Surrounded by green rolling hills, in what feels like the country but is really only minutes from downtown Waterloo, Grey Silo Golf Course has the beauty, facilities, and service that brides are looking for in an elegant wedding day location.

Stepping inside, it's easy to envision your wedding here as you're greeted by high ceilings, beautiful light Douglas Fir beams, hardwood floors, a fireplace with chimney from floor to ceiling and windows throughout. Set-up for full ceremonies and reception, and cocktail hour both inside and out are all equally beautiful possibilities. You can see photo shoot options everywhere as you take a few steps out onto the the spacious second floor wrap around deck that overlooks the course. Grey Silo Golf Course has always been high on the must-see list for brides in our area. Offering the entire upper level of Grey Silo Parkhouse to you for your wedding day, accompanied by the level of catering service you expect from Grey Silo Food Services, doubled with the detailed planning attention you can expect from the Special Events Team, it was our honour to have the chance to meet and review this beautiful wedding day location.

Personally speaking...

The Ring had heard of and seen Grey Silo in a variety of different wedding circles and bridal shows, but mostly, it was brides' words that were heard the loudest. Since The Ring began, we've had more than just a few recommendations for this wedding day option.

Since December of 2001, the staff at Grey Silo Golf Course have been helping brides make their wedding dreams come true. Ranked as one of the top 25 of Ontario’s finest public access facilities, Grey Silo offers more to brides and grooms than just an incredible golf course or another banquet hall. With the personal attention provided by Hospitality Manager, Kim Reinhardt and the excellent catering service offered by Grey Silo Food Services, it's no wonder that brides have warmed up to the Grey Silo fireplace more than once or twice.

Kim says that it's the scenic natural beauty of the outdoors and the beautiful reception venue options of the inside that set them apart. Through a little digging of our own, The Ring found that even though the beauty of Grey Silo certainly helps a bride make her choice, it seems to be that Grey Silo got your attention because of the way they look after their couples. "You feel taken care of completely, when you book with Grey Silo. That's one part of my wedding day that I never have to worry about," says Amy, a soon-to-be bride.

Wedding need options

For couples, planning a wedding at Grey Silo means that you are guaranteed elegance, natural beauty, and a lot of options. In fact, when you book with them, Grey Silo includes the entire upper floor, Parkhouse Gallery, The Timber Room banquet room, The Corn Crib Room (for conversation, as a break-out room, or for a cocktail hour), and the expansive deck in your package, at no additional charge. Grey Silo has the staff and equipment needed to hold a wedding ceremony, cocktail hour, photo shoot, and reception - all in one location.

It's no small feat - nor is it uncommon - for Kim and staff to host a ceremony in The Timber Room amidst a fireplace and walls of windows and elegant chairs. Then, as the wedding party go on to do their photo shoot, the staff removes the ceremony set-up and prepares everything that goes into a sit-down meal and reception, while simultaneously serving guests with a cocktail hour on the spacious deck.

There are a lot of decorating options here, however you could easily go with very few. With the natural beauty that makes up Grey Silo, it's a bride's choice as to whether she wants more. Kim says that they are as flexible as they can be with your decorations and are happy to help in any way that they can. Though she admits that they do have a few rules... i.e. Please don't hammer holes into their beautiful wood beams, etc..

Planning your wedding with Grey Silo

Grey Silo is prompt to respond to calls and emails right away, something to be grateful for in a wedding venue as busy as this one. Amy told us, "[Grey Silo] accommodated my request to view the facility right away."

Kim gives all of the personal tours herself and makes sure that she has a chance to answer each question and give couples a good idea of what a wedding day is like at Grey Silo. The idea behind Grey Silo seems to be that they'd prefer to take care of every last detail. Kim says that they want each of their brides and grooms to be fully confident in their services so that they can relax and enjoy their day, without giving the details a second thought.

Rooms with a view

Grey Silo Parkhouse itself has charm and presence, constructed just five years ago. It is contemporary but timeless, with a classic post and beam interior. The wood floors and beautiful windows create the perfect finish for this beautiful space. Couples renting Grey Silo for their wedding day will have private use of the upper floor including The Timber Room where most of your wedding festivities will take place, The Corn Crib Room - a quiet area for those who need a moment’s rest, a self serve coat check, restroom facilities, The Parkhouse Gallery area, and of course, the wrap around second floor deck, where guests can enjoy good conversation and a great view. All of the facilities at Grey Silo are wheelchair accessible.

