Review is written by Staff @ The Ring and is based on • Interviews with this vendor • Our experiences
The Waterlot Restaurant & Inn is an outdoor ceremony site, a small reception hall, a bed and breakfast, a honeymoon suite, a caterer, and an absolutely gorgeous option for an outdoor tent wedding. This rustic New Hamburg oasis sits beside a river, has an outdoor gazebo for ceremonies, can easily incorporate a large, lavish outdoor reception, and has mouth watering catering services that can be served inside or out. What The Ring has found is that the price is right, the demand is high, and the options are endless...
Setting the scene
When we walked the grounds of The Waterlot with Coordinator, Leslie Elkeer, to check it out, we were impressed by the beautiful park setting in this small town that is really only minutes from K-W. With the Nith River river running along the back of the property, the rustic wooden gazebo nestled underneath enormous weeping willows, and black and white swans living on the property, The Waterlot feels like a romantic setting out of a storybook. The grounds give endless photography options, thus meaning less travel and set-up time to have your photos taken. You'll have more time to spend with your guests and enjoy your wedding day.
A seasoned expert on your side
Leslie Elkeer is the resident expert at The Waterlot. She says she literally grew up on the property with her father, Gordon Elkeer, purchasing the location over thirty years ago.
"I've known this place my whole life. I left for several years for school, but now I'm back to run things here. I feel like I was meant to be a part of The Waterlot." Leslie has all the experience anyone could ask for in her years growing up around various functions and weddings at The Waterlot.
When we visited to interview Leslie, we were greeted warmly and with a smile, even though they were finishing up with a huge lunch rush in their dining room. Leslie is warm and her personality draws you in immediately. Her knowledge is endless and you can trust her with all of the details of your wedding day. She'll act as your coordinator, consultant and planner.
The structure
The Waterlot's main feature is its charming building. Originally built in the 1800s by Lord Campfield, the walls are full of history. There are two rooms that are available for indoor receptions, either independently or you could use both together. The smaller of the two rooms holds up to twenty guests, and there is even an area you could use as a dance floor. A larger room holds up to forty-five guests and both rooms have no rental fee when you book them for a dinner reception. The Waterlot underwent a renovation in March 2007, and when we saw the finished product, we agreed that it accentuated the history of the building and increased its charm.
Bigger options...
If you're thinking bigger in the guest numbers' department, an outdoor reception is the way to go. Under a tent, The Waterlot can host up to 180 guests for a fully catered meal. There is more space to work with and the possibilities are endless. They have four chefs on staff that are well-known (and award winning) for their mouth-watering gourmet meals. From beef tenderloin to angel hair with tiger shrimp you should be able to please the entire crowd. The food prices are based on a per person rate that Leslie will work out with you depending on what options you choose.
Crunching the budget numbers
Leslie suggests that an average budget for a wedding at The Waterlot is between $10,000 and $12,000. You could have a smaller budget wedding for $4,000 or go all out with a budget of $22,000 or more. It all depends on what options you are looking for and how many guests you are expecting. Leslie will do her best to work within whatever budget you have.
The Waterlot offers full bar service as well with three different options. You can have the traditional open bar system, or you can also choose a host bar or a cash bar, depending on your budget.
Their chefs can even do your wedding cake on-site custom made to your specifications. These are details that you will discuss with Leslie during your consultations. Expect to meet with Leslie between two and four times before the wedding in order to ensure everything is ready. "My favourite part of this job is that couples walk in as customers and they walk out as friends," explains Leslie.
A small sampling of your potential Waterlot wedding menu...
