Best Wedding Venues in Ottawa
Popular Wedding Venues in Ottawa & Gatineau:
Adélina Barn
Anupaya
Aquatopia
Le Belvédère
Bleeks and Bergamot
Le Peaches and Cream
National Arts Centre (NAC)
National Gallery of Canada
Ottawa Art Gallery
Parlour Place
Stonefields Estate
Wakefield Grand
From the perspective of a photographer, a few key elements can make all the difference on your wedding day. Natural light is at the top of that list. I love working in spaces with generous windows that let soft, diffused daylight pour in and do its thing. Ample space matters too, giving me the freedom to move around and frame shots without feeling boxed in. The ambiance of a venue sets the tone for the whole day, and spaces with a warm, inviting atmosphere make for a backdrop that really reflects the emotions of the occasion. And of course, natural beauty, whether that's a gorgeous landscape or charming architectural details, always adds something special to the photos.
Having had the chance to work at so many wonderful venues across the Ottawa area, I've put together what I consider to be the best of the best. This list is here to help as you search for your perfect venue, with some personal insight and example galleries for each one!
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:
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 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:
Fairmont Chateau Laurier
Location:
380 Sussex Dr,
Ottawa, ON K1N 9N4
If there's one venue in Ottawa that needs no introduction, it's the Fairmont Château Laurier. This iconic castle on the banks of the Rideau Canal is as grand as it gets, and it's easy to see why so many couples dream of getting married here.
From a photography perspective, the Château is an absolute playground. The crown jewel is the Renaissance-style ballroom, dating back to 1912, with its soaring 18-foot ceilings, three spectacular crystal chandeliers, and large windows that flood the space with natural light during daytime events. It's the kind of room that photograph beautifully from every angle. For something a little more intimate, the Adam Room (affectionately known as the Wedgwood or Oval Room) has a charm all its own, with its elegant decorative style making it a stunning backdrop for a smaller celebration.
The Château accommodates everything from an intimate gathering to a grand reception of up to 800 guests, so whatever scale you're envisioning, there's a space for it here.
It's a classic for a reason, and I never get tired of shooting here!
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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:
Le Peaches & Cream
Location:
24 Chem. Justin
Low, QC J0X 2C0
Tucked away on 900 acres of gorgeous Outaouais countryside, Le Peaches and Cream in Low, Quebec is one of those venues that truly feels like a discovery.
The reception pavilion is a beautiful space that accommodates up to 130 guests in a warm, refined atmosphere. The large glass doors open directly to the outdoors, creating a seamless flow between inside and out and letting in so much natural light. The surrounding gardens and grounds are immaculately kept, giving us plenty of options for portraits throughout the day without ever having to wander far.
The property includes an outdoor ceremony space, a villa that sleeps up to 21 guests, and access to stunning natural surroundings which makes it a wonderful option for couples who want a true weekend-away experience for themselves and their guests. From a photography standpoint, this gorgeous venue is hard to beat.
It may be a little off the beaten path but I promise it's worth it!
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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.