Best Wedding Venues in Ottawa

Ranging from popular, well-known venues to some hidden gems, here’s a compilation of some of Ottawa’s best wedding venues from the perspective of a wedding photographer.

Popular Wedding Venues in Ottawa & Gatineau:

Adélina Barn

Aquatopia

Le Belvédère

Bleeks and Bergamot

The Horticulture Building

National Arts Centre (NAC)
National Gallery of Canada
Ottawa Art Gallery
Orange Art Gallery

Parlour Place

Stonefields Estate
Wakefield Grand

As a photographer, there are several key elements that can make all the difference as I capture the moments on your wedding day. First and foremost, an abundance of natural light is paramount. Photographers thrive in spaces with generous windows that allow the soft, diffused daylight to pour in, illuminating every scene with a natural and flattering glow. Ample space is also crucial, providing the flexibility to maneuver and frame shots creatively without feeling constrained. The ambiance of the venue sets the mood for the entire event. Spaces that exude a warm and inviting atmosphere create a backdrop that resonates with the emotions of the day. Finally, the presence of natural beauty, whether it's in the form of picturesque landscapes or charming architectural details, adds an extra layer of enchantment to the photographs, transforming each frame into a timeless work of art.

Having been fortunate enough to work at a wide variety of wedding venues in the Ottawa area I've compiled a list of what I consider to be the crème de la crème. This list is designed to help you as you embark on your quest for the perfect venue for your wedding day, giving you some personal insight as well as example galleries of each venue.

Adelina

Location:

316 Chem. du 6e Rang,

Gatineau, QC J8R 3A3

Nestled in Gatineau, Quebec, and conveniently situated just a brief 20-minute drive from the heart of Ottawa, you'll discover Adélina Barn – a romantic wedding venue tucked away on a secluded estate that boasts sweeping views of 53 acres of lush fields and serene forests. This idyllic setting provides the canvas for the wedding of your dreams.

The venue itself showcases a stunning two-story open-concept barn, a covered patio, and meticulously landscaped perennial gardens. The renovated barn retains it's rich historical character while embracing beautiful modern updates.

The spacious 770 square-foot covered pergola is a fabulous outdoor lounge area, designed to eliminate the need for external tent rentals and to serve as a reliable refuge in case of inclement weather.

I have the privilege of shooting countless weddings at Adélina Barn each year and I thoroughly enjoy each and every visit.

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Example Weddings:

Aquatopia

Location:

2710 March Rd #2,

Carp, ON K0A 1L0

Located on a woodland property in Ottawa's west end, Aquatopia Conservatory stands as a truly unique and breathtaking facility unrivaled in the region. With its verdant greenery, captivating aquatic features, contemporary architectural design, and natural stone floors, Aquatopia emerges as the perfect venue for your wedding.

Their facility boasts a generous capacity to accommodate up to 150 guests, ensuring ample space for your event. Additionally, they provide convenient parking facilities with room for up to 90 vehicles, allowing your guests to arrive and depart with ease, ensuring their experience at Aquatopia is as memorable as the event itself.

A serene botanical sanctuary, this tropical greenhouse wedding venue is an exquisite venue for couples who share a deep love for plants while seeking the comfort and reliability of an indoor setting.

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Example Weddings:

Le Belvédère

Location:

40 Chem. des Sentiers,

Wakefield, QC J0X 3G0

Le Belvédère is an incredible cliff-side wedding venue just a brief drive north of Ottawa in Wakefield, Quebec. This venue offers absolutely breathtaking views of the Gatineau Hills - an absolutely unmatched location for your wedding.

Le Belvédère's staff takes great pride in providing impeccable service in a beautiful, modern facility that harmoniously coexists with the tranquil beauty of the natural world. Featuring a charming outdoor terrace and full indoor reception hall capable of hosting weddings for up to 200 guests, Le Belvédère ensures that any event held there will be an unforgettable occasion.

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Example Weddings:

National Arts Centre (NAC)

Location:

1 Elgin St,

Ottawa, ON K1P 5W1

Situated in the heart of downtown Ottawa, the National Arts Centre is one of the the most coveted wedding venues in the city. This extraordinary building features floor-to-ceiling windows that provide a panorama of Ottawa's most beautiful and historic sites. With stunning views of Parliament and the iconic Fairmont Chateau Laurier, your wedding celebration here is destined to leave a mark on both you and your guests. The abundance of natural light that bathes the space enhances the ambiance, it's the perfect blank canvas for your wedding day vision.

