Review is written by Staff @ The Ring and is based on • Interviews with this vendor • Interviews with past brides
With beautifully landscaped gardens and historic buildings, natural waterfalls and fabulous architecture, it doesn't get any better than Ancaster Mill for the bride and groom looking for a place to hold a picturesque outdoor ceremony and an elegant indoor reception...all at the same location.
Add to that a reputation that exceeds over thirty years and thousands of weddings, a personal Event Coordinator who is with you every step of the way, a "sky's the limit" attitude when it comes to package options, and it's easy to see why several of Ancaster Mill's past brides told The Ring that, after touring the venue, they knew they had found "the one."
We talked to the team at Ancaster Mill to find out everything you need to know about this Ancaster area wedding destination...
A tried and tested reputation
Since 1941, the Ciancone Family has been in the restaurant and events business. For Aaron and Leanne Ciancone, it’s in their blood, and they’ve been proving it since opening their first mill, the Ancaster Mill in 1979.
Today, Ancaster Mill holds an average of 300 weddings per year. And with so many weddings (that's nearly one wedding every day of the year!) the team credits an unwavering passion for keeping things fresh and exciting. "Knowing that we have played an integral part in such a monumental day in the life of our couples and their families is the best part of the job."
After over thirty years in the business, the Ciancone family says they've become known for quality, dependability and consistency – all of which they credit to a talented and hands-on team. And couples searching for the perfect wedding venue have certainly taken notice. Between their four venues, the Ciancones' have hosted 400 weddings in the last year alone!
Leanne explains, "We are a seasoned wedding venue...the management team is comprised of highly qualified professionals with degrees from University of Guelph, Ryerson and Stratford Chef School. Our Maitre d’s are trained in-house to provide our high standard of service."
For bride Jennifer Campbell, choosing Ancaster Mill for her New Years Eve, 2011 wedding came down to two factors, the scenic location and the gourmet food. "We had no idea how difficult it would be to find a venue that offered not only a beautiful facility indoors, but also picturesque scenic views outdoors. The Ancaster Mill definitely offers both. Many venues have food pre-prepared prior to the wedding reception which was a big turn off to us. We loved that Ancaster Mill offers a selection of fresh, organic foods prepared for guests as they order their entrees."
From intimate spaces to historic ballrooms...
For newly-weds Erika-Leigh and Malcolm Howard, it wasn't just Ancaster Mill's reputation that made them fall in love with the venue. Erika-Leigh says the setting was "heads above" any other location she looked at for her September 2011 wedding day, "I loved the architecture everywhere...it provided such a beautiful backdrop for many favourite moments including waiting for the ceremony to begin on the covered bridge, and taking pictures on it afterwards...the waterfall and the breathtaking pictures at night... and to be honest I loved the intimacy of the dance floor. Our wedding party danced the night away and it was a ton of fun being in Governor's room."
The venue offers everything from an intimate space for up to thirty-two guests to a large space for up to 200 guests, complete with your very own outdoor patio. Here's a breakdown of the spaces you have to choose from...
The Solarium
Floor-to-ceiling windows add to the serenity of this glassed space. The Solarium overlooks the Mill's covered bridge and waterfalls. A three-way fireplace connects the room with your private lounge and reception area. Capacity: 32 seated
The Governor’s Room
Located on the upper floor of the Grist Mill, this room offers unique and historical charm. With a stone fireplace, twelve-foot-high ceilings and hand-carved beams, this bright and spacious room is all about elegance. Capacity: 135 seated (includes use of Solarium for a pre-dinner cocktail reception)
The 1812 Room
This is considered the Mill's most historic room. Located on the ground level of the Grist Mill, this room has a large stone fireplace and a covered, heated deck. Capacity: 70 seated
The Millview Room
This L-shaped room offers a picturesque alternative with floor to ceiling windows overlooking the Grist Mill. Two stone fireplaces and a scenic backdrop add to the tranquility of the room. Capacity: 110 seated
The Falls Room
This premier room boasts a spectacular view of the waterfall and millstream, with floor-to-ceiling windows running the entire length of the room. A wood-burning stone hearth is the centrepiece of the space and the new outdoor patio with stone hearth, located at the mouth of the waterfall, is included for your late night service. Capacity: 200 seated (includes Millview Room for a pre-dinner cocktail reception)
Going to the chapel
If you decide to book your ceremony at Ancaster Mill, you'll be provided with a non-denominational minister, a signing table, a CD of music for guests' arrival, the processional, signing and recessional.
Seating is available for ten to over 200 guests at both indoor and outdoor locations.
The Outdoor Chapel is secluded and stream-side, nestled in the escarpment with nature as your backdrop. This includes congregational set-up of New England white garden chairs.