APPETIZERS
French onion soup $7.50
Caramelized onions simmered in a red wine beef broth and fresh herbs topped with a garlic crouton and melted Swiss cheese
Waterlot pates and terrines $8.95
Homemade pates and terrines with marinated vegetables, preserves and chutneys served with rosemary scented French bread toast
Warm sautéed shrimp and Waldorf salad $9.50
Large sautéed shrimp flambéed in armanac and simmered with cream and nutmeg served with a petit salad of blond frisee, crisp apples and dried figs
Mixed greens and vegetable salad $6.95
Fresh organic greens and vegetables tossed with your choice of Waterlot house dressing or raspberry vinaigrette
ENTREES
Filet of Ontario beef tenderloin $27.95
Seared filet wrapped in double smoked Mennonite bacon and brandy shallot butter served with a celery root and potato pancake
New Zealand rack of lamb $29.00
Lamb rack stuffed with roasted garlic, figs and rosemary served with a mushroom flavoured barley risotto
Ontario pork loin $22.95
Fresh pork loin chop roasted with a Wellesley apple butter glaze, served with a winter savoury jus and gingered sweet potato mash
Grain fed organic chicken $23.00
Breast of chicken stuffed with spinach and Boursin cheese, wrapped in prosciutto ham, served with an herbed cream sauce and new potatoes
Angel hair pasta with tiger shrimp $21.95
Julienne vegetables, Angel hair pasta and rosemary pesto, simmered in white wine, court bouillon and olive oil topped with grilled tiger shrimp and Cambazola cheese
SAMPLE WEDDING PACKAGE
Hors D’ oeuvres & Canapés
(Choose 4 or chef’s choice)
Citrus and pepper-cured salmon with cream cheese on toast; Mild curried chicken stuffed puff pastry; Proscuitto wrapped oka cheese; Fried tempura shrimp with a ginger and hoisen sauce; Wild mushroom and cheese tarts; Cajun spiced beef or chicken satays with a salsa; Proscuitto wrapped scallops with a curried yogurt; Vegetarian spring rolls with a tahini, soya sauce; Mini bruschetta bread with mozzarella cheese; Spinach and cheese phyllo; Tuscan pinwheel; Pecan and blue cheese spirals; Chicken tarragon phyllo bundles.
Dinner Entrees
(Some samples for the buffet, Choose 2)
Atlantic salmon with chive, dill and citrus butter; Sole, scallop and shrimp paupiette with caramelized leek and vermouth sauce; Pork loin stuffed with walnut and pears glazed with maple syrup and mustard; Roast chicken supreme a raspberry, thyme honey OR wild mushrooms; Roasted sirloin with red wine, rosemary and shallot; Breast of chicken stuffed with proscuitto and spinach with a red butter sauce; Oven roasted leg of lamb stuffed with dried cranberries, spinach, Asiago cheese; Prime rib of beef au jus (add $3 per plate)
Dessert Samples
(Choose 3)
Vanilla baked cheesecake with fruit coulis or chocolate sauce, Carrot cake with cream cheese icing, Chocolate mousse cake, Tiramisu, Chocolate fondue with a fresh fruit platter, assorted finger sweets, pecan macadamia flan and English trifle.
Making it a sleepover
The Waterlot is also a full functioning Bed & Breakfast, as well as a restaurant. This means that any out-of-town guests, or close family members that want to spend the wedding weekend with you can be on-site with you and have all of the amenities needed. A suite is also included when you book your wedding at The Waterlot, including a continental breakfast.
So many possibilities...
There are many ways to make The Waterlot part of (or a huge part of) your wedding day. Here's just a few of Leslie's ideas...
• an outdoor ceremony under a tent or in the charming gazebo with the sun shining and the river flowing in the background
• an evening ceremony with tea lights lining the aisle and champagne flowing all night during your cocktail reception of up to 140 guests
• an indoor reception in one or both of the dining rooms, consider making the most of the two separate rooms by keeping relatives apart who don't want to be in the same room together (unfortunate but true)
• a beautiful tent primed for an outdoor reception with all the trimmings
• beautiful photographs can be done on-site with no need to leave your guests for hours in between your ceremony and reception
• hosting a winter wedding using the intimate indoor dining rooms, nestling your guests at tables by the fireplace and candle light as snow falls outside the large picture windows
• arriving to your ceremony by boat along the river
• using Waterlot's off-site catering services for a fall or winter wedding in the location of our choice
• taking advantage of the three guest suites and a restaurant to make the whole weekend comfortable for special guests or family members
Details, details, details
• A deposit of $500 is required to book your wedding date at The Waterlot.
• Your deposit is due at your initial consultation with Leslie.
• Your balance is due within 30 days after your wedding.
• Gratuities and taxes are not included in the prices and are extra.
• Vegetarian menus are possible, discuss any ideas or requests with Leslie and she'll show you your options.
• No outside caterers are permitted at The Waterlot, with the exception of bringing in a wedding cake, or specially requested ethnic food.
• The Waterlot provides off-site catering within 45 km - contact Leslie for more information.
In other words...
