OTTAWA BRIDES - AHR venue ideas???

I need help figuring out where I want to host my AHR in Ottawa!

 

I am looking to do it any time between Feb and June 2009 and I don't want a traditional reception hall in a hotel/conference centre.

 

We are not planning a sit down dinner, more of a cocktail and dancing sort of shindig starting about 8pm.

 

So far, I've thought of a few restaurants, including the new one at Dows Lake, the Monteray Inn (I love the stone walls in the dining room), and an outdoor location, like the huge yard at my parents new home, with a tent.

 

Any thoughts would be appreciated!

Friends of mine are getting married here, Bean Town Ranch - Welcome! , and it's absolutely beautiful. They only have one event per day, so it's much more personalized.

 

Other friends of mine got married here, Strathmere | A Country Retreat Since 1979 , and it's really pretty. Very relaxed.

 

I even find the land along the Ottawa River Parkway (near Lincoln Fields) to be pretty, but I'm not sure how you would go about planning a reception along it, or if it's even an option, but I've always thought it would be a nice touch, rent a few tents and set up a dance floor...

 

Another cool idea would be the National Art Gallery National Gallery of Canada - Host an Event ...I know of a few weddings that have taken place there, although I haven't been to one myself.

I'm having my AHR at the NAC in a beautiful room called the panorama room ( all window) - I know it's not really what your looking at, but figured Id let you know.

There are tons of great places.

 

I have done a couple receptions at Club 18 (18 York St.) in the market. It has the stone wall feel, the food is amazing and so is the staff.

 

Strathmere is fun as well (on a sunny day) but is a little bit of a drive out of the city.

 

I would look into some of the Golf Clubs around.

 

I have heard great things about urban element | home

I'll be shooting a wedding there in a few weeks.

Oh the Urban Element looks awesome! That is more of what I was looking for...I didn't even know that place existed! Very cool!

I am really looking for something right in the city to avoid the transportation issues for our guests, but Strathmere is beautiful. Golf clubs are just not our style...although perfect for a reception.

We are going to look at Lago tomorrow night - new restaurant opening at Dows Lake and they have an open house, food sampling starting at 6pm. They have rooms for private parties and its right on the water which is perfect. Let you know how it goes!

I was going to say the Monterray, I had my first wedding reception there.

 

D'oh!

 

It was absolutely beautiful though.

Definitely let me know how it is there!

 

I know the wedding coordinator for Urban Element, if you need her contact info let me know.

There was a really awesome restaurant in the market that you could have it at, but for some reason the name has escaped me. Theres a huge brick patio out there and its gorgeous. Ill try and remeber the name!

Social? Foundation? They are both in the same little courtyard area along with a few other places. Social is a beautiful venue...I'll have to think about it...

I looked into these places on York street and they were an arm and a leg...

 

Urban well looks cool - I think Fi and I will be taking cooking classes there. How many ppl can they accommodate for a wedding though? the room looks small.