The Indoor Chapel is set against a historical backdrop with a stone fireplace. Wrought iron candelabras are situated in casement windows. Your ceremony includes congregational set-up with gold chiavari chairs.
Your personal Special Events Consultant
When you book your wedding at Ancaster Mill, you'll have your very own Event Consultant to help you throughout the entire booking and planning process.
Kathy Alderson, one of Ancaster Mill's Special Events Consultants, has been a driving force behind many of the events and weddings at Ancaster Mill since 2000. She was mentored by the General Manager, Kevin as well as owners Ron and Aaron Ciancone, so she truly knows the venue inside and out.
Working with and caring for people has always come naturally to Kathy. She originally worked as a full-time nurse after graduating from nursing school in Toronto. With a burning desire to work in the wedding industry, she later made the move to Events Consultant and hasn't looked back since, "I love the people! I enjoy assessing clients’ needs and their plans and assisting them and their families in having the wedding that their guests say 'was the best wedding they have attended' and that the bride and groom say 'we would do exactly the same all over again'!”
Ancaster Mill's other Special Events Consultant, Vicki DeNardis, has been helping brides plan their wedding at Ancaster Mill since 2007. Vicki has a Bachelor of Applied Arts in Office Administration from Ryerson University.
Vicki comes with years of experience as a Program Manager at a local television station as well as managerial experience at the Royal Botanical Gardens. Here, Vicki managed the weddings and social department and fell in love with the industry. "I am an organizer and am very detail-oriented, so I love that part of my job! I also enjoy being part of my clients’ special day…they have chosen us to be part of one of the most significant times of their life. And how very rewarding to see all the months of planning come together and watch the couple’s friends and family celebrate with them."
Erika-Leigh and Malcolm Howard say that planning a wedding in Ontario from their home in B.C. could have been a scary process. But the staff at Ancaster Mill were "incredible" and put their minds at ease. "Our consultant was Vicki DeNardis, and she made the entire process easy, relaxed, and enjoyable. Her calm demeanor, knowledge and experience, care, patience, persistence and support made every step along the way and every decision much happier and easier. By the end I truly felt like she was a friend, and was extremely grateful for her guidance through the process."
An all-in-one wedding destination
The most popular option at Ancaster Mill is to have the entire wedding day at the Mill. From the ceremony to photos to dinner and the reception, Kathy says that it becomes a one-stop destination and many brides love that they can have it all in one location. "We've seen a shift away from church weddings, with couples moving towards a destination for all aspects of their day at the same facility. Couples are also more educated in food and want higher quality and/or more unique options for their menus."
Ancaster Mill also offers full bar and food packages for your cocktail hour, dinner and late night table.
Packages
The sky really is the limit at Ancaster Mill and their team is always happy to customize a package to accommodate your wedding day vision. Whether you've always dreamed of having a piper play as you walk down the aisle or, providing shuttle service for guests to local hotels is a must, the options are endless. But, no matter which package you choose, here's what's included at every wedding at Ancaster Mill:
• Custom menu consultation
• Valet parking for your guests
• Seasonal coat checking
• A personal Maitre d’ to oversee your entire day
• Dedicated service staff and bartenders
• White table linens and napkins
• Classic Royal Doulton china, flatware and stemware
• Complete set-up and service for the event
Walking you through your wedding...
To get in touch with the team at Ancaster Mill, give them a call, send them an email or by stop by the property.
From here, you'll have a facility tour as well as a breakdown of their packages and services. We love that they are available seven days a week for follow-up meetings, consultations and detailed appointments.
You'll meet again about three to five months before your wedding, to review details, set up menu tastings and go over any other details. You'll also have a "final details" appointment at least ten days prior to your wedding to ensure that all of your details are taken care of.
On your wedding day, you'll be greeted by your personal Maitre’d upon arrival who will oversee your entire event to ensure that your wedding day is flawless. The General Manager is also on-site to oversee the entire day.
Jennifer Campbell told The Ring that the staff was excellent. "Our particular contact person always got back to us very quickly and seemed happy to answer the vast number of questions I posed on what was probably a weekly basis via email. The staff took a laid back approach, allowing us to change our mind regarding our selections on a number of occasions. They were very friendly and approachable."
Details, details, details
• Packages that include tray served hors d’oeuvres, a three course menu, full host bar service and a late night sweet table start at $89.00 per person (plus taxes and gratuity).
• There is a 20% deposit required to book your wedding at Ancaster Mill. If you're getting married in peak wedding season, it's best to book your wedding twelve to eighteen months before the big day. Give Ancaster Mill a call to see if your date is available.
Giving Back
Ancaster Mill hosts their own 10 K run each year. They also work with and host many local charity events, supporting non-profit organizations such as Hamilton Food Share, Rotary Club, Slow Food Canada and United Way, to name a few.
