Venue Spotlight: Idylwylde Golf Course

As a Sudbury-based wedding photographer, I’ve had the pleasure of capturing countless love stories in various settings. However, there’s one venue that never fails to take my breath away – the Idylwylde Golf and Country Club. Today, I want to share my experiences and insights about this hidden gem that has become one of my favorite places to photograph weddings.

A Picturesque Setting

Nature’s Canvas

From the moment you arrive at Idylwylde, you’re greeted by a stunning landscape that seems almost too perfect to be real. Nestled between Laurentian University and the beautiful Lake Ramsey and Nepahwin, this 6656-yard golf course offers magnificent views that serve as the ideal backdrop for wedding photography.

As a photographer, I’m always on the lookout for those perfect shots that will immortalize a couple’s special day. At Idylwylde, I’m spoiled for choice. The lush greenery of the golf course, the sparkling waters of Lake Nepahwin, and the elegant clubhouse all come together to create a photographer’s paradise.

A Rich History

What makes Idylwylde even more special is its rich history. Founded in 1922, it was developed from the old Howey Farm on the south shore of Ramsey Lake. I love sharing this tidbit with couples as we explore the grounds, imagining the early golfers who had to take a water taxi across the lake before an adequate road was built!

This sense of history adds depth to the photographs, giving them a timeless quality that my clients adore. It’s not just a beautiful location; it’s a place with stories to tell.

Take a look at my complete Sudbury Wedding Guide!

The Perfect Venue for Every Season

Summer Splendor

In the summer months, Idylwylde truly comes alive. The meticulously maintained golf course provides a lush, green backdrop that makes every photo pop. I particularly love capturing candid moments of the newlyweds strolling hand in hand along the fairways, or stealing a kiss under the shade of a majestic tree.

The peninsula, jutting out into Lake Nepahwin, is a favorite spot for ceremonies. There’s something magical about photographing a couple exchanging vows with the shimmering water as their witness. The natural light at golden hour creates a warm, romantic glow that enhances every shot.

Autumn Romance

As summer fades into fall, Idylwylde transforms into a canvas of warm, rich colors. The changing leaves create a breathtaking backdrop for wedding photos. I often find myself in awe of the way the golden and crimson hues complement the white of a bride’s gown or the deep tones of a groom’s suit.

The crisp autumn air adds a cozy intimacy to outdoor shots, and I love capturing couples snuggled close together against the backdrop of fall foliage.

Check out my favorite fall venue here!

Winter Wonderland

Don’t discount Idylwylde as a winter wedding venue! The snow-covered landscape creates a serene, almost fairy-tale-like setting for photographs. The contrast of a white wedding gown against the stark beauty of a winter scene is simply stunning.

Plus, the club’s merger with the Granite Curling Club means there are unique photo opportunities inside as well. I’ve captured some truly memorable shots of couples trying their hand at curling in full wedding attire!

Spring Renewal

As the snow melts and new life begins to bloom, Idylwylde offers yet another face to its beauty. Spring weddings here are all about fresh beginnings and hope for the future. The soft pastels of spring flowers provide a delicate, romantic backdrop for wedding photos.

I particularly love capturing shots of couples among the budding trees or beside the awakening lake. There’s a sense of promise and new beginnings that resonates beautifully with the theme of a wedding.

The Clubhouse: Elegance Meets Comfort

A Photographer’s Dream Interior

While the outdoor scenery at Idylwylde is undoubtedly spectacular, the clubhouse itself offers a wealth of photographic opportunities. The elegant interior provides a perfect backdrop for formal portraits and detail shots.

I particularly love the fireplace area, which can seat up to 72 guests. The warm, inviting atmosphere creates a cozy setting for intimate family photos or romantic couples portraits. The large windows flood the space with natural light, making my job as a photographer that much easier (and the results that much more beautiful).

Flexibility for Any Wedding Size

One of the things I appreciate most about Idylwylde is its flexibility. Whether I’m photographing an intimate gathering or a large celebration, the venue can accommodate it all. The clubhouse can comfortably seat up to 160 guests when in full use, but it can also be divided into smaller areas for more modest affairs.

This flexibility allows me to capture the unique atmosphere of each wedding, whether it’s a grand affair in the main dining area or a cozy celebration in the bar area overlooking the golf course.

For larger weddings, check out these venues!

The Details That Make a Difference

Exceptional Service

As a wedding photographer, I’ve worked with many venues over the years, and I can confidently say that the staff at Idylwylde are among the best. Their professionalism and attention to detail not only ensure that the wedding day runs smoothly but also make my job easier.

From the event coordinators who help plan every detail to the servers who ensure glasses are always full, the staff work tirelessly behind the scenes. This allows me to focus on what I do best – capturing beautiful, candid moments of joy and love.

Culinary Delights

While I’m usually too busy capturing the event to indulge, I can’t help but notice the delicious aromas wafting from the kitchen. Idylwylde boasts one of the finest professional catering facilities in the North, and it shows.

From a photographer’s perspective, the presentation of the food is always impeccable, providing wonderful opportunities for detail shots. And happy, well-fed guests make for great candid photos! Catering costs begin at $100/person.

Unique Photo Opportunities

The Peninsula

One of my absolute favorite features of Idylwylde is the peninsula. This beautiful stretch of land jutting out into Lake Nepahwin is, in my opinion, one of the most romantic spots for a ceremony in all of Sudbury.

As a photographer, I love the versatility this area offers. The panoramic water views provide a stunning backdrop for wide shots, while the private beach and boating dock offer more intimate settings for couples portraits. The $150 fee to use this area is well worth it for the breathtaking photos it allows me to create.

Be sure to use my Timeline and Checklist for a seamless wedding day experience!

Golf Cart Adventures

One unique aspect of photographing weddings at Idylwylde is the opportunity to use golf carts. The club offers a golf cart shuttle service for guests when booking the Peninsula for the ceremony, which not only adds a fun element to the day but also provides some great photo ops!

I’ve captured some wonderfully candid and joyful shots of newlyweds zooming around the course in a decorated golf cart. These always end up being some of the couple’s favorite photos from the day.

A Venue for All Seasons

One of the things I appreciate most about Idylwylde is that it’s available for booking all year round. This means that regardless of when a couple chooses to tie the knot, I know I’ll have a beautiful backdrop for their photos.

In winter, the cozy interiors and potential for snow-covered landscape shots are a dream. Spring brings the promise of new beginnings with budding trees and early blooms. Summer offers lush greenery and golden sunsets, while fall paints the scenery in warm, rich hues.

Each season brings its own unique charm, and as a photographer, I relish the challenge and opportunity of capturing the beauty of Idylwylde in all its varied splendor.

A Photographer’s Paradise

As a wedding photographer, my goal is always to capture the love, joy, and unique personality of each couple I work with. A venue like Idylwylde Golf and Country Club makes this task not just easier, but an absolute pleasure.

From its stunning natural beauty and rich history to its flexible spaces and exceptional service, Idylwylde offers everything a couple (and their photographer!) could want in a wedding venue. Whether you’re dreaming of an intimate winter wedding by the fireplace or a grand summer celebration on the peninsula, Idylwylde provides the perfect canvas for your love story.

So, if you’re a bride or groom-to-be looking for the perfect venue, or a fellow photographer seeking a location that will make your work shine, I can’t recommend Idylwylde Golf and Country Club highly enough. It truly is a little slice of paradise right here in Northern Ontario.