This week’s Weddings in the County Special Issue explores perhaps the County’s best kept secret: it has over the past eight years become a major wedding destination.

Close to a number of major urban centres, and featuring green pastures, waterfront vistas, and romantic barns, it’s no wonder Prince Edward County is now on the prestigious map.

“It feels like a destination, but you’re still at home,” said Michael von Teichman, co-owner of The Eddie Hotel and Farm. Mr. Teichman and his husband, Alex Portman, bought the property, including an 1860s farm house, a vast barn, and 78 acres of farmland between Bloomfield and Wellington, in 2020, the year registered marriages dropped by over 30 percent in Canada.

While the pandemic made small guest lists and good ventilation necessary conditions for any event, wedding industry insiders say it’s now back in full swing.

“The first year was tricky, but it’s at the core of what we do to be flexible,” said Mr. Teichman.

Caroline Reiss, co-owner of Compass Rose Suites, noted that the pandemic made “elopement” weddings, typically under 20 guests, more popular even as restrictions started to ease.

“Up until last year they were super, super popular. This year we’re seeing more big weddings come back,” she says. 

Compass Rose is nestled in Milford and features a barn, greenhouse, and tent for up to 200 guests.

Dressed up to look idyllic with abundant flowers, captured in perfect light by talented local photographers, Prince Edward County’s storied locations inspire couples to fantasize about their big day.

The Eddie and Compass Rose are among a long list of venues available to couples looking for Prince Edward County’s rural charm. They include hotels, wineries, breweries, and resorts. Some venues host corporate retreats, or, like Compass Rose, the PECI prom. 

But weddings make up a significant part of the business of the County. “Weddings are our bread and butter,” says Ms. Weiss. She’s not alone. 

Dressed up to look idyllic with abundant flowers, captured in perfect light by talented local photographers, such locations inspire couples to fantasize about their big day.

For local wedding planner Brittiny Blodgett, part of the job is bringing fantasies to life while keeping couples grounded. That means being clear about how far a budget will go.

“I try to be really up front and honest from the start,” Ms. Blodgett says. She plans weddings that run from $75,000 to $150,000, and notes this has become one of the more expensive wedding destinations.

Venues are already booking into 2027 and 2028.
Perhaps one antidote to uncertain times is lifetime commitment.
Or at least a really great party.  

At the same time, she says it’s the creative task of the wedding planner to bring different elements of a couple’s vision together in a way that leaves everyone happy. Sometimes, this is a task taken up by the venue if a planner isn’t in the picture.

“A lot of our clients don’t come with a wedding planner, so we’ll walk them through the process as the wedding approaches,” says The Eddie’s Mr. Teichman. “We want everyone who has a wedding with us to have the wedding they hoped for.” 

Compass Rose offers complete packages, and partners with Hawley Crescent caterers on all their weddings. Ms. Weiss noted that many couples are drawn to the ease of the all-inclusive package.

When Ms. Blodgett started her planning business in 2018, the industry was on the precipice of a boom period. Now, choice abounds. Every possible kind of venue is on offer here. 

“People were getting married here but not everyone was getting married here when I started out,” she says. “When I came in there was maybe one other planner. Now there are about ten. Which is good, because I could not keep up.”

Venues are already booking into 2027 and 2028. Perhaps one antidote to uncertain times is lifetime commitment. Or at least a really great party.