A weekend getaway wedding for Danielle and Zee at Le Chateau Montebello

A weekend getaway wedding for Danielle and Zee at Le Chateau Montebello

A weekend getaway wedding for Danielle and Zee at Le Chateau Montebello

I am thrilled to share the story of Danielle and Zee’s enchanting wedding at Fairmont Le Chateau Montebello, a stunning venue just an hour from Ottawa. After 18 months of planning with the bride Danielle and her Mom Ann, I am so proud of the wedding weekend we were able to give to this precious family. Danielle and Zee’s wedding was nothing short of a magical weekend getaway for the couple and their guests, filled with love, laughter, and unforgettable moments. Let me take you through their special day and give you a glimpse of what a weekend wedding at Le Chateau Montebello can offer.

Colourful Summer Wedding | Fairmont Le Chateau Montebello | Erica Irwin Weddings and Events | Scott H Wilson Photography
Colourful Summer Wedding | Fairmont Le Chateau Montebello | Erica Irwin Weddings and Events | Scott H Wilson Photography
Colourful Summer Wedding | Fairmont Le Chateau Montebello | Erica Irwin Weddings and Events | Scott H Wilson Photography

A Royal Affair by the Ottawa River

When I first started planning this wedding with Danielle and her mom, we jokingly dubbed it a “Lake Como inspired wedding … but on the Ottawa River.” Danielle and Zee envisioned a weekend retreat with their closest friends and family, where Danielle’s family could introduce Zee’s American loved ones to one of their cherished vacation spots Le Chateau Montebello.

They wanted to exchange their vows by the water, surrounded by nature’s beauty, and then celebrate in the grand yet cozy log “cabin”. Danielle’s Dad fondly referred to it as the “Royal Wedding,” and it truly lived up to its name.

Colourful Summer Wedding | Fairmont Le Chateau Montebello | Erica Irwin Weddings and Events | Scott H Wilson Photography

The Charm and History of Chateau Montebello

Built in 1930, Chateau Montebello has a rich history and a charming character that makes it not just a venue but a piece of Canadian history. Situated in the forest and along the waterfront of the Ottawa River, it’s halfway between Ottawa and Montreal giving guests the option to fly into either landmark city for a Canadian destination wedding.
As the largest log cabin structure in the world, it makes for a warm and inviting getaway to host your favourite people. Even with a large group, it’s an intimate way to celebrate your wedding weekend with everyone you love all in one location.

Colourful Summer Wedding | Fairmont Le Chateau Montebello | Erica Irwin Weddings and Events | Scott H Wilson Photography
Colourful Summer Wedding | Fairmont Le Chateau Montebello | Erica Irwin Weddings and Events | Scott H Wilson Photography
Colourful Summer Wedding | Fairmont Le Chateau Montebello | Erica Irwin Weddings and Events | Scott H Wilson Photography
Colourful Summer Wedding | Fairmont Le Chateau Montebello | Erica Irwin Weddings and Events | Scott H Wilson Photography

The Weekend Begins: Welcome Party on Friday

Some guests began arriving on Wednesday and trickled in until everyone was onsite by Friday, setting the stage for a weekend filled with celebration. There were trips to the spa, relaxing by the outdoor pool, rounds of golf, pickleball and tennis games and drinks by the fireplace in the lobby. Then the wedding festivities kicked off with a welcome party on Friday night, featuring an authentic French Canadian BBQ feast, bonfires, smores and music. Guests mingled and got to know each other, setting the tone for a warm and inviting weekend ahead.

The Wedding Day: Saturday’s main event

Colourful Summer Wedding | Fairmont Le Chateau Montebello | Erica Irwin Weddings and Events | Scott H Wilson Photography

Overall Design

Danielle’s vision for the wedding was vibrant and colourful, with pale wood accents and an abundance of florals. Both Danielle and Zee prioritized exquisite food and drinks, complemented by a fantastic band to ensure it was a party not soon forgotten.

Colourful Summer Wedding | Fairmont Le Chateau Montebello | Erica Irwin Weddings and Events | Scott H Wilson Photography

We had The Digs from Sole Power Toronto to ensure the musical experience was nothing short of spectacular.

Colourful Summer Wedding | Fairmont Le Chateau Montebello | Erica Irwin Weddings and Events | Scott H Wilson Photography

Ceremony by the Waterfront

For the ceremony, Danielle envisioned bright, colourful florals arranged in a semi-circle by the waterfront, light wood chairs, an aisle lined in florals, a white aisle runner and all the people they care about watching them exchange rings and their heartfelt vows. It was a scene straight out of a magazine. We had some weather challenges with a storm brewing and set to hit around the ceremony and cocktail hour time. We had planned for a beautiful outdoor ceremony but knew we had a tent as a backup option, but our bride really wanted the ceremony by the water and I wanted this vision to come to life for our couple. Our floral design would have been nice in the tent but spectacular by the water.

Colourful Summer Wedding | Fairmont Le Chateau Montebello | Erica Irwin Weddings and Events | Scott H Wilson Photography

Obsessively checking the radar, conferring with all the vendors on the team and worrying on my end we made the decision to GO FOR IT. The radar was showing a 30-minute break in the rain which is all we needed. It felt like we were gambling a bit, but we won the prize with a beautiful waterfront ceremony. The bride’s Mom Ann said “We had some weather to deal with on the day, they wanted the ceremony to be outside. Without questioning, Erica coordinated with all the vendors, kept an eye on the radar and helped create such a memorable experience for our daughter and son-in-law, for us and for our guests.”

Colourful Summer Wedding | Fairmont Le Chateau Montebello | Erica Irwin Weddings and Events | Scott H Wilson Photography

We ended up whisking the couple away in a golf cart afterwards, and getting the guests safely inside before the skies opened up with heavy rainfall! Our couple got their dream ceremony by the water though, and that’s all that counts!

Cocktail Hour Extravaganza with a touch of furry love

Colourful Summer Wedding | Fairmont Le Chateau Montebello | Erica Irwin Weddings and Events | Scott H Wilson Photography

During cocktail hour, guests indulged in a luxurious oyster bar and a shrimp cocktail tower, while servers circulated with hot canapes including a nod to our French location with foie gras.

Colourful Summer Wedding | Fairmont Le Chateau Montebello | Erica Irwin Weddings and Events | Scott H Wilson Photography

Guests sipped on Veuve Clicquot and two signature cocktails, perfectly capturing the celebratory spirit. The bride’s Maid of Honour Julie designed a monogram featured throughout the wedding including on three custom wood bars as well as a watercolour of each of the couple’s dogs, Pippa and Rory.

Colourful Summer Wedding | Fairmont Le Chateau Montebello | Erica Irwin Weddings and Events | Scott H Wilson Photography
Colourful Summer Wedding | Fairmont Le Chateau Montebello | Erica Irwin Weddings and Events | Scott H Wilson Photography

The two signature drinks were named after the fur babies and featured on little stir sticks that went into each “The Pippa” and “The Rory” drink.

Colourful Summer Wedding | Fairmont Le Chateau Montebello | Erica Irwin Weddings and Events | Scott H Wilson Photography

The main attraction at cocktail hour though was the oversized seating chart, which was designed by Wedecor and included a large, framed watercolour of Pippa with the words “Pippa’s approved list”, covered in bright florals for guests to find their seats. It was also a favourite spot for guests to take their photos!

