Wedding Bells

The appeal of saying “I do” at a European castle is undeniable—Posh and Becks did it in Ireland and Tom (Cruise) and Katie (Holmes) did it in Italy—but it might not be in your non-movie-star budget. Luckily for you, there’s a hidden gem in Toronto where you can get the same old-world ambiance without crossing the pond: Hart House at the University of Toronto. This historic venue has everything a Europhile could ask for, including stone walls, vaulted ceilings and stained glass windows. “The Quad” (see above), as it is fondly known, is an ideal setting for an outdoor wedding (and a tent provides shelter in case of inclement weather), while the Great Hall (see below) with its soaring ceilings is the perfect spot for a seriously classy soiree. During my time at the University of Toronto I spent countless hours at Hart House (reading and sipping tea), but the good news is that you don’t have to be an alumni member to get married here—it’s open to everyone, and I highly suggest you investigate it for your wedding!