Over the last 13 years, I’ve had the opportunity to work at some of the best wedding venues in Calgary and the Canadian Rockies. From the East Village to the Rocky Mountains, here are a few of my favourites. Click “Read On” for a feature article about each venue and what sets them apart.
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Best Wedding Venues in Calgary
Silvertip Resort
Let's start in the Rockies. High above the town of Canmore, you’ll find one of the best wedding venues in the Rockies, Silvertip Resort. Take it from me, the mountains views are are second to none.
In addition to the views, they offer banquet rooms, customizable menus and availability during all four seasons. As a result, every couple can find what they are looking for at Silvertip.
Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel
Located in the heart of Banff National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the world famous Fairmont Banff Springs hotel stands as a landmark in the picturesque alpine town of Banff, Alberta. Understandably, Canada's "Castle in the Rockies" has been one of the best wedding venues for more than 130 years.
From the grandeur of Mt. Stephen Hall to the elegance of the Cascade Ballroom to the intimacy of the Ivor Petrak Room and sweeping mountain views from the Garden Terrace, let Fairmont Banff Springs be part of your walk down the aisle, your first dance and your happily ever after.
Creekside Villa
Creekside Villa is a charming boutique hotel tucked away in the town of Canmore. In addition, they’re uniquely equipped for cozy, family celebrations.
Creekside Villa has everything you need right on property to create your perfect event, complete with the majestic Rocky Mountains as your backdrop.
Cornerstone
Canmore ticks a lot of boxes for couples planning mountain I Do’s. Think Sky-high mountains, adventure around every corner and uniquely Canadian cuisine. Cornerstone has all of the rustic charm that couples fall in love with. Finally, they offer wedding coordinator service for all aspects of the day, both at the theatre and for outdoor ceremonies.
A note from the staff at Cornerstone:
"Our couples love that we provide set-up and tear down services including linens, centrepieces and the little extras. We also offer memorable extras including a photo booth, candy buffet, s’mores station, fairytale lights and more."
Buffalo Mountain Lodge
Nestled on Tunnel Mountain in Banff, Buffalo Mountain Lodge (BML) is warm, inviting and provides a true log cabin experience with spectacular views. It’s more than that though. It’s also an idyllic locale for an alpine wedding.
BML is known for their Rocky Mountain Cuisine…bison, caribou, elk and venison, but the beef tenderloin is a wedding favourite. Couples planning a Buffalo Mountain Lodge wedding have the option of buffet-style meals, plated dinners or a Chef-attended BBQ.
River Cafe
Celebrate your special day surrounded by friends and family in the romantic and rustic elegance of River Café. Experience the natural beauty of Prince’s Island Park in Winter, Spring, Summer or Fall.
Prince’s Island offers a breathtaking backdrop to your perfect day and magnificent photo opportunities abound both inside and out. River Cafe's team will make the planning process easy and worry free, ensuring that your guests are treated to an unforgettable event.
The Lake House
Situated on the shore of Lake Bonavista, The Lake House has banks of windows overlooking the water. During the day, the dining room is flooded with beautiful natural light, making it the perfect setting for a wedding ceremony.
They’ve created a charming yet sophisticated atmosphere with ornate elk antler chandeliers and a grand stone fireplace.
The Nash
You'll find The Nash in the vibrant and historic community of Inglewood. Housed in the recently restored National Hotel, The Nash writes a new chapter in the hotel’s long history.
Their food concept is based on high quality natural ingredients sourced from as many sustainable local growers and producers as possible, with a dash of urban grit.
The Nash is perfect for couples who love sharing special moments, surrounded by great food and exceptional service.
Annex Ale Project
Annex Ale Project is perfect for couples who are laid-back and want an atypical wedding, where connection and intimacy are key. Liking beer is not mandatory!
Annex's venue space is tastefully designed so that it feels cozy and welcoming. The oak barrels within the soda shop pay homage to their dedication to forward-thinking beers while offering an organic backdrop for any table setting.
Meadow Muse Pavilion
There really is nothing like an al fresco wedding. I love the image of a couple toasting their future under a canopy of trees and twinkly lights. But between our unpredictable Alberta weather and the complicated logistics involved, planning a flawless outdoor celebration can be tricky.
Great Events has created the perfect alternative in Meadow Muse Pavilion. It’s a tent nestled in the middle of Fish Creek Park, yet fully equipped with the conveniences you expect. Recently I met with the staff to learn about planning a Meadow Muse wedding.
Hudson
At Hudson, we always envisioned creating a modern yet versatile and customizable space that could lend itself to anything from corporate breakfast meetings to product launch parties to elegant weddings.
Hudson is a modern, state-of-the-art space housed inside of a historic building. Other features like the large windows and natural light, stunning views of downtown Calgary, and urban accents add a lot of charm to Hudson. On top of all of that, the food and service from O&B is second-to-none.
Venue 308
"A Space for Everyone" in the 1910 Louise Block.
With windows and bright light, to the south and east, it made sense to create the "Light Side" event space. Warm wood, old brick is complemented by bright light, white ceilings and sparkling modern elegance. The other side of the brick centre is the "Dark Side" entertainment and dance floor space, highlighted by a 20 foot black bar with neon lighting and wood shelving.
Spruce Meadows
Imagine your wedding day – the day you’ve dreamed of for a lifetime - being celebrated in the elegance of Spruce Meadows. The Grand Staircase at Spruce Meadows is one of Calgary’s most regal outdoor wedding ceremony sites. With it’s stone-washed walls and steps, the Grand Staircase is a beautiful locale for any couple to say “I Do”.
Charbar
Located in the historic Simmons factory, Charbar is the perfect combination of Alberta charm and delicious cuisine.
The building was retrofitted with modern amenities that blend into the backdrop of the historic elements.
Every aspect of your wedding can be customized to your specifications. In addition, their experienced event team will ensure a seamless event from custom menu planning to décor.
Bow Valley Ranche
Bow Valley Ranche is one of Calgary's best wedding venues, nestled in the heart of Fish Creek Park. If you’re looking for a Calgary wedding venue (with a past) look no further.
Couples who choose a Bow Valley Ranche wedding typically appreciate the classic, rustic elegance of the property. It doesn’t require much embellishment as the house is filled with antiques and décor in the style of the home.
Alforno
I'm including Alforno in my list of best wedding venues because it offers simplistic style, home-made everything, a casual dining space and warm, inviting atmosphere.
The couples that get married at Alforno are usually regulars who dine there often and have created memories at Alforno. A lot of first-daters end up getting married in the cafe.
Alloy
Alloy is one of my particular favorite locations because of it's light-filled reception space and modern decor. For instance, their "bubble light fixture" is the perfect spot to capture a bride and groom celebrating with their guests.
Alloy restaurant in Calgary hosts special events for up to 120 seated guests (150 Cocktail) in their airy and comfortable dining room and secluded oasis patio setting.
The Commons
Finally, let's talk about this former factory repurposed and transformed into a chic, industrial space.
The Commons includes original features like exposed brick and steel doors that blend seamlessly with chic crystal chandeliers and plush furnishings. Spaces are designed to be convertible, accommodating all types of events. That's why The Commons is one of the best wedding venues in Calgary.
Inglewood Lawn Bowling Club
If you don’t know it, the club is situated on the corner of 8th Ave. and 12th St. SE. Steeped in Calgary history, it was established by some of Calgary’s founding families. The new building is modern, with clean lines and excellent amenities.
It is the perfect place to host a party, meeting or corporate event. They can accommodate events up to 100 people. The club currently operates from mid-May to mid-September (weather permitting).
Lougheed House
