Merrill House

At Merrill House, a wedding feels like taking over a grand Victorian home for the weekend, with vows in the garden or beneath the conservatory and dinner in candlelit rooms filled with history.

The house dates to 1878 and stands in Picton, at the heart of Prince Edward County. Couples rent the entire house, so the rooms, gardens and kitchen are theirs alone for the celebration.

Ceremonies can take place in the garden, under the conservatory portico or inside the conservatory itself. The drawing room and parlour suit a champagne reception or a rehearsal dinner.

For dinner, the drawing room seats up to 12, the cellar up to 22, and the cellar and conservatory together up to 40. From May to October, an Indian marquee on the grounds also seats up to 40. After dinner, the cellar turns into a spot for dancing and late-night fun.

The kitchen of Brasserie Alexandria, the house restaurant, is run by classically trained chefs who prepare European fine dining, and the wine director helps couples choose pairings. A conservatory bar serves guests through the evening.

The house has 14 rooms and suites for up to 38 guests. Full house rentals include breakfast for everyone, daily housekeeping and turn-down service, with access to a concierge, a sauna and an evening bonfire.

For couples who picture an intimate weekend with their closest people in a historic house, Merrill House offers a wedding that feels elegant, unhurried and deeply personal.