When I began researching outdoor wedding venues near Montreal after moving to Canada in 2014, I realized that a lot of couples were still getting hitched in those big, fancy ballrooms downtown despite being surrounded by some of the most amazing outdoor spaces I’ve ever seen!
OK, so those wedding venues with the huge chandeliers and purple uplights can be pretty impressive. Still, I felt my photography was far more suited to wedding venues that had a more relaxed vibe and were a part of the Canadian landscape.
If Evelyne and I were getting married again – hey, we may renew our vows sometime! – we’d definitely want to invite the people we like most to a place that lies on a lake or has a view of the countryside. So, naturally, as a photographer, I’m far more drawn to wedding venues such as Manoir Hovey or Forest & Stream than the Windsor Ballroom (sorry Windsor peeps!). Then we have the gorgeous Auberge Des Gallant, just 15 minutes from home. And places like Entrepôts Dominion, with its more urban vibe or the lovely Le Château Taillefer Lafon, which is surrounded by vineyards.
There’s a solid reason why Montreal’s warm climate in summer makes outdoor weddings so popular. The city’s gorgeous natural scenery, lush gardens, and picturesque waterside vistas make it an ideal setting for an outdoor wedding. Choosing the perfect outdoor wedding location can be difficult because there are so many options. This is why I’ve compiled this detailed list of outdoor wedding venues in the Montreal area.
Check out Cassandra & Tristan’s outdoor wedding at Auberge Des Gallant.
Oh yeah, I should probably mention that Entrepôts Dominion was recently voted the Best Wedding Venue in Montreal by wedding professionals. Pretty impressive! It has an outdoor courtyard and modern interior that’s well suited for couples looking for something a little quirkier for their big day. Sidenote: I actually really don’t like the phrase “big day.” Sounds pretty naff to me, but what are the alternatives?
La Toundra was voted number 2 in that poll and is a fantastic venue inside Parc Jean‑Drapeau. Nice and central for your guests, but it doesn’t feel like you’re in the big city. It has trees! I like trees.
Chateau Vaudreuil is another outdoor wedding venue just up the road from us. Right on the water and with tons of great photo ops, this is a place I could shoot in again and again and never feel like I was repeating myself.
I have to mention the amazing Abbaye d’Oka, where last year I shot Jeannine & Patrick’s Uh-mazing wedding! I believe the venue is under new ownership now, but it is a true hidden gem when it comes to outdoor wedding venues near Montreal. Full of history and surrounded by forests, it’s a gorgeous place to get have a wedding reception.
Being from the UK, I’ve been kinda spoiled when it comes to outdoor wedding venues. Back there, we have SO many cool wedding venues with outdoor areas for a ceremony. But we do not have the Canadian landscapes. I can’t think of a single venue in the UK that compares with Manoir Hovey. I’ve never been anywhere in England that has the same vibe as Erablière Charbonneau where I shot Anne & Albert’s wedding. And there’s no wedding venue quite like The Forest & Stream Club.
This past summer, I photographed Kat & Dave’s wedding at Au Chalet en Bois Rond, which is closer to Quebec City but totally worth the journey. And I just discovered La Bullerie and would love to shoot a wedding there sometime.
Chateau Ramezay may be right in the heart of the Old Port, but it has a gorgeous garden and is just a beautiful spot for a small outdoor wedding. And then you have the surrounding streets of Old Montreal to take photos. Win-win!
The Jardin d’Emmanuel in Oka is a stunning location, perfect for couples who are seeking a setting that is unique and will leave a lasting impression. By choosing this location for your wedding photography, you can ensure that you have breathtaking shots to look back on in the years to come. And the food is great!
When listing my favourite outdoor wedding venues near Montreal, I could hardly ignore Coteau Rougemont, where couples can use the vineyard and hold their ceremony on the patio overlooking the surrounding valley. Andrea & Marc had their wedding there, and it was absolutely perfect. When you have venues like this, why would you want to be stuck in some downtown ballroom?! Each to their own and all that…
I recently photographed Stephanie and Benny’s wedding at La Montagne Coupée, and it instantly became one of my favourite venues in all of Quebec. Just look at the panoramic views during their ceremony!
If you’re looking for a wedding venue with that outdoorsy, rustic vibe surrounded by nature, then Polo Park Farms is absolutely worth a look. It’s a 65-acre space in Ste-Marthe with an open field and a tent in the forest.
You can’t go wrong with La Sucrerie de la Montagne as the location for your wedding celebration. Our sugar shack is a designated Quebec Heritage Site, so your guests may go back in time and get a taste of what life was like for their ancestors in Canada and Quebec.
Inviting your guests to mingle at an outdoor event in the midst of a maple forest in the open air on top of Mont Rigaud is easy to imagine. There are a total of four banquet spaces at your disposal, each with its own country-style or individualized food options and a classic stone fireplace.
The old structure that now houses Cafe d’Horloge may be found in the middle of Rigaud, Quebec. Originally a general store and post office, it was constructed around 1880. The structure has been renovated and is now home to a restaurant, bar, and events venue. The cafe’s brick walls, high ceilings, and fireplace provide a comfortable and inviting space, making it a favourite location for weddings and other special occasions.
I photographed Isabelle and Dominic’s wedding at Cafe d’Horlage last year.
There are so many amazing outdoor wedding venues near Montreal, I wonder why anyone would want to get married indoors! And I haven’t even mentioned Pavilion de la Jamaique, or anywhere in Mont Tremblant yet!
