Your Guide To Getting Married In Ottawa
Whether you and your partner are born and raised in Ottawa or you’re from elsewhere and intrigued by making Canada’s capital your wedding destination, I’ve got you covered. As an Ottawa local, witnessing romance in the heart of my community is extra special — that’s why I’ve put together this guide to getting married in Ottawa.
I’m covering a collection of venues to match your taste, the legalities, and insider tips that can easily be overlooked by those not familiar with the city’s wedding options — such as what venues are best depending on the time of year, and my personal picks for everything from dresses to cakes.
Let’s take a ride through all there is to know about getting married in the city, from urban boutique to lakeside mystique, as you prepare to give Ottawa — the first Canadian city to get traffic lights — the green light as your chosen destination.
Why Choose Ottawa For Your Wedding?
With historic estates, mansions, rustic spaces, cliffside venues, and intimate restaurants to get married in, Ottawa offers both stunning architecture and vibrant nature!
Not only are you spoiled for choice with the venues themselves, but you, your partner, and all of your friends and family will have plenty to explore in the days surrounding the wedding itself. Ottawa is vibrant, home to all you’d expect from a city; museums, restaurants, bars, non-stop events and multicultural cuisine and entertainment.
However, due to its compact geography (Ottawa is actually Canada’s fourth biggest urban area), some describe it as a big city with a small town feeling. With plenty of parks and green spaces, 10 lakes, and even a waterfall within a 25 minute drive, Ottawa is the perfect balance of big-city vibes and intimacy. Also known for its friendliness and safety, getting married in Ottawa is sure to be a relaxing and memorable experience.
Ottawa is an ideal wedding location for a wide range of tastes and budgets. I’ve seen weddings in all shapes and sizes, from lowkey and cozy, to lavish and extravagant. With all this on offer, I’m certain Ottawa is the ideal canvas to bring the vision of your wedding day to life. To give you an even clearer mental image of your big day, let’s move on to the specifics — what are the top places to get married in Ottawa?
Best Wedding Venues In Ottawa
Below are some of my select favorites to showcase the variety and potential of wedding locations in Ottawa. Live like royalty with an actual palace, enjoy a rustic and rural setting, or say “I do” in an indoor oasis or on a cliffside.
All of these options make for stunning experiences and eternal memories. And, as I support you with an eye for aesthetics, they become the backdrop to breathtaking, timeless photographs. In fact, they’re so good that most of my photographs are untouched and natural, capturing the day in its original form.
1. Fairmont Château 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. It’s ideally suited to those with a higher-end budget.
2. Le Belvédère
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.
With a variety of sizes, from 75 to 200 guests, there are many options, including overnight stays in the Guesthouse and the Wakefield Grand. Although it’s outdoors, indoor options are also available.
3. 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.
The largest space offers room for up to 1,500 guests, and the smallest creates the ideal intimate setting for around 70 people, so there’s plenty of flexibility.
4. 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 is a rustic option which replaces city views for farmland and forest.
The restored barn dates all the way back to the 1870s, and has been voted one of Canada’s loveliest venues by Weddingbells Magazine. Hosting weddings with minimum guests of 80 to 100 people, the outdoor ceremony space is the perfect complement to the barn’s indoor elegance.
5. Aquatopia
I promised an indoor oasis — this is it. For something a bit different, you don’t have to travel to the amazon. Aquatopia Water Garden Conservatory is an eco-friendly and sustainable project that 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. It caters for up to 150 guests, with their Zen Weddings option offering an intimate affair for 48 guests.
6. 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 before or after the celebrations. It also includes hiking and ski trails, if you opt for a winter wedding.
7. Le Peaches & 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, offering space for 150 standing, or 110 seated. The package includes a reception hall and a chalet with space for 18 people. The expanse of fields make for a spacious and green-friendly backdrop to photographs. Combined with the rustic vibe, this venue offers nature, style, and beauty, without unnecessary extravagance.
8. Wakefield Grand
If you’re looking to go for even more intimacy, the Wakefield Grand is one of the ideal places for a micro wedding in Ottawa, designed to cater for 20 to 40 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 sometimes less is more.
9. Parlour
Last but not least, 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, take in their vibrant aesthetic, indulge in their tasty selection of food, and sip a cocktail or three!
The building itself 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.
Best Time Of Year To Get Married In Ottawa
As an Ottawa wedding photographer, I’ve sat in a t-shirt and shorts expecting blistering heat, only for it to rain. I’ve been pleasantly surprised by sunshine on unexpected cloudy days. One thing I know from experience is that, while everything always works out, there are small touches that make a difference when it comes to the time of year. These tips generic guides won’t tell you can easily be missed.
