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5 Unconventional Non-Traditional Ottawa Wedding Venues
February 29, 2024

5 Interesting, Non-Traditional Ottawa Wedding Venues to Check Out

Most people think of regal parliament buildings, snowy backdrops, and more traditional venues when they’re asked to picture a wedding in Ottawa. But some of Ottawa’s most eclectic wedding venues are less traditional, with eclectic features or interesting cultural associations that could make your wedding more meaningful or interesting. Check out these unconventional Ottawa wedding venues.

1. The best Ottawa wedding venue for drama queens

Set the stage for a grand romance. Getting married at The Great Canadian Theatre Company is great for couples looking for a bigger venue that isn’t a church or religious building. Some couples even choose to hold their ceremony on stage at the theatre with full spotlights and a band in the orchestra pit. Working with more of a budget? Try looking up local theatres in Ottawa and give them a call to see if they’ll let you stage your own marriage production. Many smaller theatres are happy to rent out their space for special events like wedding ceremonies, and may have lower fees than the usual go-to wedding venues. 

2. A creative artistic Ottawa wedding

Make your nuptials a work of art. Ottawa has an eclectic mix of galleries, creative venues, and artistic spirit. If you’re an artist or love the energy of a creative space, consider getting married in a space that’s already decorated with beautiful art and known for celebrating local Ottawa creatives. You can also save on cost by choosing a gallery instead of a traditional wedding venue. Less traditional venues like galleries are also more likely to let you bring in your own art and host a less traditional ceremony that’s framed in a way that suits your union.

Here are a few galleries to consider for a creative wedding vibe:

  • Alpha & Omega Art Gallery: a low-key, open concept space with a big patio and bright natural light for small to mid-size ceremonies.
  • National Gallery of Ottawa: a more formal grand venue with options for bigger parties and access to outdoor gardens.
  • Koyman Galleries: a 13,000 square foot loft-style venue in Ottawa’s east end, great for up to 300 people.
  • Looking for a smaller, low-fi artsy Ottawa wedding venue? Search on Google Maps for art galleries or music venues in the Ottawa neighbourhood you’re looking to have your wedding. Try giving spaces you like a call and asking if they allow events; some people who don’t formally host weddings are open to renting out unconventional spaces for ceremonies or parties. This can be a great cost-effective way to save on wedding venues as well.

3.To infinity and beyond: a wedding venue for space cadets

Take your ceremony to new heights! If you’re looking for a memorable, quirky wedding venue this could be the spot. The Canadian Space and Aviation Museum is an entertaining, unconventional place to have your wedding. It’s also great for photo ops and could be a meaningful place to get married if you both love to travel, first met on a plane, work in aviation, have an interest in outer space, or just enjoy the idea of dining inside an airplane hangar. It’s also a fun place for kids to explore while the adults listen to speeches or start on cocktails.

white tables set up for a wedding at the aviation museum in Ottawa

4. A great wedding venue for a nature-centric couple 

Get back to your country roots and enjoy a low-fuss wedding. If you’ve ever dreamt of getting married on a farm or love the outdoors, The Central Experimental Farm could be a great place to connect with nature as you celebrate your wedding. Stroll through ornamental gardens with lilac trees and grassy pastures, set up a table under the stars on their sprawling lawns, or enjoy a photo op with the farm animals with your new spouse! This rustic location is great for the wild at heart. Looking for another option? Aquatopia Water Conservancy offers an indoor lush greenhouse that you can enjoy even while it’s snowing.

A couple stands together on their Ottawa wedding day. The bride wears a white dress and the foliage is green with a river and garden in the background.

5. A cozy lodge with willow trees, rivers, and a homey atmosphere

If you’re looking for a beautiful, low-maintenance wedding with outdoor venue space and a lakeside terrace, Beantown could be a good fit. The interior space looks like a cozy ski lodge, with exposed wood beams and grey stone. With whimsical wooden bridges, wavy willow trees and babbling brooks it’s also got lovely backdrops for photos and areas for guests to explore. This spot started as a destination for snowmobilers, so it’s well-equipped for winter weddings, too. 

I love helping you feel comfortable and look brilliant in your wedding photos

My goal is to be someone you can completely trust to capture your day in a way you’ll love. I’m great at blending in and letting each guest feel at home, so I can snap beautiful photos of you and your loved ones looking and feeling your best. I can make nervous photo subjects feel at ease and I’m great at getting a natural smile or a gorgeous light setup in any environment. Whether you’re having a more traditional wedding, a low-key ceremony, or a fun and unconventional wedding, I’d love to get the snapshots that you’ll be excited to frame, share, and keep forever. 

Let’s talk about your wedding or family photos. Give me a call at 613-322-7410 or email me at info@boyophoto.ca.


The Aviation Museum in Ottawa is a great unconventional venue to try out

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