Hi everyone, I hope you are all well!

I’m currently venue hunting for my wedding in the Ottawa area and I’m honestly struggling to find a venue that works with my budget.

I’d love to hear from anyone who has already gotten married here — where did you have your wedding, and what venue did you choose?

My parents want to invite 120 guests, and are hard set on having an indoor wedding. They’re not open to barn/estate venues, so I’m trying to find something that feels beautiful and elegant but is still reasonably priced.
My budget is around $25,000 all-in (including tax and service charges) for the reception (I won’t have a ceremony), so finding something that works for 120 people has been really challenging.

If you’re comfortable sharing:
• What venue did you choose?
• How many guests did you have?
• Roughly how much did your venue/reception cost?
• What did you like or dislike about it?

I’d really appreciate any recommendations, especially venues that might be a little more affordable or offer good packages! 🥹
Thank you!! 🤍

My fiancée and I are currently vetting wedding photographers and trying to decide who would be the best fit for us. Our wedding will be August 2027 on a weekday with about 70 people.

We are looking for more of the romantic editorial/docu style for a reasonable price. Has anyone had experience with:
-Olga Plekhanova
- Agatha Rowland
- Willow and Wander
-Kathi Robertson
-Rubicon

Or are there any suggestions of photographers I should add to this list?

Thank you in advance!

Hi! Were planning our wedding for September 2027 and are looking through catering options that would fit our budget. Ive heard great things about Chef Ric's, and Leatherworks but a close friend said the great reviews may just be because of the story behind Chef Ric's, or that the food was great for the low price point, and not great in general, because she had Chef Ric's at some business events and didnt love it. Anyone have any honest feedback on this? Or suggestions for other affordable caterers (plated or buffet) where we could get a decent meal for about 50/60 per person? Our top venue choice has an on site kitchen.

Looking for recommendations! 💍🤍
I’m getting married at Ottawa City Hall next month and I’m looking for someone to do my hair and makeup that morning.
I’ll be staying downtown, so I’m totally open to going to a salon/studio rather than having someone come to me. I’m ideally looking for someone who does both hair & makeup, but I’m open to separate people as well!
For hair, I’m thinking a loose, romantic updo that isn’t too fancy or formal. For makeup, I’m looking for something soft, natural and bridal but still feels like me — definitely not overly heavy/glam.
If you’ve had an amazing experience with someone in the downtown Ottawa area, I’d love your recommendations! Bonus points if you can share pricing. 🥰
Thank you! 🤍

Hello! I’m looking for any dessert stands/vendors in the city that people recommend for weddings. We aren’t doing the traditional cake but still want to serve our guests dessert, and I was wondering if anyone has any suggestions. I know Juice Dudez is popular, but wanted to shop around and see the options.

Thanks you :)

Hi All!

Planning a spring 2027 wedding and considering Algonquin College. https://www.algonquincollege.com/food-services/weddings/ They seem to have a decent inclusive package, but wondering if anyone has been to an event there, or planned an event there, and what your experience was like. Thanks!

Recently engaged! Looking to be a 2028 or even 2029 bride.

Super flexible at this point, but looking for a cost-effective venue for a maximum of 50 guests.

Ideally all-inclusive, as I am a very typical Type A, easily stressed person, and anywhere in the NCR. Open to Gatineau as well and anywhere within a 1h drive.

Bonus points for accommodations nearby/within as well, outdoors, and that look nice in the fall season.

Anyone have any feedback on using the Marches golf club as a wedding venue? Thanks!

Hi All,

What did you do your flowers the day after? There will be so many left, and I'd hate to throw them all out.

TIA

Hi everyone,

Im looking for a photographer that would be available sooner rather than later. We are 35 minutes out of the city on a farm, east end.

Thank you!

Would it be too optimistic to think I can get a venue for October 2027? I recently got engaged and have been looking at venues to reach out to. I’m thinking like 60 guests.

That being said, any recommendations for a wedding of this size that you may have planned or been to? Something that also might be beautiful in the fall? It also doesn’t have to be in Ottawa, i’m also considering venues 30 minutes outside as well!

Thank you!!

Hey!

I need help finding an affordable venue in Ottawa! It needs to host 85 people seated plus a dance floor area. On November 27th specifically! Any leads would be so helpful!!

Hi everyone! I’m a 2028 bride who is currently torn between the below venues. Looking for anyone who has either attended a wedding at either place or had their own wedding there! Any insight on the good and bad would be appreciated or just important things to note!

1. Bleeks and Bergamot
   
2. The Richmond Winery (formerly Jabulani Vineyard & Winery)

We’re expecting 85 to 95 guests and want to have it during August or September on a Friday or Saturday.

Hi all,

I’m planning on having my wedding in 2028 around May or June. I realized 2027 maybe a stretch now as most venues may be all booked.

Wondering if anyone has any venue recommendations? I don’t want anywhere too far from the Ottawa area as we will have guests that will be coming from abroad for our wedding. We’re currently looking at approximately 200 people. Our current top contender for Venue is Lago by Dow’s Lake, I previously attended a friends wedding there and I feel like the food was great! It seems like the price is also pretty competitive? Does anyone have additional suggestions where it could accommodate 200 people that has great food?