Colourful Summer Wedding | Fairmont Le Chateau Montebello | Erica Irwin Weddings and Events | Scott H Wilson Photography

Reception Transformation

The reception took place in the Outaouais room, which we transformed from a boring conference room into a breathtaking and inviting space. To give a better blank canvas to start from, rich drapery in a warm champagne covered all the walls. Four dance floors were combined in the center of the room then covered in white vinyl with a large custom watercolour monogram created by the Maid of Honour, Julie.

Colourful Summer Wedding | Fairmont Le Chateau Montebello | Erica Irwin Weddings and Events | Scott H Wilson Photography

This gave a large dance area in front of the band’s stage for this fun crowd, but also covered about a third of the room’s busy carpeting. Florals from the ceremony were repurposed to cover the front of the band’s stage and other florals were placed at the ends of the long harvest tables and the bottom of the seating chart.

Colourful Summer Wedding | Fairmont Le Chateau Montebello | Erica Irwin Weddings and Events | Scott H Wilson Photography

The pièce de resistance though was the floral ceiling piece over the dance floor, that our couple and their guests just couldn’t stop ogling, designed and installed by Wedecor. This one piece took days of work on skyjacks to complete but was truly a masterpiece and was the highlight of reception space.

Colourful Summer Wedding | Fairmont Le Chateau Montebello | Erica Irwin Weddings and Events | Scott H Wilson Photography

A mix of long light wood harvest tables and creamy velvet linen covered round tables, adorned with candles and bright florals, created a warm and inviting ambiance for a beautiful dinner.

Colourful Summer Wedding | Fairmont Le Chateau Montebello | Erica Irwin Weddings and Events | Scott H Wilson Photography

Guests were blown away by the tablescape which included not just one but three charger plates, beautiful custom glassware including a blue water goblet, a custom menu in blue with the couple’s watercolour monogram and matching seating cards. The couple and even the hotel staff kept saying “I can’t believe this is the Outaouais room!”

Colourful Summer Wedding | Fairmont Le Chateau Montebello | Erica Irwin Weddings and Events | Scott H Wilson Photography

Sweetheart Table

Danielle and Zee chose a sweetheart table to enjoy some quiet moments during dinner. This spot was meticulously designed to ensure all their photos throughout the evening captured the magic. The floral piece that cascaded down was the perfect highlight in all the couple’s candid photos throughout the night.

Colourful Summer Wedding | Fairmont Le Chateau Montebello | Erica Irwin Weddings and Events | Scott H Wilson Photography

Decadent Desserts

Skipping the traditional wedding cake, Danielle and Zee opted for a French patisserie table, offering profiterole towers, éclairs, macarons and crème brûlée. Later in the evening, guests enjoyed late-night snacks including poutine, cinnamon sugar donuts, and pizza, adding a delicious and fun twist to the celebration.

Colourful Summer Wedding | Fairmont Le Chateau Montebello | Erica Irwin Weddings and Events | Scott H Wilson Photography

A Seamless Experience with Heartfelt Support

I’ve been working with the events team at the Chateau Montebello for 13 years and know them very well. We customize and personalize every aspect of our couples’ wedding, from bespoke menus and signature cocktails to unique decor and themed events to ensure every wedding is unique to the two people getting married. They truly believe in making every guest’s stay one to remember, and their eagerness to please is one that I deeply appreciate.

Colourful Summer Wedding | Fairmont Le Chateau Montebello | Erica Irwin Weddings and Events | Scott H Wilson Photography

Our bride Danielle had the sweetest words to say about their wedding weekend.

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I don’t even know where to begin! No words describe what Erica meant to our wedding. We worked with Erica from the beginning. She helped us pick our venue and all our vendors. The network she has built in the industry is incredibly valuable, so with her direction, we knew we’d be working with the best of the best. Wedding planning can be very overwhelming, and I often found it hard to make decisions or verbalize my vision, but Erica knew exactly the look we were going for and worked with all our vendors to make it happen. The best part of working with Erica is how kind she is. She treats you like her own family and has your back through the whole process. All our friends and family were obsessed with Erica by the end of the weekend. On our wedding day, neither of us felt stressed or nervous, we were able to completely enjoy the day because we knew Erica’s team had everything covered. If you’re on the fence about using a planner, just do it! It makes everything so much more enjoyable, you will not regret it.

Colourful Summer Wedding | Fairmont Le Chateau Montebello | Erica Irwin Weddings and Events | Scott H Wilson Photography

Danielle’s Mom was also an integral part of our planning. I loved that she said

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We worked with Erica for over 18 months and she helped us through every detail. Erica was so familiar with our daughter’s vision and style that when it came to the actual day, we felt like we had a family member on our side making sure the day was truly magical.

Colourful Summer Wedding | Fairmont Le Chateau Montebello | Erica Irwin Weddings and Events | Scott H Wilson Photography

Over the past year and a half, I’ve grown close to Danielle, Zee, and their families, and my goal was to provide them with the best weekend ever, leaving all the details and logistics to us. Chateau Montebello is a large resort, so I brought a bigger team with me to ensure our couple and their families always saw one of us throughout the wedding day. We pulled it off too, Danielle said

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It was truly the best weekend of our lives and we could not have done it without Erica and her team!

Colourful Summer Wedding | Fairmont Le Chateau Montebello | Erica Irwin Weddings and Events | Scott H Wilson Photography

I want to thank the Chateau Montebello venue team and every vendor who brought this vision to life, helping make this day one to never forget for our couple. I especially want to thank Wedecor who tirelessly brought all the ideas we had into an actual design and executed it flawlessly. I also want to say a special thanks to Scott Wilson and Jinbon Lau, our photo and video team, who not only captured this beautiful couple’s wedding day, but also helped make it fun and relaxing.

Comment below or contact me directly if you want to know more about planning a Canadian destination wedding or specifically a Chateau Montebello wedding. It’s the perfect waterfront wedding option if you are looking at an Ottawa wedding venue but willing to travel just a little bit. It’s luxury wedding meets rustic wedding venue meets log cabin wedding. Plus you would get to work with an experienced Canadian Wedding Planner who knows how to execute a weekend getaway wedding!

Your exceptional wedding and planning experience starts here

Bonus Video!

On top of all the beautiful photos, Danielle and Zee have wonderful memories captured in video by Films by Jinbon. Enjoy this sneak peak and get a feel for why Le Chateau Montebello was one of their cherished vacation spots.

Up Next!

Next up, I will be sharing Ottawa’s best venue if you are looking for indoor and outdoor spaces with a view to kill! You won’t want to miss this gorgeous venue option!

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National Gallery of Canada – Ottawa’s most prestigious wedding venue

National Gallery of Canada – Ottawa’s most prestigious wedding venue

Venue Review Part 4: National Gallery of Canada - Ottawa’s most prestigious wedding venue

The awe-inspiring National Gallery holds Canada’s most precious works of art, history and culture in this iconic Ottawa landmark. There is only one venue like this in all of Canada and it embodies elegance, grandeur and national significance offering a fitting backdrop for a true luxury wedding. As a Wedding Planner deeply committed to creating dream weddings, I’ve had the privilege of working with couples seeking venues that are exceptional and the National Gallery is a top choice for the discerning couple.

National Gallery of Canada Outdoor Summer - Palm Tree Studio - Erica Irwin Weddings and Events

I’ll take you through a detailed review of another wonderful option for a downtown wedding celebration, the National Gallery of Canada. Make sure you don’t miss my other reviews on The National Arts Centre (NAC), the Ottawa Westin’s Venue TwentyTwo, and the Fairmont Chateau Laurier. Let me equip you with all the information you need to make the perfect choice for your wedding venue. I’ll dissect the pros and cons of this remarkable space, helping you navigate through the decision-making process for your special day. We’ll start with what I love about this venue.

