Top Calgary Wedding Venues for Photography

If you’ve landed on this blog post, first I want to extend a huge congratulations on your engagement! Choosing a wedding venue is one of biggest decisions you’ll make during the wedding-planning process. It sets the tone for the day and the type of celebration, plus it will inspire the decor and bring your vision to life. I’ve put together a list of top Calgary wedding venues for photography to get you started.

The Brownstone

The team behind this chic downtown Calgary wedding venue also run Studios at Vic Park and upcoming venue OFFSITE. The Brownstone is a stylish, modern space that can suit a range of wedding aesthetics. The white walls are accented by a colourful bar area and a dark green accent wall in the foyer, and there are two getting-ready spaces to choose from. The first, known as The Gary Lounge, is styled in moody tones with leather and velvet furniture while the other, named The Ruby Lounge, is light and airy. The venue has ample natural light, which every photographer loves, but you can also get creative within the space. Nearby photo ops include the Platform rooftop parkade, the Central Library, Stephen Avenue, and plenty of other downtown gems.

Check out more photos from The Brownstone in this blog post.

Studios at Vic Park

Studios at Vic Park is a top Calgary wedding venue ideal for smaller celebrations — or even for cocktail hour during a wedding at 308. Its sleek white walls are accented by wainscotting and the sleek bar area creates a focal point for the room. It’s also a fantastic option for indoor wedding portraits if the weather isn’t cooperating or you’re after some editorial vibes.

The Hemingway Room

Part of The Commons’ growing roster of venues, The Hemingway Room in the Ramsay Design Centre is an industrial-chic space that makes a great canvas for different styles of decor and photography — including exposed brick, chandeliers, and plenty of natural light. Weddings can also book the Parlour Room, which has moody vibes and lots of plush seating. Both spaces can be used for wedding portraits, and the Ramsay Design Centre building provides a nice backdrop, too. (This is actually where I got married, so I know this top Calgary wedding venue and team very well. I’m even fortunate to be one of their preferred vendors now.)

Fairmont Palliser

Calgary’s iconic hotel is a sought-after wedding venue for a reason. The hotel’s elegant, vintage decor makes for stunning photos both inside and out. The Hawthorn Room on the main floor is particularly stunning, and the 13 dedicated event spaces each have their own look and feel — from the grand Crystal Ballroom to the redesigned Oak Room on the main floor, which combines stylish updates with the hotel’s signature luxury aesthetic. Note: You must be getting married at the Fairmont Palliser to do wedding photos inside the hotel.

The Residence Inn by Marriott

This downtown hotel has one of my favourite spots for first looks. The catwalk on the main staircase has floor-to-ceiling windows and a quiet space for couples to share a special moment. The hotel has two bar areas that are fun to use for wedding party photos and modern couples’ portraits, or you can head outside and incorporate the industrial elements on the property. It’s also a short walk or drive to other downtown photo spots like High Park, Platform parkade, Stephen Avenue or the Central Library.

Visit the featured weddings section of my site to see more from this wedding at the Residence Inn by Marriott. Planning by Lottie Weddings.

Contemporary Calgary

Also run by The Commons, Contemporary Calgary is ideal for couples who are looking for something outside the norm. The gallery is architectural gorgeous and provides ample opportunities for stunning photos. The grotto area has a skylight and creates a gorgeous space for ceremony photos, while other areas of the gallery provide different levels and settings to play with. The art adorning the walls can also add an interesting element to wedding photos.

The Deane House

This historic house in Inglewood is situated along the riverbank at the confluence of the Bow and Elbow Rivers.Each room of the house — which was updated in 2016 but still maintains its vintage charm — has its own distinct character. Weddings can be held in the library, the main floor, or as a garden party on the immaculately landscaped grounds. The setting is beautiful either way, and the locally sourced dishes are delicious.

The Deane House is also close to the Bow and Elbow River pathways or St. Patrick’s Island, where you can find a blend of natural and urban backdrops. Or walk down Inglewood’s main street and alleyways to find hidden gems.

Rouge

Near the Deane House you’ll find Rouge, another historic home in Inglewood that’s one Calgary’s best restaurants and wedding venues. Couples can book the entire house for their wedding or host a celebration on the grounds, surrounded by trees and flowers that make for gorgeous photos. Rouge also provides easy access to the Bow and Elbow River walking paths, St. Patrick’s Island, and Inglewood.

Azuridge Estate Hotel

This venue, once a private estate, is nestled in just outside Calgary in the foothills of the Canadian Rockies. It’s gorgeous and feels like a getaway without venturing too far from the city. Even better? You can book out the entire estate for your wedding, so everyone there will be on your guest list. The team is known for its exceptional hospitality, and you even get your own wedding butler. Every space feels photo-worthy, whether it’s the immaculate gardens, the main buildings, or the walking paths at the edge of the property.

This wedding was featured in Confetti. Check out more photos here.

The Princeton

This new addition to the Calgary wedding venue scene is housed in an old bank and dates back to 1912. It’s also right behind Hotel Arts, which makes for the perfect accommodations for out-of-town guests. The main staircase and iron gate inside the foyer of the building are a photographer’s dream. On the second floor you’ll find a bar area and a room covered in mirrors — perfect for couples who want to get creative. The rooftop ceremony space also provides beautiful views of downtown.

The River Cafe

The city is lucky to have fantastic restaurants that double as exceptional wedding venues. The River Cafe, found on Prince’s Island Park, is no exception. Host an intimate ceremony and reception accompanied by delicious food. The restaurant is right beside the Bow River, so you can capture photos in a beautiful natural setting or incorporate some of the city skyline into the background. It’s especially magical at golden hour.