Looking for a wedding that combines charm, nature, urban ambiance, and a touch of bilingualism? Ottawa is the capital... of romance too. Located between the peaceful banks of the Ottawa River and the green hills of Gatineau Park, it offers an irresistible blend of heritage, refinement, and the good life.
A diverse, cultural city with a strong focus on people, Ottawa offers venues that are as varied as they are spectacular. From museums to galleries, vineyards to yacht clubs, charming hotels to hidden venues... here, every couple will find their perfect match. Follow our guide to find your perfect wedding venue in Ottawa!
Ottawa is a subtle blend of nature, diversity and sophistication, and this is reflected in its weddings.
The rustic chic style is still popular, especially in venues such as the Canada Agriculture and Food Museum, with its barns, animals, and country charm, or The Marshes Golf Club Ottawa, with its wooded settings, fields, and exposed beams. A bohemian touch is often added, with string lights and a rustic cocktail bar.
Alternative weddings are increasingly appealing to couples seeking originality, personality, and a touch of whimsy. The National Arts Centre, with its bold architecture, light-filled rooms, and artistic ambiance, transforms every ceremony into an elegant performance. The Metcalfe by Gray Collection blends contemporary design with heritage charm for a celebration that is as refined as it is unique. And for those who want to break the mould with style, NeXT Ottawa offers creative cuisine in an unexpected setting, where every detail has panache. These are great wedding venues to say ‘I love you’ in a different way!
Micro-weddings are also booming. With a short guest list, they allow for more personalized receptions in venues such as Fairouz Café or Cumberland Belle. Intimacy, attention to detail, and customized menus are the order of the day.
Finally, even though Ottawa is renowned for its urban charm, let’s not forget it’s still in Canada. And Canada is a hotspot for nature weddings, even around large cities. When it comes to weddings, suburban golf courses offer the perfect compromise between elegance and greenery. The Carleton Golf & Yacht Club, located along the river, offers a chic yet relaxed setting with its immaculate lawns and soothing views of the water. It’s an ideal venue for an outdoor ceremony followed by a festive reception in the clubhouse. The Cedarhill Golf & Country Club, located less than an hour from downtown, offers a more contemporary atmosphere, surrounded by rolling landscapes and century-old pine trees — perfect for a serene wedding with a touch of exclusivity. And for large parties with panoramic views, the Irish Hills Golf and Country Club combines spacious rooms, natural light, and rustic chic. It's the perfect spot for couples who want to dance under the stars after saying 'I do' in the heart of the hills.
Let's start with an original and magical venue: Aquatopia Water Garden Conservatory. A true tropical oasis, this lush greenhouse is a paradise for nature lovers without leaving the convenience and comfort of the big city. Weddings under palm trees, cocktails by the water, and photos bathed in natural light — it's a dream come true, and even a mini-vacation, in the heart of the capital!
Panorama lovers will fall under the spell of Lago bar grill. Located on the shores of Dow's Lake, this chic urban venue is perfect for a modern wedding with water views. In summer, the sunset reflecting on the lake creates a simply magical atmosphere.
For fans of culture and architecture, head to St. Brigid's Centre for the Arts. This former Irish church converted into an arts center offers a setting that is both Gothic and contemporary. Perfect for a wedding full of character and history.
You prefer a more rustic atmosphere? Strathmere offers three different venues in a bucolic setting: a glass pavilion overlooking the fields, a rustic barn, and a Victorian mansion. It even has 4 rooms for a real weekend getaway.
Foodies will opt for an intimate wedding at Restaurant e18hteen, recognized as one of the best restaurants in the country. Its subdued atmosphere and refined menu make it an ideal choice for an elegant and gourmet reception.
Looking for something spectacular and unexpected? The Canada Aviation and Space Museum offers a unique setting among vintage aircraft and rockets. A futuristic venue for a union that aims for the stars! Guests can sip cocktails beneath suspended planes, wander among space exhibits, and dance the night away in a space (literally) unlike any other — it's a guaranteed conversation starter and a dream for aviation fans.
In terms of prices, wedding venues in Ottawa range from $7,000 to $20,000 depending on size, location, and services included. Restaurants and private clubs range from $5,000 to $13,000, while high-end hotels can exceed $20,000.
In Ottawa, the most popular venues — vineyards, yacht clubs, historic hotels — are often fully booked 12 to 18 months in advance, especially for summer Saturdays or long weekends.
But there are more flexible options. Weekday weddings, winter celebrations, or micro-weddings can sometimes be booked with six months or less notice. Last-minute deals also pop up when there are cancellations.
Some couples take a more spontaneous approach and choose a venue a few months or even weeks in advance, depending on availability and seasonal promotions.
The important thing is to start looking early, especially if you have a specific date or a favorite venue in mind. This also makes it easier to coordinate with other vendors (caterer, photographer, DJ, etc.).
In Ottawa, the seasons are like the settings of a romantic movie: each brings its own light, atmosphere, and magic. Some might be a bit cheesy, but we love them all! Here is a weather overview to help you choose the perfect moment to say ‘I do.’
Spring (March to May) brings temperatures between 7°C and 18°C, and the capital awakens gently after a harsh winter. The cherry blossoms in the National Capital Commission park provide a romantic backdrop for beautiful wedding pictures. It's the perfect season for outdoor weddings, such as at Flo's Garden, where flowers bloom in an intimate and natural setting.
