There likely isn't a bride or wedding vendor in town that would challenge the reputation of the Walper Terrace Hotel, or the elegance of a wedding that takes place within it.

To most in the community, the Walper Terrace Hotel is both a Kitchener landmark and the epitome of elegance, class, and local history. Within its doors, you'll find six banquet room options, seventy-nine guest rooms, an on-site restaurant, a historical pub, and one hundred and fifteen years of experience in catering to royalty, celebrities, government - and of course many, many brides.

We selected the Walper Terrace Hotel for its popularity, competitive rates, downtown location, and of course, for its renowned (and newly renovated) Crystal Ballroom. Let us explain...

Experiencing the Walper Terrace Hotel in person...

Interviewing the Walper Terrace Hotel meant meeting several members of management and staff - one of whom was Catering & Sales Manager, Robin Lefebvre. Robin has ten years of experience in the hospitality industry, and is most often the first contact for a bride interested in hosting her wedding here.

As Robin walked us through the hotel itself (and the options they offer), it became very obvious very quickly that Robin loves what she does, and is good at it, telling us that it gives her a chance to assist couples with planning their special day. “It’s a really rewarding experience,” she adds.

A bride-to-be herself, Robin understands what every bride is going through and looking for – a creativity and knowledge that she brings to her job every day. She also happens to find the love and happiness that she's surrounded by to be infectious.

If there's any advice that Robin could give her couples it's, to just take a moment and take it all in. "You only have this day once in your life. It’s really important that you take a moment to just look around and see all of your hard work," she says. "Then just be with your family and friends and enjoy your special day.” When it comes to planning your wedding, Robin suggests that you “choose your most important elements and make sure that they have the bulk of your planning time and attention. You can sometimes get lost in the less important details.”

Good reasons to choose the Walper Terrace Hotel

Adding the Walper Terrace Hotel name to your invitations is something many brides would love to do. They offer facilities for twenty to 200 wedding guests in a variety of different banquet and hotel rooms.

At incredible prices, the Walper Terrace Hotel hosts ceremonies, receptions, rehearsal dinners, stag parties, Sunday brunches, and of course, accommodations for in and out of town guests - all with the reputation for service and style that gives you the confidence to know that you'll be well taken care of.

Ballrooms, spaces & wedding styles

The Ring's favourite space at the Walper Terrace Hotel is easily the Victorian-style Crystal Ballroom. Boasting nearly thirteen foot ceilings and thirteen crystal chandeliers, the Crystal Ballroom can accommodate both ceremonies and receptions, and includes a complimentary Honeymoon Package, treating newlyweds to a guest suite, champagne and breakfast. The ballroom is wall-to-wall with hardwood floors, Victorian fixtures, and many, many windows. It seats up to 200 people. And with a fresh, new look (while keeping the classic elegance that the Walper is known for) that the ballroom recently received, it's bound to be an even bigger hit with brides. The Walper re-did the ceiling, re-painted, changed all of the window coverings, and more.

Another favourite Walper space, because it's so unique, is The Rum Runner Pub. The pub is a great on-site venue that is ideal for a stag event, rehearsal dinner or engagement party. The Rum Runner is reminiscent of days when it was the hub of the Kitchener bootlegging business - hence the name.

The Oak Room lobby is also great for weddings or events, and is most often the first choice for a ceremony. It is typically set-up chapel-style with seating facing towards an altar set against King Street windows. For banquet-style events, the Oak Room can seat up to forty-eight people.

Cocktail hours at the Walper Terrace Hotel can be hosted in any of the spaces, the favourite being the Second Floor Lobby with its wall of windows, glass room divider, large Victorian furnishings, sparkling floors and grand piano... and of course the large oak bar.

The Walper Gallery is lighter in style and seats up to 64 people for a banquet or wedding reception. It has subtle colouring and would be easy to work a colour scheme into with décor. The LaFontaine Room also seats up to 64 people and can also incorporate a variety of wedding styles and colours.

Tying in with the dark woods and Victorian mouldings, The Baroque Room (seats up to 55) and the Barrister's Lounge (seats up to 20 people) are great options for smaller, more intimate events that will have the class you expect from the Walper Terrace Hotel without the cost of a large wedding.

Planning your Walper wedding

Call or email Robin to book a meeting with her where she can show you around the Walper (decorated, if possible). After viewing and discussing options, you can either book your date or if you’re seriously interested but not ready to commit, Robin will put a two week courtesy hold on your date.

Once you’re ready to commit, you’ll get together to sign the contract, which Robin will review and answer any questions that you may have.

About four months before your big day, you can book your complimentary menu tasting (with your two starters, two main courses, two desserts and two wines). This is just for the bride and groom and makes for a lovely evening out together. You can also fill out a feedback form during the tasting. After your tasting, Robin will follow up to see if you have any changes to your menu.

If you’re planning to include menu selections on your invitations, you should have your menu finalized three to four months before your big day.

Fun extras @ the Walper Terrace Hotel...

