Sometimes you just want to feel like your somewhere other than where you are. Transported to another time and place. Or at the very least have your wedding photos look and feel like Europe. At least I do. As a first generation Canadian, I’m always searching for a little bit of what oddly feels like home to me. Europe. So i’m sharing all my secret.

Ottawa is truly a hidden gem when it comes to its remarkable historical architecture, and if you carefully curate and thoughtfully plan your wedding day accordingly, here are the top sites I enthusiastically suggest to all of my clients who are seeking stunning European-inspired wedding photography in the beautiful city of Ottawa.

National Art Centre Rooftop Patio

The National Art Centre is iconic for its views of the Chateau Laurier, Historical Train Station now turned Senate, Parliament Hill etc. The upper balcony which used to have a tent for weddings is now a public access rooftop terrace. A perfect place to capture larger group photos such as bridal party photos and even family photos. The National Art Centre has plenty on-site parking for traveling bridal parties and a few cute nooks for pictures closer to the canal. No reservations needed and walkable from the Chateau Laurier and Lord Elgin.

wedding ottawa downtown photos toast events — Stephanie Mason Photography

Centre for pluralism

Located right beside National Art Gallery, the Centre for Pluralism is stunning in its European style architecture and with a gorgeous courtyard. Steps from the Notre Dame Basilica, this is my go to for family and bridal party photos as its quiet and has close to no foot traffic. The courtyard is also available to rent if you would like to host an outdoor ceremony or pitch a tent for your reception. I suggest you book transportation as there is no formal onsite parking and The Royal Canadian Mint next door is pretty strict with security.

Chateau Laurier

My second home. If you know me, you’ll know my affinity for the Chateau Laurier. There’s a catch 22. Access to the exterior of the building is available for all to take pictures. However the inside of the Chateau is reserved solely for couple who are getting married AT the Chateau. If you’re looking for a rain plan- this is not it. For lucky couples getting married at the Chateau, you wouldn’t need to leave the property to have a wide range of photography.

WEDDING PHOTOS EUROPEAN TOAST EVENTS — Lace & Luce

NATIONAL ART GALLERY

The National Art Gallery is more modern in aesthetic and provides a beautiful blank canvas. Perfect for minimalistic photos with and abundance of negative space. It’s hot though- so bring water, hand held fans and a pair of walking shoes. If it’s raining many couple will opt for photos inside. There is a fee and places to take photos is limited. Most of the gallery is off limits due to publication rights of art work.

SUPREME COURT OF CANADA

Often overlooked is the Parliament Buildings, due to their construction, but also the Supreme Court. With little shade and with the sun high in the sky during key photography times, this property can seem challenging to some photographers. But I love this building. It’s quiet, easy for a limo to pull up and stand by as you run out for some gorgeous photos. This spot is a 10 on an overcast day!

SENATE BUILDING OF CANADA

A very long time ago I did an event in this building when it was The Government Conference Building. If you had written permission from a member of parliament and a lot of luck, it was possible to host the odd event in a blue moon. The charm of this building is found when it’s used in the background of beautiful wedding photos. Its limestone exterior is also quite gorgeous for closer photos, but because of its scale and grandeur the more prominent features of the building is missed.

CONNAUGHT BUILDING

Another stunning building across from Majors Hill and beside the Chateau Laurier perfect for bridal portraits, iconic in-motion promenade photos.

Toast Events wedding guide to european wedding photos

Notre DamE Basilica

I really love this spot. It’s easy to just walk by without a second glance. Just an entrance. But to a trained photographer- just look at the opportunities to do bridal party, family or even portraits! If you’re looking at the Notre Dame, this alcove would be on the right hand side of the building on St.Patricks Street.

Wellington Building

Paris in Ottawa. And if you were to ask me, November in downtown Ottawa in general feels like a rainy day Paris. The location of the Wellington Building with it’s sandstone exterior and rod-iron portico provides photographers a stunning backdrop to make your wedding photos feel like Europe. As you can see in these two pictures you could spend 30 mins alone shooting various angles and it could look like multiple various locations.

The Arboretum

Only in cherry blossom season would I suggest the Arboretum for your wedding photos. Plain and simple there are just too many tourists and better park like places that will give you the same effect without the crowed. But if you’re looking for blooming trees the window in May is short but glorious. In the picture on your left, our bride from California caught the last glimpse of a blooming tree June 11th. So don’t be deceived. Late April to Mid May is cherry blossom, crab apple, service berry, dogwood, magnolia season. Parking is slim. 100% book a limousine that can hover in the distance as you take your wedding photos. I know someone is going to ask me where we got this 1938 Ford antique car so here is a link to that wedding’s post for further pictures and the company we worked with is Antique Limo Services

ROCKCLIFFE PARK

The images below are from a wedding ceremony we hosted in the Rockcliffe Park. It takes a bit of exploring to find these abandoned columns and hidden cherub fountain. From the main parking- its hard to see. Down a winding path along a hillside you’ll find these ruins tucked away in a beautiful private nook. To have a ceremony onsite you will need a permit from NCC. They also have strict regulations on what they permit you to do onsite, but if you’re looking for a casual micro ceremony or for bridal portraits this is a really picturesque spot.

MAJORS HILL PARK

I’m wondering if Majors Hill Park will become more popular for photography now that AI is advanced enough to be able to take out unsightly signage, random pedestrians etc. This park is often an at sunset or after sunset “if we have time” last minute location since its always so busy with tourists. But as you can see. The view of the Fairmont Chateau Laurier is iconic and non-other. My client seen in the bottom right photo left dinner in order to get this photo. And I have to say, it was worth the stalling of catering ;)

Mackenzie Avenue

How quaint as bride is it to walk with your bridal party from your presidential suite at the Chateau Laurier to the Notre Dame Cathedral to get married. Just the thought brings chills. The moments captured during that walk are priceless. Full of excitement and butterflies. I’ve walked this path with many brides and i’ve even searched for a scooter or two for my staff to zip back and forth from each location. Our bride Brittany is seen here on Mackenzie Avenue with her bridesmaids.

Toast Events wedding european pictures — Lace & Luce

CONFEDERATION PARK

I’m just going to leave these images here and let them speak for themselves. Especially when your photographer is one of Vogues top photographers list.

NATIONAL RESEARCH COUNCIL OF CANADA

If you don’t venture down Sussex often this building can be missed. I first noticed the building doing events for the British High Commission. We shared an entrance to Earnscliff, the official residence of the Ambassador. At the time I had never seen it used in any wedding photography before. So when the opportunity arose and with the clients explicit trust, we ventured over with Age of Indie. This might be #2 on my list of all-time favourite spots because it just isn’t used by photographers and desolate on the weekends with a massive empty parking lot. This would also be lovely for family photos.

CENTRAL POST OFFICE

European wedding photos downtown — Logan Scott Photography

SIR JOHN A MACDONALD BUILDING

TABARET HALL

MACKENZIE KING ESTATE

ROCKCLIFFE PAVILLION

Back when I first started doing weddings, the Rockcliffe Pavilion was the designated space to rent for an outdoor wedding ceremony and a rain plan all built into one. Mind you the parking isn’t great and the pavilion is very dark inside for photos. These days if you call NCC they will say that the structure is under renovation and not accepting bookings. However, if you were to swing by now you’ll see that it’s not entirely the case. once a year i’ll give them a call to see if it’s available, but I seem to strike every single time.

TOASTEVENTS WEDDING EUROPEAN PHOTOGRAPHY

Vatican Embassy

This image is very misleading. The entrance to the Vatican’s Embassy is absolutely stunning. If you come at the right time you may see their decorated guards. My first experience at this Embassy was to host a birthday event in honour of the Pope. Driving through these gates left me feeling like I was back in Geneva Switzerland.

Toast events wedding european wedding photos

Rideau Hall

Rideau Hall has a lot of tourists so naturally most photographers would err on the side of caution and forgo these beautiful parklike grounds. But I often have a select few ambitious enough to tackle the obstacles and shoot here.

ST RAPHAEL’S

Outside of Ottawa. Closer to Cornwall is St Raph’s ruins. One day I will do a ceremony here.

canal locks

STRATHCONA PARK

European Wedding Photos, Ottawa, Toast Events

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You may recognize this gorgeous bride and if not you will soon come to know this ray on sunlight as Sarah is now part of our team here at Toast! But before this, Sarah stepped into my life as the sweetest client. Her trust in me to plan her wedding and bring her vision to life with some added tulle and that “je ne sais quois” signature Toast style evolved into a longterm friendship and trusted co-planner.

Everytime I look back at Sarah’s wedding I melt. I remember telling her that we needed more softness, tulle overlays atop the standard table linens to look like frothy waves….create movement in a still design. And without hesitation she said “Yes!!!! I see it! It’s going to look dreamy!.”

The color palette was exceptional and all Sarah’s friends and family came dressed to impress with the most beautiful fashion. Not bad for a wedding that was anticipated to be 300 guests at the Infinity Centre to a pandemic in full swing with a reduced guest list to 100 guests at the intimate cliff side wedding venue Le Belvedere.