The National Arts Centre wedding venue is one of downtown Ottawa’s unique wedding venues where the outdoors literally transcends to indoors.  It offers couples and their guests to experience the beauty of a cityscape at a wedding without stepping outdoors.

 

About The National Arts Centre Weddings – Downtown Ottawa Wedding Venue

The National Arts Centre wedding venue is one of downtown Ottawa’s wedding venues where the outdoors and indoors come together to create a unique “indoorscape” for weddings.  With their walls of windows, rooms like the Lantern Room, Rossy Pavilion and O’Born Room are flooded with natural light and backdrops of iconic downtown Ottawa scenery.  Each room offers a stunning neutral canvas onto which couples can unfold their unique wedding visions.

Getting Ready / Accommodations

There are no on-site getting ready or overnight accommodations as part of the National Arts Centre (NAC) wedding venue.   The Lord Elgin Hotel and The Chateau Laurier are two nearby luxury hotels within walking distance.  They offer getting ready locations and overnight accommodations for couples and guests.  Underground parking is available at the NAC.

 

Ceremony Spaces at the National Arts Centre

The Lantern Room and the Rossy Pavilion are two ceremony spaces as part of the National Arts Centre (NAC) wedding venue.  The Lantern Room has extremely high ceilings with lots of natural light.  However, the screens on the windows with moving projections tend to mar the view outdoors (they will be shut off for the duration of your ceremony).  The Rossy Pavilion has views of the Ottawa War Memorial.  But, the trade off is low ceilings with what some consider unsightly visible rigging.

The O’Born room is really the piece de resistance at the National Arts Centre (NAC) wedding venue.  Its floor to ceiling windows offer a view of the iconic Chateau Laurier and canal during the day and the city lights at night.  The adjacent outdoor terrace with stunning views of downtown Ottawa is a real show-stopper during the day and especially at sunset.

Surrounding Areas / Photographic Opportunities

Located in the HEART of downtown Ottawa, the National Arts Centre (NAC) wedding venue is surrounded by so many outdoor photography opportunities!  Favourite spots within walking distance are:

• Senate building
• Chateau Laurier
• NCC underpass and canal
• Major’s Hill Park
• Sparks Street
• Parliament Hill
• Wellington Street

However, the National Arts Centre (NAC) wedding venue itself is also rich in photographic locations.  Favourite spots are:

• the outdoor terrace and surrounding walkways
• the red carpeted stairs and chandelier
• the high-top swivel chairs
• the large public stairs

These are all public spaces, so you’ll have to deal with onlookers and foot traffic.

Important Wedding Details at the NAC

Because the National Arts Centre (NAC) is a public performance centre and not an exclusive wedding venue, you will unfortunately encounter a lack of staff support in the planning phases.  This is especially true for day-of execution.  A banquet manager will be assigned to your wedding but hiring a full planning wedding planner for National Arts Centre (NAC) weddings is a definite must – even to help field public traffic during your private event.

The other downside is they have a strict vendor list policy for certain vendors like DJ’s, florals, rentals and décor.  There is a steep fee if you’d like to use your own outside vendors.

However, you are in for a true culinary delight with National Arts Centre (NAC) weddings.  Food and beverage at the NAC is literally top-notch.  Tthe service is exceptional.  This is one area where the NAC truly excels.

National Arts Centre (NAC) Weddings

The National Arts Centre (NAC) Weddings is a venue where the outdoors literally comes in, even if you don’t actually step outside.  However, don’t go it alone when wedding planning with this venue:  a wedding planner is a must.

Here are two I recommend who have lots of experience with the NAC:

• Erica Irwin Weddings & Events | Ottawa’s Go-To Downtown Luxury Planner
• Opportunity Knocks Events | Planners You Can Trust

 

Looking for white glove service instead?  The Chateau Laurier is another downtown Ottawa wedding venue.  Read about it HERE.

And if you’re looking for a downtown Ottawa wedding photographer who is familiar with all the best photo locations, you’re in the right place!  Check out my full portfolio and reach out if we’re a fit!

 

Vendor List

Gown:  Revelle Bridal

Hair:  Luxe Looks

Makeup:  Stephanie Bullock Makeup

Florals:  Flowers Talk