Ah, the wedding venue: it’s one of the single biggest decisions you’ll make for your Big Day aside from—you know—actually deciding to tie the knot with your partner.
Seeing as we find ourselves smack-dab in the middle of another wedding season, we’ve gone ahead, polled the CIRA team and gotten their picks for seven of the most prime Ottawa wedding venues.
Whether the rustic outdoors is your thing, or—perhaps—an elegantly refurbished former schoolhouse, we think you’ll appreciate the variety presented here! And because each of our venue picks has a .CA web domain, we love ‘em just a little extra.
50 Sussex | 50sussex.ca
What we love about it: set in a gorgeous historical building in Rideau Falls Park, 50 Sussex features sweeping, scenic views of the Ottawa River, Rideau Falls and Gatineau Hills. In other words, no shortage of eye candy for you and your guests. In the mood for a space that’s outdoor with a classy, modern feel? Be sure to check out 50 Sussex’s stunning outer terrace, with a domed glass ceiling and natural grass underfoot!
All Saints Ottawa | allsaintsottawa.ca
What we love about it: found just east of downtown Ottawa, this historic former church has been transformed into a gorgeous wedding venue and event space. There’s plenty of old-school ambiance to go around, thanks to All Saints’ beautiful stained glass windows, 40-foot vaulted ceilings and exposed stone walls. The main Borden Hall space can accommodate up to 300 guests. Or…if you’re planning a smaller celebration—say for 50 to 80 people—the cozy Chapel Room might be the better fit.
At the School House | attheschoolhouse.ca
What we love about it: there’s nothing quite like the homespun charm of a good backyard wedding. And because you might not want people trampling your prize begonias…there’s At the Schoolhouse. With space for up to 70 guests, you can hold your ceremony in a fully renovated, 125-year-old former schoolhouse, then dance the night away in a beautiful outdoor space that features a covered veranda, lush rose garden and plenty of charm.
Ah, but what about outdoor wedding venues, CIRA? Do you have something against getting married beneath a starry sky? Nonsense, we say! These next couple of venues should more than check all your outdoorsy boxes.
La Belvédère | lebelvedere.ca
What we love about it: set in the rolling hills near Wakefield, Quebec (about 25-ish minutes by car from Ottawa), Le Belvédère is a wedding photographer’s fever dream. Just check out the ceremony space, for starters! Spoiler alert: it’s a cliff-top gazebo overlooking a forested valley. Not too shabby, indeed. Add to that a bright, elegant dining space for around 200 guests, and you’ve got a brilliant balance of natural beauty and modernity in an unforgettable (and proudly eco-friendly) venue.
Evermore Weddings and Events | evermoreweddingsandevents.ca
What we love about it: if there was ever a place that defined the term, “rustic elegance” than this is it. Located about 35 minutes from downtown Ottawa, Evermore features a lavish, fully restored, 1870s-era barn (with room for up to 200 guests) and gorgeously landscaped courtyards that’ll transport you back in time to the French countryside. Heck, there’s even a bocce court, if you’re so inclined. It’s the ultimate barn wedding venue for the couple that craves creature comforts and old-world charm.
National Arts Centre – O’Born Room | nac-cna.ca
What we love about it: it’s been billed as the “most sought-after room in the downtown core,” and for good reason. With room for up to 250 guests, the O’Born Room at the National Arts Centre serves up some incredible, panoramic views of downtown Ottawa with its floor-to-ceiling windows. So, if you’re a fan of natural light to set the mood (and romantic sunsets peeking over Chateau Laurier), look no further!
Orange Art Gallery | orangeartgallery.ca
What we love about it: if you’re looking to get off the beaten path with your wedding venue choice, the Orange Art Gallery is a great choice. The space is quite versatile, and works well for either a small, seated dinner, or a cocktail-style reception. Plus—being that it is a gallery, decor won’t be much of an issue, as you’ll be surrounded wall-to-wall by the venue’s curated collection! Visual works aside, there’s plenty more personality to be enjoyed at Orange Art Gallery, including a funky outdoor deck complete with vintage furniture and lights, as well as a charming bar room.
From all your friends here at CIRA—we hope we’ve given you more than a few compelling Ottawa venues to consider! And while you’re in the planning swing of things, pop over to our roundup of the top five wedding website builder sites.
Kira is the Marketing & Channel Specialist at CIRA. She has a Bachelor of Commerce with concentration in Marketing from Carleton University.
