Reviewing Erin Lister, Wedding and Special Events Co-ordinator of Elm Hurst Inn and Spa
Review is written by Staff @ The Ring and is based on • Interviews with this vendor • Interviews with past brides
Nestled on thirty-three acres of countryside with 140 years of history, the Elm Hurst Inn & Spa has been the ultimate wedding location for thousands of brides. With rooms that can accommodate anywhere from four to 230 people, and plenty of options to suit the traditional or modern bride (and everyone in between), this Ingersoll inn appeals to a huge spectrum of couples.
Elm Hurst prides itself on making you feel at home. And couples must take notice because the inn is often booked for an entire weekend wedding celebration, complete with everything from the rehearsal dinner and a stop at the spa, to the ceremony, reception and accommodations.
With all inclusive packages for couples that want a totally stress-free planning process to customized options that let you create your own personalized package, Elm Hurst Inn & Spa can truly cater to any vision. Here's why.....
Personally Speaking....
From your first email to the last meeting, Erin Lister, the wedding coordinator for the Elm Hurst plays a crucial role in every wedding at the inn. She started her career at the front desk, moved into sales within her first year and ultimately became the wedding coordinator. And fifteen years later, Erin has personally helped over 1000 couples plan their wedding at the inn.
Erin doesn’t have to do much to prove that she thinks the inn is the perfect place to get married; she had her own wedding there nearly ten years ago.
And the opportunity to help other couples plan their special day at Elm Hurst keeps Erin inspired, “it’s such a happy occasion. It’s wonderful to be able to help with such a special time in their lives.”
If you can dream it…
Most couples would describe the atmosphere at the inn as ‘intimate and comfortable’. Erin believes that their flexibility also attracts couples, “we can customize the menu, or, create an entirely customized package for you. You can even design your menu around family recipes. We can accommodate any special requests.”
When it comes to their couples, Elm Hurst doesn’t have an ideal bride, they work to make sure that every couple has their dream wedding at the inn, “we love every bride... there are no limits. We have the ballroom for the contemporary brides and the heritage home for the traditional brides.”
All inclusive…
Elm Hurst Inn has three all inclusive packages- silver, gold and diamond- each designed to make your planning process as easy and stress-free as possible. Each package has its perks, covering everything from your ceremony site to the late night buffet. For example, the Silver Package starts at $98 per person, including tax and tip. It includes everything from the room set-up, linens and chair covers, to a four-course menu selection and wine during dinner (plus several other extras).
The Gold Package includes deluxe hot hors d’oeuvres and cold canapés, a four course dinner, four hours of basic alcohol service, a late night buffet and many other extras like linens, chair covers and candle centerpieces. This package starts at $159 per person, including tax and tip.
If you opt for the Diamond Package, you’re looking at $215 per person, including tax and tip. It features a five course dinner, six hours of basic alcohol service, floor length linens and napkins from their Diamond Collection, overnight accommodations for the bride and groom, plus many other extras.
And while most couples prefer the all inclusive package, Erin says `a la carte options are available as well, “custom packages from Elm Hurst Inn, are tailored to suit every brides’ wedding taste and theme.”
Favourite things….
For couples that are planning a full weekend wedding event, Elm Hurst Inn & Spa is ‘it’. This is the ultimate all in one location because you can really have it all here; an indoor or outdoor ceremony, your reception, photos, overnight accommodations, rehearsal dinner, spa service, hair and make-up in your guest room or at the spa.
The property alone is enough to attract its couples. With three acres of land including ponds, a gazebo and a heritage home, you have plenty of photo and ceremony locations to choose from. All of their guest rooms are also newly renovated.
Erin wants couples to have the best experience possible at the inn so she thinks it’s crucial that she’s prompt and helpful with couples and takes care of all of the little details so that you don’t have to.
The inn also prides itself on its food. The chef has over twenty years of experience serving Elmhurst brides and grooms. Whether you fall in love with an Elm Hurst favourite like Roast Prime Rib of Beef with Yorkshire Pudding, or, you’d like them to make an old family favourite, passed down by grandma, Erin says the food is a favourite part of the Elm Hurst experience.
Locations, locations, locations
There are a ton of choices at the inn. So here’s our breakdown of the options for your ceremony, reception or both;
The Grand Ballroom
Erin says the ballroom is a contemporary setting that can comfortably accommodate 120 to 230 guests for your ceremony, dinner and dance. You can also hold your ceremony outside on the adjoining lawn before the reception. “The Grand Ballroom features picturesque views of the valley and an outdoor terrace for your private enjoyment. Ceremonies outside take place on the manicured lawn, where an ornate fountain provides a striking focal point.”
The James Harris Room
This is also another option for your ceremony and reception. It seats sixty to 100 guests. “With its Cathedral ceiling, large picture windows and private second-floor balcony overlooking the valley, the James Harris Room is an elegant choice.”
