wedding reception

[go iggy]

Hi Everyone,
My bride to be and I are looking for a place where we can get married next year. We looked at golf courses but their really expensive. We wanted somewhere we can take some real nice pictures outside among the trees and flowers. I was wondering if anyone knows of a great place that holds about 160 people. We are open to anything. I tried getting her to go to vegas or mexico but she won't do it.We would ideally like somewhere we can have the ceremony and reception in the same place but we're flexable. Please share your experiences with halls, music, flowers and videographer.

Thanks

Go Flames!!!!!

[Seabass]

One of the nicer ones I went to was at the Cochrane Ranchehouse.

[RyZ]

My bride and I are doing it at Red Deer Lake hall just south of town by Spruce Meadows. It is fairly large, we are expecting to fit 250 easily.

[ken0042]

I think I speak for all men here when I ask- don't wedding plans just take care of themselves?

In all seriousness though; I would recommend picking a location that has ample taxi service available. And some of the best receptions I've been to have just been at a community hall. A little more work, but can be a lot cheaper.

[Saint Troy]

Wedding Pavillion out by COP, they do everything for you, marry you, feed you and send you on your way. Very uninvolved husband friendly.

[underGRADFlame]

Its not cheap but the Wedding Pavillion is a place that makes girls go crazy for coco puffs.

[RedHot25]

Well, since we got married ~ 3/4s of a year ago now, I might be able to shed some light on things for you. These are some of the places that we were looking at. We started off with a smaller number, but then had about 110ish at our day. Anyways, as for ideas:

-The Highwood at SAIT. This is where we got married. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. Very good service, great ambiance...and the place looks quite nice. All for a fairly decent deal. Can't say enough good things about them. Gave my sister and her b/f a tour of the big kitchen (after the meals were done), as they were interested in seeing things. The tour was done by the headchef. Were very good with the handful of young children present; staff were friendly with them, showed them a "secret room" (well it really wasn't so secret but it was great as it kind of made all the kids feel a little special), gave them a couple of kiddie food options to eat.

Anyways, can't say enough good things. Very flexible. Louise (the lady you will work with if you choose there) was great. We were planning from a distance, so it was kind of different that way. It took a tiny bit for her to warm up/get used to us, but she is extremely good. We ended up going for a full bar (i.e. us paying it all), but in the planning stage she suggested that a toonie bar was just as good, if not better. It was nice to know that they weren't just out to gouge us for the highest price possible. She has also been doing the weddings at the highwood forever i believe, so she has things down to a science.

Anyways, that said, some other places we looked at:

-Never actually physically looked inside (again we were at a distance), but the Calgary Chamber of Commerce has a very nice looking ballroom.
http://www.calgarychamber.com/abcalc...k_ball.cm?Open

-The Lougheed House. http://www.lougheedhouse.com/
Not sure of size that it can hold but its pretty nice. They have a gorgeous front lawn anyways, when I was working downtown in Calgary I would often have my lunch there.

-The Deane House. http://www.fortcalgary.ab.ca/popups/deanehouse.htm
I think it holds a bit smaller #s. Again, it kind of depends what you are looking for.

-COP. I believe that they have something up around near the ski jumps? Wasn't for us, but if you are into that, it looked pretty good.

-I can't quite remember the name, but there was a nice place in kanaskis...the lodge (just looked it up, not quite it). Not one of the "big names" but looked real nice and had some pretty good deals. Only thing you would have to consider is places to stay etc; we decided not to as we did not want people driving home after drinking, or the reverse - i.e. not being able to drink b/c they had to drive.

-River Cafe Restaurant in Princess Island Park? I can't remember if that was the one or not, but it was in the park.

Hmm, I will add more as I think of them.

[ricoFlame]

Originally Posted by Seabass

One of the nicer ones I went to was at the Cochrane Ranchehouse.

Brother-in-law is getting married out there next year, i hear it's pretty expensive.

[Maritime Q-Scout]

(queque cheap plug for my home town)

Wentworth Park in Sydney NS is amazing for pictures. My parent's had their wedding photos taken there, as well one of my best friends got married in the gazebo there last summer. It's beautiful there, with trees, the water, it's lit very well.

Then you could go to the Membertou Trade and Convention Centre, or one of the hotels (Delta is very nice, my second cousin had her reception there), or even one of the legions.

If you're thinking of a fall wedding, my God the fall colours in Cape Breton. You could head up to one of the resorts in Baddeck or Ingonish.

That said, if you're looking in Calgary? I dunno? Centre Ice at the Saddledome?

[Nufy]

Heritage Park ???

WainWright Hotel... Don't know about the capacity though..

Had mne there back in 02...Awesome food.

Had to be out by 1:00 am though. No exceptions.

Got married on the boat in the reservoir as well.

All kinds of pictures by the Train, old buildings etc.....

[mykalberta]

Along 10th Street near Sait on the hill going south is where I see alot of people getting their pictures taken.

Congratulations btw on taking the plunge.

MYK

[redforever]

Originally Posted by RyZ

My bride and I are doing it at Red Deer Lake hall just south of town by Spruce Meadows. It is fairly large, we are expecting to fit 250 easily.

I used to be Treasurer at the RDL hall. It will hold around 450, if you rent the main hall, the upstairs conference room and the back meeting room, all included in the main rental fee by the way.

BUT, if you are expecting to go outside for pics, not as good. There is Lloyd Park just south, and I mean just a short 5 minute walk walk, nice aspens, evergreens etc, but no flowers. So yes, do expect nice outdoors, but dont expect something like Riley Park in Calgary or the govt building downtown.

[redforever]

If you want a gorgeous setting, the Post Hotel at Lake Louise would fit the spot, probably booked though. For a party that size, I think the back dining room, which also includes the upstairs library room with private stairs to get there, would probably work.

[skins]

my fiance and I just booked Lynx Ridge Golf Course for our reception. we looked at a lot of places and that one seemed to be the most reasonably priced (~$35-$40/person) as far as golf courses go. it's on the west end of the city with a great view of the mountains. very picure-esque.

we're still looking for a good location for the ceremony, if anyone has any suggestions?

[go iggy]

Thanks for all the great advice everyone.

[sadora]

Originally Posted by Seabass

One of the nicer ones I went to was at the Cochrane Ranchehouse.

I've worked a few weddings out there and the place is just amazing. the view of the mountains is incredible. Another great place here in the city is a restaurant called The Ranch...which is located in fish creek park, this one is also another great location for photgraphy.

[Bobblehead]

I was married at Kananaskis, at the Inn.

We held the ceremony in one section of the banquet room.
While we were getting pictures taken they removed the temporary wall and set up the tables for the reception.

Although I do believe ownership has changed a couple times since then.