Residing on the North Saskatchewan River in Canada, Edmonton, Alberta is a compelling city of old and new, its richness embodied at historical sites like Fort Edmonton Park and contemporary landmarks like Royal Alberta Museum. Beyond the thriving cultural scene, Edmonton is one of the sunniest cities in Canada, making its natural beauty and outdoor activities a big draw. These elements are infused into the city’s numerous wedding venues, solidifying Edmonton as one of Alberta’s most popular areas for nuptials.
Whether you’re a local or considering a destination wedding, we’ve rounded up the 5 most unique wedding venues in Edmonton to ensure your special day is unforgettable.
1. Fort Edmonton Park – Blatchford Hangar
Travel to the 1920s at this historic fort that features the Blatchford Field Air Hangar, a reconstruction of the original hangar that was demolished in 1979 and harkens back to Edmonton’s early aviation industry.
The hangar is perfect for large events, like weddings, and features expansive wooden beam ceilings, concrete floors, and hangar doors that open to a lush picnic space.
This indoor and outdoor reception venue makes it particularly ideal for summer celebrations. Because the hangar acts like a blank canvas, it’s an optimal and unique setting for couples who have a specific vision. Plus, the venue includes a coatroom, built-in audio system, risers, and a mezzanine, making wedding planning much easier.
Cost: Site fee starts at C$4,000, and food is C$65 per person
Capacity: 450
Bonus: You don’t need to find a caterer because of the venue’s 4,236-square-foot, state-of-the-art catering kitchen that can accommodate any number of guests.
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2. Art Gallery of Alberta
The architectural Art Gallery of Alberta—built from zinc, glass, and steel—was designed by famed architect Randall Stout and features a range of spaces for couples who want contemporary elegance on their wedding day.
Top event spaces include Ernest C. Manning Hall & Atrium, the largest area which usually features a massive piece of art, the Borealis Room, which creates a floating illusion on the fourth floor of the gallery, the Outdoor Sculpture Terrace, which showcases a permanent sculpture, and Ledcor Theatre, a favorite setting for ceremonies.
Additionally, Zinc—the gallery’s event and catering operator—has won multiple awards for its first-rate services and collaborates with couples to craft a customized menu of dishes made from fresh and seasonal ingredients.
Cost: Site fee is C$400 to $2,250, and food is C$59 – $65 per person
Capacity: 200
Bonus: All rentals include setup and tear down, linen, glassware, tableware, and a microphone and podium. The museum’s location in downtown Edmonton also makes it easy to access from many popular hotels.
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3. The Oasis Centre
The Oasis Centre sits on 3.7 acres of land and features a landscaped garden, an expansive paved courtyard, a lily pond with two waterfalls, English lawns, and prairie flora and herbs.
The Grand Hall, the most popular wedding event space, stuns guests with 24-foot-high ceilings, rose quartz chandeliers, marble pillars, and golden drapes. A plush bridal lounge and refined groom’s quarters also add to a couple’s comfort.
The venue can take care of the setup and navigation of a projector (for a romantic slideshow), lighting and sound, catering and bar services, event planning, and vendor management. If you’re looking for a lavish wedding venue that’s sure to awe, The Oasis Centre is a top choice for your ceremony and reception.
Cost: Site fee starts at C$8,000, and food is C$55 – $65 per person
Capacity: 375
Bonus: Guests will experience overwhelming beauty before they even reach the Grand Hall, as the 1,500- square-foot foyer features a 1,300-gallon aquarium, grand piano, handcrafted mahogany bar, and state-of-the-art Italian espresso machine, setting the stage for a picture-perfect wedding.
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4. Studio 96
Formerly St. Stephen’s Anglican Church, Studio 96 is a historic landmark that was saved from demolition and renovated by architects Ernst von Meijenfeldt and Eugene Silva.
The result? A contemporary wedding space that greets friends and family with a Moroccan-themed reception foyer flowing into a 2,200 square-foot main hall with an impressive cathedral ceiling, bar, and catering area. Guests can also enjoy an eclectic downstairs lounge for socializing during cocktail hour.
Cost: Site fee starts at C$4,540, and food is C$50 per person
Capacity: 200
Bonus: The original exposed brick walls create a timeless backdrop for your wedding photos.
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5. Fairmont Hotel Macdonald
A four-star grand hotel emanating the elegance of a bygone era, the Fairmont Hotel Macdonald can facilitate everything from an intimate wedding to an extravagant gala.
There are numerous spaces in the hotel, but the most iconic is the Empire Ballroom which overlooks the North Saskatchewan River Valley and features towering ceilings, crystal chandeliers, and romantic architecture. The garden space, which looks onto the river, is also a perfect spot for an outdoor wedding during the warmer months.
The venue’s award-winning culinary team creates customized menus that can include Ocean Wise Lobster Bisque, Braised Alberta Beef Short Rib, Truffle-Infused Pork Belly, and an array of other dishes. And thanks to the personalized care and attention, couples can easily manage menus, music, table settings, flowers, and other accommodations.
Cost: Site fee starts at C$1,800, and food is C$66 per person
Capacity: 250
Bonus: The hotel’s luxurious guestrooms offer guests exceptional comfort throughout the wedding.
Find Fairmont Hotel Macdonald on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