Victorian Mansion Ballroom
For a more intimate celebration, this ballroom is perfect for thirty to sixty guests for dinner. “Located in the historic Elm Hurst Inn mansion, the Victorian Mansion Ballroom exudes country charm. The celebration may also spill outside onto the adjoining deck, resplendent with colourful flowers and a fountain in the summer months.”
Heritage Room
Another smaller location for thirty to fifty guests, the Heritage Room is ideal for a smaller ceremony or dinner, “elegantly decorated in muted cream and sage green.”
The Carriage House
The 19th-century Carriage House offers a unique location for a ceremony and reception, accommodating up to ninety guests. It also features a cathedral ceiling, exposed beams and a wooden floor.
The Valley
For brides with a larger guest list, this site can accommodate up to 500 guests for an outdoor ceremony and a tented reception, “it provides a picturesque rural backdrop for an outdoor event. This manicured field features a gazebo and overlooks the pond with its fountain and natural waterfall.”
The Front Garden Gazebo
Erin says the gazebo is a favourite spot for brides, “Our front garden gazebo provides a romantic focal point for an outdoor ceremony.”
The Pond
The pond is an absolute must-see area for your ceremony site, “with its natural waterfall and beautiful fountain, it’s the perfect stage for an intimate outdoor ceremony.” The inn can accommodate up to fifteen guests on the deck with up to 100 family and friends looking on from the surrounding lawn.
Current trends
Here’s what Erin is seeing right now:
Photo booth – Erin says they’re still a super popular addition to the reception
Super casual late night buffets – with options like sliders, fries and milk shake bars
Simple Weddings – Erin is noticing that couples are going back to basics and want “no muss, no fuss” on their wedding day
Colour- “Lots of colour, colour, colour”
True to the “simple wedding” trend, one of Erin’s favourite weddings was a complete surprise to the guests, “they thought they were attending an engagement party. The ballrooms wasn’t set up as a ceremony so no one knew until the officiant came out and the bride and groom walked up to the officiant. The couples wanted a big wedding but they didn’t want any of the stress or hassle of planning.”
Contacting the Elmhurst Inn....
Email is usually the best way to get in touch with Erin, but feel free to give her a call or drop in if you’re in the area and want to take a look. Appointments are always best if you want to ensure that you meet with Erin when you visit.
During your visit, you’ll be able to tour the facility and talk about all of the packages and options. Erin can provide a quote on the spot if you’d like to go with an all inclusive package.
After your initial meeting, Erin encourages couples to go home and think about the options. She will hold the date (with no obligation) and she’ll let you know if someone else is interested in your day.
If you decide to book Elm Hurst, you can give Erin a call, email or drop by in person to secure your wedding date.
With your wedding date secured, you’ll go over menu options and book your tasting. And here’s the best part- you’ll get to try two of everything- soup, salad, and entrees- giving you a great idea of your options. You can bring your parents, maid of honour or anyone else that you’d like to help you sample (for an additional charge).
About four months before your wedding, you’ll go over all of the details, timing, room set-up and anything else you might want to discuss with Erin.
Two days before your wedding, you’ll meet with Erin and Mike, the Banquet Manager, to review and finalize all of the details. You can also drop off your cake knife, server, favours, or anything else that you’d like at the inn.
On the day of, Mike is there to assist you if you need anything. He also has an assistant manager that will be there for your wedding so that you’re well attended to.
After your wedding, you’ll settle the balance of your bill. There might be a small balance or refund due after the final bill is totaled. At this point, Erin will send you a detailed invoice letting you know what your usage was and whether or not you have a refund or balance due.
Erin welcomes your feedback, photos and Trip Advisor comments to share with other couples who are thinking of booking their dream wedding at Elm Hurst Inn.
Photographer Trish Roberts often shoots at the inn and says it’s a favourite location, "The Elm Hurst Inn is a gem in Southern Ontario with the perfect location being so close the 401. As a photographer that has photographed many weddings at The Elm Hurst over the last 12 years I can honestly say the buildings, grounds and staff are some of the best I have worked with. But even more is the consistency they offer their clients. They are always helpful, professional, polite and caring. Erin Lister goes all out for her brides!”
Details, details, details......
• Your costs at Elm Hurst Inn range depending on the size of wedding and room(s) booked. Couples can spend anywhere from $200 to $20,000
• Couples that book the Grand Ballroom for their wedding day will spend, on average, about $15,000.
• Twenty-five percent of the expected balance is due four months before the wedding
• Fifty percent of the expected balance is due three months before the wedding
• The remainder of the expected balance is due two days before the wedding
• Ideally, couples looking to book the Grand Ballroom on a Saturday should book one year in advance. Bookings for a non-Saturday wedding should take place six months to one year in advance
• Elm Hurst Inn can almost always accommodate your event of sixty people of less, but you should book as soon as you know you want the Elm Hurst Inn & Spa!