In summer (June to August), average temperatures range from 20°C to 30°C. This is the season for big open-air celebrations. The Britannia Yacht Club, with its river views and green spaces, is perfect for an outdoor ceremony followed by a cocktail reception by the water. Boat weddings, such as those offered by Ottawa Boat Cruise, provide a floating and unforgettable alternative.
Fall (September to November) comes with temperatures between 8°C and 20°C, colourful foliage, and a warm atmosphere. Domaine Perrault Winery, 25 minutes from downtown, combines a rustic atmosphere with wine-growing elegance in the heart of colourful vineyards.
Winter (December to February) is cold in Ottawa, with average temperatures between -10°C and -1°C. We won’t sugarcoat it (even with maple syrup), but that’s the price to pay to get married in a true winter wonderland. The Lord Elgin Hotel, with its refined decor and views of the winter lights, is the perfect place for an intimate, romantic, and cozy wedding.
Ottawa is incredibly easy to reach from the rest of Canada and internationally. Macdonald-Cartier International Airport welcomes direct flights from many North American cities. The Via Rail station connects the capital to Toronto, Montreal, and Quebec City, and Highway 417 makes it convenient to travel by car.
Once there, getting around is simple. The OC Transpo public transportation network covers most of the city, and the central neighbourhoods are easily accessible on foot or by bike. Taxi, Uber, and Lyft rides are also common and affordable.
There is a wide range of accommodation options. You and your guests can choose between luxury hotels such as the Ottawa Marriott Hotel (489 rooms and panoramic views), charming establishments like The Metcalfe Hotel, or more intimate options such as reStays Ottawa, with its modern design and high-end services.
Getting married in the heart of the city often reduces wedding transportation costs — and logistic headaches — as ceremonies, receptions, and accommodations can all be within walking distance. This is a significant advantage for your budget and the comfort of your guests.
Wedding venues in Ottawa offer a unique blend of charm, elegance, and versatility that sets them apart and makes them an attractive choice for couples planning their special day. Several factors contribute to the uniqueness of wedding venues in Ottawa:
Yes, many wedding venues in Ottawa have policies regarding the use of confetti, rice, or flower petal throwing during ceremonies and celebrations. These policies are typically designed to ensure the preservation of the venue's cleanliness, safety, and adherence to local regulations.
Most venues encourage couples to use biodegradable alternatives to traditional confetti, rice, or flower petals, such as dried leaves, eco-friendly confetti made from natural materials, or bubbles. This approach aligns with environmental sustainability efforts and helps minimize the impact of wedding celebrations on the surrounding environment.
Additionally, some venues may designate specific areas or provide guidance on where and how confetti, rice, or flower petals can be used to minimize clean-up efforts and prevent damage to sensitive landscaping or indoor surfaces. Couples are often asked to coordinate with venue staff to ensure that any decorations or materials used during the ceremony are safely and responsibly disposed of after the event.
Yes, there are wedding venues in Ottawa that offer all-inclusive packages, providing couples with a convenient and comprehensive option for planning their wedding celebrations. All-inclusive wedding packages typically bundle together various services and amenities, allowing couples to streamline the planning process and simplify their wedding preparations.
These packages often include essentials such as venue rental, catering, bar services, linens, tableware, and decor, eliminating the need for couples to coordinate with multiple vendors separately. By opting for an all-inclusive package, couples can save time, reduce stress, and often benefit from cost savings compared to booking individual services and vendors.
All-inclusive wedding venues in Ottawa may offer customizable packages to suit couples' preferences and budgets, allowing them to select the options and amenities that best fit their vision for their special day.
Booking a wedding venue in Ottawa typically requires careful consideration and planning, and it's advisable to book well in advance to secure your desired date and venue. The exact timing for booking a wedding venue can vary depending on several factors, including the popularity of the venue, the time of year, and your flexibility with dates.
In general, it's recommended to start searching for wedding venues and booking appointments at least 12 to 18 months before your desired wedding date, especially if you have a specific venue or date in mind. Popular wedding venues in Ottawa can book up quickly, particularly during peak wedding season (typically spring and summer), so booking early ensures that you have the best chance of securing your preferred venue and date.
If you have more flexibility with your wedding date or venue choice, you may be able to book your venue with less lead time.
Alberta venues excel at blending contemporary elegance with the province’s rugged, rustic appeal. Many locations feature sleek, modern interiors with large windows framing scenic views, while others combine polished amenities with historic barns or cabins.
Venues often provide customisable packages that allow couples to tailor the space to their desired aesthetic, from minimalist décor to rustic themes with fairy lights and native wildflowers.
Venues offering state-of-the-art facilities—such as catering kitchens, luxury guest suites, and high-tech sound systems—can ensure every detail feels sophisticated while still embracing Alberta’s natural and historic charm.
Yes, there are wedding venues in Ottawa that offer accommodations for guests, providing convenience and comfort for those attending the wedding celebration. These wedding venues often include hotels and event venues with on-site lodging options, allowing guests to stay overnight before or after the wedding festivities.
Many hotels in Ottawa offer spacious guest rooms, suites, and luxury amenities, providing couples and their guests with a comfortable and convenient place to stay during the wedding weekend. These hotels may offer special room blocks and rates for wedding guests, making it easy for couples to coordinate accommodations for their loved ones.
Additionally, some wedding venues in Ottawa offer on-site accommodations in the form of guest houses, lodges, or cottages. These venues may be located in scenic settings such as the countryside or near parks and gardens, providing guests with a tranquil and picturesque retreat during their stay.
