroit - 5 hours
Grand Rapids - 4.5 hours
Chicago - 7 hours
Minneapolis - 9 hours
More Locations. . .More Options
If you're looking for more locations and options in our region, be sure to read: Plan Your Wedding Day in Algoma. This list contains more venues with all-inclusive wedding packages and some with wedding photography packages.
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About Heather Bot
I'm a staff writer for Algoma Country and I hope my articles entice you to plan your next vacation in Algoma. Our beautiful area has everything you need for a true outdoor adventure: fishing and hunting, epic touring routes and breathtaking outdoors. We are home to many awesome places to eat, cool places to shop, museums and galleries, festivals and events.