Our Favourite Calgary Wedding Venues (And Why They’re Perfect for Every Couple)
One of the biggest parts of wedding planning is choosing the venue that feels just right for your celebration. Luckily, Calgary offers an incredible range of wedding venues—romantic lakeside lodges, rustic restaurants, modern industrial spaces, art-filled studios, elegant ballrooms, and even a zoo! No matter your style, guest count, or budget, there’s a Calgary wedding venue that fits your vision perfectly.
As full-time Calgary wedding photographers since 2012, we’ve photographed hundreds of weddings across dozens of Calgary wedding venues. We’ve seen what works beautifully, what offers the best photo locations, and what types of weddings each space suits best.
Below, we’re sharing our favourite Calgary wedding venues, complete with descriptions, who they’re best for, and what makes each one special.
Top Calgary Wedding Venues at a Glance
Calgary Zoo – Best for adventurous, unique weddings
The Lake House – Best for romantic, rustic-luxe weddings
Deane House – Best for heritage charm + garden ceremonies
cSPACE King Edward – Best for creative + urban weddings
University of Calgary – Best for flexibility + large guest counts
River Café – Best for intimate, nature-focused weddings
Carriage House Inn – Best for classic, all-in-one hotel weddings
The Nash – Best for intimate, food-focused weddings
Charbar – Best for modern industrial weddings + rooftop views
Hangar Flight Museum – Best for bold, unconventional weddings
Click image to see more from The Calgary Zoo.
1. The Calgary Zoo
Best for: Unique, adventurous weddings
Location: SE Calgary
Capacity: Varies by space (approx. 40–200+)
For couples dreaming of something truly unique, The Calgary Zoo delivers unforgettable wedding experiences. Whether you choose the lush botanical gardens, the serene conservatory, or one of the themed event spaces, the zoo offers endless photo opportunities with greenery, exotic plants, and creative backdrops.
Why couples love it:
Lush, fully landscaped ceremony spaces
Indoor and outdoor options
Amazing for playful, adventurous wedding photos
Guests love exploring the grounds
Perfect for couples who want a wedding with personality, fun, and heart.
2. The Lake House
Best for: Rustic-luxe, romantic weddings
Location: SE Calgary
Capacity: Approx. 150
Overlooking the calm waters of Lake Bonavista, The Lake House offers one of the most romantic atmospheres in Calgary. Think antler chandeliers, stone fireplaces, and stunning lake views. It’s elegant without feeling formal, cozy without feeling small.
Why couples love it:
Warm, rustic-chic ambiance
Incredibly photogenic interior and lakefront
Award-winning, locally inspired cuisine
Perfect for winter weddings too
A beautiful year-round venue ideal for couples wanting that cozy, elevated lodge feel.
Click image to see more from The Lake House.
Click image to see more from The Deane House.
3. Deane House
Best for: Heritage charm + garden ceremonies
Location: Inglewood
Capacity: Approx. 40–120
Steeped in history and personality, the Deane House provides one of Calgary’s most charming wedding settings. With heritage architecture, beautiful gardens, and riverside pathways nearby, it’s made for intimate weddings with character.
Why couples love it:
Stunning garden ceremony spaces
Unique rooms with vintage charm
Amazing food + attentive service
Endless riverfront photo spots
Perfect for couples who appreciate history, beautiful details, and cozy spaces.
Click image to see more from cSpace.
4. cSPACE King Edward
Best for: Modern, creative, urban weddings
Location: Marda Loop
Capacity: 30–200+ (depending on room)
cSPACE blends art, culture, and creativity in a renovated sandstone school turned arts hub. With gallery-style rooms, large windows, brick walls, and a rooftop terrace overlooking the city, it’s a photographer’s dream.
Why couples love it:
Artsy, bold, modern atmosphere
Rooftop portraits are incredible
Tons of flexible event spaces
Perfect for design-forward couples
If you want a wedding that feels contemporary and visually striking, this venue shines.
5. University of Calgary
Best for: Large guest counts + adaptable spaces
Location: NW Calgary
Capacity: 50–400+
The University of Calgary offers a surprising range of elegant, modern, and flexible wedding spaces. From ballrooms to sunlit atriums, it’s ideal for couples needing plenty of room or customizable layouts.
Why couples love it:
Versatility for ceremonies + receptions
Great for cultural weddings
Tons of natural light
Professional, experienced event staff
A fantastic option for couples planning a large or multi-day celebration.
Click image to see more from The University of Calgary.
Click image to see more from The River Cafe.
