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The Best Destination Wedding Venues in Canada

Canada is brimming with gorgeous wedding venues in awe-inspiring settings
Canada is brimming with gorgeous wedding venues in awe-inspiring settings | Courtesy of Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise

Canada might not be the first country you think of when imagining a destination wedding. But a romantic wedding in the Great White North could include seeing the Northern Lights, being married in a city exuding European charm or matching your dress to the winter wonderland surrounds. Here are some of the most beautiful wedding venues in Canada.

Nita Lake Lodge

Hotel, Lodge

Winter ceremony at Nita Lake Lodge
© Christie Graham
Nita Lake Lodge is the premier wedding locale in Whistler – a beautiful choice year-round. It has different ceremony venues, including its porte-cochère, with its incredible mountain views and indoor-outdoor space. The Lakeside Patio and the Library are the other two options. Receptions can take place in a private dining room in the Aura Restaurant, the Nia Ballroom and Foyer, the Train Station or the Library. The lodge’s waterfront position makes for beautiful photos too.

Notre-Dame Basilica of Montréal

Church

Notre-Dame Basilica in Montreal
© Ronnie Chua / Alamy Stock Photo

The Notre-Dame Basilica of Montréal is undoubtedly the most beautiful church in Canada, making it one of the top venues in the country for a religious ceremony. The inspiration behind the intricately detailed interior was the Sainte-Chapelle in Paris. Couples can get married on Saturdays in either the basilica or the Notre-Dame-du-Sacré-Cœur Chapel; the church is not open to visitors during this time. However, to have their nuptials in this incredible space, they must take some steps towards sacrament, such as meeting the priest on a few occasions and undertaking a counseling course.

Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise

Resort

Fairmont Château Lake Louise
Courtesy of Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise / Expedia

The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise describes itself as “naturally graced with all the elements for a magical celebration.” With snow-frosted mountains, a majestic glacier and a beautiful lake, it would be unfair to accuse them of hyperbole. The hotel’s interior is just as extravagant and beautiful as its natural outdoor surroundings, earning it a well-deserved spot on this list. Couples can have their ceremony in the Victoria Ballroom, Sun Room, Lakeview Terrace or Victoria Terrace. And if it’s a winter wedding, there are add-ons such as specially made ice sculptures.

Fogo Island Inn

Inn

The Fogo Island Inn by Saunder Architecture of Norway, Newfoundland, Canada, North America
© robertharding / Alamy Stock Photo
In 2014, Weddingbells magazine named Fogo Island Inn one of the loveliest wedding venues. It’s a perfect destination for a remote Canadian wedding, as Fogo Island is known as one of the four corners of the Earth. A wedding at the inn can include traditional Newfoundland cuisine, served in the award-winning dining room. Couples can choose between an evening of stargazing on the rooftop terrace or celebrating in the Gathering Hall, with its sweeping North Atlantic views. Staying at the multi-award-winning property is unforgettable in itself.

Blachford Lake Lodge and Wilderness Resort

Lodge

© Blachford Lake Lodge and Wilderness Resort
Blachford Lake Lodge and Wilderness Resort, near Yellowknife in the remote Northwest Territories, is in a perfect position for viewing the Northern Lights from November to April. Indeed, there’s a 90 percent chance of seeing them during these months. A wedding at this resort includes either an indoor or outdoor ceremony and exclusive use of the lodge; it also has a list of activities that everyone can enjoy.

Fairmont Le Château Frontenac

Resort

Fairmont Le Château Frontenac
Courtesy of Fairmont Le Château Frontenac / Expedia

The Fairmont Le Château Frontenac is one of the most photographed hotels in the world and one of the most popular wedding venues in eastern Canada. It resembles a hilltop fairytale castle, overlooking the city from its position in Old Quebec, an area brimming with impressive European-style architecture. Inside the hotel, venues include the Grand Ballroom, Rose Room and Cellier Room (the premier wedding venue in Quebec City). The hotel’s award-winning culinary team will also prepare a delicious feast to complement your big day.

Casa Loma

Museum

Casa Loma castle in Toronto, Canada
© Péter Mocsonoky / Alamy Stock Photo
Casa Loma is one of the top tourist attractions in Toronto. Fortunately, the majestic castle is open to weddings on the main floor. It offers several options for ceremonies, including the Library and the Conservatory, where a stunning stained-glass ceiling and marble and greenery touches combine to make one of the prettiest venues. The Castle Terrace, overlooking the lush grounds, and the impressive gardens themselves are perfect spots for wedding photos.

Cambium Farms

Farm

© Ikonica
Sitting on 50 acres (20ha) in Ontario’s picturesque Caledon Hills region, Cambium Farms is a charming property for a rustic, countryside wedding, complete with an authentic barn dating back to 1873. It features exposed beams, braces, posts and rafters. Besides this architectural masterpiece, there’s also the Carriage House and the Farmhouse. The latter is open to the bridal party to prepare for the big day, while the former is perfect for smaller functions.

Hôtel de Glace

Hotel

Hôtel de Glace
© Frederic Nadeau / Shutterstock
The most unique wedding venue in Canada goes to the Hôtel de Glace in Quebec – the only one in North America. This world-renowned hotel is only open for about three months at the beginning of each year. The bride can arrive in a horse-drawn carriage before meeting her groom inside the ice chapel. Once the ceremony is complete, the newlyweds can celebrate their love with a bottle of Neige Ice Cider, poured into handmade ice flutes, and stay the night in one of the hotel’s unique rooms.

The Wickaninnish Inn

Boutique Hotel, Inn, Spa Hotel, Hotel

Wickaninnish Inn
© The Wickaninnish Inn

The team at the Wickaninnish Inn promises to create a wedding experience so unique that it will be unforgettable. The inn lies in Canada’s surfing capital of Tofino on Vancouver Island and is the best waterfront wedding venue. Some of the property’s best features include a stunning interior and access to the beach and forest. It can also arrange various activities, whether that’s a spa day for the ladies, a whale-watching excursion or a goodbye brunch.

About the author

I'm an Australian freelance writer and travel blogger. I was born in Perth, grew up in Townsville and currently live in Melbourne. I write about my worldwide solo travel adventures and my former expat life in Canada on my blog, Hayley on Holiday (hayleyonholiday.com).

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