With beautifully landscaped gardens and historic buildings, natural waterfalls and fabulous architecture, it doesn't get any better than Ancaster Mill for the bride and groom looking for a place to hold a picturesque outdoor ceremony and an elegant indoor reception...all at the same location.
Add to that a reputation that exceeds over thirty years and thousands of weddings, a personal Event Coordinator who is with you every step of the way, a "sky's the limit" attitude when it comes to package options, and it's easy to see why several of Ancaster Mill's past brides told The Ring that, after touring the venue, they knew they had found "the one."
We talked to the team at Ancaster Mill to find out everything you need to know about this Ancaster area wedding destination...
A tried and tested reputation
Since 1941, the Ciancone Family has been in the restaurant and events business. For Aaron and Leanne Ciancone, it’s in their blood, and they’ve been proving it since opening their first mill, the Ancaster Mill in 1979.
Today, Ancaster Mill holds an average of 300 weddings per year. And with so many weddings (that's nearly one wedding every day of the year!) the team credits an unwavering passion for keeping things fresh and exciting. "Knowing that we have played an integral part in such a monumental day in the life of our couples and their families is the best part of the job."
After over thirty years in the business, the Ciancone family says they've become known for quality, dependability and consistency – all of which they credit to a talented and hands-on team. And couples searching for the perfect wedding venue have certainly taken notice. Between their four venues, the Ciancones' have hosted 400 weddings in the last year alone!
Leanne explains, "We are a seasoned wedding venue...the management team is comprised of highly qualified professionals with degrees from University of Guelph, Ryerson and Stratford Chef School. Our Maitre d’s are trained in-house to provide our high standard of service."
For bride Jennifer Campbell, choosing Ancaster Mill for her New Years Eve, 2011 wedding came down to two factors, the scenic location and the gourmet food. "We had no idea how difficult it would be to find a venue that offered not only a beautiful facility indoors, but also picturesque scenic views outdoors. The Ancaster Mill definitely offers both. Many venues have food pre-prepared prior to the wedding reception which was a big turn off to us. We loved that Ancaster Mill offers a selection of fresh, organic foods prepared for guests as they order their entrees."
From intimate spaces to historic ballrooms...
For newly-weds Erika-Leigh and Malcolm Howard, it wasn't just Ancaster Mill's reputation that made them fall in love with the venue. Erika-Leigh says the setting was "heads above" any other location she looked at for her September 2011 wedding day, "I loved the architecture everywhere...it provided such a beautiful backdrop for many favourite moments including waiting for the ceremony to begin on the covered bridge, and taking pictures on it afterwards...the waterfall and the breathtaking pictures at night... and to be honest I loved the intimacy of the dance floor. Our wedding party danced the night away and it was a ton of fun being in Governor's room."
The venue offers everything from an intimate space for up to thirty-two guests to a large space for up to 200 guests, complete with your very own outdoor patio. Here's a breakdown of the spaces you have to choose from...
The Solarium
Floor-to-ceiling windows add to the serenity of this glassed space. The Solarium overlooks the Mill's covered bridge and waterfalls. A three-way fireplace connects the room with your private lounge and reception area. Capacity: 32 seated
The Governor’s Room
Located on the upper floor of the Grist Mill, this room offers unique and historical charm. With a stone fireplace, twelve-foot-high ceilings and hand-carved beams, this bright and spacious room is all about elegance. Capacity: 135 seated (includes use of Solarium for a pre-dinner cocktail reception)
The 1812 Room
This is considered the Mill's most historic room. Located on the ground level of the Grist Mill, this room has a large stone fireplace and a covered, heated deck. Capacity: 70 seated
The Millview Room
This L-shaped room offers a picturesque alternative with floor to ceiling windows overlooking the Grist Mill. Two stone fireplaces and a scenic backdrop add to the tranquility of the room. Capacity: 110 seated
The Falls Room
This premier room boasts a spectacular view of the waterfall and millstream, with floor-to-ceiling windows running the entire length of the room. A wood-burning stone hearth is the centrepiece of the space and the new outdoor patio with stone hearth, located at the mouth of the waterfall, is included for your late night service. Capacity: 200 seated (includes Millview Room for a pre-dinner cocktail reception)
Going to the chapel
If you decide to book your ceremony at Ancaster Mill, you'll be provided with a non-denominational minister, a signing table, a CD of music for guests' arrival, the processional, signing and recessional.
Seating is available for ten to over 200 guests at both indoor and outdoor locations.
The Outdoor Chapel is secluded and stream-side, nestled in the escarpment with nature as your backdrop. This includes congregational set-up of New England white garden chairs.
