Ottawa Wedding Venues
An In-depth Guide
Choosing your venue is one of the biggest wedding planning decisions you will make. Your selection has a major impact on your day – the look, the location, the food and the time of year.
As photographers, we’re in the unique position of having experienced Ottawa’s best wedding venues many times. We’ve developed relationships with the staff, we’ve tasted the food, we know where to find the best lighting for photos, and we see the amazing parties.
This guide is a compilation of what we know and love about Ottawa’s top-notch venues. We’ve included plenty of photographs, videos links to sample weddings to help you jumpstart your search for the perfect place to say “I Do”.
Jump to a Venue
Le Belvédère
www.lebelvedere.ca
Location: Wakefield (30 minutes north of Ottawa)
Capacity: 75-200
Spectacular views, exquisite food, and magnificent service will make your guests’ experience one they won’t soon forget.
Unique Feature You’ll Love
There are many features of Le Belvedere that make it stand out. That said, the biggest has to be the view. Your guests will look out over a beautiful wooded valley from the clifftop ceremony location. There is no other ceremony site like it in Ottawa.
Why We Love Le Belvedere
Le Belvedere is always dreaming up new ways to make your experience even better. There are endless opportunities for beautiful, natural photo backdrops. Plus, we love their food! The venue owns a private 3-acre garden which supplies the kitchen with fresh herbs, vegetables and edible flowers.
Included With Every Le Belvedere Wedding
Venue
Wedding Coordinator
Bridal suite.
Outdoor and indoor ceremony options.
Cliffside cocktail hour with lounge seating and outdoor bar.
Overnight stay in the guest house.
Dining
Canapes, 3-course dinner and late-night.
Table settings, votives with tea lights.
Menu tasting
Décor
Ceremony aisle lanterns.
Tablecloths, napkins and runners.
Table numbers, menu chalkboards, card box and antique tables.
Follow the links below to view more Le Belvedere weddings:
Stonefields Estate
www.stonefieldsweddings.com
Location: Carleton Place (30 minutes west of Kanata)
Capacity: 85-220
Rustic elegance, endless greenery, and personalized service await you with your Stonefields wedding.
Unique Feature You’ll Love
The 120-acre estate offers an endless supply of gorgeous backdrops for every step of your wedding day. The two wedding party preparation spaces are the perfect way to start your day off – onsite and near your future spouse as you can relax knowing you are in very good hands. Your guests will move between several distinct areas for your ceremony, cocktail hour and reception – each one having been designed to create an unforgettable wedding day experience.
Why We Love Stonefields
We always feel welcome at Stonefields. Everyone has a big heart and is truly looking to make your wedding day unforgettable. We love the expansive property – there are endless photo opportunities throughout the 120 acres. The estate looks beautiful year-round, rain or shine. Stonefields also has one of the nicest rain plan options – the Ceremony House. We always have confidence knowing that our Stonefields weddings will run smoothly and on time.
Included With Every Stonefields Wedding
Venue
Two wedding party preparations spaces.
Outdoor and indoor ceremony sites.
Cocktail hour space with outdoor bar.
Dinner in the Loft.
Accommodations for 8 in the farmhouse.
Fire pit
Dining
Canapés, 3-course dinner, and late-night.
Flatware, China and votives.
Menu tasting.
Décor
Ceremony aisle lanterns.
Linens and napkins.
Dining chairs and lounge seating.
Antique tables, podium and easels
Follow the links below to view lots more Stonefields Estate weddings:
Aquatopia
www.aquatopia.world
Location: Carp (West End)
Capacity: 150
Treat your guests to an evening in a tropical oasis, surrounded by flowing waterfalls and lush foliage.
Unique Feature You’ll Love
You are never at the mercy of the weather at Aquatopia. No matter the season, you can say your “I Dos” surrounded by vibrant florals and endless greenery. The glass roof provides a unique opportunity to wow your guests with a spectacular professional fireworks display. Your ability to create a unique experience for your guests is unmatched at Aquatopia.
Why We Love Aquatopia
Aquatopia has white diffusing material on their glass ceiling which creates a beautiful soft and flattering light that makes for gorgeous photos. Combine that with the incredible plants, and you have vibrant backdrops at every turn. Aquatopia’s AV team hits it out of the park every time with their amazing lighting and effects, making your dance party one to remember.
Included with Every Aquatopia Wedding
Venue
Use of the atrium and greenhouse.
Event design services for florals and décor.
Onsite ceremony (for an additional fee):
Registry table and podium.
Ivy covered living wall backdrop.
1-hour rehearsal.
Accommodations for two at the Brookstreet hotel.
Dining
Hors d’oeuvres, 3 or 4-course dinner and late-night.
Silverware, China, stemware and votives.
Menu tasting.
Dining
Ivory Chiavari chairs.
5’x5’ dining tables.
Linens and napkins.
Follow the links below to view more Aquatopia weddings:
Historic charm and modern elegance combine create an idyllic setting for your wedding day at the Museum of Nature.
Unique Feature You’ll Love
Hosting your cocktail hour in one of the museum’s inspiring exhibition galleries is such a unique opportunity. Your guests can sip cocktails while mingling with the dinosaurs, the real skeleton of a blue whale, or a moon rock from the 1972 Apollo mission. You are sure to find a space that will impress and educate your guests, as they raise a glass to your nuptials.
Why We Love The Museum of Nature
The museum offers the perfect juxtaposition of old and new – the medieval exterior and modern interior allow for incredible opportunities for dramatic portraits. Rain or shine, you will have gorgeous wedding photos. And bonus, you don’t have to drive all over the city to get them!
Included with Every Museum of Nature Wedding
Venue
5 spaces to choose from for your event:
Barrick Salon
East Wing Foyer
PCL Plaza
Queen’s Lantern
Rotunda
Dining
Choice of 4 catering companies.
Services:
Set up and clean up.
Tables, chairs.
Lighting and sound.
A DJ system to play your own music.
Special Extras
Access to galleries during your cocktail hour.
Photography throughout the museum.
Follow the links below to view more Museum of Nature weddings:
This iconic venue in the heart of Ottawa offers magnificence and elegance you’ll be hard pressed to find elsewhere.
Unique Feature You’ll Love
The Chateau’s Renaissance-style ballroom which dates back to 1912, offers you unmistakeable grandeur and elegance for your wedding reception. It features dramatic 18-foot ceilings and spectacular crystal chandeliers. Not to mention, it has played host to Queen Elizabeth II and Princess Diana, among others.
Why We Love Chateau Laurier
The Chateau Laurier is a highly convenient wedding location for you and your guests. The fact that everything can take place onsite removes a lot of stress and logistics from the couple on their wedding day. This extends to your wedding photography session – the Chateau is within walking distance to some of Ottawa’s best urban backdrops. We also love that they can accommodate groups both small and large within their event rooms.
Included with Every Chateau Laurier Wedding
Venue
Choice of ballrooms.
Access to the hotel’s public spaces for photos.
Accommodations for two.
Breakfast for the couple the next morning.
Discounted room rates for guests.
White glove service.
Dining
Passed canapes, dinner menus, and late-night.
Wine with dinner (with optional host bar package upgrades).
Table settings, cutlery and China.
Decor
Votive candles, linens, table numbers, and easel.
Head table riser, dance floor and podium with microphone.
Follow the links below to view more Aquatopia weddings:
The NAC’s exceptional culinary team and event coordinators will deliver a seamless guest experience on your wedding day.
Unique Feature You’ll Love
The NAC has some of the most incredible views of the city from their modern spaces with floor to ceiling windows. In the O’Born room, you will be treated to gorgeous views of the sunset peering out from behind the Chateau Laurier as nightfall rolls in. There is also a rooftop terrace that you can sneak away to for the perfect golden hour photos.
Why We Love the NAC
The NAC is in the heart of Ottawa’s downtown, making it a prime spot for the couple who is looking for unique photo backdrops for their wedding album. Within a short walk we can find everything from pretty nature scenes to dramatic architecture, to grungy alleyways. We also love the natural light that their recent renovations have provided within their ceremony and reception spaces.
Included with Every National Arts Centre Wedding
Venue
Choice of 5 event spaces.
Optional onsite ceremony.
Stay for two at the Lord Elgin Hotel.
Dedicated Catering Manager.
VIP rates for your guests at Lord Elgin Hotel.
Dining
Canapes, sit down dinner and late-night.
Dinnerware, flatware, glassware and barware.
Buffet style menu tasting.
Decor
Votive candles, podium and easel.
Provided by preferred vendor Wedecor:
Linens and napkins.
Centrepieces.
Chiavari chairs.
Ambient lighting.
Follow the links below to view more NAC weddings:
Twentytwo is one of Ottawa’s most modern venues, offering an intimate setting high atop the city skyline.
Unique Feature You’ll Love
The 270-degree panoramic view of Parliament Hill, the Ottawa River and the Gatineau Hills is Twentytwo’s crowning jewel. As you enter the space on the Westin’s top floor, you are immediately taken by the view. Twentytwo offers the unique juxtaposition of an intimate atmosphere, while simultaneously making you feel connected to downtown.
Why We Love twentytwo
This modern space offers clean and simple lines, which works beautifully as the backdrop for a variety of wedding themes. We love the natural light from the 270-degree windows. And like may of the downtown venues on our list, you won’t have any troubles finding varied and attractive backdrops for your wedding photo shoot.
Included with Every Westin - TwentyTwo Wedding
Venue
3,200 square feet of space
Video-wall display and sound system.
Customizable LED lighting.
Certified personal wedding planner.
Unique reservation link to make booking accommodations easy.
Dining
Appetizers, main courses, and desserts.
Tables set with upgraded China.
Decor
Elegant contemporary décor.
Linens and napkins.
This Byward Market staple is overflowing with old world charm and warm sophistication.
