Polo Park Farms is a wedding venue in Rigaud, Quebec approximately 45 minutes from downtown Montreal.
If you’re looking for a wedding venue with that outdoors-y, rustic vibe, surrounded by nature, then Polo Park Farms is absolutely worth a look.
Polo Park Farms is a 65-acre space in Ste-Marthe with an open field & tent in the forest. When planning a wedding, this place is the kind of wedding venue that you can really make your own and is especially suited to summer weddings when your guests can truly make the most of the natural surroundings.
It’s also a fantastic place if you want your wedding photos to be taken deep in the Quebec countryside surrounded by nature.
A Day to Remember: Polo Park Farms Wedding Through a Photographer’s Lens
As a wedding photographer, each wedding I capture is unique, but some venues just have a way of leaving a lasting impression. Polo Park Farms is one such place, with its blend of rustic charm and open countryside. Nestled in a serene landscape, it offers a peaceful and genuine setting for a wedding. Let me take you through a day I recently spent photographing a wedding at this delightful venue.
Morning Light and Preparations
The day at Polo Park Farms began with the soft glow of morning light filtering through the trees, creating a serene ambiance. The bride and groom prepared for their day in separate farm-style cottages. These quaint spaces, with their wooden interiors and cozy furnishings, were filled with laughter and anticipation. As a photographer, capturing these candid moments is always a joy. The natural light streaming through the windows provided a perfect soft illumination for these intimate pre-ceremony photos.
The Ceremony Under the Open Sky
The outdoor ceremony was set against the backdrop of sprawling fields and a clear blue sky. The simplicity of the setting – with wooden chairs and minimal décor – emphasized the natural beauty of the surroundings. The aisle was lined with wildflowers, and the gentle breeze added a sense of calm to the atmosphere.
Photographing the ceremony, I found myself captivated by the way the natural setting enhanced the emotions of the moment. The couple exchanged vows under a simple yet elegant wooden arch, with the vast open sky above them. The expressions of joy, the teary-eyed guests, and the couple’s first kiss as newlyweds were all moments that felt even more special in this tranquil outdoor setting.
Reception in the Rustic Barn
The reception was held in Polo Park Farms’ rustic barn. This charming space, with its high ceilings, wooden beams, and twinkling lights, created a cozy and inviting atmosphere. The tables were adorned with simple yet elegant rustic décor, and the soft lighting made the whole area glow warmly.
As the evening progressed, I captured the laughter, the speeches, the clinking of glasses, and the heartfelt dances. The barn, with its spacious yet intimate feel, was ideal for capturing both the grand moments and the subtle, tender interactions.
The Golden Hour Photoshoot
One of the highlights of any wedding day, especially for a photographer, is the ‘golden hour’ photoshoot. At Polo Park Farms, the open fields and the setting sun provided a breathtaking backdrop. The golden light cast a warm, romantic hue over the landscape, ideal for capturing the couple’s love and happiness. These moments, with the sun setting behind them, resulted in some of the most memorable and beautiful photos of the day.
Candid Moments and Natural Beauty
Throughout the day, what I appreciated most was the abundance of opportunities for candid shots. Whether it was guests mingling in the open spaces, children running across the fields, or the couple sharing a quiet moment away from the crowd, Polo Park Farms offered a plethora of beautiful, unscripted moments.
The natural beauty of the venue also played a significant role in the day’s photography. The open fields, the rustic barn, and the charming cottages all provided a variety of backdrops for photos. The balance between rustic charm and natural elegance was something that really stood out in the final images.
Challenges and Rewards
Like any outdoor venue, Polo Park Farms presented its own set of challenges, particularly with the changing light conditions throughout the day. However, these challenges were also what made photographing this wedding a rewarding experience. Adapting to the different lighting, from the bright midday sun to the soft evening glow, allowed for a range of creative and diverse shots.
A Relaxed and Genuine Atmosphere
What made this wedding at Polo Park Farms truly special was the relaxed and genuine atmosphere. The venue’s simplicity and natural setting created a sense of ease and authenticity that was reflected in every aspect of the day. This atmosphere made my job as a photographer not just easier, but more enjoyable, as I was able to capture the true essence of the couple’s joy and the genuine emotions of their guests.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, a wedding at Polo Park Farms is an experience that is both charming and heartwarming. For couples seeking a venue that combines rustic elegance with natural beauty, this is a place that should definitely be considered. And for a wedding photographer like me, it’s a delightful location to capture the love, laughter, and unique moments that make a wedding day so special. The memories created here, amidst the open fields and rustic settings, are ones that will undoubtedly be cherished for a lifetime.
For a list of some of my other favourite outdoor wedding venues close to Montreal, check out THIS POST
Polo Park Farms is only 20 minutes away from where I’m based.
If you’re considering it for your wedding and would like to chat about your photography, please drop me a line through the Contact Page.
You can visit my Wedding Portfolio page RIGHT HERE
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ABOUT STEVE
I’m a Brit living in Montreal with my wife, Evelyne and our three boys, Elliott, Isaac and Jonas! Evelyne and I met in the Alps in 2003 when Evelyne thought she was a cool snowboarder and I thought I was a superstar DJ. We got married in 2007 in Cornwall, England and moved to Canada in 2014. I photographed my first wedding in 2006 and have now shot almost 500 weddings, mostly in Canada & the UK, but I absolutely love travelling anywhere in the world. I enjoyed it when I started but love my job now more than ever.
** VOTED BEST WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER BY THE READERS OF PERFECT WEDDING MAGAZINE **
“Steve Gerrard has a knack for capturing the tiniest, fleeting moments you didn’t even realise were happening, as well as the all-important hero shots.” – Rock My Wedding Blog