The 5 Best Wedding Venues in Ottawa
Wedded bliss starts on the day you exchange I do’s with your partner. That means the place where you choose to get married must be as memorable and significant as the ceremony itself.
Fortunately, there are plenty of gorgeous wedding venues in Ottawa to choose from. You can select the venue that has sentimental meaning for you, or whose ambiance and history resonate with your personality.
There are also other important considerations before going with a particular wedding venue. Personal budget, seasonal rates, included services and accommodations, architectural and interior design, and others top a lengthy list.
How Much Do Wedding Venues Cost in Ottawa?
One of the biggest concerns is how much wedding venues in Ottawa cost. You might have your heart set on certain locations, but budgetary constraints can put a damper on your plans.
Right off the bat, I’m here to tell you that sites specifically dedicated to nuptial ceremonies could get costly. Paying for the venue usually takes a big percentage of any wedding budget, even if you’re not planning an overseas destination wedding.
Bear in mind that maintaining the beauty, safety, sanitation, and staff employment of a wedding venue is no small feat. It’s doubly harder during a pandemic when stricter regulations are in place.
The good news is, it’s still possible to lock down the venue of your dreams. The key is in canvassing for the best venues that not only fit your budget, but also your personality, needs, and preferences way in advance.
A gorgeous wedding location might look Instagram and photo album-worthy, but always look at the other services that come with it. Aside from catering and accommodations, check if the venue also offers behind-the-scene services and staff for setting up, tearing down, and making sure everything goes smoothly.
Today, we’ve come up with a list of popular wedding sites in Ottawa. They were chosen for their beautiful spaces, ambiance, range of services, pricing, and client ratings.
| WEDDING VENUE | ESTIMATED PRICE |
| Le Belvedere | Reception site fee $500 for peak season Plated service fee $100 per person |
| Fairmont Chateau Laurier | Wedding packages start at $1700 for ten people (Quebec Suite) An added surcharge of $15 for each additional guest to a maximum of 50 guests Surcharge for larger ballrooms apply |
| Stonefields Estate | 2021-2022 wedding packages Saturdays & long weekend Sundays $169 per person (minimum of 120 adult guests) Fridays $149 per person (minimum of 100 adult guests) Sundays $139 per person (minimum of 100 adult guests) Weekdays $119 per person (minimum of 85 adult guests) |
| Aquatopia Conservatory | Conservatory rental and labour fees Weekdays $1995 Friday/Sunday ceremonies $2995 Saturday ceremony $3995 |
| Canadian Museum of History | Reception site fee $1995 for peak season Plated service fee $52 per person |
To give you an idea of how high the fees could get, the above table also features the peak season prices of these hand-picked venues. But circumstances could change, so it’s best to contact the venue managers for potential price fluctuations.
The Best Wedding Venues in Ottawa
If you need more information on which venue suits your wedding plans best, you’re in luck. We’ve done most of the research on your behalf and all you’ve got to do is read through the list!
1. Ottawa Conference and Event Centre
| SERVICES | Wedding and event space, catering on site, alternate or customizable menus, attached accommodation, complimentary parking. |
| WEBSITE | https://ottawaconferenceandeventcentre.com |
| ADDRESS | 200 Coventry Rd, Ottawa, ON K1K 4S3, Canada |
| CONTACT DETAILS | +1 613-288-3450 | [email protected] |
| OPERATING HOURS | Sunday to Saturday: 7am – 1am |
The Ottawa Conference and Event Centre offers a versatile and convenient venue for weddings, situated just minutes from Parliament, museums, and major transport hubs. With its state-of-the-art facilities and customizable wedding options, the venue provides an impressive setting for a memorable celebration. Their commitment to ease and detail-oriented planning ensures that your special day is well-supported from start to finish.
