Featured Wedding Venues
For most newly-engaged couples, the second choice they have to make after they pick the wedding date is to decide on the wedding venue. After all, nothing happens without somewhere for it to happen. There are many different options for couples. They can go the traditional route of having one wedding venue (usually a church or other religious institution) for the ceremony and another for the reception.There's always the ever-popular option of the destination wedding. Who wouldn't want to get married on a beach in Mexico or a cliff in Ireland? There's even a luxury hotel at the top of a mountain in Peru. It's right outside the entrance gate to Machu Picchu and hosts weddings! Side-note: if you decide to do the Machu Picchu wedding, I will be more than happy to handle the photography for you! I've been there once and it's well worth going back.
Staying Local
For those of us who want to stay local, there are two options. The first: have separate wedding venues for the ceremony and reception, and probably separate locations for getting ready and for portraits as well. The second option: pick one venue that can host the entire day from start to finish. I prefer the second option for one simple reason: it's far less stressful!One of the things that adds stress to a wedding day is the time crunch: the bride and groom each have to make sure they're ready by a specific time to get into the car and arrive at the church on time. Then after the ceremony they have to get all their family into the car and off to the park for the family portrait session. Finally, they have to hop in the car one last time in order to make it to the hall for the reception. If the various locations are in different parts of the city, it's even worse because of traffic and construction detours.
Low-Stress Planning
You could do things that way, or you could simply pick a nice wedding venue that can greet you when you arrive in the morning to get ready and host the entire day, right up to the end of your reception. Once you're there, that's it. No more running around and getting people into and out of cars to drive all over the city. Just relax and enjoy the day! With that in mind, I've put together a list of some wedding venues in and around Montreal that would be a great choice for your low-stress wedding. Be sure to check back often as I'll be adding more videos.
Auberge des Gallant
Our first featured wedding venue is Auberge des Gallant, a hotel in Rigaud, Quebec. It’s about 45 minutes from downtown Montreal. It’s a great wedding venue to look at if you’re looking for somewhere away from the hustle of Montreal and that can give your guests a place to stay overnight.
Le Café de l'Horloge
Next up: Le Café de l’Horloge. This smaller venue is also located in Rigaud and is great for a smaller wedding. The hall itself feels open and bright and it’s located right next to the river.
Forest and Stream Club
If you’re looking for an upscale and classic feel, the Forest and Stream Club is a wedding venue that has to be on your short list. This waterfront property in the Montreal suburb of Dorval has plenty of green space and is able to easily accommodate an indoor or outdoor wedding ceremony.
Chateau Montebello
In the town of Montebello, Quebec, about halfway between Montreal and Ottawa, we find the Chateau Montebello. Billed as the country’s largest log cabin, this hotel is great if you want a wedding venue that can help you turn your day into a resort experience. It features a ton of green space and great waterfront views.
Bean Town Ranch
On the eastern side of Ottawa, we find Beantown Ranch. This wedding venue has everything from horses to a small island just perfect for your first dance! If you want the farmhouse/ranch experience, this is probably the place for you.
Domaine Perrault Winery
For those of you looking for a wedding venue with great, relaxing views for a smaller number of guests, Domaine Perreault winery is definitely worth a look.
Au Vieux Moulin
It’s back to Rigaud for this video, where we find ourselves at Au Vieux Moulin. This wedding venue features a more-than-100-year-old mill on the edge of a huge property lined on all sides by forest. When you’re there, it’s almost like you’re in your own world!
Au Jardin d'Emmanuel
Our final stop brings us to Au Jardin d’Emmanuel, a huge wedding venue in Oka, just north of Montreal. This property features a ton of green space and great views (as have many of the wedding venues we’ve looked at) and it even has a small orchard.