• Walper can arrange packages at Yuk Yuk’s for ladies' nights or stag evenings.
• Walper Terrace has its own style that many brides choose it for; but, they also offer full décor packages, including chair covers, ceiling canopies, linens, and an option of an all inclusive package starting at $99 per person, including all of your needs and much more. You can book this directly with Robin.
• All weddings include Complimentary Honeymoon Package (which includes honeymoon suite, and a bottle of champagne), discounted room rates, full table settings (including centrepieces), and a raised head table.
• Friday and Sunday weddings receive: complimentary room rental, complimentary fruit punch, complimentary champagne toast, added bonus of $100 cash.
• Couples can take advantage of Walper's great downtown location for fun and romantic photo shoots in the streets, using the beauty of Victoria Park or the edgy allies covered in graffiti.

A taste of the Walper Terrace Hotel fare...

To start: canapés & hors d'oeuvres...
Four cheese and prosciutto spring rolls ... Chicken satay with a Thai peanut dipping sauce... Bacon wrapped scallops... Shrimp with scallop moussaline.
Priced by the tray of 50 pieces (select 3 items per tray), from $89.95 to $120.00

A taste of your dinner selection options...
Waldorf Chicken ($29.95 per person): Seasoned breast of chicken filled with apples, walnuts, cream cheese and brie, topped with a honey-sage cream sauce
Pepper Crusted Bacon Wrap Filet of Beef ($34.95 per person): 8 oz. choice cut of beef tenderloin wrapped in a strip of pepper crusted crispy bacon perfectly cooked to medium, served with a Pinot Noir reduction au jus.
White Roughy with Strawberry Chutney ($29.95 per person): Fresh, light and flaky baked white roughy, garnished with a strawberry chutney
All entrees include chef's choice of potatoes and seasonal vegetables, fresh baked rolls and butter, coffee and tea and soup or salad to start

Alternate options: buffet-style...
Walper Classic Cold Buffet: $19.95 per person (minimum 35 guests)
Classic Hot Buffet: $36.95 per person (minimum 35 guests)

Why not try?
Jumbo Tiger Shrimp Pineapple Tree: 'An extraordinary display of shrimp that will elegantly enhance your reception or buffet table'
Flaming Shrimp Station: 'Our Executive Chef grills shrimp to order, sautéed with Pernod and Cognac, served with French bread'
Hot Walnut Pecan French Brie Wheel
Banana Rum Flambé Station: Bananas flambéed in rum, served with crêpes and vanilla ice cream

An entirely custom designed menu or signature drinks that you can work out with Robin to add a unique touch to your wedding.

Accommodations...

After sharing the last dance, the bride and groom most often retire to their complimentary honeymoon suite, sleeping on the same floors that royalty such as the Queen Mother and icons such as Eleanor Roosevelt have slept in years and decades before.

Of the seventy-nine rooms, fifty-four are guest rooms and twenty-five are apartment-style suites complete with fridge and microwave. All rooms come with high-speed wireless internet and a daily newspaper.

Valet parking service is available as well as complimentary parking for overnight guests. Also on-site is a hair salon, barber shop and magazine/tobacco shop.

Easy-to-love pricing...

After sharing the last dance, the bride and groom most often retire to their complimentary honeymoon suite, sleeping on the same floors that royalty such as the Queen Mother and icons such as Eleanor Roosevelt have slept in years and decades before.

Of the seventy-nine rooms, fifty-four are guest rooms and twenty-five are apartment-style suites complete with fridge and microwave. All rooms come with high-speed wireless internet and a daily newspaper.

Valet parking service is available as well as complimentary parking for overnight guests. Also on-site is a hair salon, barber shop and magazine/tobacco shop.

Details, details, details

• To book a Saturday wedding at the Walper Terrace Hotel, you’ll need to reserve your date at least a minimum of 1 year in advance. How early you need to book often depends on how popular your day is. If you're looking for a Friday or a Sunday, or if you’re more flexible in your requirements, sometimes 8 to 12 months ahead is sufficient.
• If you are working with a shorter time frame and they aren't already booked, the Walper Terrace Hotel staff will do their best to accommodate your event. They’ll hold your date for 2 weeks while you decide what you're going to do.
• A $ 1000 deposit is required upon confirmation. Deposit is non-refundable upon cancellation.
• 85% of the estimated food and beverage cost is due the week of the function (5 business days before the function) by cheque, no later than 4 pm, and the remainder is due 14 days after the wedding.
• Guaranteed number of guests must be confirmed 72 hours prior to the event and may not be below the minimum numbers agreed at time of confirmation. Prices are subject to change without notice.
• All menu selections and serving times are to be made a minimum of 10 business days prior to the function.

Contacting the Walper Terrace Hotel...

To reach Robin Lefebvre, Catering Sales Manager, and the staff at Walper Terrace Hotel to view their facilities or check your wedding date availability, give them a call at 519-745-4321, ext. 112, or 1-800-265-8749 for calls from outside the area.You can also email Robin directly at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

The Walper Terrace Hotel at 1 King Street West in Kitchener (at the corner of King and Queen downtown). Directions, parking information, a map, photos, and more is available online at www.walper.com.