One of the standout features of this venue is its large and diverse space. With 43,000 square feet of meeting space, including two ballrooms and various rooms that can accommodate events of all sizes, it caters to both intimate and grand weddings. The centre also boasts 574 on-site guest rooms, which is ideal for guests traveling from out of town, making it easy to transition from the celebration to accommodations. Additionally, the culinary team delivers high-quality, creative dining experiences using fresh local ingredients, ensuring a top-notch catering service.
The Ottawa Conference and Event Centre offers complimentary parking with over 550 parking spaces in the heated underground parking garage. The venue is fully accessible and follows a Green Key Certification that is up to date with environmental initiatives. Above all, the staff’s attention to detail and commitment to making wedding planning as seamless as possible adds to the overall experience.
Overall, the Ottawa Conference and Event Centre is a convenient and well-equipped venue for weddings, offering a range of services to create a memorable experience.
Pros
- Large, versatile event space
- 574 on-site guest rooms
- High-quality catering with fresh, local ingredients
- Complimentary parking with ample space
- No added gratuity fees
Cons
- All site tours by appointment only
- Decorator would add to the transformation of the space
Customer Reviews
Here are some reviews from their clients:
“….An enormous thank you to you and your staff!!!!!! Our dream was realized on Saturday and we thank the OCEC for the level of service and the professionalism of the crew. …..”
“….Your staff were exceptional and the food was beyond what people had imagined…..our guests absolutely loved the selection and kept saying that this was the best wedding ever….”
“….Wow, what a day. We can’t believe it is over, but we are so overwhelmed by the service we received at the Ottawa Conference and Event Centre. There was never a moment that we felt unattended to, leading up to the event and on the day of. The room was completely transformed and we saw our dream wedding become a reality. Thank you to the staff and everyone at the OCEC for everything you have done.….”
2. Le Belvédère
| SERVICES | Wedding venues, wedding packages, wedding coordination, catering, set-up and take-down assistance, uniformed service staff, accommodation (bridal and guests), guest parking, lighting and sound equipment |
| WEBSITE | http://lebelvedere.ca/ |
| ADDRESS | 40 Chemin des Sentiers, Wakefield Québec J0X 3G0 |
| CONTACT DETAILS | [email protected] +1 819-459-3027 |
| OPERATING HOURS | Monday to Sunday by appointment |
Despite being beyond city limits, Le Belvedere makes it to the list of top wedding venues in Ottawa for its unforgettable natural views. It’s situated in forested Gatineau Hills, half an hour away from Ottawa.
It’s the perfect wedding location for the couple who wants to get away (but not too far away!) from it all. Though set well against nature, it’s still quite accessible for city dwellers.
Le Belvedere is also ideal for social distancing without sacrificing class, professional service, and warmth. Picture a spacious outdoor wedding with breathtaking lush cliffs as a natural backdrop while staff waits on you, and that’s exactly what you’ll get.
Whether it’s an intimate or large wedding celebration, Le Belvedere can accommodate it with its 8,000 square foot space. It’s truly a gorgeous combination of glamorous and rustic, with a range of services to make your special day a smooth-sailing one.
Pros
- Gorgeous cliffside views
- All-inclusive wedding packages
- Customizable and spacious reception areas
- Can accommodate 60 to 200 guests
Cons
- Slots get filled up fast
- No set business hours; all dates by appointment only
Customer Reviews
If you’d like to check out the scenic views of Le Belvedere, check out what its former guests have to say about it first:
“I can not be more grateful for the team at Le Belvedere. Yes, we picked the venue because of the view but holy moly we got more than we deserved. The staff was impeccable, organized and just perfect! The food wowed the entire wedding- we are still getting compliments on the pork belly and scallop appetizers! Yes, it might be in the middle of nowhere (our families came from California and Belgium) but everyone said they’d do it again since it was so perfect at Le Belvedere! Our decision factor was venue elegance and social media presence.” – Diana
“One of my absolute favourite venues to photograph at. The staff is amazing, knowledgeable and friendly, the food is delicious, and the views are so unique to all other venues in the Ottawa area! I highly recommend Le Belvedere for anyone looking for a wedding venue!” – Stacey Blaskie
3. Fairmont Château Laurier
| SERVICES | Wedding venues, wedding packages, banquet menu, white-glove service for grand nuptials, alternate or customizable menus, bar services, bridal party and guest accommodations, equipment rentals |
| WEBSITE | https://www.fairmont.com/laurier-ottawa/weddings/ |
| ADDRESS | 1 Rideau Street, Ottawa – Ontario K1N 8S7, Canada |
| CONTACT DETAILS | [email protected] [email protected] +1 613 241 1414 |
| OPERATING HOURS | Open 24 hours for online reservations |
Fairmont Château Laurier is the venue of choice among engaged couples who prefer the elegance of the olden days. This historic French-style château is located in downtown Ottawa and is ideal for those who don’t want to venture too far for their nuptials.