6. River Café
Best for: Intimate, nature-inspired weddings
Location: Prince’s Island Park
Capacity: Approx. 30–90
Nestled in the heart of the Bow River pathways, River Café is one of Calgary’s most romantic and intimate wedding venues. The lodge-style interior, artisan food, and surrounding nature make it feel like an elegant getaway—even though you’re still in the city.
Why couples love it:
Surrounded by nature
Rustic, warm atmosphere
Award-winning cuisine
Gorgeous for sunset portraits
Amazing for couples who want an organic, cozy, foodie-focused event.
7. Carriage House Inn
Best for: Classic hotel weddings + convenience
Location: South Calgary
Capacity: 50–300+
A Calgary favourite for decades, the Carriage House Inn combines convenience, hospitality, and beautifully renovated ballrooms. With on-site accommodations and catering, it’s a smooth, stress-free choice.
Why couples love it:
Newly refreshed ballrooms
Spacious layouts for large weddings
All-in-one venue (rooms, catering, parking)
Exceptional service
Perfect for couples wanting a seamless, classic wedding experience.
Click image to see more from The Carriage House Inn.
8. The Nash
Best for: Food-focused, intimate weddings
Location: Inglewood
Capacity: Approx. 20–80
The Nash blends Inglewood charm with elevated dining and a cozy, stylish atmosphere. It’s ideal for micro weddings, rehearsal dinners, or intimate celebrations built around good food and good company.
Why couples love it:
Perfect for intimate receptions
Chic, contemporary interior
Incredible culinary excellence
Flexible layout
A fantastic option for couples prioritizing an elevated dining experience.
Click image to see more from The Nash.
Click image to see more from Charbar.
9. Charbar
Best for: Modern urban weddings + rooftop views
Location: East Village
Capacity: 40–250
Located in the iconic Simmons Building, Charbar offers industrial-chic style, exposed brick, large windows, and some of the best rooftop views in Calgary.
Why couples love it:
Rooftop patio overlooking the river
Amazing food + cocktails
Bold, modern atmosphere
Great downtown photo locations nearby
Perfect for couples who love the energy of the city.
Click image to see more from The Hangar Flight Museum.
10. Hangar Flight Museum
Best for: Bold, unconventional weddings
Location: NE Calgary
Capacity: 50–300+
If you want a wedding that guests will never forget, The Hangar Flight Museum delivers. Industrial space, massive ceilings, and vintage aircraft create an epic, cinematic backdrop.
Why couples love it:
Unique, dramatic setting
Spacious + customizable
Fantastic for creative lighting
One-of-a-kind wedding photos
Ideal for couples who want a venue as unique as their love story.
How to Choose the Right Calgary Wedding Venue
Here are a few important things to consider:
1. Guest Count
Make sure your venue can comfortably hold your number of guests with room to move, dance, and mingle.
2. Ceremony + Reception in One Place?
Some venues (like River Café, Calgary Zoo or The Lake House) work beautifully for both.
3. Indoor vs. Outdoor Options
Calgary weather can change quickly—ask about backup ceremony locations.
4. Photography Locations
Consider:
How much natural light the venue has
Whether there are nearby photo spots
If the venue matches your wedding aesthetic
5. Budget + Minimums
Ask about:
Food & beverage minimums
Rental fees
Weekend vs. weekday pricing
Peak vs. off-season months
Frequently Asked Questions About Calgary Wedding Venues
How much does a Calgary wedding venue cost?
Most Calgary wedding venues range from $2,000 to $15,000+, depending on season, space, minimums, catering, and guest count.
What are the most popular Calgary wedding venues?
Some of the most consistently popular venues include The Lake House, River Café, Charbar, and the Calgary Zoo.
What’s the best time of year for a Calgary outdoor wedding?
June through early September generally offer the warmest weather, though many couples also love fall weddings for the colors and cooler temperatures.
Which Calgary venues work well for large weddings?
Great options for 200+ guests include University of Calgary, Carriage House Inn, The Clagary Zoo, Charbar, and Hangar Flight Museum.
Which venues are ideal for intimate weddings?
River Café, Deane House, The Nash, and certain Calgary Zoo spaces are perfect for smaller celebrations.
Final Thoughts: Find Your Perfect Calgary Wedding Venue
Calgary has an incredible variety of wedding venues to suit every couple—romantic, rustic, modern, quirky, intimate, or grand. As photographers who have worked in these spaces for years, we love helping couples choose venues that feel like them and photograph beautifully.
If you have questions about any of these locations (or need help deciding which venue suits your vision), we’re always happy to chat!
Planning a Calgary Wedding? We’d Love to Photograph It.
If you’re looking for an experienced Calgary wedding photographer who knows these venues inside and out, reach out anytime—we’d love to hear your story and help you create unforgettable images.