Nestled on thirty-three acres of countryside with 140 years of history, the Elm Hurst Inn & Spa has been the ultimate wedding location for thousands of brides. With rooms that can accommodate anywhere from four to 230 people, and plenty of options to suit the traditional or modern bride (and everyone in between), this Ingersoll inn appeals to a huge spectrum of couples.
Elm Hurst prides itself on making you feel at home. And couples must take notice because the inn is often booked for an entire weekend wedding celebration, complete with everything from the rehearsal dinner and a stop at the spa, to the ceremony, reception and accommodations.
With all inclusive packages for couples that want a totally stress-free planning process to customized options that let you create your own personalized package, Elm Hurst Inn & Spa can truly cater to any vision. Here's why.....
Personally Speaking....
From your first email to the last meeting, Erin Lister, the wedding coordinator for the Elm Hurst plays a crucial role in every wedding at the inn. She started her career at the front desk, moved into sales within her first year and ultimately became the wedding coordinator. And fifteen years later, Erin has personally helped over 1000 couples plan their wedding at the inn.
Erin doesn’t have to do much to prove that she thinks the inn is the perfect place to get married; she had her own wedding there nearly ten years ago.
And the opportunity to help other couples plan their special day at Elm Hurst keeps Erin inspired, “it’s such a happy occasion. It’s wonderful to be able to help with such a special time in their lives.”
If you can dream it…
Most couples would describe the atmosphere at the inn as ‘intimate and comfortable’. Erin believes that their flexibility also attracts couples, “we can customize the menu, or, create an entirely customized package for you. You can even design your menu around family recipes. We can accommodate any special requests.”
When it comes to their couples, Elm Hurst doesn’t have an ideal bride, they work to make sure that every couple has their dream wedding at the inn, “we love every bride... there are no limits. We have the ballroom for the contemporary brides and the heritage home for the traditional brides.”
All inclusive…
Elm Hurst Inn has three all inclusive packages- silver, gold and diamond- each designed to make your planning process as easy and stress-free as possible. Each package has its perks, covering everything from your ceremony site to the late night buffet. For example, the Silver Package starts at $98 per person, including tax and tip. It includes everything from the room set-up, linens and chair covers, to a four-course menu selection and wine during dinner (plus several other extras).
The Gold Package includes deluxe hot hors d’oeuvres and cold canapés, a four course dinner, four hours of basic alcohol service, a late night buffet and many other extras like linens, chair covers and candle centerpieces. This package starts at $159 per person, including tax and tip.
If you opt for the Diamond Package, you’re looking at $215 per person, including tax and tip. It features a five course dinner, six hours of basic alcohol service, floor length linens and napkins from their Diamond Collection, overnight accommodations for the bride and groom, plus many other extras.
And while most couples prefer the all inclusive package, Erin says `a la carte options are available as well, “custom packages from Elm Hurst Inn, are tailored to suit every brides’ wedding taste and theme.”
Favourite things….
For couples that are planning a full weekend wedding event, Elm Hurst Inn & Spa is ‘it’. This is the ultimate all in one location because you can really have it all here; an indoor or outdoor ceremony, your reception, photos, overnight accommodations, rehearsal dinner, spa service, hair and make-up in your guest room or at the spa.
The property alone is enough to attract its couples. With three acres of land including ponds, a gazebo and a heritage home, you have plenty of photo and ceremony locations to choose from. All of their guest rooms are also newly renovated.
Erin wants couples to have the best experience possible at the inn so she thinks it’s crucial that she’s prompt and helpful with couples and takes care of all of the little details so that you don’t have to.
The inn also prides itself on its food. The chef has over twenty years of experience serving Elmhurst brides and grooms. Whether you fall in love with an Elm Hurst favourite like Roast Prime Rib of Beef with Yorkshire Pudding, or, you’d like them to make an old family favourite, passed down by grandma, Erin says the food is a favourite part of the Elm Hurst experience.
Locations, locations, locations
There are a ton of choices at the inn. So here’s our breakdown of the options for your ceremony, reception or both;
The Grand Ballroom
Erin says the ballroom is a contemporary setting that can comfortably accommodate 120 to 230 guests for your ceremony, dinner and dance. You can also hold your ceremony outside on the adjoining lawn before the reception. “The Grand Ballroom features picturesque views of the valley and an outdoor terrace for your private enjoyment. Ceremonies outside take place on the manicured lawn, where an ornate fountain provides a striking focal point.”
The James Harris Room
This is also another option for your ceremony and reception. It seats sixty to 100 guests. “With its Cathedral ceiling, large picture windows and private second-floor balcony overlooking the valley, the James Harris Room is an elegant choice.”
