My list of preferred Ottawa wedding vendors
Planning an Ottawa wedding is hard. Speaking from experience planning my own wedding – and I had an “advantage” being in the biz and knowing some people – it’s a crapshoot. You’re trying to create an experience for yourselves and your family but first you’re slogging through endless Ottawa wedding websites decoding the info. Unless you have a reference from a friend, you’re really going in blind, which is why I wanted to create this list. Instead of creating a blanket list of all the Ottawa wedding vendors I’ve decided to only list vendors that I know I’ve worked with and that I feel offer a quality product. With each vendor, I’ve tried to offer some personal insight to give you a more qualitative vendor referral. I know that I’ve worked with more vendors than the ones listed here but as I grow my business I’m trying to add services that are valuable to couples looking to get married in Ottawa, so I’m paying more attention to other vendors involved in the weddings I’m photographing. As a result, this list is a work in progress. I’m looking for quality, not just numbers, so check back often as the resource grows.
Best Ottawa Wedding Venues
“The venue is a foundation to the tone of your wedding around everything else will revolve.”
Jessica Davey, Wedding & Event Planner jessica@le-belvedere.ca 819-459-3027 877-459-3027 The venue location is located near Wakefield, QC about 30 – 45 mins from Ottawa. Once you’re there you might as well be a 1000 kms away. The location has a real destination feel and ceremony location overlooking the majestic Gatineau Hills is stunning – even in December when we went to check out the location. As a result, they are VERY in demand and with recent outdoor renovations are HANDS DOWN THE BEST VENUE IN ALL THE LAND (IMHO).
The Westin has rooms with great light. Ask for a suite if either the guys or gals are getting ready there so you’ve got some room to move around. (You may also want to make sure it has one of the double-head showers – not for me, for you). The lobby affords some nice options and vantage points for a first look.
Saunder’s farm is an interesting location. Located in Ottawa’s rural village, Munster, the farm offers a nice outdoor, unpretentious setting for your wedding. One of the obvious attraction to this Ottawa wedding venue is the natural mazes they have. There are lookout platforms perfect for getting various angles if you decide to use them for your portrait sessions. I think this location, however, is perfect for spring and fall weddings as there is no air conditioning in the reception building.
Don’t let the farm part fool you – this is one classy joint. It’s getting the VIP treatment even though I haven’t had the opportunity to shoot there yet. Having been to a couple open houses I can say it’s got buckets of prime photo backdrops from “big sky” to rustic barn board to romantic chic. Check ‘em out!
The Fairmont Chateau Laurier is a premier Ottawa wedding backdrop. Everything about it is opulent and ornate offering couples a regal and majestic setting for their Ottawa wedding. Only couples who are having their wedding within the historic hotel can use the common areas for portraits so you are guaranteed a session free battles with other wedding groups.
The Museum of Nature may not come to mind when thinking about an Ottawa wedding venue, but it should. One of my favourite locations within the museum is the Queen’s Lantern. It’s the huge glass column at the front of the museum. While it’s on the smaller side of what the entire museum has to offer, it is flooded with light. If that’s not enough, where else are you going to get your pictures taken with dinosaurs!
This museum is a quaint Ottawa wedding venue tucked away in an Ottawa residential area. The historic estate of one of Ottawa’s founding families who settled in 1812, the museum affords beautiful grounds for an outdoor wedding.
The Museum of Civilization is one of most architecturally unique buildings in the region, which is why it is also one of the most popular Ottawa wedding photography backdrops. Outside the curved lines of the building offer some unique angles for the photography while the Peace Tower on Parliament Hill creates an iconic Ottawa skyline.
The National Arts Centre offers many unique areas to hold your reception. It’s got some great outdoor options including a covered area by the canal which is invaluable when it rains.
A premier Ottawa wedding venue, the National Gallery has a number of options including the spectacular Grand Hall with its immense natural light and sky-high ceilings. Located close to the ByWard Market it offers some unique options for bridal group portraits or photos for just the bride and groom.
Restaurant 18 offers a great, intimate, fine dining experience for your Ottawa wedding reception or ceremony. While I’ve only ever photographed wedding receptions there, the space is great and really lends itself to intimate wedding photography. It’s also in the ByWard Market so there are plenty of options for a great Ottawa wedding photojournalism with a little walk around.
I was really impressed with this venue when I photographed two weddings there in 2017. Situated on 45 acres in Almonte, the property has lots of great places for guests to relax and mingle both inside and out. They have a nice outdoor ceremony location and shaded options for pleasing formal portraits. Steeped in history, located beside the old James Naismith (inventor of basketball) residence, Evermore mixes the old with the new.
The GCC is an affordable and central option in the heart of Ottawa. It has high ceilings and lots of quality natural light, which is great for documentary wedding photographers like me! Parking is a bit of an issue as it’s mostly just street options and time limits can be a consideration depending on what time and day your wedding is taking place. The best option is to taxi, ride-share or use public transit.
ASO is located inside a church that’s been reformed into a community space, complete with a nice bistro and coffee shop. The main area is gorgeous with vaulted ceilings and large stained-glass windows. As a photographer, I love the deep side ledges, which are perfect for placing light stands out of the way of guests.
Best Ottawa Wedding Caterers
Dish Catering put on an intimate meal for a small wedding at Gallery 13 a couple of years back. The chefs aren’t afraid to push the envelope and their boutique approach seems to allow for a great collaboration.
