Artscape Gibraltar Point

My husband and I love the Toronto Islands and we knew it would be the perfect place for us to get married. The day was perfect, the weather stunning and we had a beautiful outdoor reception. When the sun goes down and the lights come on, it is magical. BUT.. if this place isn't special to you, seriously consider looking elsewhere. Just getting everyone over there was a challenge. We ended up putting all of our guests on a ferry and then a bus to get to the venue. All of the extra logistics were a headache. And I felt like I had to scale back on the decor we wanted because it was a pain to get it all over to the islands (you need permission and have to pay to get a car over). They allow you to bring your own bar, which saves money but there is also a landmark fee on catering. If you do choose this venue, I highly recommend a day of planner at the very least.

Overall, we enjoyed our venue. If I were to give it a rating on the venue alone I’d give it a B. This is on Toronto island, inhabiting the old school south-east of Hanlans and includes a beautiful L shaped lawn, secluded private beach area as well as 2 inside “classrooms” which are rustically romantic. We had wanted to have our wedding 100% outside but weather had us inside for ceremony / reception and outside for dancing / firepit. Only drawbacks were the logistics of coordinating a wedding on an island (don’t let me understate that!) and the quickly-piling fee’s associated with a more piecemeal style of venue – in that respect, things felt kinda stingy on the day of, but nothing anyone other than us noticed. HUGE plus was there is a wedding share at AGP, so all the other couples getting married had the chance to meet and coordinate splitting of any items amongst the wedding dates.

When my partner and I were looking for a wedding venue, we knew we wanted something in Toronto, but with a big nature feature. We checked out a couple of other places, but they were either too expensive, or too tacky. After an unfruitful scouting day, we Googled "affordable wedding venues Toronto" and found the AGP on a list. We had no idea this place existed, but it made perfect sense for us!

We always spend time on the island every summer, and we love being near the water. It felt like a destination wedding, without having to leave the city. It simply made sense. And, the price was right. And, when we saw the beautiful outdoor space, that sealed the deal for us.

Working with the AGP team was a breeze. Since they are on the Islands, they have a preferred list of vendors, and chartered boat contacts. Plus, they host a unique Wedding Share event each year for couples getting married there. The Wedding Share is a space that allows all the couples to meet, sample wares from the vendors, and discuss specific decor items that other couples, or the venue, might be willing to split the cost on. It was a real community feeling.

Another great aspect of the AGP is that they are non-profit. All the money made from event rentals goes back into helping cover the costs for the artist residences on the property year-round. I loved the feeling of giving back.

On the day, the clouds refused to go away, but the team was on the ready to move everything inside to the Beacon and Fireplace rooms. Fortunately, the rain never came and everything was held outside on those beautiful lawns, under the tall trees.

The night was truly magical, and I think the AGP played a vital role in making that magic happen.