Under the Spire

At Under the Spire, couples say their vows beneath a soaring vaulted ceiling in a historic church built for music, with the countryside of Prince Edward Island all around.

Historic St. Mary's near Kensington was designed by the celebrated island architect William Critchlow Harris, who modelled its interior on the inside of a violin. More than a century later, its French-Gothic lines and wooden vault still give the space remarkable acoustics, and it has been home to a beloved summer music festival for over 30 years.

The church is no longer consecrated, so ceremonies of any faith are welcome. It seats up to 350 guests, and a string quartet, choir or soloist sounds wonderful here.

Next door, the Pavilion opened in 2017 with views toward Malpeque Bay. It has a fully licensed kitchen and bar and suits a reception of about 60 seated or 100 standing. The lawn can host a tent for a larger celebration.

Couples can add a bright upstairs green room for getting ready, plus a private artist room behind the stage with its own bathroom and lit mirrors. Bar service, catering support, a sound technician and coffee and tea service are also available, and the team can suggest local vendors.

Weddings are held from May to October, with a reduced rate outside the June to September concert season.

For couples who picture walking down the aisle to live music in a storybook country church, Under the Spire offers a wedding filled with history, light and beautiful sound.