One of the biggest decisions when planning your wedding is picking the right venue. With so many choices out there, it can be really overwhelming and time consuming to research. That's why we've started to put together a series of posts highlighting all of our favourite wedding venues in Hamilton, Ontario, just to make things a little less overwhelming. 

We’ve been shooting weddings in Southern Ontario for almost 7 years now so we’ve got a lot of experience when it comes to the different options and atmospheres that Hamilton has to offer.

The first venue I’d like to highlight is our home base, The Cotton Factory. What started out as an industrial textile factory has now been transformed into a bustling creative arts facility.

We’ve had our studio located in the Cotton Factory for 5 years now and we absolutely love it.. And since we’ve been there for so long, we know all the very best angles and most interesting nooks and crannies.

Here are my Top 5 Reasons Why The Cotton Factory is one of the best locations

if you are looking for something a little less traditional but with tons of style.

1. The Special Know-A-Guy Discount

Because we love doing weddings on our home turf, we’re offering a 5% discount off of your Wedding Photography package for any Cotton Factory wedding booked with Zekar Photography. 

2. Have a big guest list? No problem!

If you’re looking at a large guest list for your event, you might think you’re relegated to a big banquet hall. Not so with The Cotton Factory. Their main event space is 10,000 sq ft, so you are definitely going to have enough space for all your aunts, uncles and 5th cousins twice removed.

2. Unique Atmosphere

Because the building was constructed in the early 1900’s, you can be sure that there is a ton of character and charm in every corner of this place. We’re talking really awesome old doors, antique windows, rustic wood beams and more exposed brick than you’ve ever dreamed about. Not too many of your friends are going to have the wedding theme of ‘industrial chic’. Think tables overflowing with greenery set against industrial strength in-house decor. Or, like Jessica & Steve's candle-lit wedding, create an incredibly intimate atmospehere and super romantic vibe with glowy lighting and simple decor.

3. Indoor Location

If you’re having an off season wedding, you really can’t beat The Cotton Factory as the perfect solution to any weather related stress. You could easily do your portraits, ceremony and reception in one location. And a big bonus - if you’re our client, you have full access to our studio to get ready in. This is going to save you money on transportation and hotel rooms and cut out unnecessary travel time. 

The outside of The Building is also pretty amazing - take a look at a shot from one of our recent engagement shoots: 

4. Food

While The Cotton Factory doesn’t have any in-house food available, you can certainly hire your own catering company that fits your specific style and budget. I love this idea because you can really customize your menu and make it completely unique. Deep fried Mac N' Cheese? Check.  A smorgasboard of tacos? Check.

With the incredibly delicious and diverse restaurant and catering industry in Hamilton (seriously, it’s one of the best things about our city right now) you’ll have your choice of all sorts of different kinds of food.  And we have a few of our our top faves to work with, contact me for more info!

 

 

5. Central Location

The Cotton Factory is located in Hamilton's East End, at 270 Sherman Ave North. If you don’t want to stick around the building for your bridal party photos, there are plenty of interesting locations that are not too far away that make for a great backdrop. Some of my favourites:

Van Wagners Beach

Gage Park

James Street North

Royal Botanical Gardens (permit required)

Dundurn Castle (permit required)

One of the biggest tips I have for planning your wedding day, is to keep things as close by and as simple as possible. Having a location that is near so many other photographic opportunities will definitely keep your stress level to a minimum and will allow even more time for incredible photos. Take a peek at some of the featured weddings we've done that have chosen to do their bridal party and bridal portrait photos with an urban feel. 

 

 

To inquire about booking your event with The Cotton Factory, contact [email protected].

If you’d like our team at Zekar Photography to document your special day, contact me, Kate Tigchelaar, Studio Manager for Zekar Photography at [email protected]. And remember, we’re offering a 5% discount off your wedding photography package with us if you book us for your Cotton Factory wedding.

To see more of our work, check out our Instagram account @zekar_photography_studio.

All of the photos in this post are taken by Mike Tigchelaar or Kamila Kuzmicka for Zekar Photography.

This post was written by Kate Tigchelaar, Studio Manager for Zekar Photography.