"The wedding was fantastic! The staff at The Waterlot did an excellent job! Thank you!" - Jill
"Just wanted to say thanks again for everything. The wedding was wonderful, everything I had hope for." - Laura
"Thank you for all that you did to make our wedding as beautiful and enjoyable as it was! There have been many comments on the food and atmosphere of the day." - Jennifer
The Waterlot Restaurant & Inn is an outdoor ceremony site, a small reception hall, a bed and breakfast, a honeymoon suite, a caterer, and an absolutely gorgeous option for an outdoor tent wedding. This rustic New Hamburg oasis sits beside a river, has an outdoor gazebo for ceremonies, can easily incorporate a large, lavish outdoor reception, and has mouth watering catering services that can be served inside or out. What The Ring has found is that the price is right, the demand is high, and the options are endless...
Setting the scene
When we walked the grounds of The Waterlot with Coordinator, Leslie Elkeer, to check it out, we were impressed by the beautiful park setting in this small town that is really only minutes from K-W. With the Nith River river running along the back of the property, the rustic wooden gazebo nestled underneath enormous weeping willows, and black and white swans living on the property, The Waterlot feels like a romantic setting out of a storybook. The grounds give endless photography options, thus meaning less travel and set-up time to have your photos taken. You'll have more time to spend with your guests and enjoy your wedding day.
A seasoned expert on your side
Leslie Elkeer is the resident expert at The Waterlot. She says she literally grew up on the property with her father, Gordon Elkeer, purchasing the location over thirty years ago.
"I've known this place my whole life. I left for several years for school, but now I'm back to run things here. I feel like I was meant to be a part of The Waterlot." Leslie has all the experience anyone could ask for in her years growing up around various functions and weddings at The Waterlot.
When we visited to interview Leslie, we were greeted warmly and with a smile, even though they were finishing up with a huge lunch rush in their dining room. Leslie is warm and her personality draws you in immediately. Her knowledge is endless and you can trust her with all of the details of your wedding day. She'll act as your coordinator, consultant and planner.
The structure
The Waterlot's main feature is its charming building. Originally built in the 1800s by Lord Campfield, the walls are full of history. There are two rooms that are available for indoor receptions, either independently or you could use both together. The smaller of the two rooms holds up to twenty guests, and there is even an area you could use as a dance floor. A larger room holds up to forty-five guests and both rooms have no rental fee when you book them for a dinner reception. The Waterlot underwent a renovation in March 2007, and when we saw the finished product, we agreed that it accentuated the history of the building and increased its charm.
Bigger options...
If you're thinking bigger in the guest numbers' department, an outdoor reception is the way to go. Under a tent, The Waterlot can host up to 180 guests for a fully catered meal. There is more space to work with and the possibilities are endless. They have four chefs on staff that are well-known (and award winning) for their mouth-watering gourmet meals. From beef tenderloin to angel hair with tiger shrimp you should be able to please the entire crowd. The food prices are based on a per person rate that Leslie will work out with you depending on what options you choose.
Crunching the budget numbers
Leslie suggests that an average budget for a wedding at The Waterlot is between $10,000 and $12,000. You could have a smaller budget wedding for $4,000 or go all out with a budget of $22,000 or more. It all depends on what options you are looking for and how many guests you are expecting. Leslie will do her best to work within whatever budget you have.
The Waterlot offers full bar service as well with three different options. You can have the traditional open bar system, or you can also choose a host bar or a cash bar, depending on your budget.
Their chefs can even do your wedding cake on-site custom made to your specifications. These are details that you will discuss with Leslie during your consultations. Expect to meet with Leslie between two and four times before the wedding in order to ensure everything is ready. "My favourite part of this job is that couples walk in as customers and they walk out as friends," explains Leslie.
A small sampling of your potential Waterlot wedding menu...