The Whalesbone Catering The WBC put on one of the most impressive catering jobs I have ever seen. While photographing Paul and Stephanie’s Ottawa wedding at the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons in Ottawa, my assistant David Kawai and I were so impressed with how they were working behind the scenes we had to remind ourselves that we were there to photograph a wedding, not the caterers. The food was insane and the execution impressed everyone at our table.
Tulips and Maple - I’m suggesting these guys because I still remember the meal I had at a wedding they worked years ago. It was salmon and it was done perfectly, not an easy feat when you’re not making the food on-site and at a venue that, at the time, had never hosted a wedding before. The servers were extremely efficient and executed the table service with army-like precision.
Best Ottawa Wedding Officiants
All Seasons Wedding Ceremonies –
Our licensed male or female wedding officiants conduct personalized civil, interfaith and spiritual wedding vows and custom marriage ceremonies at your home, cottage, banquet hall, or church. Whether you want a traditional or contemporary wedding ceremony, your wedding day will be a truly wonderful experience… unique, elegant, and to your complete satisfaction.
Rev. Brian Ballinger Brian was recently voted runner-up ‘Best Wedding Officiant in Ottawa and District’ at the prestigious Wedding Industry Experts wards. He is very open to conducting both non–denominational and spiritual wedding ceremonies in English, French, Spanish or bilingual. Brian brings a commitment to ensuring that your wedding ceremony, whether non–denominational or spiritual, will reflect who you are, in a genuine, personal way. His creativity, sense of humour and attention to detail will help everything go smoothly. “It’s your day – let’s make sure YOU enjoy it!”He is the third most requested officiant on our Ontario team. Book early.
Natalie Joy Quesnel Natalie Joy is an experienced public speaker, educator, dog-lover and chocolate addict. Having spent her childhood in Saint-Isidore and her adult life in Ottawa, Natalie Joy is fluent in both official languages and is licensed to perform spiritual, non-denominational and same-sex wedding ceremonies in both Ontario and Quebec. A graduate of the University of Ottawa with a Masters of Fine Arts, Natalie Joy is compassionate, versatile and passionate about making your special occasion a memorable experience. In her spare time, Natalie Joy watches reruns of Star Trek and enjoys board games with her husband and two beautiful daughters.
Ottawa Wedding Ceremonies – Our licensed male or female wedding officiants conduct personalized civil, interfaith and spiritual wedding vows and custom marriage ceremonies at your home, cottage, banquet hall, or church. Whether you want a traditional or a contemporary wedding ceremony, your wedding day will be a truly wonderful experience… unique, elegant, and to your complete satisfaction.
Lynne and Keith Langille - Lynne and Keith offer some of the best custom wedding ceremonies in Ottawa. One of the things that is unique in the way they perform the ceremony is that they often stand halfway down the aisle putting the couple front and centre and turned to face family and friends instead of away. Another benefit is that there is no officiant getting in the way of a clean "kiss" photo! Contact Keith@ExceptionalCeremonies.com for more info.
I had the pleasure of working with Jim Emerson at a wedding in 2022 and was really impressed. He made sure the wedding ceremony at ALE Lounge in Stittsville was full of energy and laughter. He had the family in stitches and he made sure to check in with me before getting going, which is great. He made sure the couple, Ray and Ashley, were front and centre and, most importantly, that he was out of the way when it came time for the “first kiss.”
Best Ottawa Wedding Planners
Sophie has over 10 years of experience turning ordinary places into extraordinary wedding settings.
Ottawa Wedding Videographers
First Kiss Films – Notes: Bridget Redmd is really doing something unique with her 16mm Ottawa wedding cinematography. With over 15 years of experience as a filmmaker, you’re in good hands with Bridget. Bridget working with me on Katie and Jon’s May 2012 Ottawa wedding at Juniper Restaurant. If you’re looking for something truly timeless, check out First Kiss Films.
Peaking Zebra Productions - They might have a funny name but Cassidy and Chris at Peaking Zebra Productions create professional and creative wedding films. They have a very laid-back approach to capturing their images, which is a great help to me to capture your important moments, but it also helps you stay in the moment and focus on the people that matter.
Films by Jinbon - I’m a big fan of this guy. He works light and simple and creates stunning films. I’ve also worked alongside him as a videographer and can attest to his ability to be in the right spot at the right time to tell your story.
Peaking Zebra -
Men’s Wedding Suits - Ottawa
A relatively new addition to the field of men’s stores in Ottawa, L’Hexagone fills a nice void offering great quality suits at great prices. The styles are fashion-forward and Yannick and Etienne will have you walking out the door looking like you’re about to walk on the set of Mad Men. Located on Dahousie St. in Ottawa’s Byward Market the atmosphere is laid back and contemporary making you feel like you want to hang out.
Indochino.com Indochino.com is an online, bespoke clothing manufacturer based in Vancouver. While they specialize in modern-cut suits, once you’ve got your 15 measurements plugged into their system, it’s really easy to log on and choose from any of their line of pants, shirts and jackets. As with all online ordering, take it from me and leave yourself lots of time before you need the suit for alterations and remakes. They have a perfect-fit promise so they offer either a credit for alterations up to $75, free remake or return. Delivery times range from 4 to 6 weeks.
Best Ottawa Bridal Fashions
Revelle Bridal Boutique Ottawa
Esther's amazing wedding dress was from Revelle. Not only was a great but I held up to the minus 20-degree weather we endured during their winter wedding.
