A Photographer’s Guide After 15 Years
After nearly 14 years photographing weddings across Ottawa, the Valley, Gatineau, and destination spots beyond, I can tell you one thing with absolute confidence:
Your wedding venue will make or break the photography.
Not because one venue is “better” than another — but because each space handles light, weather, timelines, and movement differently.
As a longtime Ottawa wedding photographer, I’ve learned exactly which venues deliver consistently stunning images, which ones require special planning, and which ones offer those iconic, editorial, effortless backdrops couples love.
Here’s the honest, experience-backed guide to the best Ottawa wedding venues for photography, and what you need to know about each one from behind the lens.
1. Fairmont Château Laurier
If you want timeless, luxurious, European-inspired photography without the plane ticket, this is it.
Why it photographs beautifully:
- Soft, creamy indoor light
- Grand architecture
- Iconic terrace views
- Elegant interiors that flatter every dress and every skin tone
- The perfect rain backup location
Signature photo spots:
- The terrace overlooking Parliament
- The bridal suites (insane window light)
- The historic stone archways
- Rideau Canal pathways
Best for couples who want:
Classic, editorial, Paris-leaning elegance.
2. Le Belvédère (Wakefield)
I’ve photographed Le Belvédère in every season, and I’m still not over the view.
Why it photographs beautifully:
- The cliffside ceremony backdrop is unbeatable
- Insane sunsets
- The forested walkway gives cinematic, golden-hour light
- Clean, modern interiors
Signature photo spots:
- The cliffside overlook
- Forest paths
- The ceremony deck at twilight
Best for couples who want:
Breathtaking, natural, cinematic images with an elevated aesthetic.
3. Stonefields Estate
Romantic. Warm. Charming. Stonefields is one of those rare venues where every corner photographs beautifully.
Why it photographs beautifully:
- Neutral light everywhere
- A mix of rustic + refined
- Huge fields for soft, sweeping sunset shots
- Gorgeous bridal suite light
Signature photo spots:
- The barn doors
- The orchard
- The fields at golden hour
Best for couples who want:
Soft, airy, romantic photos with clean, warm tones.
4. Evermore (Almonte)
Evermore is a dream for photographers because it blends heritage charm with modern light.
Why it photographs beautifully:
- Expansive property = endless variety
- Heritage buildings for depth and texture
- Golden fields and rolling hills
- Stunning indoor greenhouse light
Signature photo spots:
- The greenhouse
- The stone farmhouse
- The orchard
- The laneway at sunset
Best for couples who want:
An editorial-meets-rustic feel with tons of variety in their gallery.
5. The National Arts Centre (NAC)
For couples who want something clean, modern, architectural — NAC is a showstopper.
Why it photographs beautifully:
- Giant windows with unbelievable natural light
- Modern minimalist interiors (your dress POPS here)
- Geometric architecture for dramatic compositions
- Perfect indoor rain backup
Signature photo spots:
- The Lantern Room
- Glass staircases
- The rooftop terrace
- The Elgin Street exterior
Best for couples who want:
A sleek, modern, magazine-worthy gallery.
6. Aquatopia Conservatory
A greenhouse venue = the most flattering light possible.
Why it photographs beautifully:
- Soft, diffused light everywhere (literally impossible to get bad light)
- Tropical greenery year-round
- Moody nighttime ambiance
- Built-in editorial vibe
Signature photo spots:
- The glasshouse fountain
- Pathways under the greenery
- Sunset against the glass exterior
Best for couples who want:
Lush, romantic, glowy images — no matter the season.
7. Strathmere
Strathmere gives you options: farmhouse, lodge, garden house.
Why it photographs beautifully:
- Soft, natural, countryside light
- Open fields
- The perfect blend of greenery + architecture
- Multiple ceremony options
Signature photo spots:
- The meadow
- The farm path
- Garden House arches
- The swing
Best for couples who want:
A relaxed, nature-forward gallery with soft romantic tones.
8. Major’s Hill Park + Downtown (For Elopements & Micro-Weddings)
If you’re planning a small ceremony, this is one of the most photogenic combinations in the city.
Why it photographs beautifully:
- Parliament backdrop
- Château Laurier views
- Open natural light
- Architectural edges for editorial portraits
Signature photo spots:
- Behind Château Laurier
- The terraces
- Pathways overlooking Parliament
Best for couples who want:
A chic, European-inspired look without a big venue.
9. The Arboretum
Technically not a venue, but I would be lying if I didn’t include this.
Why it photographs beautifully:
- Endless soft natural light
- Rolling hills and pathways
- Gorgeous spring, summer, and fall color
- Quiet weekday ceremonies and portraits
Signature photo spots:
- The water’s edge
- The hilltop
- Willow trees
- Pathway arches
Best for couples who want:
A natural, romantic outdoor gallery with soft, airy light.
Which Ottawa Venue Is Right for Your Photos? Here’s the Straight Truth.
After 15 years, here’s the simplest breakdown:
- Want elegant, timeless, luxury? Château Laurier, NAC
- Want breathtaking landscapes? Le Belvédère, Evermore
- Want rustic but refined? Stonefields, Strathmere
- Want modern + clean? NAC
- Want lush greenery regardless of weather? Aquatopia
- Want downtown romance? Major’s Hill Park
- Want natural, airy outdoor photos? The Arboretum
Every wedding is unique, but the right venue can elevate your photos from “pretty” to unforgettable.
Want help choosing the best venue for your aesthetic?
I’ve photographed hundreds of Ottawa weddings, and I know exactly:
- which venues match which lighting conditions
- which spots look best at what time of day
- where timelines get tight
- where portraits flow effortlessly
- which locations give you the most variety in your gallery
If you’re newly engaged and exploring venues, I’d love to help you choose a space that fits your vision and photographs beautifully.
Your memories deserve a backdrop that brings them to life — let’s find the one that fits you perfectly.