The Timber Room can accommodate 130 guests seated for dinner, or 180 theatre-style for your ceremony. Ceremonies typically take place in front of the impressive fireplace, the focal point of The Timber Room. While your guests watch you and your intended marry, they can also view a lovely vista just outside the windows. Beyond an expanse of green hills, they will see a small forest. They may even see some wildlife venture out for a moment or two. The natural beauty of the setting is complemented by the natural wood interior. Take a virtual tour of the Timber Room.

The Corn Crib Room is often used for indoor cocktail hours, for an area for guests to take a moment away from the action, or as a beautiful break-out room for the wedding party throughout the day. It is equally as light and naturally beautiful as The Timber Room, but smaller in size. The Corn Crib Room has doors to it from the upper foyer, as well as doors outside onto the deck. If seating guests here, The Corn Crib Room can accommodate up to 28 guests. Check out the Corn Crib Room's virtual tour.

What's more...

Grey Silo will set up the placement of your centrepieces and favours at no additional charge. The venue is easy to find and has lots of parking. Photo 'ops along the Walter Bean trail are beautiful. The paved trail has tall grasses, forest and some water areas, so there are a variety of nice photo backdrop options. Signs are posted urging trail users not to leave the paved path, as it is an environmentally sensitive area. The trail runs right through the course, so you may see golfers, as well as others enjoying the trail.

Feeding the guests

Catering at for your wedding is done by Grey Silo Food Services. Catering prices vary according to your selection, but prices begin at $28.95 per plate for three course meals. You will have your choice of plated service, country style service, culinary marche stations or buffet service for your dinner.

It's all in the numbers

Holding your wedding reception at Grey Silo requires a facility rental fee, which is $200 for The Corn Crib Room, or $1000 for The Timber Room. Ceremonies can be booked in addition to reception bookings (for $750), but not on their own. All of these prices include GST.

There is also a SOCAN fee (The Society of Composers, Authors and Music Publishers of Canada) which will be charged for any event including music. This is a fee charged by SOCAN, not Grey Silo, and the amount can vary. Commonly, the charge is $59.73 plus GST.

Golf for the guys or the family: make it a wedding weekend

Golfing is a great way for the groom and groomsmen or entire bridal party and family to make your wedding day into a wedding event. Consider having a family golf game on the Friday before the wedding day. Grey Silo was recently rated one of the top 25 public courses in all of Ontario by Ontario Gold Magazine.

There is no need to worry about having your wedding at a public facility. Grey Silo staff will ensure all golf course traffic are aware of your special event.

Details, details, details

• In the 5 years since Grey Silo started doing weddings, they have done roughly 143, with more and more booking each year.
• Grey Silo can accommodate only 3 weddings each weekend.
• Kim suggests that you book as soon as possible to ensure the date you're looking for, 12 to 18 months ahead is recommended.
• The deposit to book your wedding at Grey Silo is the full room rental cost, plus the SOCAN charge. Both of these payments are non-refundable.
• A catering deposit is also required.

In other words...

"We just want to say thank you for being on hand to answer all of our many questions from beginning to end, for the June 18th wedding reception. We just want you to know we really appreciated your friendly, patient service. Thanks again!" - The Martins

"Thank you so much for all your help in planning our wedding. Grey Silo was the perfect location. We're still getting rave reviews from our guests. Thank you again for making our day more beautiful!" - Kevin & Summer

"I can't wait for my wedding day at Grey Silo. It's so beautiful there, and they're really taking care of us. I think the deck is one of our favourite features because we spotted a deer from it on our last visit." - Amy & Vern

What a great spot it was to have our daughter's wedding. It was so nice seeing your smiling face when we arrived on her wedding day. Thanks for all your help." - Linda & Terry

Contacting Grey Silo Golf Course

To find out more, contact Kim Reinhardt of Grey Silo Golf Course by email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or by phone at 519-884-3556, extension 224. They are located at 2001 University Avenue East in Waterloo. You can also visit Grey Silo online at http://www.city.waterloo.on.ca/greysilo/DesktopDefault.aspx.