Wedding Venue Tips for Calgary Brides: How to Find the Perfect Spot for Your Big Day
Planning a wedding in Calgary is an exciting adventure, especially with the wide array of stunning venues in and around the city. Whether you're dreaming of a romantic mountain backdrop, a chic urban setting, or a cozy countryside barn, Calgary has something for every couple. Here are some essential tips to help you find the perfect wedding venue in Calgary and the surrounding areas.
1. Start Your Venue Search Early
You don't want to fall in love with your dream venue only to find out they're fully booked for the next 12 months, right? Popular wedding venues (and vendors) tend to get booked up to a year or more in advance. So if you truly want your first pick or have a non-negotiable wedding date already set, start your venue search and schedule site visits as soon as possible.
Flexible Dates: If you're planning last-minute or have a broader date range, your venue’s availability will help determine your final wedding date.
2. Talk to a Planner First (If You’re Using One)
Before you begin your venue search, consult with your wedding planner if you have one. Planners are experts at transforming spaces and can help you maximize the potential of a venue. As Alliey Kline-Weichelt, lead planner and CEO of Alley & Co., explains, “Planners are much more familiar with the capabilities of a space, the layout, and the time and items you'll need to really transform it.”
3. Know Your Guest List
Before falling in love with any venue, get a clear idea of how many guests you’ll invite. As Holly Patton Olsen, wedding planner and owner of Perfectly Posh Events, advises, “Knowing how many guests you're expecting to invite before you go looking at venues will help save you from headaches and heartaches down the road.” Make sure your venue can comfortably accommodate your guest list.
4. Prioritize Your Must-Haves
Before committing to a venue, outline your non-negotiables. Here are some examples:
A rooftop ceremony with a stunning view
In-house catering that you can customize
A venue that allows you to bring your own alcohol (BYO)
Exclusive use of the venue for privacy
Late curfew for an all-night party
A getting-ready suite for the wedding party
Communicate your must-haves with potential venues early in the conversation to avoid disappointment later.
5. Consider Your Wedding Style
Your venue should reflect the overall vibe of your wedding. Are you envisioning a modern, elegant affair? Or perhaps a rustic, laid-back celebration? Calgary offers a variety of options to suit different styles:
Urban Elegance: Hotel Arts, Fairmont Palliser
Mountain Magic: Silvertip Resort, Kananaskis Mountain Lodge
Historic Charm: Lougheed House
6. Think About What’s Included
When comparing venues, factor in what’s included in the price. Some venues provide tables, chairs, linens, and in-house catering, while others only offer the space. Make sure to get an estimate from a rental company if you need to supply your own rentals, so you can compare costs effectively.
Pro Tip: Venues with in-house catering often have food and beverage minimums. Be sure to calculate added costs like tax and gratuities, which in Calgary can be around 25-30%.
7. Check the Venue’s Availability and Restrictions
Popular Calgary venues book up quickly, especially in peak months, so it’s important to start looking early. Ask about:
Availability: Ensure your desired date is available, or be flexible.
Restrictions: Clarify policies about noise curfews, vendor requirements, or decor limitations. For example, some venues may not allow live music, or there may be restrictions on candles or fireworks.
8. Weather-Proof Your Wedding
Calgary’s weather can be unpredictable, so if you're planning an outdoor ceremony, always have a contingency plan. Choose a venue that offers both indoor and outdoor options for peace of mind.
Backup Plan: Consider venues like River Café or The Meadow Muse Pavilion, which offer beautiful outdoor spaces but have an indoor option in case of bad weather.
9. Weigh the Work Involved: Blank Slate vs. All-Inclusive
Wedding venues often fall into one of two categories: blank slate or all-inclusive.
Blank Slate: These venues allow you to bring in everything yourself—tables, linens, décor, etc. While this gives you complete creative control, it can also be time-consuming and expensive.
All-Inclusive: These venues offer packages that include services like catering, bar service, and rentals, often making the planning process easier and more cost-effective.
Decide how much work you want to take on and which approach aligns with your vision and budget.
10. Location, Location, Location
Consider the convenience of the venue for your guests. Is it close to hotels and transportation?
Downtown Calgary: Venues like The Hudson offer central locations with nearby accommodations.
Mountain or Destination Venues: Places like Basecamp Resorts in Canmore or Fernie Alpine Resort provide on-site accommodations for a weekend-long celebration.
11. Visit the Venue in Person
Pictures can only tell part of the story. Always visit your top venue choices in person to get a feel for the space and ask questions about the less-obvious areas, like parking, restrooms, and kitchen facilities.
12. Ask About Vendor Options
Some venues have exclusive vendor partnerships or preferred vendor lists for catering, décor, and entertainment. Be sure to clarify if you're required to use specific vendors or if you have the freedom to bring in your own team.
DIY-Friendly: Venues like Wild Rose Brewery offer flexibility for you to choose your own vendors.
Full-Service Venues: Venues like The Deane House handle most of the details for you, simplifying the planning process.
13. Stay True to Your Vision
Ultimately, your venue should reflect your personality and vision for your big day. Choose a space that feels authentic to you and your partner, whether it’s an urban space, a cozy barn, or a mountain lodge.
By following these tips and starting your search early, you'll be well on your way to finding the perfect Calgary wedding venue. Whether you're dreaming of a mountain escape, an elegant downtown event, or a rustic countryside celebration, Calgary has something for everyone. Happy venue hunting!