APPETIZERS
French onion soup $7.50
Caramelized onions simmered in a red wine beef broth and fresh herbs topped with a garlic crouton and melted Swiss cheese
Waterlot pates and terrines $8.95
Homemade pates and terrines with marinated vegetables, preserves and chutneys served with rosemary scented French bread toast
Warm sautéed shrimp and Waldorf salad $9.50
Large sautéed shrimp flambéed in armanac and simmered with cream and nutmeg served with a petit salad of blond frisee, crisp apples and dried figs
Mixed greens and vegetable salad $6.95
Fresh organic greens and vegetables tossed with your choice of Waterlot house dressing or raspberry vinaigrette
ENTREES
Filet of Ontario beef tenderloin $27.95
Seared filet wrapped in double smoked Mennonite bacon and brandy shallot butter served with a celery root and potato pancake
New Zealand rack of lamb $29.00
Lamb rack stuffed with roasted garlic, figs and rosemary served with a mushroom flavoured barley risotto
Ontario pork loin $22.95
Fresh pork loin chop roasted with a Wellesley apple butter glaze, served with a winter savoury jus and gingered sweet potato mash
Grain fed organic chicken $23.00
Breast of chicken stuffed with spinach and Boursin cheese, wrapped in prosciutto ham, served with an herbed cream sauce and new potatoes
Angel hair pasta with tiger shrimp $21.95
Julienne vegetables, Angel hair pasta and rosemary pesto, simmered in white wine, court bouillon and olive oil topped with grilled tiger shrimp and Cambazola cheese
SAMPLE WEDDING PACKAGE
Hors D’ oeuvres & Canapés
(Choose 4 or chef’s choice)
Citrus and pepper-cured salmon with cream cheese on toast; Mild curried chicken stuffed puff pastry; Proscuitto wrapped oka cheese; Fried tempura shrimp with a ginger and hoisen sauce; Wild mushroom and cheese tarts; Cajun spiced beef or chicken satays with a salsa; Proscuitto wrapped scallops with a curried yogurt; Vegetarian spring rolls with a tahini, soya sauce; Mini bruschetta bread with mozzarella cheese; Spinach and cheese phyllo; Tuscan pinwheel; Pecan and blue cheese spirals; Chicken tarragon phyllo bundles.
Dinner Entrees
(Some samples for the buffet, Choose 2)
Atlantic salmon with chive, dill and citrus butter; Sole, scallop and shrimp paupiette with caramelized leek and vermouth sauce; Pork loin stuffed with walnut and pears glazed with maple syrup and mustard; Roast chicken supreme a raspberry, thyme honey OR wild mushrooms; Roasted sirloin with red wine, rosemary and shallot; Breast of chicken stuffed with proscuitto and spinach with a red butter sauce; Oven roasted leg of lamb stuffed with dried cranberries, spinach, Asiago cheese; Prime rib of beef au jus (add $3 per plate)
Dessert Samples
(Choose 3)
Vanilla baked cheesecake with fruit coulis or chocolate sauce, Carrot cake with cream cheese icing, Chocolate mousse cake, Tiramisu, Chocolate fondue with a fresh fruit platter, assorted finger sweets, pecan macadamia flan and English trifle.
Making it a sleepover
The Waterlot is also a full functioning Bed & Breakfast, as well as a restaurant. This means that any out-of-town guests, or close family members that want to spend the wedding weekend with you can be on-site with you and have all of the amenities needed. A suite is also included when you book your wedding at The Waterlot, including a continental breakfast.
So many possibilities...
There are many ways to make The Waterlot part of (or a huge part of) your wedding day. Here's just a few of Leslie's ideas...
• an outdoor ceremony under a tent or in the charming gazebo with the sun shining and the river flowing in the background
• an evening ceremony with tea lights lining the aisle and champagne flowing all night during your cocktail reception of up to 140 guests
• an indoor reception in one or both of the dining rooms, consider making the most of the two separate rooms by keeping relatives apart who don't want to be in the same room together (unfortunate but true)
• a beautiful tent primed for an outdoor reception with all the trimmings
• beautiful photographs can be done on-site with no need to leave your guests for hours in between your ceremony and reception
• hosting a winter wedding using the intimate indoor dining rooms, nestling your guests at tables by the fireplace and candle light as snow falls outside the large picture windows
• arriving to your ceremony by boat along the river
• using Waterlot's off-site catering services for a fall or winter wedding in the location of our choice
• taking advantage of the three guest suites and a restaurant to make the whole weekend comfortable for special guests or family members
Details, details, details
• A deposit of $500 is required to book your wedding date at The Waterlot.
• Your deposit is due at your initial consultation with Leslie.
• Your balance is due within 30 days after your wedding.
• Gratuities and taxes are not included in the prices and are extra.
• Vegetarian menus are possible, discuss any ideas or requests with Leslie and she'll show you your options.
• No outside caterers are permitted at The Waterlot, with the exception of bringing in a wedding cake, or specially requested ethnic food.
• The Waterlot provides off-site catering within 45 km - contact Leslie for more information.
In other words...
"The wedding was fantastic! The staff at The Waterlot did an excellent job! Thank you!" - Jill
"Just wanted to say thanks again for everything. The wedding was wonderful, everything I had hope for." - Laura
"Thank you for all that you did to make our wedding as beautiful and enjoyable as it was! There have been many comments on the food and atmosphere of the day." - Jennifer
