Getting Married in Ottawa
Ottawa is a wonderful city in which to get married. Beautiful venues, great photo ops, and excellent wedding professionals make it easy to plan a wedding day that fits your vibe, whether that’s a sophisticated downtown elopement or a countryside celebration in a barn.
First things first, you’ll need to purchase your marriage licence. You can fill in the request form online and then pick it up from one of the local city halls. Ottawa has several, including:
Laurier Client Service Centre, 110 Laurier Avenue West
Nepean Client Service Centre, 101 Centrepointe Drive
Orléans Client Service Centre, 255 Centrum Boulevard
You’ll need two pieces of original government-issued ID for each partner and if either of you have been previously married you’ll need original divorce documents or death certificates. You could also check the surrounding municipalities as they may have a slightly less expensive licence fee. The licence does not have to be from the municipality you are getting married in, as long as it’s from Ontario, you’re good!
For the venue, there are many choices. Small weddings can take place in parks like Major’s Hill Park, the Arboretum, or along the canal. Rustic wedding venues include Stanley’s Olde Maple Lane Farm or Evermore Weddings and Events. Modern options include the Infinity Convention Centre, Andaz in the Byward Market, or Venue 22 at the Westin. Classic wedding venues include Strathmere and the Chateau Laurier. You can also consider more unique venues like Aquatopia, the Museum of Nature or the NCC Riverhouse.
Ottawa has great wedding professionals and a great vendor community overall. Everyone is happy to recommend other vendors to get couples what they want, when they want it. If we were putting together a dream team, we’d pick Peak Planning or Fiona Lau for planning and Calm and Collective, or Palm Tree Studios for photos.
Many of the venues have great photo spots on-site, but if you’re looking for some additional off-site suggestions, you can consider natural outdoor locations such Dominion Arboretum or Hog’s Back or the ruins of MacKenzie King estate in Gatineau Park. In case of rain, there’s the NAC or Museum of Nature (permits required).
No matter where or when you are getting married in Ottawa, All Seasons Weddings can supply a wedding officiant to bring your ceremony to life. And your officiant will have ideas and suggestions to help fill out the rest of your vendor roster if you need help.