When I moved to Canada, I hoped to be shooting amazing weddings with gorgeous backdrops of lakes, mountains, vineyards, and forests. Recently that’s been happening more and more. And yeah, I’m still thinking about our vow renewal!
Amazing wedding venues in the Ottawa or Gatineau area.
If you’re planning your own outdoor wedding, whether that’s near Montreal or somewhere else entirely, I’d love to hear from you. Please drop me an email via the Contact page.
Why Couples Should Consider an Outdoor Wedding Venue
One of the essential things for newlyweds to do when they plan their wedding is to pick the right location. Locations both indoors and out are on the table. In the past few years, couples who want their wedding to be unique and memorable have made outdoor locations more popular. Here, we’ll discuss some of the many positive aspects of holding a wedding outside and why that choice may be the best one for you.
Jardin D’Emmanuel Wedding Photography
Benefits of an Outdoor Wedding Venue
Jardin D’Emmanuel Wedding Photography
1. Take in Nature’s Stunning Scenery
One of the main reasons for holding the ceremony outside is the breathtaking scenery. A wedding held outside makes full use of the location’s natural beauty, whether that be a beach, garden, or vineyard. Being outdoors allows you to take advantage of a picture-perfect setting that isn’t always possible to create inside.
2. There’s Lots of Room
Outdoor wedding venues, in particular, tend to have a lot of room, making them perfect for big celebrations. You won’t have to deal with the crowds and lack of elbow room that sometimes plagues indoor settings. The space that can be found at an outdoor location is ideal for a party.
3. Construction that may be adapted to changing needs
The layout of wedding receptions can be more freely improvised at outdoor locations. The venue may be decorated to the couple’s liking, allowing them to make their wedding day more personalized. The natural environment may be complemented by the addition of flowers, lights, and other decorative features.
4. Save Money!
Outdoor locations typically cost less than their indoor counterparts for wedding receptions. This is due to the fact that they don’t necessitate as much furnishing or building. Greater options for vendors may be available at outdoor sites, giving the happy couple more leeway in their spending plan.
5. A more easy-going environment
There is a more easygoing vibe at a wedding held outside as opposed to one held indoors. There is a sense of relaxation in the air thanks to the open layout and natural decor. Having everyone involved have a better time is a win-win situation.
Types of Outdoor Wedding Venues near Montreal
Rustic Venues
The majority of barns and rural sites suitable for a casual, rustic wedding are quite far from the city of Montreal. The casual nature of these venues calls for a similarly easygoing ceremony. Auberge des Gallant and Au Vieux Moulin are two well-known country inns that provide beautiful wedding sites.
Waterfront Venues
Montreal’s waterfront makes for a breathtaking backdrop for an outdoor nuptial. Beautiful views of the city and water can be found at a variety of venues along the St. Lawrence River and the Lachine Canal, making them ideal settings for a wedding. There are various waterfront venues in Montreal’s Old Port that can accommodate weddings of varied sizes.
Vineyard Wedding Venues
Couples who dream of a rustic yet enchanting wedding can find the ideal setting in a vineyard. The vineyards and rolling hills make a picturesque setting for weddings and celebrations. Weddings in vineyards are ideal for laid-back wine enthusiasts and their guests.
Garden Wedding Venues
Couples who want their wedding to have a more relaxed and natural vibe can consider having it in a garden. All of the beautiful flowers and trees provide a picture-perfect setting for the wedding and celebration. To celebrate their love in a serene and beautiful setting, more couples are turning to garden weddings.
What’s the best time of year to have an outdoor ceremony?
Montreal’s temperate and pleasant weather makes May through September the ideal season for an outdoor wedding. However, it is wise to have a backup strategy in place in case of bad weather.
Weather Considerations
It is crucial to think about the weather while organizing an outside ceremony. Couples planning an outdoor wedding should be prepared for the possibility of bad weather by having a backup plan ready. It’s also crucial to think about the weather and offer cooling or warming solutions as appropriate.
Vendor Considerations
Some wedding services may require a shift in preparation for an outdoor ceremony, depending on the location. All of the vendors (caterers, photographers, and DJs) should have experience working in outdoor venues. Consequently, it is essential to choose people who are familiar with outdoor weddings and adaptable enough to deal with unforeseen challenges.
Conclusion:
Your wedding’s atmosphere and overall experience might be significantly altered by the surrounding natural environment. Those who choose to wed in the great outdoors in Montreal will find a plethora of stunning and unique venues from which to select.
Choosing the right outdoor wedding venue is an important decision that will impact the overall atmosphere and experience of your wedding. Montreal offers a diverse range of outdoor wedding venues, each with its unique charm and character.
ABOUT STEVE
I’m a Brit living in Montreal with my wife, Evelyne and our three boys, Elliott, Isaac and Jonas! Evelyne and I met in the Alps in 2003 when Evelyne thought she was a cool snowboarder, and I thought I was a superstar DJ. We got married in 2007 in Cornwall, England and moved to Canada in 2014. I photographed my first wedding in 2006 and have now shot almost 500 weddings, mostly in Canada & the UK, but I absolutely love travelling anywhere in the world. I enjoyed it when I started but love my job now more than ever.
** VOTED BEST WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER BY THE READERS OF PERFECT WEDDING MAGAZINE **
“Steve Gerrard has a knack for capturing the tiniest, fleeting moments you didn’t even realize were happening, as well as the all-important hero shots.” – Rock My Wedding Blog.
