12 Calgary best wedding venues for my brides

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12 Calgary best wedding venues review can make your choice easier!


Every bride is bound to make a lot of choices before a wedding. A lot of responsibility goes into these choices, because she’s making them for her special day. Lots of criteria should be considered when you choose your reception venue: style, accommodation capacity, location, design and of course, the cost of it all. I would really like to help my brides – make this process easier. So, this article is going to be about 12 Calgary best wedding venues because this topic is one of the most important for any couple. The wedding venue has to be carefully chosen and correspond to a couple’s needs.

I want to cover 12 of the most popular Calgary wedding venues. All the beautiful locations I am going to mention are destined to accommodate a wedding party up to 100 guests or more. If you are looking for something smaller and more intimate, you are welcome to read my next post about small affordable wedding venues. Most places I will describe I have used with my clients for all sorts of occasions, both weddings or lifestyle. I have experience working inside and outside these wonderful buildings.

Big, small, rustic, modern, elegant, indoor or outdoor; I will give you a choice.

Let’s talk hotels first. These kind of receptions have their advantages: full catering services, central location, parking option and a lot of space. Definitely good criteria to consider!

Calgary Marriott Downtown Hotel

Nathalie Terekhova wedding photographer Wedding receptions venues revue“Enjoy our hotel’s incredible location near lively Stephen Avenue, Calgary Zoo and Calgary Stampede,” – Marriot Website.

Any hotel option is an absolutely amazing choice for wedding photography: you can have the “getting ready” images in a beautiful room without too much care about keeping your house in order during the wedding process. Any photographer appreciates the clean scenery to get the best “getting ready” shots.

“This downtown hotel has more than 11,000 square feet of event space that is flexible for big groups or more intimate affairs. Its Sunalta Room has views of Stephen Avenue and an attached patio to enjoy if you host your wedding here in the warmer months.

The Marriott’s professional events team will help with all the planning, including making selections from the hotel’s chef-crafted menus or helping you customize your own meal,”- Avenue Magazine.

110 9 Ave. S.E., 403-266-7331. calgarymarriott.com

Arts Commons
Nathalie Terekhova wedding photographer Wedding receptions venues revue

“Take Centre Stage On Your Wedding Day!

Located in the heart of downtown Calgary, Arts Commons is home to over 30 years of legendary music, theatre, arts experiences, and yes, weddings!  

Built in 1985, Arts Commons is an inspirational gathering place that stimulates senses, triggers emotions, starts conversations and opens minds. The central location in the heart of downtown Calgary makes for unique photo opportunities with Calgary’s most iconic settings, and allows you to host your ceremony, dinner and reception all in one location.  

Arts Commons is recognized not only for its unique venues, but its customizable experiences, no food and beverage minimums, and world-class audio-visual capabilities. ” – Arts Commons website.

If you like this option, you should definitely download their booklet with all kinds of services you can look through.

205 8 Ave. S.E., 403-294-7455, artscommons.ca

Fairmont Palliser

Nathalie Terekhova wedding photographer Wedding receptions venues revue

I have a special affection for this hotel! Every year one of my annual customers has appreciation dinner in one of its gorgeous ballrooms. It’s all about traditional and historical beauty!

“Fairmont Palliser opened in 1914 and stands today as an elegant and sophisticated city landmark. This grand, historic building remains Calgary’s place to be.

On your wedding day we welcome you to step through our historic front doors and step back to a time of elegance and charm, to an era of white-glove service in distinctive surroundings.

From an intimate wedding ceremony, to a celebratory champagne toast in your elegantly appointed bridal suite to a celebration in the grand Crystal Ballroom – the hotel will attend to every detail to create wedding memories you will cherish for a lifetime.

Whether you’re planning an intimate or grand celebration, traditional or modern, festive or formal, the Fairmont Palliser is the ideal Calgary wedding venue for your special day.

With our 104 years of entertaining guests in Calgary’s castle, we have a talented team where if you can dream it, we can create it.” – Fairmont Palliser webpage.