Unique Feature You’ll Love
Restaurant 18 offers a variety of intimate spaces for larger and smaller groups. Their wine rooms in particular are stunning – perfect for a cozy evening with your nearest and dearest. Many venues offer banquet service, where each guest receives the same meal. Not so at Restaurant 18 – you can design your own menu that your guests order from on site. This a great feature, particularly if you are catering to foodies or picky eaters.
Why We Love 18
There is something especially romantic about this space in the winter. The windows in the impressive stone wall showcasing the nightlife of the Market juxtapose beautifully against your intimate evening within. As you would expect with a restaurant wedding, the food is amazing. Your guests will love the posh, high end vibe of the space. And we love the natural light inside the restaurant for your ceremony.
Included with Every Restaurant 18 Wedding
Venue
Small private rooms or buy-out the entire space.
Onsite ceremony option.
Microphone and podium.
Day of coordination services.
Access to vendor partners.
Dining
Menus for sit down or standing receptions.
Flatware, stemware.
Menu tasting.
Decor
Printed menus at each place setting.
Tablecloths, napkins and candles.
Temples Country Weddings
Location: Lanark (Ottawa Valley)
Capacity: 50-200
A working sugar bush during the maple season, you will find plenty of stunning backdrops on the 88-acre property.
Unique Feature You’ll Love
Temples slow roasts their maple inspired entrees over their massive Cajun style charcoal barbeques. Everything tastes better cooked over a live fire! You also have the choice of offering your meal family style on platters, if a formal sit-down dinner isn’t for you. Temples has one of the most extensive décor inventories for couples to choose from for their wedding day – a huge bonus if you are looking for a one stop shop to execute your vision.
Why We Love Temples
Whether you are planning for a summer garden wedding, a fall ceremony in the woods, or a magical outdoor winter ceremony, Temples has you covered. They also have a gorgeous indoor space should weather not be on your side. A great feature of their reception building is the loft on either end of the space, which allow us to capture interesting and unique perspectives of your reception.
Included with Every Temples Wedding
Venue
Two spaces for getting ready.
Ceremony in the woods, in the gardens or by the indoor fireplace.
Use of the reception hall.
Outdoor firepit.
Option to purchase maple wedding favours.
Dining
Canapes, 3-course meal and late-night. Family style or plated dinner service.
Menu tasting.
Decor
Extensive décor inventory, including:
Vases, candle holders.
Rustic signs, burlap banners, easels.
Centrepiece bases, table numbers.
Cake/cupcake stands.
Linens and runners.
Ceremony lanterns, garden hooks and wooden slabs.
This iconic banquet hall has played host to thousands of weddings, and they have the level of expertise to show for it.
Unique Feature You’ll Love
The onsite spa at Strathmere is an amenity very few can boast. Their beauty experts can provide massage, manicure and pedicure services, and of course your wedding day makeup. This, combined with the ability to spend the day and evening in one of their 34 overnight guest rooms will make your wedding day morning a breeze.
Why We Love Strathmere
Events at Strathmere will feel like a true getaway for your guests – they can escape the city for your wedding and also enjoy the many amenities offered should they choose to spend an evening or two. We also love the open fields and endless backdrops for photos.
Included with Every Strathmere Wedding
Venue
Outdoor or indoor ceremony options.
Choice of 3 private venues: The Farmhouse, the Garden House, and the Lodge.
Wedding coordinator.
Guest room for getting ready and spending the night.
Retreat team of beauty experts for wedding day makeup and spa services.
Dining
All-inclusive food and drink packages.
Flatware, glassware and dinnerware.
Menu tasting.
Decor
Ivory linens and napkins.
Lanterns with LED candles.
Tables and chairs.
Vintage lighting over outdoor patios.
DJ table, gift and cake tables.
Adélina Barn offers a stunning two-story barn space, both indoors and outdoors, featuring a covered pergola patio and beautifully landscaped grounds.
Nestled amidst acres of fields and forests, this venue boasts unique arches and ceremony spots, a charming fire pit area, and bistro lighting for a delightful evening atmosphere.
They provide comprehensive planning assistance leading up to your event and hands-on coordination on the big day. Additionally, booking with Adélina Barn grants you access to the picturesque second-story barn loft, perfect for capturing timeless photos.
Wakefield Grand is located in the quaint village of Wakefield, Quebec. This venue is a short drive from Ottawa, and provides an idyllic backdrop for intimate weddings.
Whether amidst the stunning outdoor vistas or within their cozy indoor spaces, you and your wedding guests will love this unique venue.
The Horticulture Building is a great choice for wedding venue. It boasts a blend of historic charm and contemporary elegance, perfect for capturing interesting photographs.
With its soaring ceilings, exposed wooden beams, and ample natural light, this iconic location offers a picturesque backdrop for your special day. From the spacious interior to the lush outdoor courtyard, every corner provides stunning photo opportunities.
Named one of Canada's loveliest wedding destinations by Weddingbells, Evermore is located just 35 minutes away from downtown Ottawa.
Built in the 1870s, this venue has been beautifully restored. The ceremony site overlooks acres of picturesque farmland and woodland, which makes for incredible photographs.
