Thinking of having/ planning a wedding in Prince Edward County. I have compiled some tips that I have learned over the 14 years I have been photographing weddings in Prince Edward County.
14 years, yes you read that right. I have seen Prince Edward County grow from a once sleepy town to a bustling destination for tourists and for weddings. I photograph 90 percent of my work in Prince Edward County. Weddings, Engagements, Proposals and Family. I have seen my fair share and understand some of the complications of planning a wedding outside of where you live.
Prince Edward County is known for beautiful beaches, artisan shops, fabulous restaurants, breweries and wineries. Prince Edward County is a fantastic place to bring your family and friends for a weekend to celebrate your love.
Choosing a venue in Prince Edward County
Choosing your venue is likely one of the most important decisions you will make when planning your wedding. Unlike, other ‘wine countries’ like Niagara-on-the-lake, Prince Edward County has very few wineries that can accommodate large weddings. Waupoos winery, the Grange, and Casa-Dea are the three that come to mind. So if you are hoping for a winery wedding, you may have to consider current availability or look at other options. There are some absolutely incredible venues in Prince Edward County. A full list which can be viewed on my website here.
The one incredible thing about many of the venues here, is that they are a ‘one-stop-shop’. Meaning many, if not all can accommodate your ceremony and reception with beautiful grounds for photos. This results in less time away from your friends and family and makes planning so much easier.
Accommodations
After 14 years, this has, and will always be the biggest hurdle many of my couples and their guests are faced with. If you are planning a wedding in Prince Edward County, during peak season accommodation will be a challenge if not booked early. Prince Edward County, does not have a large chain hotel. The closest hotels that can take room block bookings are in Belleville and Trenton. Many guests at the weddings I attend book an Airbnb. This is a great option for some, however, it should be noted that most Airbnb rentals will have at least a two-night stay minimum. Some more depending on the place. The Picton Harbour Inn is often a popular choice for guests looking for a less expensive accommodation option and sometimes they do not require a two-night minimum. They are County owned and also have an incredible breakfast.
Transportation
I cannot talk about accommodation without also mentioning transportation. It is known that Prince Edward County does not have the most reliable cab service. I will also go so far as to recommend that your guests do not count on it to get them home. I have myself driven guests home who were waiting for cabs that never showed. There are a few coach bus services that can offer transportation for your guests. This is the most popular option for many especially if you have booked a block of rooms for your guests in Belleville or Trenton. Only in 2022, did a ride-sharing program arrive in Prince Edward County. This is under URide, but other services at this time, are not currently available.
Wedding Vendors
Just like the venues in Prince Edward County, there are more than a number of incredible wedding vendors who are exceptional. I have compiled a list of some of my most trustworthy vendors. These are people I have worked with and trust. The full list can be found on my site here.