Constructed in 1912, it has the pedigree of real Canadian architectural history which appeals to the true Ottawan. At the same time, it boasts fairytale-like backdrops for picture-perfect weddings photo opportunities
Intimate to grand all-inclusive wedding packages are available for clients. Bookings typically include a great choice of amenities, cuisine, and wedding day services.
In the wintertime, clients find the façade and interiors extra-magical and whimsical. If you are in the market for a picturesque wedding venue with Old World charm combined with modern touches, you can’t go wrong with Fairmont Château Laurier.
Pros
- All-inclusive wedding packages from intimate to grand
- Can accommodate 50 to 400 guests
- Picture-perfect French architectural details
- COVID safety compliant protocols
Cons
- Slots get filled up fast
- Limited parking space
Customer Reviews
Want your version of a fairytale wedding at Fairmont Château Laurier? See how others found the experience:
“On a sunny Saturday of July 8, 2017, my wife and I attended a wedding ceremony and a reception for Jean-Philippe and Anik at the Fairmont Chateau Laurier. This hotel is one of the unique hotels in Ottawa to get married. It is centrally situated near the Rideau Canal, Parliament Hill and just a few blocks from the Byward Market. On that day, the food, bar drinks and music were all excellent and not a single detail was overlooked. The staff at the Chateau, the chefs, the servers and the disco man all did an excellent job on that particular day. All the wedding guests that attended the ceremony and the reception really enjoyed themselves.” – Lets_Cruise_13
“Just got back from a long weekend at the Fairmont. The hotel is absolutely beautiful! The architecture is amazing, lobby, rooms, and all public spaces are incredible. Very Old World charm but completely renovated. Stayed in a Gold level room which gave us access to breakfast every morning in the Gold Lounge as well as Happy Hour and desserts nightly. Well worth the extra price. The room was very large, comfortable and updated with everything you’d need. The staff at the Gold level were all amazing and could not have been more helpful, polite and friendly. As we were in town to skate the Rideau Canal the concierge at the Gold Level hooked us up with a company that delivered our ice skates directly to the hotel in 15 minutes. And we were able to keep them for the day for less than a 2hr rental in other places. I highly recommend the Fairmont and also the upgrade to the Gold Level.” – Wesnile
4. Aquatopia Conservatory
| SERVICES | Wedding planning service, wedding venue, garden center, event coordination, food and beverage management, executive chef and service staff provision, lead florist and design team, event set-up and tear-down crews, audio & visual technicians, DJ |
| WEBSITE | https://www.aquatopia.world/weddings-events |
| ADDRESS | 2710 March Road K0A 1L0 Ottawa |
| CONTACT DETAILS | [email protected] (613) 225-7663 |
| OPERATING HOURS | Tuesday to Saturday: 8am-1pm Sunday to Monday: Closed |
Envision getting married in a lush, tropical garden no matter what season it is. Now, open your eyes and see the unique ambiance Aquatopia Conservatory has for your big day.
The venue boasts of a climate-controlled conservatory for the comfort and enjoyment of its guests, even on cold days. This means tropical foliage and gorgeous blooms are perpetual backdrops during winter, spring, summer, or autumn.
