A wedding at The Faculty Club, University of Toronto feels like borrowing a gracious old manor in the middle of the city, with oak panelling, a crackling fireplace and a quiet patio tucked away on the St. George campus.
The house at 41 Willcocks has a long story. In the 1920s it was joined with its neighbouring homes and remodelled in the Georgian Revival style for the Primrose Club, a gathering place for Jewish business and professional men at a time when other clubs shut them out. The university took over the building in 1959, and the Faculty Club opened its doors in 1960.
Art lovers will find a treasure in the Fairley Lounge, which holds a collection of Group of Seven paintings given to the club on the condition that it welcome women as members.
Ceremonies can take place outdoors or in the Upper Dining Room, which seats up to 100 for a wedding ceremony. The secluded patio along the west side of the club hosts warm weather receptions, and the oak panelled Main Lounge, with its fireplace, suits cocktails and smaller gatherings.
Larger receptions move into the Wedgewood Dining Room, which seats 130 for dinner or holds 250 for a standing reception. The Primrose Room upstairs makes a natural getting ready room for the couple.
Because the club closes to members on weekends, couples have the whole building to themselves on Saturdays and Sundays. Weddings from 2 to 140 guests are welcome, from daytime brunches and luncheons to grand evening affairs.
A full professional kitchen handles the food, with halal items offered and kosher catering available on request, and the team is experienced with multicultural celebrations. Event rentals and waitstaff are part of the service.
For couples who picture a historic house, fine art on the walls and a downtown wedding that still feels private, The Faculty Club offers a celebration steeped in character and quiet elegance.
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