If you need more information about reception cost or availability, definitely give a call at (403) 260-1220 or use this email for online enquiries: palcatering@fairmont.com

133 9 Ave. S.W., 403-260-1220, fairmont.com/palliser

Hotel Arts

Nathalie Terekhova wedding photographer Wedding receptions venues revueThe Hotel Arts website describes the venue best: “Art, design, extraordinary service and a dash of whimsy. You’ll feel it the moment you walk through the door. We’re a different kind of hotel. Your creative hub in the heart of downtown.”

That’s exactly the feeling I had when I shot there – modern, stylish, artistic! If you like it – choose it!

It has a huge ballroom with several other event rooms that can accommodate from 75 to 1,000 people for a reception. Venue rental includes staff and bartenders, sumptuous menus and a team dedicated to all budgets and styles.

The wedding reception information is to be checked here.

119 12 Ave. S.W., 403-206-9564, hotelarts.ca

Hyatt Regency Calgary

Nathalie Terekhova wedding photographer Wedding receptions venues revue

“Whether you are planning a traditional wedding, or something a little more unique, we would be honoured to help you create a memorable celebration. From civil unions and spiritual ceremonies to ethnic traditions, we respect and welcome the celebrations of all beliefs, communities, and cultures.”

Avenue Magazine describes the reception halls the best: “Imperial Ballroom and Grand Foyer is made for really big weddings. It has a capacity of 1,280 seated guests. There are also rooms for weddings that top out at 120, 100 or 60 guests.” Very impressive, right?

For more information about wedding packages, catering or ballrooms options, give a call at at (403) 537-680. The website states discounted rates exclusive to wedding parties. Don’t miss the deal!

700 Centre St. S.E., 403-717-1234, calgary.regency.hyatt.com

I’ve mentioned multiple hotels, so you already have some choices to make for a gorgeous location. I would love to mention other types of Wedding venues as well.

 

WinSport

Nathalie Terekhova wedding photographer Wedding receptions venues revue

This place has a lot of spacious options. It is located in the SW area of Calgary. The good news is that the parking is all included if you decide to go with this company. It’s a very attractive feature – no worries about parking! But it is not the only feature of WinSport to consider for your wedding reception.
With WinSport you have two options:

1) You can use the space WinSport is offering with multiple services including excellent food and diverse sport activities. Right now there is a special offer for wedding clients available until the end of March. Check it out HERE.

2) You can order catering from the WinSport executive chief, Liana Robberecht. The company was named the Best Caterer in the 2016-17 Calgary Event Awards: “Whether you are hosting an event in our venue or off-site, our world-class food and beverage team can cater a menu to your needs.” The full catering menu is HERE.

88 Canada Olympic Rd. S.W., 403-247-5452, winsport

 

Spruce Meadows

Nathalie Terekhova wedding photographer Wedding receptions venues revueWedding at Spruce Meadows can be unforgettable! I like this quiet corner of the city with all my heart! I believe, all horse lovers love it as I do!

“The British House’s Georgian Room is the smaller of the two venues and can accommodate 120 guests, while the Gallery on the Green Congress Hall is able to accommodate 500 of your family and friends. Our grounds and patio offer romantic locale should you wish to exchange your vows outdoors.” – Spruce Meadows webpage.

Wedding menu is provided by GreatEvents Catering, one of the top caterers in Western Canada, under the direction of the Executive Chef, Daryl Kerr. You can check the creative MENU with innovative ways of execution. The wedding brochure gives an idea on how the Spruce Meadows layout can underline your wedding day reception.

18011 Spruce Meadows Way S.W., 403-974-4264, sprucemeadows.com

Calgary Stampede

Nathalie Terekhova wedding photographer Wedding receptions venues revue

According to Avenue magazine, “the Calgary Stampede is basically one giant collection of event spaces. Inside the BMO Centre, there is the Palomino Room, Arabian Room, Quarter Horse Room and Mustang Room with capacity from 65 people up to 1,000 people.”

Rotary House is a log cabin with a stone fireplace and room for up to 180 people. Besides, the Big Sky Showroom in Stampede Casino is also available for events.

Don’t forget about the entire Grandstand room!  It has enough space for a a reception with 8,000 people. For smaller budgets you can rent a section like Ranahan’s or The Lazy S.

If you want an afternoon cocktail party in the summer, Indian Village is an option.

I have a huge experience working in different Stampede grounds, indoor and outdoor. I’ve covered events as well as weddings. It has a big potential to accommodate a different number of guests.
HERE you can find the menu recommendations as well as general information and pricing. The Calgary Stampede venues  are numerous to choose according your guests number, design and comfort. Big place for a big day!

calgarystampede.com

Calgary Zoo

This place is one of my favourite family venues. Can you imagine having a wedding in the middle of wildlife? I can! It has big photographic potential. I explored this location many times and there are many places I’m in love with! Some of them are very beautiful and helpful in a cold Calgary winter period! Yes, I’m talking about the greenhouse.

If you check the Zoo website, you’ll find a detailed description of its facilities: The Eurasian Gateway Tent, The ENMAX Conservatory, Safari Lodge, Grazers Restaurant & Patio.

All together, “The Calgary Zoo provides the perfect mix of elegance and fun for you and your wedding guests. Enjoy an unforgettable event with our one-of-a-kind venues and delicious locally sourced cuisine. Exploring St. George’s Island, your guests will be treated to unique encounters as the zoo is home to almost 900 animals, and 130 different species. Rain or shine, couples can expect exquisite photos in our lush Dorothy Harvie Gardens.”

The menu dishes include vegetables and herbs grown right in the zoo’s Garden of Eatin’. Guests with allergies can also have menus designed specifically for them.
If you decide to go with Calgary Zoo, use this form to book your wedding ceremony and/or reception there.
calgaryzoo.com

Now let’s talk about my most beloved wedding places!

 

The Saskatoon Farm

Nathalie Terekhova wedding photographer Wedding receptions venues revue

What do I love about this location?

EVERYTHING!
It’s greenery, lots of quiet corners, country style atmosphere, greenhouse, meal that consists of local, fresh and seasonal items to create dishes that guests not only enjoy but savour.

The farm can accommodate up to 100 people. If you’ve never been there, all you would need to know is that it is a u-pick farm with greenhouses and a cafe.  The front facade of the building looks like a vintage style western main street. The pathways, u-pick zones, flowerbeds and the scenery road can be the perfect photography locations! I loved working here.

1(800) 463-21-13, kldhamer@gmail.com, 

Bow Valley Ranche Restaurant

Nathalie Terekhova wedding photographer Wedding receptions venues revue

“The Bow Valley Ranche is an award-winning wedding venue in Calgary and is one of the city’s most sought-after spots for both indoor and outdoor weddings. The main house offers a memorable, historic space for gatherings of all sizes. With classic fixtures, iconic antler chandeliers and a striking mantle, the décor of the house speaks for itself, and doesn’t need much augmentation.”

This place is extremely popular. I have had the largest amount of weddings here. You can check out a few of them in my BLOG.

The wedding page of the Bow Valley Ranche restaurant is very helpful with a lot of information for couples.
You can order the private wedding tastings by calling this number: (403) 476-13-10. What an awesome idea! The 3-course tasting | $60 per person; 4-course tasting | $75 per person; 5-course tasting | $90 per person.

15979 Bow Bottom Tr. S.E., 403-476-1310, events@bvrrestaurant.combvrestaurant.com

Reader Rock Garden

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If you are planning to have your wedding in June, don’t think twice – book this park right away!
June is the blossoming period when this locations becomes a paradise in Calgary! I’ve been there millions of times but the beginning of the summer is always the most special!

It is located very close to Downtown. And it has a free parking! The garden provides clean, quiet, isolated lawns for you ceremony and celebration.

Booking for the next year opens on October 1 and can be made for May 1 to September 30 and have to take place before 11 a.m. or after 2 p.m.

There are a few restrictions, things you can’t have at Reader Rock Garden, those are: lanterns, rose petals, balloons, bubble machines and runners (or anything that blocks the oxygen flow to the grass). This is the cost to get a wedding in paradise.

Ceremony and photography fees vary from 500-700$ depending on the lawn. The photography rate is 100$/h.
This form is to be used to book your private event there.

325 25 Ave. S.E., calgary.ca

 

I have experience working in all of these places, covering any lighting scenarios. My team is more than happy to make your wedding photo experience unforgettable. Just let us know!

Check my other blog posts here: https://weddings.photont.ca/stories/
Check my family and lifestyle website here: http://photont.ca/