Over the years I’ve grown to understand the small differences the time of year makes. It’s always my focus for the couple to feel as relaxed and natural as possible, to allow me to capture authentic moments. I know that weather concerns with outdoor events, for example, can cause lots of last-minute stress.
From the list above, those that are centered in nature, like Le Belvédère, have stunning fall colors. Summer may be warmer, but keep in mind the days are longer, so sneaking out for golden hour photos is easier to fit in during dinner. Some venues, such as Strathmere, have winter deals. Sure, it’s slightly colder, but this can also be a beautiful time of year for photos.
Don’t be fooled by whether a venue is indoor or outdoor, either. Although the National Arts Center and Aquatopia are mostly indoors, they still have plenty of natural light because of their windows. But if you’re getting married inside, be sure to check how warm particular venues get during peak summer months.
If you’re getting married outside, inquire about their plan for if it rains, and make sure you’re happy with that option to avoid last-minute weather dampening your day. Every venue I have personally listed is primed for top-quality photographs, too. They don’t require additional travel for a portrait session or other photography moments, since all of their properties have plenty of options on-site or within walkable distance.
How To Prepare To Get Married In Ottawa
Getting married in Ottawa is an unforgettable experience. If the vision makes your heart beat and your imagination run wild, the next step is to consider the practical side. The better the plan, the smoother the day runs (although in my experience, things will always run behind, and a few mishaps will happen — it’s all part of the fun!).
Without a doubt, hiring a wedding planner is a wise choice. These are experts in the field, they know how to cater to unique needs and understand both the emotional part of the day, and the fine details to put everything in order. I recommend Kennedy Events, Sea & Silk, Amelia Carleton, Final Lau Events, Evergreen Weddings, or Fino Events.
Even though the venues listed above are beautiful in their own right, they need a personal touch. You’ll want to consider the design and decor, something that you are your partner feel matches your “vibe.” I recommend Sage Designs, Wedecor, or The Gathering Event Co to support that. Maisonanthea, Pollen Nation, or Verundah offer eye-catching floral arrangements, whilst Broma Bakery, Jules Cakes, or Treats by Mandy make delicious (I’ve tasted all of them, and I can confirm that!), and also eye-catching cakes.
Before the day, you and your partner will want to feel happy with what you’re wearing. My top picks for wedding dresses are La Maison, Revelle, Renewed with Love, and Park and Fifth. For suits, Ted Baker is tried and tested, but I also have seen many dapper gents wear Indochino or Surmsur. For the day itself, I recommend Show Pony, Bmwwinter, or Parla Hair for stunning hairstyling, and Erin Heather Beauty or Janelle Boucher for make-up.
What Do You Need To Get Married In Ottawa?
There are, of course, legal considerations. While a wedding planner can make sure you meet all the requirements, as a general overview, getting married in Ottawa requires you to follow certain steps.
It’s the necessary structure to support the wedding operating smoothly. From the first step to finally registering the marriage, these steps are:
1. Eligibility check: You need to be at least 16 years old to get married in Ottawa. If you’re under 18, you’ll need consent from parents or legal guardians.
2. Obtain a marriage license in Ottawa: Both partners must apply together at Ottawa City Hall or and provide valid identification, such as passports or birth certificates. If any documents are in a language other than English or French, they may need translation and an accompanying affidavit. The cost to get married in Ottawa is $182.00 for the license, and it’ll be valid for three months from the date of approval.
3. Choose an officiant: Decide who will officiate your wedding ceremony. In Ottawa, you can choose either a registered religious official or a licensed civil officiant. Ensure that your chosen officiant is authorized in Ontario.
4. Select a venue: The above list can help guide you. Make sure to check well in advance for availability as these venues book up ahead of time. If you love a venue, you might be willing to be more flexible toward the time of year. If you really want a summer wedding, for example, you may find a venue to suit.
5. Plan the ceremony: The above steps are a starter. Other things to include are discussing the format of the ceremony, vows, readings, and any special rituals or customs you wish to include.
6. Arrange witnesses: In Ontario, you need at least two witnesses over the age of 18 to be present at your wedding ceremony. Choose individuals you trust who can witness and sign the marriage documents.
7. Sign marriage documents: After the ceremony, you, your partner, the officiant, and the witnesses must sign the marriage documents, including the marriage register and marriage license.
8. Register the marriage: Within 48 hours of the ceremony, your officiant must register your marriage with the Office of the Registrar General. Once registered, you can obtain a marriage certificate for legal purposes.
There are no limitations based on citizenship, residency or gender, so anyone can get married in Ottawa, including foreigners. Keep in mind if you’ve been married before, you’ll need your divorce certificate.
Ready To Plan Or Have More Questions? Reach Out!
Well, there we go! The above should cover most of the important points, 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, and 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!
