The Lavender Farm

Some places are shaped by generations. The Lavender Farm has been in the Gillies family since 1882, and today its fields of lavender and hardwood forest set the scene for rustic country weddings.

The farm sits near Ayr, on sprawling acreage that makes it a natural backdrop for photographs. Bob and Barb Gillies planted their first 600 lavender plants in 2011, and those fields now frame the farm's weddings.

Weddings are offered from June to September. During lavender season, the lavender field serves as the backdrop for an outdoor ceremony, and the farm provides an on-site officiant.

The reception takes place in a 75-year-old heritage bank barn, with old barnboard siding and massive wooden beams that were carefully preserved through renovations. The ceremony and reception package welcomes up to 120 guests.

The package includes an arbour, wooden benches, harvest tables, mismatched wooden chairs and a bridal suite. Couples have use of the venue for three consecutive days, one for setup, one for the celebration and until noon the next day for cleanup.

A wedding coordinator works with the couple for one month before the wedding, including the day itself. Couples hire their own caterer and bar service, with a suggested vendor list to help, and indoor, accessible washrooms have been added to the barn.

Pets are welcome too, and the family is happy to include beloved animals in the ceremony.

For couples who picture vows among fragrant rows of lavender and a relaxed evening in a heritage barn, The Lavender Farm offers a warm, family-run celebration in the Ontario countryside.