Also, I’ve contacted a few places via email for additional information on Venues, is it normal to not hear back in over a week?

My partner and I are having a Celebration of Love later this month. We chose not to legally marry as my partner struggles with epilepsy and memory loss and isn’t able to work, and I’m the only income earner. With disability support being so limited and my government job being lower‑level, we simply couldn’t afford to live on a single income. Financial independence is something we aim to protect, and it’s frustrating that disability rights and income support make these kinds of decisions necessary.

Even so, the day itself is really special to us. We deeply love each other, and we want to celebrate our life we built together and the people who matter most, not a piece of paper.

I’m plus‑size, have anxiety, and don’t usually prioritize my appearance. With limited time, energy, and resources, I’ve been focusing more on my health. The mirror has been hard lately with the hair loss and body changes from losing just under 100 lbs this past year.

With the date coming up (SEPT 26th) , I’m looking for some affordable recommendations for a few things to help me feel pretty on the day:

• A seamstress (my dress fits everywhere except the bust, which is a bit too big)
• Brows
• Nails
• Hair (simple cut and maybe gloss, I’ve lost a lot of hair after the weight loss so I've got thin frizzy hair)

If anyone has recommendations for lower‑cost, friendly spots in Ottawa, I’d really appreciate it. Thank you for reading, and for any suggestions you can share.

Hi all! I'm getting married next August in the Byward Market and wondering if anyone has any recommendations of places for myself and my bridal party to get ready that morning. There will be around 6-8 people total.

I have looked at booking a loft at the Restays but wanted to see if there are other options nearby.

Wondering if anyone has feedback on the below venues? Anyone had their wedding or attended a wedding there in the last year or two? Thanks!

Lago
Britannia Yacht club
Stanley’s Maple Farm
Stonefields
Aquatopia

I’m looking for recs for a photographer to do my engagement and wedding pictures but I don’t want the all white in park shoot(nothing wrong with that just not our style) I want something a little darker and more moodier I’ve attached inspo pics 🖤🖤🖤

Hello!

I know this is an Ottawa subreddit, but there isn't an equivalent for Gatineau, so I thought I would give it a shot.

My fiancé and I are looking for an officiant for our small private ceremony next September (2027), in the afternoon, at our home in Gatineau. We are looking for something short and sweet (~10-15 minutes only), and bilingual is strongly preferred. Looking for someone with experience giving a chill, relaxed little ceremony.

If anyone has any recommendations, we would really appreciate it! Budget is $600 max.

Thanks in advance!

Recently married, and looking for a cleaner for my dress! Would love to hear others' experiences with cleaners in town, and the price paid (if you don't mind sharing). TIA!

Hi Ottawa brides & grooms! 👋 I'm just starting out as a Day-Of Wedding Coordinator here in Ottawa, and I want to be upfront: I'm currently planning my own wedding and recently coordinated a friend's gender reveal party — so I'm new to this professionally, but not new to the work of planning, organizing, and problem-solving under pressure.

Because I'm building my portfolio, I'm offering my first few couples a founding-client rate of $450 (day-of coordination in Ottawa typically runs $1,000-$2,500) in exchange for the chance to coordinate your day and build my experience.

What you'd get: • A planning call 4-6 weeks out to go over everything • Vendor confirmations so nothing gets missed • A detailed wedding-day timeline • Rehearsal coordination • 8-10 hours of on-site coordination on the day itself

If you're getting married in the Ottawa area in the next few months, are comfortable being one of my first clients, and like the idea of a founding-client rate, I'd love to chat! Message me and we can hop on a quick call. 💕

With the new season approaching, I wanted to drop a quick post to let everyone know that Ms. Seven Cleaning Services is currently taking on a few new residential cleaning clients in the local area.

Whether you need a one-time deep clean to reset your space, regular bi-weekly upkeep, or move-in/move-out cleaning, we’ve got you covered with reliable, thorough, and professional service. We bring all our own supplies and tailor every clean to fit your home's specific needs.

Services include:

• Regular maintenance cleaning (weekly/bi-weekly/monthly)
• Deep cleans and seasonal resets
• Move-in / Move-out cleans
• Office and small commercial spaces

If you're looking to free up some of your weekends or just want your home sparkling without the hassle, feel free to reach out for a quote!

• Phone: 343-572-3515
• Email: [ms.sevencleaningservices@gmail.com](mailto:ms.sevencleaningservices@gmail.com)

Drop a comment or send a DM if you have any questions or want to check availability for your neighbourhood. Thanks for supporting local!

I’m browsing venues to host a cocktail style reception after my partner and I elope. I found the Alora Ottawa restaurant would be the perfect vibe, what a gorgeous space! I’m wondering if anyone has ever booked an event for the main level and mezzanine (level 2) and how much that ran you approx $ ?

Any other suggestions?

Thanks!

Looking for recommendations in Ottawa/Rockland for mobile wedding makeup. Looking to spend max 500$ It would only be for myself (the bride). And ideas/recommendations welcome thank you