If you’re looking for a downtown Ottawa wedding venue that has a lakeside feel with scenic views and greenery, then Lago Bar and Grill Weddings is for you.
About Lago Bar & Grill
Lago Bar & Grill used to be a boathouse. It was built in 1931 to house skiffs, canoes, motor boats and small cruisers. Over the years, it was a base for sea scouts and canoe clubs. The building was torn down in 1979 to make way for the Dow’s Lake Pavillion and eventually Lago Bar & Grill.
Location of Lago Weddings
It’s fitting that Lago Bar and Grill Weddings has the word “Lago” meaning “lake” in its name. Lago Weddings is beautifully located on Dow’s Lake along the scenic Rideau Canal on Queen Elizabeth Driveway. And many refer to the venue as just “Lago”.
The venue is two stories with a unique, open-concept, circular-type design. There is a wraparound patio that can function as an outdoor ceremony space. However, it is most popular an outdoor cocktail space with scenic views of the lake and parks.
Additionally, a newly-constructed parking space across the street is open for increased convenience.
Getting Ready Space / Overnight Accommodations
Lago Bar and Grill Weddings is a restaurant-style reception venue that can be booked for meetings, events and celebrations. As such, it does not have a bridal suite or a getting ready location on-site. You will need to book a getting ready space or overnight accommodations elsewhere. Nearby downtown hotels are about a 10-15 minute drive away from Lago.
Kristen and Eric hosted their wedding at Lago. Kristen chose to get ready at her parents’ home with her mom, sister and bridesmaids. Eric chose to forego photos with only a few photos of himself before their First Looks.
Ceremony Spaces & Reception Rooms at Lago Bar & Grill
The Main Room is the restaurant on the water. It is a 7000 square foot space that can be configured to seat over 250 guests for dining and 440 guests for a cocktail-style reception.
The Vista Room is on the 2nd floor. It can host up to 110 seated guests and 220 guests cocktail-style.
Both rooms have a wall of windows overlooking the lake, outdoor patios and scenic views. Also, the feel in the both rooms is a bit “industrial” but décor and florals can quickly add a touch of “romance” to the spaces if desired.
For couples wanting to host both their ceremony and reception at Lago, there is the option to have your ceremony indoors (or on the patio if your numbers and weather allow) and the Lago wedding team will seamlessly and professionally “flip” the room into your reception space during cocktail hour.
Your reception can be buffet, cocktail style or action stations. Lago’s chefs provide a first-class, carefully curated menu and dining experience.
Additionally, The Lago Bar and Grill Wedding team has a stellar reputation for professionalism, care and attention-to-detail start to finish. Their goal is to make your wedding day as stress-free and as seamless as possible. The banquet manager goes above and beyond.
Nearby Photography Locations / Opportunities
Some of the best outdoor photography locations are near Lago Bar and Grill Weddings.
- Preston Street & Little Italy
- Dow’s Lake
- The Arboretum
- The Ornamental Gardens & Greenhouses
In addition, the venue patio itself is also lovely for photography with the scenic views and greenery in the background.
Kristen and Eric chose to do their First Looks on the patio at Lago. They really wanted to be outdoors, but it was raining. The sheltered overhang on the patio gave them a dry option to wait out the rain without delaying their schedule. Just look at Eric’s reaction to seeing Kristen for the first time!
When it briefly stopped raining, we ventured onto the docks of Dow’s Lake between raindrops to get a few additional photos before the start of their reception.
Lago Weddings
In conclusion, when it comes to Lago Weddings, the lakeside venue offers everything you could want for your special day: a scenic location, unique reception rooms, top-tier food, popular photography spots nearby, convenient parking, and attentive client service.
Furthermore, if you’re looking for another venue in and around Dow’s Lake, be sure to check out Sala San Marco in Little Italy:
Sala San Marco Weddings | A Traditional Italian Banquet Hall
