In our previous post we shared 5 Questions to Ask Your Wedding Ceremony Venue. Today we’re sharing 5 important questions to ask the venues you’re considering booking for your reception or wedding celebration.

1. What time must the event end? Are there any community noise bylaws that must be adhered to? Most commonly in Alberta we see a 1:00 AM bar closure time, but some venues choose to shut down a bit earlier than this. Other communities have noise bylaws that prohibit loud music past 10:00 PM or 11:00 PM. This can especially be true for venues located in residential areas, or backyard tented events. Check the bylaws in your area if you’re hosting an event at home.

Whyte Museum Grounds (Banff, AB) / Natalie Andrusiak

2. When can the venue be accessed for decorating? When must all items be removed? It may seem early to worry about logistics, but it is important to consider when you will be able to set up and decorate for your event, and when everything must be taken down and picked up. Most rental and decorating companies will charge a premium to come back late at night, so if your venue allows next-day pick up this can save you some cash.

50th Parallel Estate / Tara Peach

3. Is catering provided by the venue, or is external catering permitted? Are alcohol and bartending services provided by the venue, or can you bring your own alcohol and liquor license? It can be convenient when the venue provides all food and beverage services. On the other hand, choosing your own caterer and bar company offers you more control over your menu and budget. In either case, be sure to ask ahead about meal service styles (plated vs buffet vs family style) and any special must-have menu items or cultural dishes.

JW Marriott, Wayne Gretzky Ballroom / Mango Studios

4. What are the nearby options for guest parking? It is helpful to include parking details on your invitations or wedding website so guests have a heads up about parking locations, costs, walking distance to the venue, and whether they can leave their vehicles overnight. If your venue is outside of an area serviced by taxis or Uber, consider arranging shuttle bus service to provide your guests with a safe and convenient way to attend your wedding.

Aspen Valley Events / Andras Schram

5. What is included with the venue rental and what am I responsible for renting or supplying? Find out what the venue provides and what you must bring in yourselves or rent. Some examples of items you may require for your wedding reception include: chairs, tables (ask about sizes), linens, napkins, staging, dance floor, podium, AV equipment (microphones, sound system, projector, screen), dishware, flatware, glassware, candles, easels and coat racks.

Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge / Nicole Ashley Photography

+  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +

Jennifer + Team | Jennifer Bergman Weddings
Edmonton Wedding Planners, Edmonton Event Planners

You can visualize yourself walking down the aisle, locking eyes with your partner, saying ‘I Do’ and sharing that first kiss as a married couple. You’re ready to sign on the dotted line to book your wedding ceremony venue! But wait – have you asked all the right questions?!

Not to worry, Team JBW has got your back! Here are 5 important questions to ask when booking your wedding ceremony venue.

1. Are there any décor restrictions? For example, many indoor venues do not allow real flower petals down the aisle. Some churches have restrictions on what (if any) décor can be placed at the altar. It’s important to find out what is and isn’t permitted before booking your wedding ceremony venue.

St.Joseph’s Basilica / Carey Nash Photography

2. What is included with the venue rental and what am I responsible for renting or supplying? Find out what the venue is providing and what you must bring in yourselves or rent. Some examples of items you may require for your wedding ceremony include: chairs or bench seating, a signing table for the registry, a ceremony arch or arbour, a sound system with a wireless or lapel microphone, and easels for directional signage.

Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise / Stoffer Photography

3. When can a rehearsal date and time be confirmed? Some venues will allow you to schedule this upon booking, while others will only confirm your rehearsal a couple weeks in advance. This is important to ask, as it may take some juggling to coordinate the availability of your Officiant, Wedding Party, Wedding Coordinator and rehearsal dinner venue.

The Lake House / Infused Studios

4. Is there an indoor or covered backup space in case of inclement weather? Always have a Plan B! If weather is poor, is there an on site backup space you can move the ceremony into? And when must you make the weather call? Often times this can be done on the day of the event, as late as a few hours prior to your ceremony start time, but some venues require 24 hours notice if utilizing the backup space.

University of Alberta, Botanic Gardens / Kelly Redinger

5. Is only one wedding held per day? Some ceremony venues book multiple weddings on a single day (we’ve seen as many as 4 different timeslots), while others provide exclusivity to a single wedding couple. It’s important to understand if you are restricted to a specific ceremony time, and whether you have to hustle out of there following your nuptials or if you can stick around to take photos.

Fairmont Hotel Macdonald / Romy Young

+  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +

We hope this is a helpful resource for you when booking your wedding ceremony venue. Stay tuned for our next blog post outlining 5 Questions to Ask Your Wedding Reception Venue!

Jennifer + Team | Jennifer Bergman Weddings
Edmonton Wedding Planners, Edmonton Wedding Designers

Finding your wedding venue can be one of the toughest parts of the wedding planning journey. We speak with so many couples who are overwhelmed at this stage, so we’re sharing some of the best Edmonton (and area) wedding venues in 2022.

