It's interesting how something can be counted out so early in the game and then come back full force at a second look. I had seen the Berkeley Church a while back but couldn't find many pictures on the web and didn't love the area in which it was situated. I then happened to stumble across a featured wedding on Style Me Pretty that was held at the Berkeley Church Field House.
We decided to give it a try and at least go see the venue before ruling it out a second time, and with our luck they were hosting an open house the following evening so away we went! We got a chance to taste some of the menu, drink some wine and get a great tour of the venue and its spaces. Even though it was incredibly busy, we weren't pushed through the tour and were given plenty of opportunity to ask as many questions as we wanted and to roam on our own.
We decided to give it a try and at least go see the venue before ruling it out a second time, and with our luck they were hosting an open house the following evening so away we went! We got a chance to taste some of the menu, drink some wine and get a great tour of the venue and its spaces. Even though it was incredibly busy, we weren't pushed through the tour and were given plenty of opportunity to ask as many questions as we wanted and to roam on our own.
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| *image sourced from berkeleyevents.com |
SOME OF THE SELLING POINTS.
1. They have a tree house. A huge tree house!! The guys will use this to get ready before the wedding.
2. Decorated with vintage props like an old carousel lion and a huge Eiffel Tower replica, the bridal dressing area / private dining room is so gorgeously eclectic.
3. On-site catering.
4. Midnight Poutine and Sushi!
5. Indoor and Outdoor area including a roof top patio and a stream running through the lower area.
6. While most people might complain that their venue doesn't have a liquor license, we loved it. We can really cater to our guests tastes and preferences and buy what we want. Another plus - if you don't use it all, return it!
7. There is a city owned parking lot for rent right behind the venue.
8. It's right downtown which means it's close to the best hotels, train station, public transit and is easily accessed by two major routes into the city.
SOME OF THE THINGS TO THINK ABOUT FIRST.
1. Even though we loved it, some people may not be fond of the fact that the venue doesn't have its liquor license.
2. They didn't inform us until after they confirmed our date and we signed our contract (that included a credit card authorization form) that their credit card system wasn't set up and they wanted us to pay in cash. Even though we had the deposit in cash, I insisted on credit card payment because it's more easily tracked and I get bonus points. I am still waiting on a status update regarding a) their credit card system or b) their PayPal account set up. While part of me says this is a really big thing for them to miss telling a client, I am giving them the benefit of the doubt.
3. They have a preferred florist and DJ and a 15% landmark fee applies should you want to opt out.
We are so excited to be having our wedding and reception here despite the couple of setbacks so far. Of all of the things I've read about this venue and the experience we had when we visited, it really seems like a great place to be. We'll keep you updated as we go along!
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