The Indoor Chapel is set against a historical backdrop with a stone fireplace. Wrought iron candelabras are situated in casement windows. Your ceremony includes congregational set-up with gold chiavari chairs.
Your personal Special Events Consultant
When you book your wedding at Ancaster Mill, you'll have your very own Event Consultant to help you throughout the entire booking and planning process.
Kathy Alderson, one of Ancaster Mill's Special Events Consultants, has been a driving force behind many of the events and weddings at Ancaster Mill since 2000. She was mentored by the General Manager, Kevin as well as owners Ron and Aaron Ciancone, so she truly knows the venue inside and out.
Working with and caring for people has always come naturally to Kathy. She originally worked as a full-time nurse after graduating from nursing school in Toronto. With a burning desire to work in the wedding industry, she later made the move to Events Consultant and hasn't looked back since, "I love the people! I enjoy assessing clients’ needs and their plans and assisting them and their families in having the wedding that their guests say 'was the best wedding they have attended' and that the bride and groom say 'we would do exactly the same all over again'!”
Ancaster Mill's other Special Events Consultant, Vicki DeNardis, has been helping brides plan their wedding at Ancaster Mill since 2007. Vicki has a Bachelor of Applied Arts in Office Administration from Ryerson University.
Vicki comes with years of experience as a Program Manager at a local television station as well as managerial experience at the Royal Botanical Gardens. Here, Vicki managed the weddings and social department and fell in love with the industry. "I am an organizer and am very detail-oriented, so I love that part of my job! I also enjoy being part of my clients’ special day…they have chosen us to be part of one of the most significant times of their life. And how very rewarding to see all the months of planning come together and watch the couple’s friends and family celebrate with them."
Erika-Leigh and Malcolm Howard say that planning a wedding in Ontario from their home in B.C. could have been a scary process. But the staff at Ancaster Mill were "incredible" and put their minds at ease. "Our consultant was Vicki DeNardis, and she made the entire process easy, relaxed, and enjoyable. Her calm demeanor, knowledge and experience, care, patience, persistence and support made every step along the way and every decision much happier and easier. By the end I truly felt like she was a friend, and was extremely grateful for her guidance through the process."
An all-in-one wedding destination
The most popular option at Ancaster Mill is to have the entire wedding day at the Mill. From the ceremony to photos to dinner and the reception, Kathy says that it becomes a one-stop destination and many brides love that they can have it all in one location. "We've seen a shift away from church weddings, with couples moving towards a destination for all aspects of their day at the same facility. Couples are also more educated in food and want higher quality and/or more unique options for their menus."
Ancaster Mill also offers full bar and food packages for your cocktail hour, dinner and late night table.
Packages
The sky really is the limit at Ancaster Mill and their team is always happy to customize a package to accommodate your wedding day vision. Whether you've always dreamed of having a piper play as you walk down the aisle or, providing shuttle service for guests to local hotels is a must, the options are endless. But, no matter which package you choose, here's what's included at every wedding at Ancaster Mill:
• Custom menu consultation
• Valet parking for your guests
• Seasonal coat checking
• A personal Maitre d’ to oversee your entire day
• Dedicated service staff and bartenders
• White table linens and napkins
• Classic Royal Doulton china, flatware and stemware
• Complete set-up and service for the event
Walking you through your wedding...
To get in touch with the team at Ancaster Mill, give them a call, send them an email or by stop by the property.
From here, you'll have a facility tour as well as a breakdown of their packages and services. We love that they are available seven days a week for follow-up meetings, consultations and detailed appointments.
You'll meet again about three to five months before your wedding, to review details, set up menu tastings and go over any other details. You'll also have a "final details" appointment at least ten days prior to your wedding to ensure that all of your details are taken care of.
On your wedding day, you'll be greeted by your personal Maitre’d upon arrival who will oversee your entire event to ensure that your wedding day is flawless. The General Manager is also on-site to oversee the entire day.
Jennifer Campbell told The Ring that the staff was excellent. "Our particular contact person always got back to us very quickly and seemed happy to answer the vast number of questions I posed on what was probably a weekly basis via email. The staff took a laid back approach, allowing us to change our mind regarding our selections on a number of occasions. They were very friendly and approachable."
Details, details, details
• Packages that include tray served hors d’oeuvres, a three course menu, full host bar service and a late night sweet table start at $89.00 per person (plus taxes and gratuity).
• There is a 20% deposit required to book your wedding at Ancaster Mill. If you're getting married in peak wedding season, it's best to book your wedding twelve to eighteen months before the big day. Give Ancaster Mill a call to see if your date is available.
Giving Back
Ancaster Mill hosts their own 10 K run each year. They also work with and host many local charity events, supporting non-profit organizations such as Hamilton Food Share, Rotary Club, Slow Food Canada and United Way, to name a few.