Downtown Luxury  |  JW Marriott Edmonton ICE District

• Capacity: up to 400 guests in the Wayne Gretzky Ballroom
• Highlights: From the moment you enter the lobby of the JW Marriott, you’re transported to a luxurious “big city” hotel – something we’ve been missing in Edmonton…hallelujah, it’s been found! The Wayne Gretzky Ballroom features floor-to-ceiling windows (hello natural light) and its streamlined, modern aesthetic make it the perfect canvas to hold your elegant, upscale event. We love designing in this space and working with the entire JW Marriott Edmonton team – the service is truly top-notch.
• IG: @jwmarriottedm

Mango Studios (top) / Nicole Ashley Photography  (btm)

+  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +

Unique  |  The Hive

• Capacity: up to 180 guests
• Highlights: An industrial blank canvas, The Hive is a gem on the west end of Edmonton that wins huge bonus points for flexibility. You can bring your own caterer and alcohol…did we mention there’s a built-in stage and onsite AV? Light and airy with a dash of fun, The Hive is a great choice for couples looking to customize an event to their own unique tastes.
• IG: @creativehiveyeg

+  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +

Intimate  | Glasshouse Kitchen + Bar

• Capacity: up to 90 guests
• Highlights: Located inside St. Albert’s Enjoy Centre, Glasshouse Kitchen + Bar is an intimate venue perfect for foodies. Chef Julia Kundera’s custom menus feature local cuisine with a focus on fine flavours. The corkage bar option gives you flexibility with your bar offerings and budget. With uninterrupted views of Lois Hole Provincial Park, Glasshouse offers the perfect blend of an indoor venue that feels like you are surrounded by nature (no need to worry about Alberta’s temperamental weather)!
• IG: @glasshousekitchenbaratenjoy

+  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +

Newly Renovated  |  Royal Glenora Club

• Capacity: up to 250 in the Braemar Ballroom; up to 140 in the Strathcona/Glenrose Ballroom
• Highlights: We couldn’t be more excited about the renovations at RGC! Floor-to-ceiling windows in each ballroom offer enviable views of Edmonton’s River Valley. Each space has its own private patio for your guests to enjoy the outdoors. Ample free parking is available, along with a private events entrance. Centrally located, Royal Glenora Club ticks all the boxes for us.
• IG: @royalglenoraclub

+  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +

Best Party Vibe  |  Polar Park Brewing Co.

• Capacity: up to 140 guests
• Highlights: Polar Park Brewing Co. is a delightful addition to the city’s venue roster. The second floor event space features gorgeous hardwood floors, stylish arched windows, an exposed industrial ceiling and a small outdoor patio. If you’re considering live music, look no further! The built-in stage and state-of-the-art sound system give Polar Park top marks in the party department. Buying out the main level’s resto-brewery will give you the flexibility to have your ceremony, dinner and dance all under one roof.
• IG: @polarparkbrewco

+  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +

Up & Coming  |  Sparrow Lane Weddings & Events

• Capacity: up to 200 guests
• Highlights: Brand new and opening in May 2022, Sparrow Lane features stunning arched windows, tall ceilings, luxe finishes and an elegant fireplace. With both ceremony and reception spaces, a bridal suite and an expansive covered patio, this countryside estate has everything you need to host the perfect wedding day. Located 45 minutes from Downtown Edmonton, 25 minutes from west Edmonton.
• IG: @sparrowlane.events

+  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +

We hope you found our round-up of the Best Edmonton Wedding Venues helpful.

– Team JBW –
Edmonton Wedding and Event Planners

Robyn and Byron are such positive and caring people – one of those couples that lights up the room when they enter. Even the rain on their wedding day and a change to the Plan B ceremony location couldn’t dampen their moods. If anything, it made the day even more romantic!

Following their wedding ceremony at UofA Botanic Gardens, the newlyweds brought their cultures together in a beautiful Chinese Tea Ceremony. The couple shows their respect to the elders in their families with an offering of tea; in turn, they receive acceptance of the marriage.

The celebration followed at Edmonton Country Club, where guests dined at long tables and danced on the terrace under the stars.

Credits:

• Wedding Day Management: Jennifer Bergman Weddings
• Ceremony Venue: University of Alberta Botanic Garden, Pine Pavilion
• Officiant: Bob Wyatt
• Reception Venue: Edmonton Country Club
• Photographer: Kelly Redinger
• Ceremony Music: VIF String Quartet
• Reception Music: Happy Life Entertainment
• Donuts: Apollo Donuts
• Florist: Fabloomosity
• Rentals: Special Event Rentals
• Hair + Makeup: Behind the Blush

+  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +

Suzanne, Lead Coordinator | Jennifer Bergman Weddings
Edmonton Wedding Day Management

Vanessa and Jamie were married in February 2020, and while we didn’t know it at the time, they were our last “normal” wedding before the world changed. Lucky for everyone in attendance, these newlyweds know how to celebrate!

Not ones for the traditional wedding reception format, Vanessa and Jamie chose to host their celebration with a cocktail party vibe to encourage mingling and dancing. With mixed style seating, creative food and drink stations around the room, Ukrainian dance performances and an incredible party band (The Barkells), they treated their loved ones to a night to remember at Edmonton’s new luxury hotel – JW Marriott Edmonton ICE District.

