The 5 Best Rehearsal Dinner Venues in Toronto, Ontario, Recommended By A Luxury Wedding Planner
The rehearsal dinner is a cherished prelude to the wedding day, offering a moment of relaxation and togetherness before the main event, your ceremony and reception. It's a chance for close family and friends to gather, rehearse meaningful moments, and share a meal in a more intimate setting.
As you work with your wedding planner and make decisions about your celebration, the rehearsal dinner becomes a meaningful piece of the puzzle. As the day approaches, you’ll choose where to host this gathering, which will set the tone for a heartfelt wedding weekend.
In this blog post, we’ll explore key elements to consider when hosting a rehearsal dinner and highlight some of the best venues in Toronto, Ontario, that we recommend here at Claudia and Co. to ensure your event is truly special and one that encapsulates your unique love story.
Rehearsal Dinner 101: What to Expect, And Plan
The rehearsal dinner is such a special part of your wedding weekend; it’s usually held the evening before the big day and gives everyone a chance to slow down, connect, and get excited for what’s ahead. Most couples rehearse the ceremony in the afternoon, then head into a relaxed dinner around 6 or 7 PM. It typically lasts about two to three hours, which is just the right amount of time for socializing, sharing a meal, and hearing a few toasts.
A great rehearsal dinner isn’t just about good food and a beautiful space. It’s really about the atmosphere you create. It’s a chance to reflect on who you are as a couple, make your guests feel welcome, and set the tone for your wedding day.
Here are a few ways we recommend to make the night feel extra special:
1. Personalized Decor
Add a few thoughtful touches that reflect your relationship, like photos, favourite quotes, or keepsakes from your journey together. Custom centrepieces, themed table settings, or handwritten place cards can go a long way.
2. Open Mic Moments
You don’t have to plan a formal speech lineup, but leaving a little room for spontaneous toasts or stories from guests can add so much warmth and laughter to the night.
3. Thank-You Notes
A simple thank-you note at each place setting is such a meaningful way to show appreciation. Your guests will love it, and it adds a personal, heartfelt layer to the evening.
4. Keep It Short and Sweet
There’s no need to stretch the evening too long. Two to three hours is usually just right, enough time to enjoy the moment without feeling tired or rushed before the big day.
Our Top 5 Rehearsal Dinner Restaurants
Set in the Distillery District, Cluny Bistro is a French-inspired restaurant that brings elegance to any celebration. With a fine dining menu straight from Paris, this space is nothing short of a pièce de résistance.
Cluny is a more intimate venue, making it the perfect choice for a rehearsal dinner. It can host up to 65 guests for a seated meal, creating a warm, cozy atmosphere ideal for gathering with your closest loved ones. The food and beverage minimum typically ranges from $2,000 to $6,000, depending on the day and which section of the restaurant you book. For more information on minimum spends, get in contact with their events team here.
Cluny Bistro Pinterest
One of Cluny’s most beautiful features is its stunning patio, available from May to October. It’s the perfect spot for an al fresco dinner with your family and friends, especially if you’re planning a spring, summer, or early fall wedding.
We recommend booking early, this space is well-loved, well-known, and tends to fill up fast. If you’re planning a December wedding, keep in mind that the Distillery District becomes quite busy during the Christmas Market, and the area may be closed off to vehicles or require a ticketed entrance for guests.
For more details on the space, availability, and menu options, you can explore the Cluny Private Dining page here.
Claudia and Co Tip: Choose a Venue That Feels Like You
Your rehearsal dinner is the first real moment where your closest people come together to celebrate your love story, so let it reflect your personality as a couple. You don’t have to go all out or match every single wedding detail, but it should feel like a natural extension of your wedding weekend.
At the very top of the TD Bank Tower on the 54th floor, Canoe offers some of the most beautiful views in Toronto, such as the CN Tower, the full skyline, and Lake Ontario, all from one spot. It’s seriously one of the most beautiful places in the city. If you're looking for elegantly crafted Canadian cuisine, this is the place.
Film by @515photoco Planning @nicoleblairevents
When it comes to hosting your rehearsal dinner, Canoe gives you a few options depending on your guest count. For smaller groups, you can book either the East or West Room. Each fits about 24–30 guests, and together they seat up to 54 people. It’s a great setup if you’re looking for something intimate but still polished.
If you're planning a bigger night and want that full Canoe experience, you can book out the whole space. It seats up to 135 guests for dinner or 200 if you’re doing a reception-style event.
We recommend checking out the Canoe website for more details on private dining and menus, it books up quickly, and it’s 100% worth it.
Terroni Adelaide Photo From: Meghan Huryn
An Italian restaurant housed in the beautifully restored Adelaide Street Courthouses, Terroni on Adelaide brings the most welcoming atmosphere that’s made for celebration and perfect for a rehearsal dinner. With a menu rooted in Southern Italy, it is filled with vibrant, flavourful dishes your guests will enjoy. Take a look at the menu here!
With a variety of spaces to host your rehearsal dinner, there’s something for everyone and every party size! Get in touch with the events team here to secure your date!
Claudia and Co Tip: Keep Your People Close
Traditionally, rehearsal dinners include immediate family, the wedding party, and anyone helping with the ceremony, but it’s your day, your way. If inviting a few extra loved ones feels right to you, go for it. Just make sure it still feels intentional and aligns with the flow of your weekend. Quality over quantity always wins.
Located in North York, Toronto, Auberge du Pommier is a French-inspired cottage full of character. The ambiance is cozy and sophisticated, with high ceilings, lush gardens and terraces outdoors. This restaurant is perfect for the couple that is having a classic and sophisticated wedding, and wants their rehearsal dinner spot to reflect just that. For more details about their menu, check it out here.
The truly most beautiful and intimate part of this French cottage-style restaurant is how perfectly it sets the scene for a heartfelt dinner. Whether you’re planning something small with just your immediate family or inviting a larger group for a full buyout, the space is flexible and full of charm. It’s intimate, elegant, and feels just right.
If you'd like to get in touch with the events team or want a bit more information, you can check it out here.
Located on the 5th floor of the historic Dineen Building, The Chase delivers contemporary dining in the heart of Toronto’s Financial District. With floor-to-ceiling windows which add such a nice touch around sunset, plush seating, and modern style, this is a go to option for the stylish modern couple.
With a main dining room that seats nearly 100 guests, plus a lounge that can host another 40, the sky really is the limit when it comes to planning your rehearsal dinner here. One of the most stunning features? The rooftop terrace. It’s perfect for a summer evening, offering space for a seated dinner with 16 to 22 of your closest people, or an 80-person standing reception if you're dreaming of something a little more lively.
To get in contact with the events team, access their information here.
Claudia and Co Tip: Make Space for the Moments That Matter
There’s something really special about rehearsal dinners. They tend to be slower, more relaxed, and filled with the kind of love and laughter that only happens when the pressure is low and the people are close.
So when you're planning, don’t just focus on the logistics. Leave room in your timeline for hugs that last longer than usual. For toasts that go a little off-script. For someone to tell that story that always makes everyone cry-laugh.
TL;DR
Your rehearsal dinner is the first true gathering of your wedding weekend. With the right space and a few thoughtful details, it can set the tone for everything to follow.
Here’s what to keep in mind:
– Make it personal with décor, thank-you notes, and space for connection
– Two to three hours is the perfect amount of time to relax and enjoy
– Choose a venue that reflects your vibe as a couple
Top Toronto Venues We Love:
Cluny Bistro –A French-inspired space in the Distillery District.
Canoe – Canadian cuisine with stunning city and lake views.
Terroni on Adelaide – Warm, inviting, and perfect for cozy, family-style gatherings with delicious Italian food.
Auberge du Pommier – c French dining in a historic setting.
The Chase – Sophisticated rooftop experience with a seafood-forward menu and modern atmosphere.
If you're ready to plan a rehearsal dinner that’s as special as your wedding day, we are here to guide you with expert guidance and personalized service.
Let us help you create an unforgettable evening that your guests will cherish.