If you’re looking for a restaurant-type venue for your intimate wedding that feels both refined and relaxed, then you should consider a Starling Ottawa wedding at Starling Restaurant and Bar in downtown Ottawa. As an Ottawa wedding photographer with almost 20 years of experience, this venue has my top recommendation for intimate weddings!
About The Starling Ottawa
Starling Ottawa is a stylish urban restaurant located in one of downtown Ottawa’s oldest buildings, dating back to 1875. The space has ornate ceilings, tin tiles, brick walls and a unique but tasteful bird theme reflected in the décor and seating. There’s also a seasonal rooftop patio and lower-level Apothecary lounge known for its speakeasy-style and handcrafted cocktails.
Starling Ottawa can host your wedding whether it’s an elopement party of 2 or a celebration of 200. This blog features Ali & Yuri’s intimate wedding of 13 people. Hosting a Starling Ottawa wedding was the perfect way to go for them.
Getting Ready Spaces / Accommodations for Starling Ottawa Weddings
There is no bridal suite or getting ready space at the Starling. Many couples choose nearby accommodations in downtown Ottawa for getting ready and after-party accommodations. There are many quality and boutique hotels in the Byward Market – all within easy walking distance of the Starling. Street and garage parking are also readily available.
Both Ali and Yuri got ready off-site. Ali waited in one of the popular bird cage booths before she slipped upstairs to see Yuri for the first time and to signal the start of their ceremony.
Modern, Intimate Ceremony Spaces for Starling Ottawa Weddings
Your Starling Ottawa wedding ceremony can be held in one of the restaurant’s private rooms or stylish dining spaces. It’s amazing how effortlessly the dining spaces transform for ceremonies!
The upper-level private bar and restaurant space is popular with its warm exposed brick, large windows and natural light. Décor can be kept to a minimum because the space looks fabulous all on its own. No need for over-styling or heavy production. It also has two separate entrances and private bathrooms from the main restaurant. The flexible floor layout in the main room and bar area can accommodate whatever you’re envisioning for your intimate wedding.
Ali & Yuri hosted their wedding ceremony on the upper level. The intimate setup allowed their guests to feel close to them without feeling crowded.
Photographic Opportunities for Your Starling Ottawa Wedding
As a wedding photographer, this is one of the best things about a Starling Ottawa wedding! You are steps away from all the popular outdoor wedding photography locations:
- Major’s Hill Park
- the Chateau Laurier
- Parliament
- Sparks Street
- Byward Market
And, indoors, the Starling offers an array of photographic opportunities as well (you’ll just have to be mindful of dining patrons). The space rewards simplicity.
The venue has:
- Strong natural light
- Warm, moody tones in the evening
- Clean architectural framing
- A layout that supports storytelling
That combination makes it one of Ottawa’s most effortless venues to photograph well.
We did Aly & Yuri’s family photos in Major’s Hill Park behind the Chateau Laurier and then followed up with their newlywed photos in the same popular vicinity.
Starling Ottawa Wedding Details & Receptions
The friendly events team will make planning effortless for your Starling Ottawa wedding. They offer a collection of packages that include both timeless classics and contemporary dishes. You will be able to customize a delicious menu to fit your needs and budget.
They can also help tailor a plan and the logistics for your day.
Ali & Yuri hosted their reception in the same upper-level private space where they had their ceremony. The Starling events team flipped the space while Ali & Yuri took photos with their family and friends. Ali & Yuri later returned to enjoy their first dance in the bar area before they sat down with family and friends for their delicious meal.
Planning Your Own Starling Ottawa Wedding
A Starling Ottawa wedding is ideal for couples who value experience over excess. It’s not about a large guest list or elaborate production. The key is to lean into what the space already does best — intimacy, simplicity, and atmosphere.
The most successful weddings here don’t try to transform the space into something else. They enhance what’s already there.
If you’re planning a Starling Ottawa wedding and want photography that understands the light, layout, and flow of the space, I’d love to connect.
As an Ottawa wedding photographer having photographed weddings here, I can help you plan timing, portrait locations, and a relaxed timeline that works naturally with the venue. You can check out my wedding portfolio here.
Looking for other intimate wedding venues? You can also check out:
Restaurant 18 Weddings – Where Old World Charm Meets Contemporary Sophistication
Maple and Rose Weddings – Must-See Luxury Venue in Merrickville