Credits:

• Wedding Day Management: Jennifer Bergman Weddings (Suzanne)
• Ceremony + Reception Venue: JW Marriott Edmonton ICE District
• Officiant: Seanna Collins
• Photography: Sharon Litchfield
• Videography: Blushed Beaute
• Cake: Cake Affair
• Florist: Fabloomosity
• Rentals: Special Event Rentals
• Rentals (chairs): All West Wedding Rentals
• Limo: Last Minute Limousine
• DJ + Photo Booth: Revolution Entertainment
• Reception Band: The Barkells
• Hair + Makeup: Blushed Beaute

+  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +

Suzanne, Lead Planner | Jennifer Bergman Weddings
JW Marriott Edmonton ICE District Wedding Planner

Jillian and Jason wanted their wedding to feel like a getaway while still being close enough for guests to attend. Their loved ones travelled from Edmonton, Calgary and Vancouver, joining them in beautiful Jasper for a weekend of celebratory events. One of our favourite venues, Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge offers a unique blend of luxury amidst unspoiled nature, set against the most spectacular backdrop of snow-capped mountains and glacier-fed lakes⁣.

Despite a little rain, their outdoor ceremony prevailed and spirits were anything but dampened at the epic party that followed. See more of Jillian and Jason’s wedding featured in Blush Magazine.

Credits:

• Wedding Planning & Design: Jennifer Bergman Weddings
• Ceremony + Reception Venue: Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge
• Photographer: Natalie Andrusiak
• Videographer: A Love Story
• Officiant: Rev. Neil Gordon
• Band: SideOne Band
• DJ: DJ Mikey Wong
• Photo Booth: Jasper Photo Booth
• Cake: Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge
• Macaron Favours: Duchess Bake Shop
• Florist: Fabloomosity
• Rentals: Special Event Rentals
• Invitations + Stationery: Lovesky Design
• Calligraphy: Debbie Wong Design
• Hair + Makeup: Blushed Beaute
• Bride’s Gown: Monique L’Huillier from Bisou Bridal

+  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +

Jennifer + Team | Jennifer Bergman Weddings
Jasper Park Lodge Wedding Planner

Jenilee and John’s intimate backyard tent wedding came together with just a few months of planning. We worked together to design a day that would allow them to share their vows in front of their closest friends and family, then celebrate with a candlelit dinner and dance party under the stars. Guests were served a gourmet family style meal by the Culina Team, while enjoying custom cocktails crafted by Strong Bartending.

Credits:

• Full Planning + Design: Jennifer Bergman Weddings
• Photography: Katch Studios
• Videography: Plaid Collar Films
• Officiant: Tammy Banting
• Caterer: Culina Catering
• Bartending: Strong Bartending
• Music: DJ Kwake Entertainment
• Invitations + Stationery: Pinkpolka Design
• Florist: Fabloomosity
• Tent + Rentals: Special Event Rentals
• Wedding Cakes: Brianne Gabrielle Cakes
• Late Night Food Truck: Orbit Food Truck
• Transportation: Distinct Limousines
• Hair + Makeup: HQ Salon and Spa

+  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +

Jennifer + Team | Jennifer Bergman Weddings
Edmonton Wedding Planner, Edmonton Wedding Designer

Jessica and Jayson were married on a gorgeous fall day. They held both their wedding and reception celebration at The Oasis Centre with over 300 loved ones in attendance.

One of the first steps in the wedding planning process is identifying what elements of the experience are most important to a bride and groom. For Jessica and Jayson, excellent and abundant food and drinks topped the list, along with photography, good music and an awesome party!

After a beautiful ceremony, we transformed the Grand Hall with three different table designs in a palette of ivory, champagne and a gradient of pinks from blush to burgundy. Bold lighting enhanced the grandeur of the space, adding drama and ambience.

Before heading to the dance floor, guests helped themselves to an expansive dessert table including the couple’s favourites: eclairs, tiramisu, cannolis and mini apple pies. The beautiful images below are courtesy of the ever-so-talented Just Married Photography team. Enjoy!

Jennifer + Team | Jennifer Bergman Weddings
Edmonton Wedding Planning + Design

+  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +

Credits:

• Wedding Planning + Design: Jennifer Bergman Weddings
• Photography: Just Married Photography
• Videographer: YEG Wedding Films
• Officiant: Tammy Banting
• Ceremony Music: Keri Lynn Zwicker
• Cocktail / Dinner Music: Don Berner Band
• Reception Music: Premiere DJs by Urban Metropolis (Harman B)
• Caterer: Stir Catering
• Florist: Laurel’s On Whyte
• Wedding Cake: The Art of Cake
• Photo Booth: Ready, Set, Booth
• Rentals: Special Event Rentals
• Lighting: Production Lighting
• Transportation: Esquire Limousine
• Hair + Makeup: Sen Studios
• Bridal Gown: La Sposa
• Bridesmaids: Dessy from Novelle Bridal