Imagine the ease of having your ceremony and reception in the same place, and being given the option of almost every detail of your wedding day already taken care of. With the all-inclusive package at The Paris Grand Country Club you can wed, take photos, eat, dance, and sleepover all in the same location near the picturesque Grand River in Paris, Ontario. And all of these aspects can be planned with help from experienced on-site Event Coordinator, Caitlyn Hunter, whose friendly and confident professionalism can add to making your day more memorable.

With a window-filled room that overlooks the golf course, many delectable dishes to choose from and a round of golf included in the package, it's easy to see why brides in The Ring love and recommend The Paris Grand Country Club for their wedding venue any time of year.

About the Paris Grand

Paris Grand has been a Golf North property for five years, but they have been serving Paris brides for countless years before that. Caitlyn, the Event Coordinator, has been involved with over 100 weddings in this period of time.

The Oak Hall, which holds 180 people with no dance floor (until you clear the tables when you're ready to boogie), has floor to ceiling windows across three of the four walls, including one behind the head table making a naturally stunning backdrop. "The hall is beautiful as it is and doesn't need a lot of décor."

If you rent the Oak Hall you also receive exclusive use of the patio off the ballroom where smoking is allowed, and your guests can relax in the lounge between the ceremony and the reception where they can enjoy hors d'oeuvres served by staff on silver trays.

The Paris Grand also has a second building on their property. The Riverhouse Inn overlooks the Grand River and has seven bedrooms (sleeping fourteen people), eight washrooms, large living rooms, dining rooms, and an upper level deck and lower level patio. It can be booked for small weddings of about forty to fifty people comfortably, and up to ninety people maximum. Brides and grooms have also rented it out for their guests to stay at, or as their honeymoon suite.

You can bring in outside catering to the Riverhouse Inn (which you can't at the Oak Hall) as well as run your own bar, and rent a bartender from the Paris Grand.

Erin and Aaron, who were married July 11, 2008 in the Bahamas, had their intimate wedding reception at the Riverhouse Inn and "thought that the facilities were great." One of the main reasons they chose the Riverhouse Inn was for the option of having the venue indoors and out. "We couldn't find anywhere else that offered an entire house that we could rent, party in and sleep over in. It was great as a lot of our guests were from out of town and it was 'free' accommodation for them instead of having to pay for hotel rooms."

Coordinating your event

Caitlyn will be a part of your wedding from the set-up and the ceremony to the reception. Her favourite part of the wedding is seeing the happy expressions on the bride and groom's faces when they walk into their wedding reception. The Paris Grand staff is committed to making your wedding everything you want it to be, and they are always available to answer your questions.

"Let the professionals handle all the stress and worry. That's part of their job. Let them take care of as much as they can because it's what they excel at. You should find out what they do, and what they have to offer, and then let them handle it for you. Less stress and worry for you is always a good thing."

The Paris Grand ceremony

Caitlyn notes that so many couples are choosing to have their ceremony at the same place as their reception for ease and convenience, which Paris Grand also offers, and it can be done inside or out. If it looks like rain, the bride makes the call two hours before the wedding, which gives the staff time to set up inside. And you don't even have to leave the grounds for pictures as your photos can be done in their lounge, on their patios, and on the golf course (complete with golf carts). Golf enthusiasts will also be happy to know that a round of golf for four people the week of the wedding is complementary with booking.

Walking you through it

It's recommended to book at least one year in advance, although they can do last minute bookings up to one month before the event if they are available. Though walk-ins are welcome, Caitlyn takes care of all the bookings so to ensure that you have her undivided attention she recommends booking an appointment. During the first meeting Caitlyn will get all the general details for your wedding day, you'll get to tour the facility and receive a package of information that outlines your options.

Once you've decided on Paris Grand for your wedding, you put down your deposit and sign the contract. The Paris Grand will then briefly discuss your menu ideas and you decide on a package. You will also be invited to a Spring Tasting where you, your future husband, and two other people can sample 90% of the menu (including wine), buffet-style.

One month before you'll meet with, or email Caitlyn to finalize details like colours, menu, number of guests, number of tables, timing and scheduling, updating deposits, flowers and centerpieces, wedding party numbers and all other wedding day details. One week before your special day, call, email, or drop in with your final guest count and final payment.

Breaking down the prices

There is a $250 deposit to book the Oak Hall, and $250 for the Riverhouse Inn, with $1000 payment due six months before, and another $1000 three months before. The remaining balance is due ten business days prior to the event when final guest count is handed in.

Prior to adding in food and beverages (which vary in price), renting the Oak Hall is $600. It costs $1200 to rent the entire Riverhouse Inn on a Saturday during wedding season; $1000 if you book your wedding in the Oak Hall. From Monday to Thursday, or during off season, the Riverhouse Inn costs $500 and the ceremony site costs $200 plus the cost of chair rentals. Taxes at 12% and a gratuity of 15% of the food costs are also added to each bill.

Details, details, details

• It's recommended to book 12 to 18 months ahead of time.
• To book the Oak Hall and Riverhouse a $250 deposit is required for each.
• A payment of $1000 is due six months before your wedding.
• Another $1000 is due three months before your wedding.
• The remaining balance is due 10 business days prior to the event when final guest count is handed in.

So now that you want to book Paris Grand...

Check out the Paris Grand Country Club at 150 Paris Links Road in Paris, or book an appointment with Caitlyn Hunter by calling 519-442-0880 or emailing This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Visit them online for more information: www.golfnorth.ca.