Let’s be real - there is nothing more romantic than a wedding ceremony at a castle. Well, I am here to tell you that Hamilton has a castle of its very own!
Dundurn Castle is a historic Italianate-style neoclassical mansion featuring a large villa, gardens, grounds, and a spectacular view of Lake Ontario. Say your vows under a canopy of maple trees overlooking beautiful Burlington Bay, or move your ceremony indoors to a classical pavilion crowned by a cupola, your chapel for the day. Either way, this unique Victorian venue is sure to leave a lasting impression on your guests and provide you with magnificent memories of your special day.
Make sure to check out my list of the top wedding venues in Hamilton, Ontario after this to get inspired by more locations to have your wedding reception or ceremony!
A rich History
Dundurn Castle has a long history in Hamilton and has been home to many notable figures. The mansion was completed in 1835 and was built on Burlington Heights. At the time this site was a former base of a fortified military encampment established by the British in 1813.
The castle is currently owned by the City of Hamilton, which purchased it in 1899 or 1900. The City has spent nearly $3 million renovating the site to make it open to the public and the rooms have been restored to the year 1855 when it was owned by Sir Allan Napier MacNab, 1st Baronet, lawyer and Premier of, at the time, the United Canadas (1854-1856).
Available Cermony Locations
Maple Walk
Capacity: Unspecified
Tucked between two rows of large Maple trees, the Maple Walk provides a stunning outdoor option for weddings. The walk is located behind Dundurn Castle and overlooks Hamilton Bay. The tree’s thick canopy provides shade during the summer months and a stunning blanket of colours in the fall. Either way it makes for great spot to say your vows and stunning ceremony photos!
Cockpit Theater
Capacity: 60 guests
The Cockpit Theatre provided an indoor alternative and provide a unique rustic wedding experience like no other. Its two-story neo-classical, octagonal design sits at the edge of the natural embankment overlooking Hamilton Bay. The rooms large skylight provides pleasing natural light and the beauty of the rustic interior will make you feel you have travelled back to pre-Confederation times.
Coach House
Capacity: 120 guests
The Coach House offers couples a unique opportunity to exchange their wedding vows in a genuinely notable location. The pitched wood beams and stone walls will send you back to romantic Victorian days. An arch and tasteful decorations frame the traditional construction of this historic structure. Being the largest of the three spaces, the Coach House can seat up to 120 family and friends.
AVAILABLE Reception LOCATIONS
COACH HOUSE
Capacity: 70 guests
In addition to reception. the Coach House is also available for full-service receptions coordinated by Heritage Weddings and exclusively catered by La Piazza Allegra. The reception space can accommodate up to 70 seated people and includes a microphone and music sound system, event planning, set-up and clean-up, and an on-site wedding coordinator.
The Coach House at Dundurn Castle
Pricing and Packages
Both the Maple Walk and the Cockpit theater come in packages that start at $1925, and the Coach House Ceremony only package starts at $1675. These packages include a licensed Minister and a coordinator for your wedding ceremony. A two-hour of photography permit is also included that allows for wedding photos on the Castle grounds.
If you're looking to hold your reception on-site as well, the Dundurn Castle Coach House Reception package starts at $850. Please note that these prices are subject to change and it’s best to contact the venue directly for the most accurate and up-to-date information. To view the full package details visit the Heritage website here.