Being a greenhouse, Aquatopia naturally offers only the freshest and most gorgeous floral arrangements to reflect any wedding theme. Its host of other wedding services is all-inclusive, from coordination to entertainment, including the use of facilities and catering and car services.
Summon the warmth and joy of summer weddings all year round with an Aquatopia Conservatory nuptial ceremony. A virtual tour is available on the website, but actual venue tours are strictly by appointment only.
Pros
- The climate-controlled conservatory is good for year-round weddings
- Can accommodate up to 150 guests
- All-inclusive wedding packages
- In-house floral arrangements fresh from the greenhouse
Cons
- Shorter office hours; closed on weekends
Customer Reviews
Would you like a wedding that feels like summer no matter the season? Check out how these past clients found the tropical paradise experience:
“Aquatopia Water Garden Conservatory was the setting of our dream wedding. Everyone from our coordinators to the chef, to the wonderful owners was quite involved in making sure our day was perfect and tailored to our needs. Our guests raved about everything from the beautiful tropical setting to the delicious food and generous hors d’oeuvres and of course the fun, party atmosphere at night. We are so thankful to Aquatopia for bringing our special day to fruition.” – Breanne B.
“I would like to thank all the staff at Aquatopia who helped make my son’s wedding such a wonderful experience this past September.
In particular, Chef Reshad created the most delicious food for all the guests, and they took great care with my own personal meal with all my serious food allergies. I was able to relax completely, my meal was delicious, and Chef Reshad was very kind and attentive. Thank you again, Chef Reshad!” – Mike B.
5. Canadian Museum of History
| SERVICES | Wedding venues, wedding packages, catering services, bar and wine services, logistical set-ups, liability insurance, wedding coordination, equipment and sound provision, security assistance |
| WEBSITE | https://www.historymuseum.ca/about/facility-rentals/meet-the-facility-rentals-team/ |
| ADDRESS | Canadian Museum of History 100 Laurier Street Gatineau, QC K1A 0M8 |
| CONTACT DETAILS | [email protected] 819-776-7018 1-800-555-5621 |
| OPERATING HOURS | Monday to Friday 9 AM – 5 PM Closed on Saturdays and Sundays |
With over a million visitors every year on its premises, why would anyone want to hold their wedding at the Canadian Museum of History? The answer: because it has art, culture, history, and venues dedicated to nuptials.
Specifically, there are four wedding venues meant to accommodate anywhere between 50 to 600 guests. Couples can choose all-inclusive wedding packages tied to these venues: the River View Salon, the Haida Gwaii Salon, the Panorama Café, and the Grand Hall.
And while the indoor venues themselves are stunning and artful, the outdoor accommodations are nothing to scoff at. Plenty of weddings held at the Canadian Museum of History prefer taking their photos outdoors with a view of the Ottawa River and a gorgeous sunset as the backdrop.
If you decide on a wedding package with catering services involved, don’t hesitate to report any special dietary needs or restrictions to the head chef. The museum employs a renowned and well-travelled chef who has the highest respect for his staff and clients.
Pros
- All-inclusive wedding packages from intimate to grand
- COVID safety protocols in place for special events
- Wedding packages for four venues
- Accommodates up to 600 guests
Cons
- No office hours on weekends
- Slightly more expensive rates compared to other venues
Customer Reviews
Thinking of holding your wedding ceremonies in a museum? These past clients have, and they have a lot to say about it:
“Take advantage of the entire grand hall. Excellent cuisine and overall mgmt. (flexible and willing to meet particular needs). Attentive service. Tasting imply and suggestions taken into account. We do not suggest poutine. Suggest Millennium flowers. We had a magical wedding. Worth the cost.“ – Francoise C.
“An absolutely stunning venue!
We received so many compliments from our guests on pretty much everything from the venue and lighting to the food and staff. The staff were amazing, especially the chef who handled the dietary restrictions, our bartender, and Kevin, who coordinated the entire process so seamlessly.
The whole event was more than we could’ve imagined and we’re so appreciative of the effort everyone put in.” – Mike H.