The pros

There is only one National Gallery of Canada so the prestige that comes with booking this venue will wow your guests upon arrival. It’s not just a venue; it’s an experience steeped in opulence. With soaring ceilings, neutral flooring, and ample natural light, the Gallery offers a stately backdrop for your wedding celebration. The building is so impressive and when your guests come through the front doors they will instantly see this is not a typical wedding venue. For the two of you, there are many amazing photo locations not only on the grounds of the Gallery and surrounding area but also inside, among the priceless art collections.

National Gallery of Canada Rideau Chapel - Union Eleven - Erica Irwin Weddings and Events
National Gallery of Canada Art Exhibit Wedding Portrait - Union Eleven - Erica Irwin Weddings and Events
National Gallery of Canada Garden Court - Union Eleven - Erica Irwin Weddings and Events

Hosting your wedding at the National Gallery provides an unparalleled experience for your guests. Situated in the heart of the city, it offers a cultural immersion unlike any other venue. Additionally, you have the option to elevate your cocktail hour by offering guests a curated gallery visit, adding an extra layer of sophistication to your event.

National Gallery of Canada - Union Eleven - Erica Irwin Weddings and Events

The most sought-after room is the Great Hall with the glorious long ramp up the corridor as guests enter and then the sight of the stunning Great Hall awaits. It is unlike any entrance to any reception room in Ottawa. It’s also a wonderful space to capture photos together and for guests.

National Gallery of Canada Great Hall - Mocha Tree Studio - Erica Irwin Weddings and Events

The high ceilings provide an abundance of natural light as well as recognizable sites in the heart of Ottawa such as the Parliament buildings and Chateau Laurier. It’s a wonderful choice if you have out of town guests who are new to Ottawa, and you want them to experience a landmark of our Nation’s Capital. If you are fortunate enough to get a date where there are fireworks you can often see them from the Great Hall.

National Gallery of Canada Great Hall - Mocha Tree Studio - Erica Irwin Weddings and Events

This is a large space that could hold up to 300 guests for a sit-down dinner reception though I would recommend 260 guests as a maximum occupancy for a wedding with dancing. With its unique shape and endless windows as well as the grey stone-coloured floors, the Great Hall is a blank canvas allowing you the freedom to craft your wedding vision without constraints. It truly is awe inspiring to be in this room.

The ceiling also has a state-of-the-art lighting, and you can either choose to use the Gallery’s seasonal colour scheme or you can pay an additional fee to have them customize this for your wedding colours. The lighting accentuates the sails that are integrated in the ceiling and are mostly visible at night. No other venue offers this feature.

National Gallery of Canada Great Hall Ceremony - Palm Tree Studio - Erica Irwin Weddings and Events

For smaller weddings of under 125 guests, it is possible to do a ceremony and a reception all in the Great Hall. This requires design experience with the space to section out the ceremony, cocktail and reception all in one room and to ensure it flows easily for your guests. This option can help keep your rental fees lower since you would only be booking one space for the entirety of your event.

National Gallery of Canada Foyer - Erica Irwin Weddings and Events

Generally though, couples are either holding their ceremonies off-site at for example Notre Dame Cathedral across the street or they are using the Gallery Foyer for their ceremonies and then the Great Hall for their reception.

For those opting to host their whole wedding at the National Gallery but who require more space than just the Great Hall for their ceremony and reception, the Foyer is the perfect choice. The water feature on the ceiling sparkles against the glass blocks on the floor, creating a magical yet modern backdrop for your vows. One of my favourite set-ups for this space is when we put our couple in the middle, so they are positioned under the water feature and their guests surround them. Here is an example floorplan for a Jewish ceremony where we are placing their chuppah in the middle of their 200 guests!

National Gallery of Canada Foyer 200 Guest Ceremony Floorplan - Erica Irwin Weddings and Events

Now good news for foodie couples! Though you must use one of their approved caterers, some of the city’s best are listed as options. This is extremely important for couples who want to offer exceptional food and bar choices for their guests. You have the flexibility to craft a unique menu and not be constrained by wedding packages. This ensures that your wedding feast is nothing short of extraordinary.

The cons

With the splendor of a National Gallery wedding lies a few considerations for couples contemplating it as their wedding venue. While hosting a wedding amidst priceless artworks is undeniably amazing, you will need to navigate the financial and logistical intricacies associated with such a prestigious location. Couples must be prepared to accept the Gallery’s identity as a space dedicated to art first and events second.

Let’s start with the biggest obstacle – cost. As one would expect from a venue as prestigious as the National Gallery, rental fees tend to be on the higher end. The listed pricing quickly goes up as they factor in security, cleaning, administration fees etc.

Since the space is essentially a blank slate, you’ll need to allocate a substantial portion of your budget towards decor and rentals as well as set up and take down fees.

Also, since you are using a caterer instead of an in-house food service like some other downtown venues, you are also responsible for the cost of plates, cutlery, glassware, catering equipment etc. This venue is not for the budget “faint at heart”.

Another consideration is the logistical intricacies of hosting a wedding in a public space. Access for the loading in or out of your rentals / decor / florals, as well as setting up is done during hours that the Gallery is closed to visitors. When the Gallery is open to the public, any wedding preparations must be done behind an approved stanchion roped off area. This requires very stringent timelines, a dependable vendor team and multiple floorplans, all which need to be approved by the Gallery team.

Once the Gallery closes to visitors at 5 pm, that’s when the ultimate hustle begins. Tables can be moved outside the stanchion ropes as per your floorplan, guests can be let into the ceremony space and the event can begin. Similarly at the end of the evening, the take down must be executed by an experienced and quick to move team as the timeline to remove all items is tight.

So, as you can see, planning a wedding at the National Gallery isn’t for the faint of heart. With tight timelines, complex logistics, and rigorous security protocols opting for DIY isn’t feasible at this venue.

The Gallery team prefers to work with a small list of curated Wedding Planners who have prior experience navigating the intricacies of their space. As one of their preferred Wedding Planners, I offer Full Planning for this venue to ensure your wedding day at the National Gallery is perfectly executed. I also build a team of trusted and experienced vendors to fulfill your wedding day vision while adhering to the Gallery rules.

It’s important to remember that the National Gallery is first and foremost an art institution. While its aesthetic appeal is undeniable, you’ll need to make peace with the fact that the artwork on display in their event spaces may not align with your personal taste. It is not uncommon for the Great Hall to have a prominent work of art on display that may not mesh with your design dreams, and the timing when certain pieces come and go is out of your control. Additionally, there are restrictions such as the prohibition of flame candles, fog, haze, CO2 guns etc. that are non-negotiable. The protection of the works of art within the Gallery is the priority.

Recap

R  Luxurious iconic venue
R  Unique Guest Experience
R  Diverse Catering Options
Q  High rental fee
Q  Not a DIY space
Q  Expert and approved Planner required
Q  Art prioritized over events

In conclusion, the National Gallery of Canada presents an unparalleled setting for couples seeking a wedding that exudes sophistication and cultural richness. However, it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons carefully, considering factors such as budget, logistical challenges, and the venue’s artistic responsibility as a Gallery. With the right team and a clear vision, your wedding at the National Gallery can truly be a masterpiece.

