Planning a Wedding in Prince Edward County (2027 Guide)
Thinking about having your wedding in Prince Edward County? I’ve photographed weddings here for 18 years, and yes, you read that right. I’ve watched the County grow from a sleepy town into a bustling destination for tourists and weddings alike. About 90 percent of my work happens here: weddings, engagements, proposals and family sessions.
That experience means I’ve seen the highlights and the hurdles, especially for couples planning a wedding away from where they live. This guide covers what I wish every couple knew before they started.
Why Get Married in Prince Edward County?
Prince Edward County is known for its beaches, artisan shops, fabulous restaurants, breweries and wineries. It’s a fantastic place to bring family and friends for a full weekend to celebrate your love, and your guests get a mini-vacation out of it too.
Choosing a Wedding Venue in Prince Edward County
Your venue is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make, and the County has more options than ever. These days, couples are gravitating toward venues like Compass Rose, The CAPE, Hundred Acre Wood and The Brighthouse. Smaller spaces like the Drake Devonshire and The Royal are also go-to choices for more intimate weddings, too.
The Eddie is still a beautiful, popular pick. Longtime readers may remember it as Fields on West Lake, where I photographed Rares and Joan’s wedding.
Backyard weddings are having a moment as well. Nolan and Daphnee‘s shows just how special they can be.
Hoping for a winery wedding? The County has far fewer wineries that can host larger weddings than Niagara-on-the-Lake, so book early with Waupoos Winery or explore the venues above.
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.
When Is the Best Time to Get Married in Prince Edward County?
Summer and early fall are the most popular seasons, and venues and vendors book up accordingly. If your date is flexible, weekdays and off-peak months can open up availability that peak Saturdays don’t.
Where Wedding Guests Can Stay in Prince Edward County
After 18 years, accommodation is still the biggest hurdle for many of my couples and their guests. During peak season it’s a challenge if not booked early.
The County doesn’t have a large chain hotel. The closest hotels that can take room-block bookings are in Belleville and Trenton. Many guests book an Airbnb instead, which works well for some, but most rentals have a two-night minimum, and some require more.
The Picton Harbour Inn is a popular option for guests looking for something less expensive. They also have an incredible breakfast.
Tip: Send guests accommodation details as early as possible, ideally with your save-the-dates.
Getting Guests Around: Wedding Transportation in Prince Edward County
I can’t talk about accommodation without talking about transportation. The County doesn’t have the most reliable cab service, and I’d recommend your guests not count on it to get home. I’ve personally driven guests home after their cabs never showed.
Your best options:
- Coach bus or shuttle services. This is the most popular choice, especially if you’ve booked a room block in Belleville or Trenton.
- Ride-sharing. A ride-share program (URide) arrived in the County in 2022.
- A designated driver plan. Worth having a backup either way.
Book transportation early, and give guests a clear schedule for pickups.
Wedding Vendors in Prince Edward County
The County has a wealth of exceptional wedding vendors, just like its venues. I’ve compiled a list of the ones I’ve worked with and trust: see my Prince Edward County wedding vendors list.
Because many vendors serve a smaller local market, good ones book quickly. Reach out as soon as you have a date.
Planning a Wedding From Out of Town
Many of my couples live in Toronto, Ottawa or farther away. A few things make it easier:
- Choose a one-stop-shop venue to cut down on logistics
- Book a planner or coordinator who knows the area
- Visit in person at least once, ideally around the same time of year as your wedding, so you can see the light and the scenery
- Ask your photographer for local insight on timing, locations and vendors (I’m always happy to help)
Ready to Plan Your Prince Edward County Wedding?
If you’re planning a wedding in the County and looking for a photographer who knows the venues, the light and the logistics, I’d love to hear about it. Get in touch to check my availability, or explore more of my Prince Edward County wedding photography.
Planning a proposal first? See my guide to how to propose in Prince Edward County.