Victorian Mansion Ballroom
For a more intimate celebration, this ballroom is perfect for thirty to sixty guests for dinner. “Located in the historic Elm Hurst Inn mansion, the Victorian Mansion Ballroom exudes country charm. The celebration may also spill outside onto the adjoining deck, resplendent with colourful flowers and a fountain in the summer months.”
Heritage Room
Another smaller location for thirty to fifty guests, the Heritage Room is ideal for a smaller ceremony or dinner, “elegantly decorated in muted cream and sage green.”
The Carriage House
The 19th-century Carriage House offers a unique location for a ceremony and reception, accommodating up to ninety guests. It also features a cathedral ceiling, exposed beams and a wooden floor.
The Valley
For brides with a larger guest list, this site can accommodate up to 500 guests for an outdoor ceremony and a tented reception, “it provides a picturesque rural backdrop for an outdoor event. This manicured field features a gazebo and overlooks the pond with its fountain and natural waterfall.”
The Front Garden Gazebo
Erin says the gazebo is a favourite spot for brides, “Our front garden gazebo provides a romantic focal point for an outdoor ceremony.”
The Pond
The pond is an absolute must-see area for your ceremony site, “with its natural waterfall and beautiful fountain, it’s the perfect stage for an intimate outdoor ceremony.” The inn can accommodate up to fifteen guests on the deck with up to 100 family and friends looking on from the surrounding lawn.
Current trends
Here’s what Erin is seeing right now:
Photo booth – Erin says they’re still a super popular addition to the reception
Super casual late night buffets – with options like sliders, fries and milk shake bars
Simple Weddings – Erin is noticing that couples are going back to basics and want “no muss, no fuss” on their wedding day
Colour- “Lots of colour, colour, colour”
True to the “simple wedding” trend, one of Erin’s favourite weddings was a complete surprise to the guests, “they thought they were attending an engagement party. The ballrooms wasn’t set up as a ceremony so no one knew until the officiant came out and the bride and groom walked up to the officiant. The couples wanted a big wedding but they didn’t want any of the stress or hassle of planning.”
Contacting the Elmhurst Inn....
Email is usually the best way to get in touch with Erin, but feel free to give her a call or drop in if you’re in the area and want to take a look. Appointments are always best if you want to ensure that you meet with Erin when you visit.
During your visit, you’ll be able to tour the facility and talk about all of the packages and options. Erin can provide a quote on the spot if you’d like to go with an all inclusive package.
After your initial meeting, Erin encourages couples to go home and think about the options. She will hold the date (with no obligation) and she’ll let you know if someone else is interested in your day.
If you decide to book Elm Hurst, you can give Erin a call, email or drop by in person to secure your wedding date.
With your wedding date secured, you’ll go over menu options and book your tasting. And here’s the best part- you’ll get to try two of everything- soup, salad, and entrees- giving you a great idea of your options. You can bring your parents, maid of honour or anyone else that you’d like to help you sample (for an additional charge).
About four months before your wedding, you’ll go over all of the details, timing, room set-up and anything else you might want to discuss with Erin.
Two days before your wedding, you’ll meet with Erin and Mike, the Banquet Manager, to review and finalize all of the details. You can also drop off your cake knife, server, favours, or anything else that you’d like at the inn.
On the day of, Mike is there to assist you if you need anything. He also has an assistant manager that will be there for your wedding so that you’re well attended to.
After your wedding, you’ll settle the balance of your bill. There might be a small balance or refund due after the final bill is totaled. At this point, Erin will send you a detailed invoice letting you know what your usage was and whether or not you have a refund or balance due.
Erin welcomes your feedback, photos and Trip Advisor comments to share with other couples who are thinking of booking their dream wedding at Elm Hurst Inn.
Photographer Trish Roberts often shoots at the inn and says it’s a favourite location, "The Elm Hurst Inn is a gem in Southern Ontario with the perfect location being so close the 401. As a photographer that has photographed many weddings at The Elm Hurst over the last 12 years I can honestly say the buildings, grounds and staff are some of the best I have worked with. But even more is the consistency they offer their clients. They are always helpful, professional, polite and caring. Erin Lister goes all out for her brides!”
Details, details, details......
• Your costs at Elm Hurst Inn range depending on the size of wedding and room(s) booked. Couples can spend anywhere from $200 to $20,000
• Couples that book the Grand Ballroom for their wedding day will spend, on average, about $15,000.
• Twenty-five percent of the expected balance is due four months before the wedding
• Fifty percent of the expected balance is due three months before the wedding
• The remainder of the expected balance is due two days before the wedding
• Ideally, couples looking to book the Grand Ballroom on a Saturday should book one year in advance. Bookings for a non-Saturday wedding should take place six months to one year in advance
• Elm Hurst Inn can almost always accommodate your event of sixty people of less, but you should book as soon as you know you want the Elm Hurst Inn & Spa!
