At the Waring House, says marketing manager Kirsten Walt, “September is the new July — spring and fall are now our busiest seasons for weddings.”

May/June, and September/October are now the preferred months for celebrations — when couples can avoid busy summer schedules, the heat, and higher prices.

Ms. Walt also notes that weddings “are trending to smaller, more intimate, family-centered celebrations with just 40 to 60 guests.”

“We are finding people are looking for focused gatherings and activities guests can do together. We offer curated weekend experiences, including wine tastings, cooking classes, live music in the pub, or a cocktail hour around the antique wood bar.”

 Along with 30 years of experience, the Waring House offers multiple indoor and outdoor locations, including the antique-filled Prince Edward Room for 26, and Amelia’s Garden, with indoor and outdoor dining on the terrace for groups of up to 40.

Elopements are increasingly popular, too. A simple ceremony package comes with flowers, photographer, and officiant. Atmospheric locations on offer include a romantic, white-painted gazebo on the beautiful lawns in behind Waring Hall and Amelia’s Garden, or in front of the cozy fireplace in the Prince Edward Room.

Full on Festival

For traditional, larger weddings, Waring Hall seats 50 to 150 people. It features original Canadian artworks, full draperies, candle lamps, and a baby grand piano, as well as its own kitchen and bar. Packages can include the ceremony, all food and drink, and a venue coordinator.

There are 49 guest rooms across five buildings, including the iconic limestone Main House, which dates to 1860, as well as a restored stone cottage for the newlyweds. Quaker and Heritage, the hotel’s two lodges, built in 2008, each feature a fireplace room for gatherings. The House Next Door is a 19th century farm house with 12 guest rooms, each full of historic charm.

“It’s not unusual for a wedding party to book an entire lodge, and for 100 guests to be wandering the grounds for a full weekend of festivities,” notes Ms. Walt.

“The County is a preferred spot for destination weddings, often couples from the city, Toronto or Montreal or Ottawa, looking for a quieter space where they can relax, expand, invite more guests, and enjoy dedicated, personalized service for an entire weekend.”

“We also take a lot of bookings from people who were born here but no longer live here. This is where they want to be to get married.”

The Waring House prides itself on locally sourced ingredients and beverages. It is Feast On Certified by the Culinary Tourism Alliance. Herbs and vegetables abound in its greenhouses and gardens. It was also recognized by the Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards this year for excellence in environmental sustainability.