Canada has many beautiful locations for a wedding, from historic churches to national parks. If you’re looking for a place to celebrate your wedding while remembering Canada’s heritage, here are a few places you may want to look into.
Métis Crossing As a Wedding Site
The Métis Crossing Cultural Centre in Alberta loves to celebrate family and love. There’s no requirement to be Métis. You can hold your wedding and stay at the lodge, which overlooks the North Saskatchewan River. Guests can enjoy some of the cultural experiences to better understand the Métis. The Cultural Gathering Centre has rustic beams and natural light, so it needs minimal decorations.
Quaaout Lodge & Spa at Talking Rock Golf Resort
The Quaaout Lodge is located in Chase, British Columbia. It sits beside Little Shuswap Lake, so you can have a lakeside wedding. Your guests will enjoy the hospitality of the Little Shuswap Lake Band, which owns the lodge. The resort is open all year long, with appropriate activities for all seasons. The environment is kept in pristine condition, and it’s considered a photographer’s delight. Your wedding pictures will be amazing.
Cape Breton Highlands National Park As a Wedding Site
This national park in Nova Scotia offers two different backdrops, the sea and the mountains. You’ll need a Nova Scotia marriage license, but the scenery will make up for any bureaucratic inconvenience. The park features several locations that are suitable for ceremonies. Trout Brook has a small picnic shelter and a wood stove. It’s the perfect setting for an intimate wedding. Have your wedding party hike up the Skyline Trail to a cliff that overlooks the Gulf of St. Lawrence. You may even have some wildlife join you as you say your vows.
Batoche National Historic Wedding Site
Located in Saskatchewan, Batoche is about an hour north of Saskatoon. The site is only open from May to October for visitors, but it’s a lovely location with heritage buildings that are the perfect place for a simple wedding in a romantic place surrounded by history and nature. Guests can enjoy the museum before the wedding to learn more about the Métis and the First Nations.
Fort Malden National Historic Site
Get a glimpse into what life was like in the 19th century at this historical site along the banks of the Detroit River in Ontario. Visitor services are offered May to October. The site welcomes weddings and has many facilities that can be used to host an unforgettable wedding. Your guests will have plenty of places to explore while visiting the area. Amherstburg is a great town with wineries, restaurants and entertainment to keep everyone from getting bored.
Manoir-Papineau National Historic Site
Louis-Joseph Papineau was a historical figure who failed in his rebellion but ultimately led Canada to a responsible government. This beautiful manor house is one of the sites that remembers his legacy. It features many rooms and outbuildings suitable for weddings. The gardens and lawns are lovely places for pictures. Papineau was one of the original Francophone patriots.
The Forks National Historic Site
This site is a National Historic Site of Canada because it has been witness to many events in Canada’s history. Its geographical location at the juncture of the Red and Assiniboine Rivers make it a beautiful location to host a wedding. The amphitheatre can hold up to 120 chairs, but there are other spaces in the nine-acre park.
These locations bring history and nature to your wedding, making it a special celebration for you and your guests. Make sure to check with the facility’s management about wedding guidelines. Unfortunately, Parks Canada, which runs many of these venues, does not allow confetti or rose petals to be thrown at the ceremony. You may have to give up some of your traditions to get heritage.
Tying the knot comes with a ton of important decisions such as avoiding bad venues. One of the first choices couples have to make is where the event will take place. The wedding venue makes a big difference in how your special day plays out, so you don’t want to pick any old location. To feel inspired, it can be fun to take a look at some of the most unique venues found across Canada. From the beautiful to the bizarre, there are some amazing places that illustrate just how many creative options are available to you.
Classical Chinese Garden Venues
Out in Vancouver, British Columbia, is one of the more noteworthy of all Canada’s many gardens. From the authentic architecture of the pavilions to the delicate pink petals offered by the cherry blossoms in spring, the aesthetic of Dr. Sun Yat-Sen’s Classical Chinese Garden is absolutely stunning. The venue is available for weddings and is able to hold roughly 500 people at a given time, though it does book fast. Anyone who has a love for the art and imagery associated with the Ming dynasty will find this space to be breathtaking.
