The Top Wedding Venues In Ottawa
So, you’ve made your mind up. You know you’re getting married, that your partner is the one. You know that Ottawa is your chosen city, which, I must say, is a fantastic choice! There are a few more decisions to make, though. I’ve previously created a comprehensive guide to getting married in Ottawa. That article has you covered for the bigger picture.
In this article, I will zoom in on specific locations. Below I’ve listed the top wedding venues in Ottawa, categorized into large and small venues. This isn’t a generic list, but one I’ve personally compiled based on my experience as an Ottawa wedding photographer. Having set foot in these spaces, explored their artistic qualities, and spoken in-depth with couples, I’m sure this list won’t disappoint. Now, let’s jump straight into it!
The Top Large Wedding Venues In Ottawa
Larger wedding venues usually cover over 150 guests, although some of the options on this list have flexible numbers. From breathtaking skylines, and panoramic riverside views, to historic castles, here are some of the best wedding places in Ottawa.
Le Belvedere
If eyes are the window to a person’s soul, Le Belvédère is the window to Ottawa’s natural beauty. Gaze into your lover’s eyes or across breathtaking skylines of Canada’s countryside with this award-winning cliffside venue — the only one in Ottawa, which is well worth the travel time of around 35 minutes by car from the center.
National Arts Center
Located in downtown Ottawa, the National Arts Center is home to plays, musical performances, and, of course, weddings! If you’re looking for a taste of the flamboyant, the grand glass windows offer a bright and spectacular indoor space with landmark views of the city.
Evermore
Travel 35 minutes outside of downtown Ottawa, and you’ll find a potential space to begin your happily-ever-after story, at Evermore. Trading glass windows for solid wooden beams, this rustic option replaces city views for farmland and forest. The restored barn dates back to the 1870s, and has been voted one of Canada’s loveliest venues by Weddingbells Magazine.
Aquatopia
For something exotic, you don’t have to travel to the Amazon — you don’t even have to leave the state. Aquatopia Water Garden Conservatory is a unique wedding venue in Ottawa. Eco-friendly and sustainable, the project includes natural swimming pools, spas, water gardens, and tropical interiors. The bright open space, combined with all varieties of green leafy goodness, makes for a stunning location for your wedding day photos.
Billings Estate Museum
Billings Estate Museum is a heritage museum preserving a 19th-century estate, which is the oldest house in Ottawa! Located on a hill overlooking the Rideau River, the classical architecture and surrounding land look stunning all through the year. If you want a place to make history in your love story, this could be it.
Fairmont Chateau Laurier
This French-style château wouldn’t look out of place in a Disney movie and makes for the ideal setting for the perfect fairytale. Opening in 1912, Fairmont Château Laurier features a Renaissance-style ballroom fully equipped with crystal chandeliers. Such is its level of luxury, the venue has hosted many VIPs and even royalty, including Queen Elizabeth II and Princess Diana. (As you can probably guess, it’s ideally suited to those with a higher-end budget.)
Strathmere
Another countryside gem, Strathmere has three spaces to host your special day: The Lodge, a 150-year-old restored Barn; The Farmhouse; and The Garden House. Located across 200 acres of land, there’s plenty of room for accommodation and even a spa for that extra relaxation. It also includes hiking and ski trails, if you opt for a winter wedding, which they also offer at a reduced price.
Stonefields
The Stonefields estate in Ottawa Valley is ideal for both indoor and outdoor ceremonies, as you have access to all of the 120-acre site — including its pub. Overnight accommodation is available at the on-site farmhouse, and in 2019 the couple who own the estate opened the new Ceremony House, which is elegantly decorated (chandeliers included!) and has the perfect aura for wedding celebrations.
Lago
To save traveling to the outskirts, Lago is a bright and spacious waterfront location, situated centrally, overlooking Dow’s Lake. The minimalist venue stretches over two floors, with huge windows for plenty of natural light and a view of the lake in the background.
You’ll have access to their Vista room, which hosts up to 110 seated guests, plus their restaurant for post-ceremony dining.
Ottawa Hunt & Golf Club
If you’d like to tee things off in the most stylish of ways, then Ottawa Hunt & Golf Club is a wise choice. The grounds of these premium clubs are sculpted to perfection, making them the ideal environment for both indoor and outdoor ceremonies.
Access to the clubhouse is limited to the hours of 4-6 pm (probably best to avoid the risk of flying golf balls!) with one or two hours of cocktails.
Peaches n Cream
One of the joys of being a wedding photographer in Ottawa is that couples are spoiled for choice with outdoor options. Le Peaches & Cream is situated on an 800-acre property with a reception hall and a chalet with space for 18 people.
The expanse of fields makes for a spacious and green-friendly backdrop to photographs. Combined with the rustic vibe, this venue offers nature, style, and beauty, without unnecessary extravagance.
Fairmont Le Château Montebello
Resting on the Ottawa River is Fairmont Le Château Montebello, another luxurious venue and, uniquely, the world’s biggest log cabin. Its rustic-styled hotel has room for over 200 guests (including an inclusive bride and groom suite), and there are plenty of event hosting spaces to choose from, with capacity all the way up to over 400 people.
The ceremony can be carried out in one of their outside gazebos, overlooking the river. Since it opened in 1930, weddings have been hosted frequently, and the staff are on hand to make sure the day goes to plan.
Orchard View
Travel just 20 minutes south of downtown Ottawa, and you’ll arrive at this serene and rural event space, with capacity ranging from 10 to 400 guests. Orchard View is a delightful outdoor and indoor venue that covers 20,000 square feet of rivers, gardens, and even a waterfall. The Lakeside Gazebo is a standout attraction sitting pretty on a peninsula, which doubles as a memorable photo opportunity.
National Gallery of Canada and Ottawa Art Gallery
They say beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but I’m sure everyone will agree this destination is objectively beautiful. Known for amplifying indigenous and Canadian art, the creative backdrop of the National Gallery of Canada adds a touch of style to your special day. Scotiabank Great Hall is a top pick, with panoramic views of Parliament Hill and the Ottawa River.
If this vibe is something you’re interested in, Ottawa Art Gallery is a nice alternative. It has an outdoor terrace for summer months and a few indoor event spaces for both big weddings and intimate celebrations.
The Top Small Wedding Venues in Ottawa
These intimate wedding venues in Ottawa are ideal for groups below 150 guests, sometimes even smaller, with adequate facilities for 10-50 guests. I know many couples opt for these ceremonies, choosing quality over quantity. If that speaks to your heart’s desire, check out my favorites.
Wakefield Grand
If you’re looking for intimacy, the Wakefield Grand is one of the ideal micro wedding venues in Ottawa, designed to cater to 20 to 50 guests. Located in six acres of natural forest, this is a stunning outdoor option. There’s definitely a special touch to smaller events, and over the years I’ve noticed that sometimes less really is more.
Parlour
Restaurant and event space Parlour is another option for intimate weddings. They have a patio section which is suited for smaller groups who want to breathe in the fresh air, indulge in their tasty selection of food, and sip a cocktail or three!
The building covers 5,000 square feet and was originally built in 1922, and if you have a bigger attendance, there are options to buy out multiple spaces (including the restaurant space) and cater for up to 250 guests.
The Knox
Another smaller venue with the travel, The Knox is 45 minutes from central Ottawa, in the charming village of Merrickville, Ontario. Originally built in 1861 as a church, it has been repurposed to serve modern ceremonies. The building itself is both simple and sophisticated, and is bathed in bright whites and lots of daylight. This is ideal for up to 80 guests or, if you like to party, 60 guests with a dance floor.
Ready To Plan Or Have More Questions? Reach Out!
Well, there we go! The above covers the best wedding venues in Ottawa, but don’t stress too much, a wedding planner can support you, and I’d be more than happy to talk to you to get things started. If I’m unable to deal with something personally, I know Ottawa like the back of my camera so I can point you in the right direction.
As a final note, I love seeing all sorts of couples enjoy all Ottawa has to offer. Maybe I’m biased, but I know the city is special, and I’ve seen first-hand how much joy and love the location has to offer. If you’re convinced, it would be an honor to work with you, to get to know more about your love story, and to capture the most authentic moments of your day. So get in touch, and I look forward to planning and celebrating with you!
