Why the Right Atmosphere Matters
If you’re planning a wedding in Ottawa and the idea of chair covers, ballrooms, and plated chicken dinners makes you a little uneasy — you’re not alone.
Some of the best weddings I’ve photographed have happened in unexpected places: abandoned church buildings, summer camps, cafés, art galleries, and backyards. What they had in common wasn’t a Pinterest-perfect backdrop — it was a relaxed atmosphere, great food, and music that got people moving.
When your guests feel at ease, the real moments happen. And that’s what makes the best wedding photos.
Just to be clear: choosing an “alternative” venue doesn’t mean skipping the ceremony or tossing tradition out the window. You don’t need to be an ultra-hip non-conformist to choose a venue with personality. Also, plenty of couples have a formal ceremony in a church or courthouse and then celebrate elsewhere — somewhere that feels more relaxed, more personal, more them. And “alternative” definitely doesn’t mean “cheap.” Hosting your reception in a backyard, an Airbnb, or a café takes planning, intention, and often just as much effort (if not more) than booking a conventional venue. The difference is that the space reflects who you are — not what’s expected.
Below is a list of some alternative Ottawa-area venues that offer just that: spaces where people can show up as themselves, enjoy the day, and maybe even kick off their shoes.
1. Rideau Hill Camp
📍 Kars, Ontario
🔗 rideauhillcamp.com
Rideau Hill Camp is the opposite of fussy. Set on sprawling wooded land, it’s a place where people can connect, unwind, and spend a full weekend together — not just six rushed hours. There’s a dining hall, cabins, and tons of outdoor space that lends itself to DIY setups, bonfires, and dancing under the stars.
Note: Their rental facilities are available throughout the year, except in July and August, when the camp is used exclusively for summer programs.
2. Your House (Yes, Really)
There’s something incredibly grounding about hosting your wedding at home. Whether it’s your own backyard, a family cottage, or even your parents’ living room, a house wedding is deeply personal.
You already know how the light hits at golden hour. The food can come from your own kitchen. The music doesn’t have to stop when the venue says so. And when people feel at home, they act like it — which makes for beautiful, honest photographs.
3. Little Victories Coffee
📍 Bank Street, Ottawa
🔗 lvcoffee.ca/events
This modern café on Bank Street is warm and minimal — a perfect spot for an intimate wedding or elopement with a cozy, urban feel. You can rent the space in the evening, bring in your own food, and sip espresso while you say your vows.
Ideal for couples who love quality coffee, clean lines, and a low-key vibe.
4. Whitewater Brewing Co. – Riverside Brew Pub
📍 6 Fletcher Road, Foresters Falls, Ontario
🔗 whitewaterbeer.ca
This riverside venue offers local beer, good food, and a view that makes you want to stay forever. It’s great for couples who want a rustic, outdoorsy celebration with a lively, welcoming energy. With its laid-back vibe and natural surroundings, it’s the kind of place where a relaxed, joyful celebration just comes naturally.
I’ll be photographing a wedding there this fall with a couple who will be bringing their dogs along for the celebration — and I can already tell it’s going to be a good one.
5. Artist-Run Galleries & Photography Spaces
Ottawa has several small galleries that double as community and event spaces — ideal for couples who value creativity and intimacy.
One to look into: Studio Sixty Six, a contemporary art gallery in the Glebe that has hosted weddings and private events. These venues often have great natural light and minimalist interiors that don’t compete with your style — they highlight it.
Keep in mind: galleries may have restrictions on decorations or catering, so be sure to ask about policies early.
6. Fort Wellington National Historic Site
📍 Prescott, Ontario
🔗 parks.canada.ca/lhn-nhs/on/wellington
This 19th-century military fort overlooking the St. Lawrence River isn’t the first place most people think of when planning a wedding — and that’s exactly the appeal. With stone walls, wooden barracks, and a sense of history in the air, Fort Wellington offers an atmospheric, open-air backdrop with tons of character. I’ll be photographing a wedding here in October (possibly the first ever!), and the couple — who both work for Parks Canada — have found a way to make the space feel deeply personal.
If you’re drawn to heritage, drama, and places that aren’t built just for weddings, this one’s worth a look.
7. Club SAW
📍 67 Nicholas Street, Ottawa
🔗 artscourt.ca/club-saw
Club SAW is part performance space, part art hub, part industrial-cool blank canvas. Located in the Arts Court, it’s designed to be flexible — you can host a wedding here that looks more like a concert or art installation than a traditional event.
Expect bold colours, exposed walls, and a lot of creative freedom. Perfect for couples who want their wedding to feel like a party — not a program.
8. Airbnb Rentals (with Personality)
Renting a cool house, cabin, or loft on Airbnb can be a fantastic option if you’re looking for a venue that feels personal and immersive. Think: modern barn in the Gatineau Hills, lakeside cottage with a dock, or a downtown loft with exposed brick.
Just make sure to:
- Check the host’s rules about events and gatherings.
- Book with transparency — some Airbnb hosts are open to weddings, especially elopements, but it’s important to be upfront.
- Get insurance if needed.
The right Airbnb can double as a venue and a place for your closest people to stay — so the party doesn’t have to stop when the DJ packs up.
9. Honourable Mentions: More Offbeat Ottawa Spots
Art House Café
A cozy, eclectic space filled with art and character. Great for small weddings and creative couples.
Remic Rapids or Riverfront Ceremonies
There’s something magical about saying your vows by the river, especially when the light is soft and the breeze is just right. Keep it simple with a portable speaker and a short ceremony script.
Wrap-Up: Focus on What Feels Good
A beautiful wedding isn’t about perfection — it’s about people feeling good. Give your guests good food, great music, and a setting that puts them at ease, and they’ll give you back something far more valuable: joy, movement, warmth, and connection.
And as your photographer, that’s what I love to capture.
Want help documenting your untraditional, heartfelt celebration?
I’d love to hear about your plans — whether you’re getting married at a brewery, a coffee shop, or in your grandmother’s backyard. Get in touch here.
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