Museum Venues
Getting married in a museum is not a new concept. All over the world, couples use some of the most famous public museums to host spectacular private events. What is more interesting, however, is when such an event takes place in a very niche museum. The Hangar Flight Museum in Calgary, Alberta, is the type of space perfect for anyone who fancies the world of flight. The space itself is actually a hangar, which adds a level of beautiful realism for those interested in aviation.
Unlike larger museums, however, the Hangar Flight Museum cannot hold as many guests. The capacity is limited to about 50, though this number can be bumped for events that take place in warmer weather and can include outdoor seating.
The Hôtel de Glace
Looking for a wedding venue that shows just how cool you are? If so, the Hôtel de Glace could be for you. The venue is more than just cool — it is actually made from ice. Located in Quebec City, Quebec, this hotel features a variety of icy attractions that give it a completely unique and whimsical feel. The space can obviously get quite chilly, so anyone planning to walk down the aisle of this venue should warn guests to wear extra layers.
Murphy’s The Cable Wharf
You don’t need to stay on dry land to find the wedding venue of your dreams in Canada. Out in Halifax, Nova Scotia, is a venue that allows you to set sail as you tie the knot. Murphy’s The Cable Wharf allows guests the ability to board a schooner that accommodates about 150 people and hit the open water for a wedding unlike any other. This is perfect for couples who love adventure, though it is important to remain mindful of weather conditions and other factors that might impact the experience.
Hatley Castle
The final venue on our list is located in Colwood, British Columbia. Hatley Castle is a gorgeous example of a venue that captures the storybook side of your special day. Overlooking the Straits of San Juan De Fuca and with captivating views of the Olympic Mountains, this is a venue that seriously packs a punch with visuals. If getting married in an actual castle isn’t exciting enough for you, there are dozens of perks and features offered to couples who are looking to tie the knot on the grounds.
From castles to conservatories, there are some amazing places to consider getting married in Canada. While the locations on this list might be difficult to book, you will easily be able to find a suitable destination for your own wedding with a little bit of time.
When choosing a wedding photographer, make sure that they are experienced and professional.
You’ll probably spend more time with your wedding photographer on the day of your wedding than any other professional or person. Although many wedding magazines recommend that you ask about equipment and style, it’s more important to choose a photographer with whom you can relax and who will provide what you’re looking for. Here are seven tips to help you select the right person.
There are probably hundreds of listings in your area for wedding photographers. Browse through their portfolios and find three or four with images that you like. Once you’ve narrowed your choices, set up a time to meet with the photographer. Make sure you’re meeting with the person who will be at your wedding, not a sales person/consultant or the owner of the studio. You’re putting your wedding memories in the photographer’s hands. You have to like and trust this person.
Don’t choose a photographer for these reasons:
He or she is family or the friend of a family member. Just imagine if something goes wrong. You have to face this person at family reunions for the rest of your life.
The venue made the recommendation. There are some venues that actually allow vendors to pay to be on the “preferred list.” It’s marketing, not preference.
The wedding photographer is running a sale. Good photographers have to invest in professional equipment and pay taxes and insurance. If they’re offering a deep discount, you have to ask yourself, “Where are they cutting corners?”
They’re popular and booked out for 300 weddings this year. Think about the logistics of doing 300 weddings in one year. Who knows who will be actually taking pictures of you on your wedding day?
Ask what you get for their services. On average, you should expect 50 to 100 photos for each hour the photographer works. Who owns the rights to the photographs? How will you get reprints? How many of the pictures will be edited in post-production?
Will the photographer do a first-look session? A first look is when the bride and groom spend a few minutes alone together before the ceremony. It helps to get the jitters out and lets you have that real moment of seeing each other in private. Your photographer can capture those raw emotions before the ceremony and then you can enjoy the cocktail hour after the ceremony.
What happens if the photographer is sick? Although it is unlikely that the photographer you choose will get sick, you should know what the contingency plan is.
Find out how much experience the wedding photographer has. Don’t simply look at years in business, but consider how many weddings the person has actually shot in that time frame. Someone with five years of experience who has only done 10 weddings may not compare to someone with just one year of experience who has done 50 weddings over that time.
Do you get a contract that clearly outlines the details of the services? Be extremely wary of photographers who do not have a contract that offers pricing, resolution terms and cancellation terms. This is for your protection as much as theirs. Once you have a contract, any verbal statements that change the terms of the contract should be obtained in writing.
Choose Your Wedding Photographer Sooner Rather Than Later
You may need to book your photographer right after you choose the date of the wedding. However, don’t panic if you don’t get your first choice. You may be able to get a referral to someone with a similar style who doesn’t have a full schedule. Should you tip your photographer? While most photographers don’t expect tips, most will appreciate one if it is given.
Due to the popularity of the movie “Frozen”, more and more people are placing their wedding date in the winter.
Every bride dreams of the perfect wedding and one of the first decisions that you have to make is the date. Some couples have a special day and won’t even think about choosing another wedding date, but many people aren’t even sure where to start. Here are some tips to help you narrow the choices and select a date that will work for you.
What’s Your Dream Wedding?
When you see yourself getting married, you have to know what you envision as your ideal. Maybe you want to be married in a lush rose garden, which might mean a late spring or early summer wedding. If you’ve always wanted to get married in a vineyard, you might have to think late September or October. With the popularity of the movie “Frozen,” more couples are thinking of a beautiful white, winter wedding. Choose a season that fits your imagination.
Consider the Weather
Even if your wedding is inside, you should take into account the weather when planning the date. If you imagine the groom wearing a tux or full suit, the middle of summer might not be the best choice. It’s just too hot to be so formal in 100-degree weather. The other factor in considering the weather is your guests’ comfort. If you’re having an outside wedding, you don’t want your guests to bake in the sun or freeze because it’s too cold. Of course, there are always unseasonable temperatures, but you can’t control everything.
Consider Your Budget
There’s a reason June, September and October are popular months to get married in, and it’s because the weather is generally fairly dependable. Vendors know that these are popular months, and the prices go up during the wedding season. If you have a strict budget, you might want to consider an off-season wedding. But you do need think about sacrifices in other areas, because specialty flowers aren’t always as readily available in off-season months. Saving money with the venue, then spending it on flowers doesn’t make the most sense if you’re trying to save money.
Special Occasions to Consider for Your Wedding Date
It might be nice to get married on New Year’s Eve, because the date will always be special in more ways than one. When considering your wedding date, you have to consider the holiday season. On Valentine’s Day, roses tend to be more expensive, which could increase your budget. If you live in a college town, you may also have to think about sports events, such as homecoming. This might make it difficult for your friends and family to find reasonable accommodations. Hotels, flights and car rentals all tend to get more expensive on holiday weekends and when demand is higher.
Another element in looking at special dates is that of those dates special to you and your spouse. Whether it’s the day you met or your grandparent’s anniversary, you may be looking at one particular date. Consider how important the actual date is versus some flexibility in scheduling.
The Venues May Have Limited Availability
Once you choose your ideal date, you have to work it out with your venues. Often, churches won’t hold weddings on Sundays because they are using the facility for their own services. With some places, you may have to work around corporate events or other weddings. Again, some flexibility is always good when planning, especially when you have a short time frame.
Decide what’s most important to you when choosing your wedding date and what you won’t compromise on. Check with family members and your wedding party to make sure you’re not planning your wedding on top of someone’s graduation from college or silver anniversary wedding trip. It will save you a lot of headache in the long run. Although you cannot plan for every contingency, you can really consider some of the most important factors in choosing your wedding date to have the wedding of your dreams.
Canada has many beautiful locations for a wedding, from historic churches to national parks. If you’re looking for a place to celebrate your wedding while remembering Canada’s heritage, here are a few places you may want to look into.
Métis Crossing As a Wedding Site
The Métis Crossing Cultural Centre in Alberta loves to celebrate family and love. There’s no requirement to be Métis. You can hold your wedding and stay at the lodge, which overlooks the North Saskatchewan River. Guests can enjoy some of the cultural experiences to better understand the Métis. The Cultural Gathering Centre has rustic beams and natural light, so it needs minimal decorations.
Quaaout Lodge & Spa at Talking Rock Golf Resort
The Quaaout Lodge is located in Chase, British Columbia. It sits beside Little Shuswap Lake, so you can have a lakeside wedding. Your guests will enjoy the hospitality of the Little Shuswap Lake Band, which owns the lodge. The resort is open all year long, with appropriate activities for all seasons. The environment is kept in pristine condition, and it’s considered a photographer’s delight. Your wedding pictures will be amazing.
Cape Breton Highlands National Park As a Wedding Site
This national park in Nova Scotia offers two different backdrops, the sea and the mountains. You’ll need a Nova Scotia marriage license, but the scenery will make up for any bureaucratic inconvenience. The park features several locations that are suitable for ceremonies. Trout Brook has a small picnic shelter and a wood stove. It’s the perfect setting for an intimate wedding. Have your wedding party hike up the Skyline Trail to a cliff that overlooks the Gulf of St. Lawrence. You may even have some wildlife join you as you say your vows.
Batoche National Historic Wedding Site
Located in Saskatchewan, Batoche is about an hour north of Saskatoon. The site is only open from May to October for visitors, but it’s a lovely location with heritage buildings that are the perfect place for a simple wedding in a romantic place surrounded by history and nature. Guests can enjoy the museum before the wedding to learn more about the Métis and the First Nations.
Fort Malden National Historic Site
Get a glimpse into what life was like in the 19th century at this historical site along the banks of the Detroit River in Ontario. Visitor services are offered May to October. The site welcomes weddings and has many facilities that can be used to host an unforgettable wedding. Your guests will have plenty of places to explore while visiting the area. Amherstburg is a great town with wineries, restaurants and entertainment to keep everyone from getting bored.
Manoir-Papineau National Historic Site
Louis-Joseph Papineau was a historical figure who failed in his rebellion but ultimately led Canada to a responsible government. This beautiful manor house is one of the sites that remembers his legacy. It features many rooms and outbuildings suitable for weddings. The gardens and lawns are lovely places for pictures. Papineau was one of the original Francophone patriots.
The Forks National Historic Site
This site is a National Historic Site of Canada because it has been witness to many events in Canada’s history. Its geographical location at the juncture of the Red and Assiniboine Rivers make it a beautiful location to host a wedding. The amphitheatre can hold up to 120 chairs, but there are other spaces in the nine-acre park.
These locations bring history and nature to your wedding, making it a special celebration for you and your guests. Make sure to check with the facility’s management about wedding guidelines. Unfortunately, Parks Canada, which runs many of these venues, does not allow confetti or rose petals to be thrown at the ceremony. You may have to give up some of your traditions to get heritage.
Tying the knot comes with a ton of important decisions such as avoiding bad venues. One of the first choices couples have to make is where the event will take place. The wedding venue makes a big difference in how your special day plays out, so you don’t want to pick any old location. To feel inspired, it can be fun to take a look at some of the most unique venues found across Canada. From the beautiful to the bizarre, there are some amazing places that illustrate just how many creative options are available to you.
Classical Chinese Garden Venues
Out in Vancouver, British Columbia, is one of the more noteworthy of all Canada’s many gardens. From the authentic architecture of the pavilions to the delicate pink petals offered by the cherry blossoms in spring, the aesthetic of Dr. Sun Yat-Sen’s Classical Chinese Garden is absolutely stunning. The venue is available for weddings and is able to hold roughly 500 people at a given time, though it does book fast. Anyone who has a love for the art and imagery associated with the Ming dynasty will find this space to be breathtaking.
