I’m missing summer, and weddings, and actually being outdoors rather than cooped up at home in my sweatpants and slippers trying to stay warm! Naturally, it got me thinking about all the beautiful outdoor wedding venues in Ottawa. Choosing a wedding venue is such a difficult decision. There are so many to choose from, and they are all so different. Each wedding venue offers different elements and cater to a variety of couples. Farm, country, rustic, elegant… you name it. These wedding venues have a little bit of everything. I love to shoot outdoors, so today I’m sharing with you my top 5 outdoor wedding venues in Ottawa.
#1. Strathmere
I’ve photographed at Strathmere on many different occasions and it is still one of my favourites. Just a hop, skip and a jump from Ottawa, Strathmere offers three unique wedding venues all nestled onto one property. With so many different little nooks and crannies to choose from, it’s a photographer’s dream. Also, the food is always SO good. Which is hard for a wedding venue to pull off, in my opinion.
The Lodge is a restored barn, smack in the middle of the property. The ceremony site, located at the back of the building, looks onto the fields of Strathmere, which is what everyone falls in love with when they arrive here. It’s beautiful at any time of year.
The Inn is a beautiful old stone farmhouse that has lots of character. There’s a beautiful ceremony spot nestled behind the building, along with a newly renovated reception space. This is ideal for a smaller wedding.
And, finally, the Garden house. The cutest little cottage style venue with beautiful gardens surrounding it. It’s probably my fave.
And then there are the fields. Oh, the fields. They go on forever. Bring your hiking shoes, because I’m known to bring my couples into the tall grass to get the perfect shot. Sorry, not sorry.
A beautiful converted barn turned wedding venue just outside of Almonte is picture perfect. Along with the stone guesthouse on site for couples to get ready in, Evermore has beautiful manicured grounds and the food is amazing. The willow tree is amazing and I love to use the old shed as a backdrop for photos too. I love shooting a wedding at Evermore.
#3. NCC Riverhouse
A newer Ottawa wedding venue, the restored NCC Riverhouse is the perfect backdrop for an intimate wedding. Along the Ottawa River, the NCC Riverhouse offers two outdoor locations for your ceremony – the deck right next to the river or the pathway where the River House is on display in the background. While the indoor reception space is very minimal, it offers the perfect blank slate to make it your own.
#4. Le Belvedere
On the Quebec side, Le Belvedere has arguably the most breathtaking view of any wedding venue you will ever see in Ottawa and it’s surrounding regions. Nestled on the top of a cliff, it overlooks the Gatineau Hills. Rain of shine, this wedding venue is unbelievable. Steps from the venue is the Guest House, tucked away in the forest, surrounded by nothing but tall trees. It’s the perfect place to get ready before the ceremony. The bridal suite has also been added as a new structure for the your wedding party to get ready in.
I’ve photographed both a rainy day in the indoor space, as well as a winter wedding and beautiful sunny ceremony at Le Belvedere. All are amazing!
And you just can’t beat this view. The hilltop is the perfect setting for your wedding photos.
Another beautiful estate turned into a wedding venue, you have use of the beautiful farm house to get ready in and the pub for guys to sip their whiskey before the ceremony. Choose to get married in the chapel, by the farmhouse steps, or under the canopy of trees surrounding the barn.
Other honourable mentions include:
-Adelina (this summer!)
-The Wakefield Grand
-The Herb Garden
-Vignoble de Chelsea
-Manoir de la Foret
Ok, now back to dreaming of summer over here…until next time, stay cozy, sweet friends! xo