As your trusted Wedding Planner and an approved Planner of the Gallery, I am ready to guide you through every step of the journey, ensuring that your wedding at the National Gallery unfolds seamlessly, leaving you both with incredible memories of an unforgettable day.

Please feel free to ask questions in the comments.

Your exceptional wedding and planning experience starts here

Bonus Video!

Here is a video of Kathleen and Freddy’s gorgeous fall wedding at the National Gallery by Mocha Tree studios for under 200 guests in the Great Hall with an off-site ceremony.

This colourful and intimate wedding of under 75 guests is a beautiful example of using the Great Hall at the National Gallery to host your entire wedding.

Up Next!

Next on my blog is one of our biggest 2024 weddings at my favourite venue to host a wedding weekend. If you like the idea of whole weekend with your guests, or you just love a colourful wedding inspiration, you won’t want to miss this post!

POST INFO AND CREDITS

If you liked this post …

Be sure to read my other posts in this serious on our fabulous Ottawa wedding venues!

National Gallery of Canada – Ottawa’s most prestigious wedding venue

The National Gallery is for couples who really want to WOW their guests with a luxury wedding venue. Housing Canada’s most treasured works of art, this is a true guest experience that will not be easily forgotten. Let me take you through everything you need to know about hosting your wedding here.

Fairmont Chateau Laurier – Ottawa’s most iconic wedding venue

Fairmont Chateau Laurier is Ottawa’s most iconic downtown wedding venue. It’s our castle in the city with the amenities of a hotel. A true luxury option to host your wedding day and wow your guests. Let me take you through everything you should consider before saying “yes” to this Ottawa treasure.

Ottawa Westin TwentyTwo – Downtown venue with the best view

An elegant glass box perched on the top of the Ottawa Westin, TwentyTwo offers the best views of our Nation’s Capital skyline. With the convenience of an upscale hotel, floor to ceiling windows, excellent service and food there are many pros, but as always there are things to consider.

National Arts Centre (NAC) – A Downtown Ottawa Wedding Gem

The NAC is located right in the heart of downtown Ottawa. It’s proximity to Parliament Hill, the canal, and our beautiful hotels makes it a true downtown wedding venue. With light-filled ceremony and reception areas, its one of the prettiest, neutral spaces in the city but there are a few things to be aware of if you are considering this wedding venue.

Ultimate Pricing Comparison of the Top 5 Downtown Ottawa Wedding Venues

The biggest question when choosing your venue is usually around pricing. Since all venues have different packages and line items, it’s not easy to make a true comparison. Let’s get started with our Top 5 downtown Ottawa venue price comparison!

Your once-in-a-lifetime wedding deserves an extraordinary planning experience. Follow me on

Fairmont Chateau Laurier – Ottawa’s most iconic wedding venue

Fairmont Chateau Laurier – Ottawa’s most iconic wedding venue

Venue Review Part 3: Fairmont Chateau Laurier - Ottawa’s most iconic wedding venue

Step into a venue where time stands still, where every room is steeped in history, where generations of newlyweds have walked the marbled floors, danced a first dance under the chandeliers. This is the fairytale castle that brides tell me they dreamed of getting married at since they were little. It’s also the venue where sometimes even their parents were married so it has great meaning to the family. The hotel has hosted all major dignitaries and celebrities and is a true luxury wedding venue.

This historic and iconic landmark is our 120-year-old castle nestled in the heart of downtown Ottawa. Grand ballrooms, high opulent ceilings, luxurious suites with the service level and cuisine that the Fairmont brand of hotels is known for. It’s a statement venue that exudes opulence, but fair warning, its interiors are a bold proclamation of luxury, you either love it or it’s not your thing. This is not a neutral space, less light and airy, more moody castle vibes.

Fairmont Chateau Laurier Adam Room foyer - Grey Loft Studio | Erica Irwin Weddings and Events

Time for another review with your expert guide in all downtown wedding venue options! Make sure you don’t miss Part 1: The National Arts Centre (NAC) and Part 2: Ottawa Westin’s Venue TwentyTwo! Let me equip you with the information you need to pick the perfect wedding venue for your unforgettable day. I am reviewing a beautiful historical wedding venue today, the Fairmont Chateau Laurier. Let’s start with all the reasons I love this venue.

The pros

There is only one Fairmont Chateau Laurier, it is a true statement venue. There are no other spaces that have a similar style or the classic heritage look and feel of this beautiful hotel.

Many venues only have one or two spaces for wedding receptions but this venue has four luxe spaces to consider depending on the size of your guest list. The Laurier room, the Drawing room, the Adam room and then the biggest of them all the Ballroom. 

Each reception room has their own distinct style and colour scheme and is best for different guest counts.

Fairmont Chateau Laurier, Laurier room - Agatha Rowland | Erica Irwin Weddings and Events

The Laurier room is the smallest of the reception spaces and is perfect for guest counts of under 125 in my opinion. It has its own private foyer for your cocktail hour situated at the end of the French Corridor. The terrace can be used for beautiful golden hour photos. It has 18-foot ceilings with eight chandeliers, candelabra style wall sconces, two mirrored walls and Roman columns around the perimeter of the room that give this reception room warmth and intimacy. It’s likely the most neutral of the spaces at Chateau Laurier, mainly cream with the exception of the burgundy drapes.

Fairmont Chateau Laurier, Drawing room - Lauren McCormick photography | Erica Irwin Weddings and Events

The Drawing room is a beautiful corner room which is due for a full refresh by March 2024 to remove the hints of green you see in this photo. It’s the perfect size for weddings of 125-145. The room has unique alcoves in each corner, a sculpted ceiling with ornate detailing, five chandeliers as well as wall sconces that lend a warmth to this space. One of my favourite parts of the Drawing room is the foyer just outside where you would hold your cocktail hour. It’s a large space that is sectioned off but holds so much of the character of this heritage hotel which makes it a grand space to host your guests while they mingle before dinner.

Fairmont Chateau Laurier Adam Room - Grey Loft Studio | Erica Irwin Weddings and Events

The Adam room is one of my favourites since it’s the perfect size to host weddings of 130-170 guests. Known as the “Wedgwood” or “Oval” Room, the Adam Room was named after the British architect Robert Adam. This luxurious room is a unique start to your wedding design with ornate sculpted ceilings, three massive crystal chandeliers, two mirrored walls and an oval shape.

Fairmont Chateau Laurier Ballroom - Grey Loft Studio | Erica Irwin Weddings and Events

As the grandest room, the Ballroom has welcomed Queen Elizabeth II, Princess Diana and numerous other famous people and politicians. With an 18-foot ceiling, the ballroom is decorated in a Renaissance-style making it a luxury reception room easily hosting up to 250 guests. Soaring windows along one wall are reflected in the numerous mirrors surrounding the room and provide natural light for daytime events

Fairmont Chateau Laurier, Canadian room ceremony - Grey Loft Studio | Erica Irwin Weddings and Events

For ceremony spaces we have generally seen couples use the Canadian room which is located on the lower level. It’s a space that is very long and narrow with no windows. Though it does carry some of the character of the rest of the Chateau Laurier it isn’t as opulent of a space.

Fairmont Chateau Laurier, Laurier room ceremony - Grey Loft Studio | Erica Irwin Weddings and Events

A better ceremony option is to consider booking for example the Laurier room or the Drawing room. This is for couples who want the grandness of the Chateau Laurier to extend to their ceremony as well as their reception. The higher ceilings and chandeliers in these rooms lend to this.

Fairmont Chateau Laurier, cuisine -  Agatha Rowland | Erica Irwin Weddings and Events

The Chateau Laurier offers an elevated culinary experience truly living up to the Fairmont brand of excellence. They have white glove service which is an elegant touch for your guest experience. The wedding packages I prefer are the ones that include restaurant-style ordering which means guests choose their main course in the moment and it saves you from having to track guest meal choices in their RSVPs. It’s also nice for guests to be able to choose what they are in the mood for then, not having to decide months before. The Chateau Laurier is the only venue I know of offering this option. They are also willing to create specialty menu items and collaborate on how to elevate the guest dining experience with innovative presentation. At one fall wedding, I worked with their pastry chef to create a unique dessert display featuring a few of the couples favourite sweets.

Fairmont Chateau Laurier, Couple getting married - Grey Loft Studio | Erica Irwin Weddings and Events

I can tell you from personal experience that supportive staff makes all the difference in ensuring you have an enjoyable, stress-free wedding. From pre-sales to the banquet team, the Chateau Laurier staff is focused on serving their couples. With years of experience, and a commitment to going that extra mile, my experience is that weddings just run smoothly at Chateau Laurier. As a Planner, I appreciate how there is always someone on hand during your wedding day or they are a text away. At one recent wedding, our couple wanted guests to feel like true VIPs. The Chateau team and I collaborated to create a very formal guest entrance with several white gloved servers with trays of Veuve Clicquot champagne lining the hallway as guests moved from ceremony to cocktail. Guests were so impressed!

Fairmont Chateau Laurier, Prime Minister suite - Grey Loft Studio | Erica Irwin Weddings and Events

Lastly, the Chateau Laurier is not just a venue, it’s also a hotel! Imagine the convenience of having easy access to your honeymoon suite for those moments of freshening up, changing, or simply catching your breath. Your out-of-town guests can enjoy your wedding to the fullest without the hassle of timing or transportation and  your wedding party can take advantage of beautiful and comfortable rooms for getting ready.. If you opt for an on-site ceremony, a secondary getting-ready location is also included. This allows you to seamlessly transition from photos to ceremony to reception, all in one location.

The cons

If you’re considering hosting your wedding at the Chateau Laurier, there are some important details to keep in mind. As one of their preferred wedding Planners, I can assist you in navigating these intricacies.

While the venue’s team is fantastic to collaborate with, similar to many other venues, they do not provide a ‘day-of coordinator.’ Therefore, having your own Planner who has guided you this far will also greatly benefit you on your wedding day, as numerous essential tasks fall outside the scope of the venue’s events team or banquet manager.

Having a Planner who is well-versed in the Chateau Laurier’s event procedures and team dynamics will ensure seamless execution, prompt resolution of any last-minute issues, and ultimately ensure an experience you, your families, and your guests would enjoy to the fullest!

Next, the Chateau Laurier is a statement venue that offers a very distinct “look” that you will either love or it’s not your thing. If you seek a blank space to make your own that is flooded with natural light, Chateau Laurier is not the ideal choice, as it’s known for its unique aesthetic. So ensure it would fit with your style and vision for your wedding before you get too attached.

While it’s wonderful that the Chateau Laurier offers four stunning spaces, it’s crucial to understand that each reception room has a minimum spend requirement, typically associated with the number of guests. It’s always better to work with Planner early on to ensure the room you desire aligns with your budget and guest count. Don’t start falling in love with the Ballroom and then not be able to meet the minimum spend requirement. This can be very disappointing. Trust me.

Each room boasts a particular style, which significantly influences your design options. For instance, the Laurier Room features a more neutral colour scheme, but if it’s too small for your guest count, you’ll need to explore other options. 

Each reception space has different carpet, paint colour, chandeliers, ceiling architecture and other unique elements that when considered early on can be worked into and enhance your decor decisions. I have planned weddings in all of the spaces and know how to work with each of them.

Lastly, as the Chateau Laurier is conveniently located in downtown Ottawa, parking is limited and is reserved for hotel room guests only due to the current expansion of the hotel. It is important to add parking information with your invitations or your wedding website. There are many options but guests should be aware of the parking situation ahead of time. Often, I hear that couples are having a hard time starting their ceremony on time due to guests who didn’t leave enough time to park. As a Planner familiar with this venue, I have some tricks to make sure your ceremony starts on time!

Recap

R  Historic luxury venue
R  Diverse reception spaces
R  Exceptional cuisine
R  Experienced staff
R  On-site accommodations
Q  Very distinct design to work with
Q  Limited parking

Having done countless weddings at the Chateau Laurier, I am very familiar with their team and their spaces. Let me guide you from your first venue tour to the day your fairytale wedding vision comes to life, enjoying every step along the way.

Please feel free to ask questions in the comments.

Your exceptional wedding and planning experience starts here

Bonus Video!

I was fortunate to have Grey Loft Studio at some of my favourite Chateau Laurier weddings in 2023 and they produced these fabulous room tour videos for me! You’ll also find some room reveal videos in the Couples section of the site along with the couples’ testimonial. Enjoy!

Adam Room

Up Next!

Next on my blog is the National Gallery of Canada, my last downtown wedding venue review in this series!

POST INFO AND CREDITS

If you liked this post …

Be sure to read my other posts in this serious on our fabulous Ottawa wedding venues!

National Gallery of Canada – Ottawa’s most prestigious wedding venue

The National Gallery is for couples who really want to WOW their guests with a luxury wedding venue. Housing Canada’s most treasured works of art, this is a true guest experience that will not be easily forgotten. Let me take you through everything you need to know about hosting your wedding here.

Fairmont Chateau Laurier – Ottawa’s most iconic wedding venue

Fairmont Chateau Laurier is Ottawa’s most iconic downtown wedding venue. It’s our castle in the city with the amenities of a hotel. A true luxury option to host your wedding day and wow your guests. Let me take you through everything you should consider before saying “yes” to this Ottawa treasure.

Ottawa Westin TwentyTwo – Downtown venue with the best view

An elegant glass box perched on the top of the Ottawa Westin, TwentyTwo offers the best views of our Nation’s Capital skyline. With the convenience of an upscale hotel, floor to ceiling windows, excellent service and food there are many pros, but as always there are things to consider.

National Arts Centre (NAC) – A Downtown Ottawa Wedding Gem

The NAC is located right in the heart of downtown Ottawa. It’s proximity to Parliament Hill, the canal, and our beautiful hotels makes it a true downtown wedding venue. With light-filled ceremony and reception areas, its one of the prettiest, neutral spaces in the city but there are a few things to be aware of if you are considering this wedding venue.

Ultimate Pricing Comparison of the Top 5 Downtown Ottawa Wedding Venues

The biggest question when choosing your venue is usually around pricing. Since all venues have different packages and line items, it’s not easy to make a true comparison. Let’s get started with our Top 5 downtown Ottawa venue price comparison!

Your once-in-a-lifetime wedding deserves an extraordinary planning experience. Follow me on

Ottawa Westin TwentyTwo – Downtown venue with the best view

Ottawa Westin TwentyTwo – Downtown venue with the best view

Venue Review Part 2: Ottawa Westin TwentyTwo – Downtown venue with the best view

Picture this: You’re standing in TwentyTwo, holding a glass of champagne surrounded by everyone you love in the world with panoramic views of the city skyline, the historic Parliament buildings, and the beautiful Gatineau mountains. The sun is setting, there is a golden glow over our beautiful city and you are just soaking in this moment of your wedding day.

Choosing the perfect wedding venue is not an easy decision, but with TwentyTwo at the Ottawa Westin, your dream wedding can be breathtaking!

Ottawa Westin TwentyTwo - View of the City Skyline | Erica Irwin Weddings and Events

As your downtown Ottawa wedding venue expert, I’m here to ensure you consider the best options Ottawa has to offer, so you can select the perfect venue for your wedding. Let me take you through the pros and cons of this fantastic Ottawa venue, starting with the reasons why I think it’s a great choice.

The pros

First, the location is unbeatable. TwentyTwo is situated at the top of the Ottawa Westin, resembling a glass cube with breathtaking views of downtown, the Gatineau mountains, Parliament, Chateau Laurier, and the city skyline. Witnessing the sunset over the city is always a treat for your guests. They rush to that side of the room to capture stunning selfies, as it’s truly a magnificent sight.

Another added bonus to surprise your guests with is if you’re fortunate to book a wedding date coinciding with fireworks. Its undoubtedly the best place in the city to see them.

Fireworks view from Ottawa Westin TwentyTwo - Union Eleven | Erica Irwin Weddings and Events

Although you are surrounded mostly by beautiful windows, the room also manages to feature a media wall, essential if you’re planning to put all of your favourite memories on display in a photo montage. Not all venues can accommodate this option which is important to know if you are considering adding this moment to your day.

Next is the food; it’s exceptional, and the presentation of dishes makes you feel as though you’re indulging in a work of art. The staff is remarkable, from pre-sales through to the banquet, they’re dedicated to ensuring your event is a success. The event manager you worked with post-booking will be present on your wedding day and then transitions to the banquet manager for the reception, providing consistent support.

A big advantage of booking TwentyTwo is that you have all the amenties of the Westin hotel at your fingertips, most notably the Rideau Suite which is included in the wedding package. Located just down the hall from TwentyTwo, it’s a very large condo-like suite with sweeping views of downtown Ottawa. It serves as your “honeymoon suite,” but it’s also perfect as a getting-ready space since it provides enough room for your hair and makeup team to set up while still leaving room for bridesmaids and Moms to comfortably relax, eat, and enjoy a mimosa.

My couples have enjoyed being able to sneak away to their suite to use the washroom, freshen up, change into dancing outfits, change shoes, etc. Then, at the end of your wedding night, your room is only a few steps away – No transportation needed! 

I highly encourage my couples to book and enjoy the Rideau Suite the night before as well so that you have early access on your wedding day. This is important for starting your hair and makeup preparation time and not having to wait for the room to be turned over from the previous night’s guests. There is enough room for everyone to put on their dresses and for your photographer to do your “getting-ready photos” as you put on your gown. On rainy days, we have even used the room to take photos.

Rideau Suite Ottawa Westin TwentyTwo - Grey Loft Studio | Erica Irwin Weddings and Events

Another suggestion I make to my couples is to consider booking a similar space just one floor down called the Bonaventure suite. It’s a great place for the groom and groomsmen to get ready and do their photos. With it’s beautiful views of downtown Ottawa and a wrap-around terrace, it’s a perfect fit to host a rehearsal dinner or welcome drink the night before for close family and friends. You can bring in your own food, bar items, and there is plenty of room both inside or outside on the terrace.

The entire guest experience when all wedding events are hosted in the hotel is so wonderful. This is important to consider if you have a lot of out-of-town guests or even those who you know might enjoy a staycation. Friends and family meeting up meet in the lobby, eating at the restaurant, or going shopping in the attached Rideau Centre together simply adds to the wonderful wedding memories. Guests also appreciate the ease of accessing their rooms during the wedding to change shoes and freshen up. Those with small children book a babysitting service and can easily go and check in and return to the party!

Now let’s address some considerations before booking this space.

The cons

The primary complaint I hear when touring this space is regarding the carpeting in the ceremony and cocktail areas. The ceremony space is located on the 4th floor in one of the Governor-General spaces, and the carpet is in dire need of replacement. Though in most hotels, event space carpeting is typically heavily patterned. I’ve always wished they would install light wood flooring instead of hotel carpets!

Governor General ceremony space Ottawa Westin TwentyTwo | Erica Irwin Weddings and Events

After your ceremony, guests generally move to a space next door for the cocktail hour before transitioning upstairs to TwentyTwo for the reception. Hosting both the cocktail and reception in TwentyTwo can be tight unless your guest count is on the smaller end (under 100).

As the name suggests, TwentyTwo is on the 22nd floor, and the stunning view comes with complexities around moving items and people up and down in elevators. I highly recommend hiring a Planner if you’re considering this venue, especially one who is familiar with events in their spaces.

With everyone moving between ceremony, cocktail, and reception on multiple levels of the hotel, as well and the couple needing to slip in and out for things like photos, having a Planner to facilitate these transitions will be key to your day running smoothly. 

Your Planner will need to be familiar with the hotel to build a proper timeline and keep everything on track throughout the day. This includes coordination with vendors around the use of the loading dock and single elevator for movement of rentals and equipment. Some vendors charge an additional fee due to the extra time required to load in and out.

The final and possibly biggest drawback of this space is the noise restriction for music; they have a decibel level you need to stay under, and the music must stop at midnight due to the impact on hotel guests.

If you’re considering a band, this is not the venue for you. A great alternative after midnight would be to switch to silent beats, an offering some of our DJ partners provide, where guests can still dance with music coming through high-quality earphones.

Noise complaints have been heard all the way from the 6th floor, emphasizing the importance of keeping both hotel guests and wedding attendees happy.

Recap

R  Unparalleled views of Ottawa
R  Exceptional food
R  Dedicated staff
R  Rideau Suite
R  Westin hotel amenities
Q  Lacklustre ceremony space
Q  22nd floor logistical challenges
Q  Noise restrictions

As a seasoned Planner familiar with the intricacies of this venue, let me assist you in navigating these challenges and ensuring a seamless and unforgettable wedding day experience for you and your guests.

Please feel free to ask questions in the comments.

Your exceptional wedding and planning experience starts here

Up Next!

Next up on the blog, featuring Ottawa’s most iconic wedding venue, the Fairmont Chateau Laurier!

POST INFO AND CREDITS

If you liked this post …

Be sure to read my other posts in this serious on our fabulous Ottawa wedding venues!

National Gallery of Canada – Ottawa’s most prestigious wedding venue

The National Gallery is for couples who really want to WOW their guests with a luxury wedding venue. Housing Canada’s most treasured works of art, this is a true guest experience that will not be easily forgotten. Let me take you through everything you need to know about hosting your wedding here.

Fairmont Chateau Laurier – Ottawa’s most iconic wedding venue

Fairmont Chateau Laurier is Ottawa’s most iconic downtown wedding venue. It’s our castle in the city with the amenities of a hotel. A true luxury option to host your wedding day and wow your guests. Let me take you through everything you should consider before saying “yes” to this Ottawa treasure.

Ottawa Westin TwentyTwo – Downtown venue with the best view

An elegant glass box perched on the top of the Ottawa Westin, TwentyTwo offers the best views of our Nation’s Capital skyline. With the convenience of an upscale hotel, floor to ceiling windows, excellent service and food there are many pros, but as always there are things to consider.

National Arts Centre (NAC) – A Downtown Ottawa Wedding Gem

The NAC is located right in the heart of downtown Ottawa. It’s proximity to Parliament Hill, the canal, and our beautiful hotels makes it a true downtown wedding venue. With light-filled ceremony and reception areas, its one of the prettiest, neutral spaces in the city but there are a few things to be aware of if you are considering this wedding venue.

Ultimate Pricing Comparison of the Top 5 Downtown Ottawa Wedding Venues

The biggest question when choosing your venue is usually around pricing. Since all venues have different packages and line items, it’s not easy to make a true comparison. Let’s get started with our Top 5 downtown Ottawa venue price comparison!

Your once-in-a-lifetime wedding deserves an extraordinary planning experience. Follow me on

National Arts Centre (NAC) – A Downtown Ottawa Wedding Gem

National Arts Centre (NAC) – A Downtown Ottawa Wedding Gem

Venue Review Part 1: National Arts Centre (NAC) - A Downtown Ottawa Wedding Gem

You’ve said “Yes”! Now it’s time for the challenging part – saying yes to the perfect venue. Choosing the right venue is no small feat; it determines the look and feel of your wedding and is a memory you and your guests will cherish for years to come. As your trusted Ottawa Wedding Planner and downtown wedding venue expert, I’m here to guide you through the best options Ottawa has to offer and save you from the overwhelm that is seeping in. I’ll delve into the pros and cons of the National Arts Centre (NAC), helping you decide if it’s the perfect fit for your special day!

The pros

First, the NAC is located right in the heart of downtown Ottawa. Its proximity to Parliament Hill, the canal, and our beautiful hotels makes it a true downtown wedding venue. They offer two ceremony spaces: the Lantern Room and Rossy Pavilion, both surrounded by windows, flooding the area with bright natural light and featuring light wood floors. This provides a gorgeous canvas to design a beautiful ceremony area.

National Arts Centre Lantern Room - Rubicon Photography | Erica Irwin Weddings and Events

There are a few different reception spaces, but I personally love the O’Born room – a showstopping space with high ceilings, light-coloured wooden floors, and an abundance of natural light from floor-to-ceiling windows. Your backdrop is the iconic Chateau Laurier, and at night, the downtown lights. No overwhelming hotel carpets to work around. This versatile room offers a neutral colour palette, allowing you to bring any vision to life.

National Arts Centre O’Born Room - Rubicon Photography | Erica Irwin Weddings and Events

Venture outside, and you’ll find a terrace with gorgeous golden-hour views of downtown Ottawa and the Chateau Laurier, providing the perfect backdrop for fairytale-like wedding photos. It’s also a great spot for your guests to escape to for some fresh air.

National Arts Centre - Palm Tree Studio | Erica Irwin Weddings and Events
Ottawa Downtown Horizon - Rubicon Photography | Erica Irwin Weddings and Events

Now, let’s talk about food and bar, because the NAC does not disappoint in this department! The quality of the food is top-notch, ensuring all your guests will leave thoroughly satisfied with their experience. Not only that, but the banquet team’s service is nothing short of exceptional!

The cons

There are some things you need to consider before booking this space. One is to keep in mind is the overall level of staff support. Unfortunately, the NAC can be lacking in this department. Unlike other venues, you do not have a venue coordinator but do have a banquet manager once the cocktail hour is underway. There is often limited support during the crucial setup and ceremony phases. This is where having a dedicated Wedding Planner becomes an invaluable asset in managing all the moving parts of your unforgettable day.

National Arts Centre O’Born Room - Palm Tree Studio | Erica Irwin Weddings and Events

Navigating the NAC can also pose a bit of a challenge for your guests due to multiple entrances and its unique interior layout. Whether they Uber, park, or walk – it can all get a little confusing, especially when there are public events going on in the building. Clear signage and additional personnel are highly recommended to direct your guests and ensure they have a seamless experience.

When my team and I are onsite, we make sure we are greeting guests and assigning groomsmen to entrances so guests know they are at the right location. It’s happened to me before where guests have gone to the information desk and have been sent to the reception room instead of the ceremony area so it’s best to be prepared.

National Arts Centre - Sample signs and seating charts | Erica Irwin Weddings and Events

Here are some considerations for the ceremony rooms:

The Lantern Room has extremely high ceilings but does have screens on the outside of the windows which have a projection on them. They turn off the projection for just the length of your ceremony so make sure you are on schedule or you will start to see the lights coming through from the screens outside.

Rossy Pavilion has a beautiful view of the war memorial but the ceilings are much lower and often couples aren’t fans of the light rigging on the ceiling. So it’s good to know this when looking at the spaces.

National Arts Centre Rossy Pavilion - Carley Teresa Photography | Erica Irwin Weddings and Events

From my personal experience, the Lantern Room ceremony space can accommodate a maximum of 115 guests, while the Rossy Pavilion can host a ceremony for up to 150 guests, though it can be quite tight.

This next one is the most controversial downside of the NAC. They have a strict vendor list policy for DJ services, décor, rentals and florals. It’s widely discussed that to be on this list, the vendors offer a commission back to the NAC. If you do not want to use these vendors, there is a user charge ranging from $500 to $1,500 to bring in your own outside vendors. If you are working with a preferred planner and we bring you to the NAC, the fee can be reduced though. This is another reason to reach out sooner than later if you are considering this venue.

Being a public space adds another layer of complexity to hosting a private event. This is another reason to work with a Planner who is experienced with the NAC. We have dealt with people from the public coming into the ceremony space, attempting to steal items or getting in the way of the processional before, so now we are prepared for all situations. 

The NAC has added signage though saying “private event” but when my team and I are onsite, we are constantly monitoring since there is no security assigned to the event spaces like other venues.

Though they do include a room for the newlyweds at the Lord Elgin, it’s good to note that there are no accommodations onsite so you will need transportation for yourselves and your wedding party if the weather doesn’t cooperate for walking from your hotel. Also, if you are considering an outfit change, please know you will be doing this in a public washroom since getting back to your guest room will take too long.

Recap

R  Stunning light-filled rooms
R  Fantastic views of Ottawa
R  Amazing culinary experience
R  Neutral colour palette
Q  Lack of staffing
Q  Guest navigation
Q  Public space

As a Planner with experience in this space, let me be your secret weapon in navigating these pitfalls and ensuring your day is nothing short of phenomenal.

Please feel free to ask questions in the comments.

Your exceptional wedding and planning experience starts here

Bonus Videos!

Here is a video by Peaking Zebra of Diana and Corey’s all white wedding with touches of blue for just over 100 guests in the stunning O’Born room of the National Arts Centre, with ceremony in lantern room.

Come see Arianne and Francois’ luxury wedding at the NAC with ceremony in the Lantern room and then reception in O’Born Room for just over 150 guests.

Up Next!

Stay tuned for the next blog post featuring Ottawa Westin’s Venue TwentyTwo!

POST INFO AND CREDITS

If you liked this post …

Be sure to read my other posts in this serious on our fabulous Ottawa wedding venues!

National Gallery of Canada – Ottawa’s most prestigious wedding venue

The National Gallery is for couples who really want to WOW their guests with a luxury wedding venue. Housing Canada’s most treasured works of art, this is a true guest experience that will not be easily forgotten. Let me take you through everything you need to know about hosting your wedding here.

Fairmont Chateau Laurier – Ottawa’s most iconic wedding venue

Fairmont Chateau Laurier is Ottawa’s most iconic downtown wedding venue. It’s our castle in the city with the amenities of a hotel. A true luxury option to host your wedding day and wow your guests. Let me take you through everything you should consider before saying “yes” to this Ottawa treasure.

Ottawa Westin TwentyTwo – Downtown venue with the best view

An elegant glass box perched on the top of the Ottawa Westin, TwentyTwo offers the best views of our Nation’s Capital skyline. With the convenience of an upscale hotel, floor to ceiling windows, excellent service and food there are many pros, but as always there are things to consider.

National Arts Centre (NAC) – A Downtown Ottawa Wedding Gem

The NAC is located right in the heart of downtown Ottawa. It’s proximity to Parliament Hill, the canal, and our beautiful hotels makes it a true downtown wedding venue. With light-filled ceremony and reception areas, its one of the prettiest, neutral spaces in the city but there are a few things to be aware of if you are considering this wedding venue.

Ultimate Pricing Comparison of the Top 5 Downtown Ottawa Wedding Venues

The biggest question when choosing your venue is usually around pricing. Since all venues have different packages and line items, it’s not easy to make a true comparison. Let’s get started with our Top 5 downtown Ottawa venue price comparison!

Also, check out my Instagram and be inspired by this creative re-purposing of Mandy and Ken’s gorgeous ceremony set up as well as a their room reveal walk through at the NAC!

Your once-in-a-lifetime wedding deserves an extraordinary planning experience. Follow me on

Ultimate Pricing Comparison of the Top 5 Downtown Ottawa Wedding Venues

Ultimate Pricing Comparison of the Top 5 Downtown Ottawa Wedding Venues

Ultimate Pricing Comparison of the Top 5 Downtown Ottawa Wedding Venues

As an Ottawa based Wedding Planner for the past 15 years, who specializes in Downtown Ottawa wedding venues I feel like I really know the pros and cons of our beautiful city’s best venues.

When I venue shop with my Full Planning couples, I let the venues sales team do their tour, and then I go through all the pros and cons that aren’t usually covered in a standard venue tour.

There are many things to consider when choosing a venue, but the biggest question is usually around pricing. Since all venues have different packages and line items, it’s not easy to make a true comparison. For example, some include 3 courses, others 4 courses. Some serve additional canapes and include late night food and others don’t.

An experienced planner can identify the significant differences in options presented to couples and help simplify the many important decisions to be made. So, let’s get started with our venue price comparison!

National Arts Centre

Ottawa Westin - Venue TwentyTwo

Fairmont Chateau Laurier

National Gallery of Canada

Canadian Museum of Nature

Here are the main conditions I applied to all the venues:

  • Room rental fees (ceremony, cocktail, and reception)
  • Cocktail hour food (4 canapes per person)
  • Open bar for cocktail hour and after dinner
  • 4 course dinner
  • Wine with dinner (1/2 bottle per person)
  • Late night food
  • Cake cutting fee
  • Tax and tip (13% + 18%)

NOTE: The price per guest totals are based on each venue’s 2023 wedding packages. I used an average sized Ottawa wedding of 120 guests as a baseline. For those with larger guest counts, this per person pricing may go down since things like the room rental fee would be divided over more guests.

National Arts Centre (NAC)

$368 / guest

Bar is on consumption, so not a true “open bar”. I estimated 5 drinks per guest, but you are charged what your guests consume so it could be more or less.

Additional items were added to the base venue package for the purposes of this comparison

Ottawa Westin – Venue TwentyTwo

$371 / guest

Bar is on consumption, so not a true “open bar”. I estimated 5 drinks per guest, but you are charged what your guests consume so it could be more or less.

Additional items were added to the base venue package for the purposes of this comparison

Fairmont Chateau Laurier

$277 / guest

True open bar, not on consumption: 1 hour before dinner and 4 hours after dinner.

No additional items were required for the purposes of this comparison

National Gallery of Canada

$551 / guest

Bar is on consumption, so not a true “open bar”. I estimated 5 drinks per guest, but you are charged what your guests consume so it could be more or less. 

Additional items were added to the base venue package for the purposes of this comparison 

Catering with My Catering

Canadian Museum of Nature

$445 / guest

Bar is on consumption, so not a true “open bar”. I estimated 5 drinks per guest, but you are charged what your guests consume so it could be more or less. 

Additional items were added to the base venue package for the purposes of this comparison 

Catering with My Catering

Price is obviously a major decision factor when narrowing down venue options with most of my couples, and every venue has important and sometimes very unique things to consider when I make recommendations. Here are just few to give you an idea.

Both the Museum of Nature and the National Gallery of Canada have a rental fee for the rooms, but you also need a caterer to provide the food and bar as well as rentals for things like plates, silverware, glassware etc. For the NAC, their room rental fees fluctuate based on the time of year and the day of the week. At the Chateau Laurier, there is a room minimum which requires your food and beverage bill to meet a certain price otherwise you will be charged this minimum room fee. There are also other standard but unexpected fees like the “Landmark Fee”, which is applied to any wedding at a museum in Ottawa.

My couples obviously don’t need to be experts in any of this. It’s my job to be the expert, and to give expert advice.

Of course, we have other great venues in the downtown Ottawa core too! For example, Ottawa Art Gallery (OAG), Delta Hotel Ottawa and 50 Sussex, but the ones I included in the top 5 always seem to win the hearts of my couples! 

If you want to chat about your wedding and a specific venue you’ve had your heart set on, let’s set up a consultation and see if we are a fit!

Your exceptional wedding and planning experience starts here

Up Next!

In the next few posts, I’m going to stay with these five venues but move into some “pros and cons” style comparisons that answer questions you may have never thought of! For example, will the room or area I’m getting married in be open to the public? Does the venue provide a guest room or getting ready space? Are there access limitations?  Does my dance party need to end by a specific time?… and so much more!

POST INFO AND CREDITS

If you liked this post …

Be sure to read my other venue posts that get into the pros and cons of these fabulous venues!

National Gallery of Canada – Ottawa’s most prestigious wedding venue

The National Gallery is for couples who really want to WOW their guests with a luxury wedding venue. Housing Canada’s most treasured works of art, this is a true guest experience that will not be easily forgotten. Let me take you through everything you need to know about hosting your wedding here.

Fairmont Chateau Laurier – Ottawa’s most iconic wedding venue

Fairmont Chateau Laurier is Ottawa’s most iconic downtown wedding venue. It’s our castle in the city with the amenities of a hotel. A true luxury option to host your wedding day and wow your guests. Let me take you through everything you should consider before saying “yes” to this Ottawa treasure.

Ottawa Westin TwentyTwo – Downtown venue with the best view

An elegant glass box perched on the top of the Ottawa Westin, TwentyTwo offers the best views of our Nation’s Capital skyline. With the convenience of an upscale hotel, floor to ceiling windows, excellent service and food there are many pros, but as always there are things to consider.

National Arts Centre (NAC) – A Downtown Ottawa Wedding Gem

The NAC is located right in the heart of downtown Ottawa. It’s proximity to Parliament Hill, the canal, and our beautiful hotels makes it a true downtown wedding venue. With light-filled ceremony and reception areas, its one of the prettiest, neutral spaces in the city but there are a few things to be aware of if you are considering this wedding venue.

Ultimate Pricing Comparison of the Top 5 Downtown Ottawa Wedding Venues

The biggest question when choosing your venue is usually around pricing. Since all venues have different packages and line items, it’s not easy to make a true comparison. Let’s get started with our Top 5 downtown Ottawa venue price comparison!

Your once-in-a-lifetime wedding deserves an extraordinary planning experience. Follow me on

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