Museum Venues
Getting married in a museum is not a new concept. All over the world, couples use some of the most famous public museums to host spectacular private events. What is more interesting, however, is when such an event takes place in a very niche museum. The Hangar Flight Museum in Calgary, Alberta, is the type of space perfect for anyone who fancies the world of flight. The space itself is actually a hangar, which adds a level of beautiful realism for those interested in aviation.
Unlike larger museums, however, the Hangar Flight Museum cannot hold as many guests. The capacity is limited to about 50, though this number can be bumped for events that take place in warmer weather and can include outdoor seating.
The Hôtel de Glace
Looking for a wedding venue that shows just how cool you are? If so, the Hôtel de Glace could be for you. The venue is more than just cool — it is actually made from ice. Located in Quebec City, Quebec, this hotel features a variety of icy attractions that give it a completely unique and whimsical feel. The space can obviously get quite chilly, so anyone planning to walk down the aisle of this venue should warn guests to wear extra layers.
Murphy’s The Cable Wharf
You don’t need to stay on dry land to find the wedding venue of your dreams in Canada. Out in Halifax, Nova Scotia, is a venue that allows you to set sail as you tie the knot. Murphy’s The Cable Wharf allows guests the ability to board a schooner that accommodates about 150 people and hit the open water for a wedding unlike any other. This is perfect for couples who love adventure, though it is important to remain mindful of weather conditions and other factors that might impact the experience.
Hatley Castle
The final venue on our list is located in Colwood, British Columbia. Hatley Castle is a gorgeous example of a venue that captures the storybook side of your special day. Overlooking the Straits of San Juan De Fuca and with captivating views of the Olympic Mountains, this is a venue that seriously packs a punch with visuals. If getting married in an actual castle isn’t exciting enough for you, there are dozens of perks and features offered to couples who are looking to tie the knot on the grounds.
From castles to conservatories, there are some amazing places to consider getting married in Canada. While the locations on this list might be difficult to book, you will easily be able to find a suitable destination for your own wedding with a little bit of time.
When choosing a wedding photographer, make sure that they are experienced and professional.
You’ll probably spend more time with your wedding photographer on the day of your wedding than any other professional or person. Although many wedding magazines recommend that you ask about equipment and style, it’s more important to choose a photographer with whom you can relax and who will provide what you’re looking for. Here are seven tips to help you select the right person.
There are probably hundreds of listings in your area for wedding photographers. Browse through their portfolios and find three or four with images that you like. Once you’ve narrowed your choices, set up a time to meet with the photographer. Make sure you’re meeting with the person who will be at your wedding, not a sales person/consultant or the owner of the studio. You’re putting your wedding memories in the photographer’s hands. You have to like and trust this person.
Don’t choose a photographer for these reasons:
He or she is family or the friend of a family member. Just imagine if something goes wrong. You have to face this person at family reunions for the rest of your life.
The venue made the recommendation. There are some venues that actually allow vendors to pay to be on the “preferred list.” It’s marketing, not preference.
The wedding photographer is running a sale. Good photographers have to invest in professional equipment and pay taxes and insurance. If they’re offering a deep discount, you have to ask yourself, “Where are they cutting corners?”
They’re popular and booked out for 300 weddings this year. Think about the logistics of doing 300 weddings in one year. Who knows who will be actually taking pictures of you on your wedding day?
Ask what you get for their services. On average, you should expect 50 to 100 photos for each hour the photographer works. Who owns the rights to the photographs? How will you get reprints? How many of the pictures will be edited in post-production?
Will the photographer do a first-look session? A first look is when the bride and groom spend a few minutes alone together before the ceremony. It helps to get the jitters out and lets you have that real moment of seeing each other in private. Your photographer can capture those raw emotions before the ceremony and then you can enjoy the cocktail hour after the ceremony.
What happens if the photographer is sick? Although it is unlikely that the photographer you choose will get sick, you should know what the contingency plan is.
Find out how much experience the wedding photographer has. Don’t simply look at years in business, but consider how many weddings the person has actually shot in that time frame. Someone with five years of experience who has only done 10 weddings may not compare to someone with just one year of experience who has done 50 weddings over that time.
Do you get a contract that clearly outlines the details of the services? Be extremely wary of photographers who do not have a contract that offers pricing, resolution terms and cancellation terms. This is for your protection as much as theirs. Once you have a contract, any verbal statements that change the terms of the contract should be obtained in writing.
Choose Your Wedding Photographer Sooner Rather Than Later
You may need to book your photographer right after you choose the date of the wedding. However, don’t panic if you don’t get your first choice. You may be able to get a referral to someone with a similar style who doesn’t have a full schedule. Should you tip your photographer? While most photographers don’t expect tips, most will appreciate one if it is given.
Due to the popularity of the movie “Frozen”, more and more people are placing their wedding date in the winter.
Every bride dreams of the perfect wedding and one of the first decisions that you have to make is the date. Some couples have a special day and won’t even think about choosing another wedding date, but many people aren’t even sure where to start. Here are some tips to help you narrow the choices and select a date that will work for you.
What’s Your Dream Wedding?
When you see yourself getting married, you have to know what you envision as your ideal. Maybe you want to be married in a lush rose garden, which might mean a late spring or early summer wedding. If you’ve always wanted to get married in a vineyard, you might have to think late September or October. With the popularity of the movie “Frozen,” more couples are thinking of a beautiful white, winter wedding. Choose a season that fits your imagination.
Consider the Weather
Even if your wedding is inside, you should take into account the weather when planning the date. If you imagine the groom wearing a tux or full suit, the middle of summer might not be the best choice. It’s just too hot to be so formal in 100-degree weather. The other factor in considering the weather is your guests’ comfort. If you’re having an outside wedding, you don’t want your guests to bake in the sun or freeze because it’s too cold. Of course, there are always unseasonable temperatures, but you can’t control everything.
Consider Your Budget
There’s a reason June, September and October are popular months to get married in, and it’s because the weather is generally fairly dependable. Vendors know that these are popular months, and the prices go up during the wedding season. If you have a strict budget, you might want to consider an off-season wedding. But you do need think about sacrifices in other areas, because specialty flowers aren’t always as readily available in off-season months. Saving money with the venue, then spending it on flowers doesn’t make the most sense if you’re trying to save money.
Special Occasions to Consider for Your Wedding Date
It might be nice to get married on New Year’s Eve, because the date will always be special in more ways than one. When considering your wedding date, you have to consider the holiday season. On Valentine’s Day, roses tend to be more expensive, which could increase your budget. If you live in a college town, you may also have to think about sports events, such as homecoming. This might make it difficult for your friends and family to find reasonable accommodations. Hotels, flights and car rentals all tend to get more expensive on holiday weekends and when demand is higher.
Another element in looking at special dates is that of those dates special to you and your spouse. Whether it’s the day you met or your grandparent’s anniversary, you may be looking at one particular date. Consider how important the actual date is versus some flexibility in scheduling.
The Venues May Have Limited Availability
Once you choose your ideal date, you have to work it out with your venues. Often, churches won’t hold weddings on Sundays because they are using the facility for their own services. With some places, you may have to work around corporate events or other weddings. Again, some flexibility is always good when planning, especially when you have a short time frame.
Decide what’s most important to you when choosing your wedding date and what you won’t compromise on. Check with family members and your wedding party to make sure you’re not planning your wedding on top of someone’s graduation from college or silver anniversary wedding trip. It will save you a lot of headache in the long run. Although you cannot plan for every contingency, you can really consider some of the most important factors in choosing your wedding date to have the wedding of your dreams.