The venue is also a walkable distance from several hotels and some of the most beautiful spots for photos in central Ottawa.

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Example Weddings:

Bleeks and Bergamot

Location:

8230 Bleeks Road

Ottawa, Ontario K0A 1B0

Bleeks & Bergamot is one of the areas newer venues. An indoor-outdoor scenic farm venue nestled on the western fringes of Ottawa just outside Carleton Place, This intimate venue is a fantastic option for modern couples seeking to celebrate with an intimate gathering of closest friends and family.

The venue offers complimentary access to their beautiful riverside property. Hundreds of acres of lush trees, farmland and a river—all at the disposal for couples in complete privacy on their momentous day. Whether envisioned as the backdrop for the first-look, a serene cocktail hour with the wedding party, or capturing golden hour photos of just the two of you, it really is a truly beautiful location for photos on your wedding day.

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Example Weddings:

National Gallery of Canada

Location:

380 Sussex Dr,

Ottawa, ON K1N 9N4

The National Gallery of Canada’s dazzling, light-filled building is the perfect setting for your wedding.

The Gallery’s iconic colonnade leads to the spacious Scotiabank Great Hall, where your guests will be surrounded by stunning architecture, floor-to-ceiling windows, and an atrium-style glass ceiling. Featuring panoramic views of Parliament Hill and the Ottawa River, this is one of the most spectacular event venues in the National Capital Region.

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Example Weddings:

Ottawa Art Gallery

Location:

50 Mackenzie King Bridge,

Ottawa, ON K1N 0C5

Nestled in central Ottawa, the Ottawa Art Gallery offers a versatile, modern wedding venue.

The Alma Duncan Salon is perfect for larger gatherings, while the Galerie Annexe or Jackson Cafe provides an intimate setting. With the attached Le Germain Hotel, you're able to have your entire wedding day easily happen in a single location (a rare treat in the city!).

In the warmer months, the inviting south terrace and nearby parks and heritage buildings offer additional photo opportunities. With its blend of artistry and accessibility, the gallery is an ideal choice for couples seeking a unique and picturesque wedding venue in the heart of the city.

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Example Weddings:

Parlour Place

Location:

1319 Wellington St. W,

Ottawa, ON K1Y 3B6

If incredible food and one hell of a vibe is your wedding day vision, look no further than Parlour Place. Located in Ottawa's Wellington West neighbourhood, this mid-century modern restaurant (also a historical building, originally built in 1922) opens it's doors for weddings as well.

Their 5,000 square foot venue provides seamless turn-key events, complete with in-house catering, expertly crafted wine and cocktail programs, event design styling, audiovisual support, and dedicated event planning specialists. Additionally, their charming tree-lined patio offers a delightful setting for small ceremonies, cocktail receptions, or a relaxed late-night lounge experience.

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Example Weddings:

Stonefields Estate

Location:

1985 Beckwith 9th Line,

Carleton Place, ON K7C 3P2

A short drive west of Ottawa, Stonefields Estate stands as a picturesque wedding venue that seamlessly blends rustic charm with modern elegance.

Prepare on-site in their historic farmhouse and pub. Choose the heritage farmhouse as the backdrop for your ceremony, or the contemporary white chapel/ceremony house, each offering a unique ambiance. Following your vows, guests are treated to a delightful cocktail hour on the covered outdoor patio and charming courtyard, with ample farmland, fields, and forests providing the perfect backdrop for unforgettable wedding photos.

Dinner and reception is held in their beautifully renovated turn-of-the-century barn, and to ensure your celebration is truly stress-free, Stonefields Estate offers overnight accommodations on-site.

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Example Weddings:

The Wakefield Grand

Location:

911 Chem. Riverside,

Wakefield, QC J0X 3G0

Nestled within the charming village of Wakefield, Quebec, the Wakefield Grand is a hidden gem for intimate weddings. Enveloped by six acres of lush forest and serene ponds, this venue offers a unique blend of French country and Austrian architectural elements, infused with a hint of beach house Zen.

While the Wakefield Grand can accommodate up to 28 guests, it truly shines when hosting smaller groups ranging from ten to twenty individuals, creating an atmosphere of unparalleled intimacy.

A thoughtfully designed outdoor fireplace area adds to the venue's allure, providing an intimate space to unwind in the late hours. With its captivating architecture and elegant interior, the Wakefield Grand offers an abundance of opportunities for stunning wedding photos.

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Example Weddings: