Dreamy Cottage Wedding on Lake of Bays, Muskoka

A Muskoka Cottage Wedding Dream for a Dream Couple

Gillian and Sam’s wedding wasn’t just a party – it honestly felt more like a homecoming to me. Held at Gill’s family cottage in Muskoka (which has been in her family for something like 80 years), it was the perfect spot to host family & friends in a way that felt meaningful for everyone involved. I can’t emphasize enough how much this type of wedding is MY JAM!

Rain on Your Wedding Day:

No wedding day is perfect (although this one came close). The morning began with heavy rain and chilly temperatures but that didn’t slow anyone down. Gillian’s dad even volunteered to jockey cars for myself and other vendors so we could stay dry and get to work out of the rain. What a guy! Gill was unfazed, she told me “Whatever happens is fine. We just want to get married. Even if it pours we’ll get married in the rain.”

As luck would have it, the sun started breaking through the clouds during a very sweet first look session and came out in full force just in time for the ceremony! The timing couldn’t have been better. Sam and the groomsmen made a pretty sweet entrance by boat – a nod to cottage life that everyone loved. Then Gill & Sam exchanged their vows on their custom built wedding platform, as her brother officiated. After the ceremony, and a sun-soaked cocktail hour on the patio, the dinner bell was rung and the cottage living room transformed into a warm and cozy dining space. Twinkling candles, fresh florals, and a stone fireplace set the perfect tone for an intimate dinner filled with laughter, heartfelt toasts, and incredible food.

A Special Guest:

One of my favourite parts of the day was the inclusion of Gill & Sam’s beloved dog, Gus, who stole the show. A true cottage pup, he spent the day bounding up and down the hill from the lake to the house just living his best life. Whether photo bombing portraits or sneaking treats from guests, he was at the heart of it all. I can’t resist a wedding pup.

A Golden Hour Boat Ride & Festive Evening Celebrations:

As the sun began to set we took advantage of the golden light and captured some pretty dreamy photos on the lake in the vintage wooden boat that Sam had gifted Gillian. As our couple took a little break from the party, we floated along side them and candidly photographed some equally fun and romantic moments.

The celebration continued into the night with a magical first dance surrounded by friends and family holding sparklers, followed by a pie cutting. No cottage wedding would be complete without a down & dirty dance party in the living room.

From the emotional vows to the golden hour boat ride, every part of Gill & Sam’s day reflected who they are. It was a celebration of love, family, and the place they hold closest to their hearts. We had an amazing team working to make this wedding a success for our Muskoka babes. I’ll list them below. I need to send an extra special thanks to Shannon at All Things Love Events for planning a day felt effortless. Her thoughtful coordination really allowed Gillian and Sam to be fully present, soaking up every hug, laugh, and happy tear. I know they appreciated it as much as I did.

I adore this couple and this wedding. Please enjoy this super special wedding day on Lake of Bays, Muskoka; photographed on film & digital by yours truly
Oh PS. If you’re looking for help planning a Muskoka cottage wedding, scroll right to the bottom to find my guide on exactly this!

TEAM:
Planning – All Things Love
Florals – A Wild Vine
Catering – Eclectic Cafe Orillia
Hair & Makeup – Eryn Shannon
Rentals – SB Creative Studio
Music – Tobin Spring
Bar – Toasted Bliss
Bakery – Erika’s Wildflour Bakery
Dress – Loversland
Suit – 4 Men United

Planning a Cottage Wedding in Muskoka? Read This First.

There’s something about Muskoka that just feels different. The light, the trees, the stillness. Maybe it’s the way time slows down on the dock, or how cozy everything feels when the sun dips behind the pines. It’s no wonder more and more couples are choosing to trade ballrooms for bare feet and lakefront vows.

But if you’re planning a cottage wedding in Muskoka, you’ve probably realized: the charm comes with a few challenges. Logistics, licenses, and (yes) bathrooms all need your attention. So here’s a calm, straightforward guide to help you plan a wedding that’s grounded in presence — not pressure.

1. Bathrooms: Make It Comfortable, Not Complicated

Let’s start with the unglamorous but essential: bathrooms.

Most cottages aren’t built for large groups. If you’re hosting more than 20 people and relying on a single bathroom, things will get messy — fast. The good news? You can rent luxury washroom trailers that feel more boutique hotel than summer camp. Companies like LUX or Royal Flush Ontario offer climate-controlled options with real sinks, mirrors, and lighting.

💡 Tip: Plan for 1 washroom per 50 guests — and put them somewhere easy to access, but discreet.

2. Catering: Feed People Well (Without Stressing Out)

Catering at a cottage comes with quirks. Your go-to city vendor might not travel north, or may not have equipment for an off-grid setup.

Look for Muskoka-based caterers who are used to working in remote areas. Many bring their own gear, build menus based on what’s in season, and know how to handle rain, raccoons, and power outages with grace.

Ask about:

• Power/water needs
• Staff setup + teardown
• Plating vs. buffet
• Local ingredient options (hello, fresh trout and Ontario peaches)

3. Liquor License: Yes, You Probably Need One

In Ontario, if you’re serving alcohol at a private event (like a cottage wedding), and it’s not a licensed venue, you need a Special Occasion Permit (SOP) from the AGCO. It’s a quick online application, but you’ll want to submit it at least 30 days in advance.

Also:

• Chat with your insurance provider about liability coverage
• Make sure your cottage rental agreement allows alcohol service
• Hire smart servers — especially if your crowd likes a good party

4. Why a Wedding Planner (or Coordinator) Is a Game-Changer

Even the chillest, most low-key weddings need someone to run the show. And spoiler: it shouldn’t be you.

Hiring a wedding planner (or even just a day-of coordinator) means someone else is making sure the food’s hot, the vendors show up, and your cousin doesn’t park on the neighbor’s lawn. Muskoka-based planners know the local vendors, the weather patterns, and how to pivot when the power goes out mid-toast.

💛 You deserve to feel like a guest at your own wedding. Let someone else carry the clipboard.

Final Thought: Let It Be Real, Not Perfect

The best part of a cottage wedding in Muskoka isn’t the florals or the fireworks — it’s the way your partner looks at you across the lake. It’s your niece twirling in the grass, your dad misty-eyed during dinner, the sound of loons as you share a last drink by the dock.

Plan just enough. Then let it go. The magic will take care of itself.

Because the truth is, the most beautiful weddings aren’t staged — they’re felt.

If you’re dreaming of a quiet cottage wedding surrounded by trees and water, I photograph weddings in Muskoka in a way that’s laid back, natural, and full of heart.