Everything you wanted to know...and more!

Is there an exclusive caterer at the Alton Mill?    

Yes and no. Breakfasts, lunches, and snacks during breaks are catered by the on-site Shaw's Creek Café. Their catering menu is available on-line at their parent restaurant's website With the Grain . For hot meals and larger functions we have a list of recommended local caterers who are familiar with the facility and who provide excellent products and services. Customers who wish to bring in another caterer may do so. However the Alton Mill will need to meet with your caterer to familiarize them with the facility and to ensure all logistics are discussed well in advance of the function, and we reserve the right to approve the caterer. This flexibility has proven to be an attractive feature for those booking private functions at the Alton Mill. We do not take a mark up on food from caterers unless you choose to have us coordinate the food and hire the caterer.  We do charge for our time to meet with a new caterer who is not familiar with the facility.

Does the Alton Mill have a liquor license ?

No, the Alton Mill does not have a liquor license. Either a caterer with an ACGO Catering Endorsement must be hired or a Special Occasion Permit (SOP) is required. A SOP is easily obtained for a modest fee from the LCBO. Applications are required 10 to 21 days in advance, and there are additional requirements for outdoor events.

See www.agco.on.ca for details. Prior to every function, a copy of the license must be provided to the Alton Mill. Only a certified SmartServe bartender may serve alcohol on site. Most catering staff are certified or we can help arrange freelance bartenders upon request.

Does the Alton Mill charge a corkage fee ?

No. There is no markup on wine, beer and liquor purchased for a function - a substantial saving compared to other venues that have either corkage fees or require that alcohol be purchased through their exclusive caterer.

Is there space on the Alton Mill grounds for outdoor wedding ceremonies ?

Yes. There are several beautiful and unique locations where ceremonies can be held, including inside the Annex Courtyard , a grass area beside the Annex, a terrace beside the Millpond, and a grass area beside Shaw’s Creek. There is a separate fee for on-site ceremonies. Generally the ceremony fee includes the use of the Pond Gallery as a backup location in case of inclement weather.

Can I have a marquee tent for a larger outdoor wedding?

Yes, the Annex Courtyard can accommodate a 40' x 80' marquee tent for wedding of up to 200 people. But there are a lot of logistical complications. Because our septic system is limited, extra portable washrooms must be brought in (they actualy can be quite luxurious). The Town of Caledon noise by-law requires that the party move indoors after 10:00 pm, so your your guests will have to move to the Millrace Room after dinner. For a marquee tent wedding, a three-day rental is required to allow for set-up and take-down. It all sounds daunting, but our co-ordinator can arrange it all, and the end result can be truly magical. To see for yourself, click to see photos of a marquee tent wedding in the Annex.

Can we use your grounds for our photographs ?

Use of the grounds for photographs is included for those holding their ceremony or reception at the Alton Mill. For others, the grounds can only be used by prior arrangement and payment of a fee.

Can we book only our ceremony at the Alton Mill and have the reception elsewhere?

Yes. You can book the Annex or another space, including the Pond Gallery for your ceremony.

Is there a facility rental contract ?

Yes. Use of the Alton Mill for private functions entails entering into a Facility Rental Agreement that outlines all of the terms and conditions of use. To book the facility, the contract must be signed and a 50% deposit paid. A security deposit is required, which is fully refunded unless there is damage to the property or an unusual mess is generated during the event. A copy of the agreement is available upon request.

Who does the set up and tear down ?

Typically, our staff will deliver the tables and chairs to the Millrace Room or Pond Gallery in advance of the function and the caterer or the party involved sets up the room. Similarly, at the end of the function, the tables and chairs are to be cleaned and put back as they were at the start (ie. stacked up). If you prefer to have our staff set up/tear down, this can be arranged at additional cost. The customer is responsible for ensuring the facility is left in a neat and tidy and reasonably clean condition.

Is there parking on site?

Yes. There are 65 parking spaces onsite and parking is free. In the event that more than 60 cars are anticipated, nearby offsite overflow parking can be arranged, as can parking lot attendants.

When is the Millrace Room available for private functions?

The Alton Mill is a public building open from 10 am to 5 pm Wednesday to Sunday. The Millrace Room may be used or set up during public hours, as long as access to the public is not blocked. After public hours the room will be available for your exclusive use. The two studios adjacent to the Millrace Room may be accessed by their tenants after hours via the east door to the lower level.

Is directional signage allowed?

Yes. Signage to direct visitors to the Millrace Room and the other meeting rooms is permitted. The permitted locations and type of signage is set out in the facility rental agreement.

Are extra fees charged for music?

Yes. All events that include the use of music, whether recorded or live, are subject to a SOCAN (Society of Composers, Authors Music Publishers of Canada) licensing fee. The fee, including handling charges is $30 if there is no dancing or $60 if the event includes dancing.

Can I use candles?

Yes, candles can be placed on tables and on the window sills provided they are enclosed in a glass container.