“Where are you getting married?“

This is one of the most common questions that couples who have got engaged and need to plan a wedding. And so, naturally, thinking of a wedding venue can be difficult and stressful for many people.

Before you can settle on a venue, you’d have to figure out what kind of wedding you want. Obviously!

From the theme, to how many people you’re inviting, to what kind of food you’re serving – it can be overwhelming. And expensive. Very quickly.

Luckily, if you’re looking to get married in the Calgary and surrounding areas, we have compiled a list just for you. Below is a list of what we believe are the 10 best inner city wedding venues in Calgary.

1. Alloy Dining

If you’re looking for a tasteful and breathtaking mash of cultures, Alloy Dining may be the option for you. Known as one of Calgary’s most unique venues, they boast a delightful mix of Mediterranean, Latin, and Asian influences. Their spacious dining room comfortably fits up to 120 seated guests. You will also enjoy the fresh, open air on their secluded oasis patio.

2. Teatro

Gourmands and culinary adventurers are sure to enjoy an experience at Teatro. This world-class restaurant and events venue boasts fresh, organic produce for their delicious and carefully-crafted meals. They prefer to source most of their food locally, but they also import the finest ingredients such as authentic Italian extra virgin olive oil and fine imported cheeses. And did we mention that they also have an award-winning wine cellar?

Their wedding services, run by Teatro Group Weddings, include access to the best vendors, a team of professional assistants, and their in-house events manager to make sure that your special day runs seamlessly. Their wedding venue can accommodate up to 250 guests.

3. Venue 308

Nestled inside a quiet, reimagined warehouse, Venue 308 boasts an impressively unique yet welcoming ambiance. With its clean lines, 11-foot high ceiling, and classic brick walls, this minimalistic location is versatile enough for all your ambitious ideas. Venue 308 wedding package includes the use of their bridal suite, groom’s lounge, and bar. The venue can seat up to 125 guests.

4. Hotel Arts

Aptly named for its magnificent ballrooms and peerless backdrops, Hotel Arts caters to all the romantics at heart. They also literally cater to you and your guests on your big day. Hotel Arts can provide you with service staff, bartenders, and a wonderful wedding menu as part of your events package. You won’t even need to hire additional vendors to decorate your event space – Hotel Arts will do it for you. They have professional interior designers who can glam up your wedding with sophisticated furniture pieces, portable dance floors, and beautiful flowers.

The Spectrum Ballroom at the Hotel Arts has a maximum capacity of up to 800 guests, making it absolutely perfect for those who want a big wedding but without the hassle of planning every single detail.

5. Deane House

The Deane House is a stunning historic house amid lush, green lawns and near the charming Bow and Elbow Rivers. The house, completely renovated in 2016, offers a wide array of photo opportunities and a unique view of downtown Calgary. Here in this serene mansion, you have the opportunity to choose between a large wedding and a cozy, intimate one.

The library amply fits 24 seated guests for a heartwarming union of souls, while larger parties of up to 220 guests may be held outdoors in the garden area.

But wait – worried about rain? Don’t be! The gardens are equipped with an outdoor tent for unsavory weather conditions, so you won’t have to fret about rain ruining your wedding day.

6. Charbar

Another choice for the culinary-inclined, Charbar offers gourmet delicacies from the local gardens, prairies, and the ocean. The inspiration for their warm, rustic concept emerged from no other than their Argentine wood-fired grill.

Established in 2015, Charbar is located in a 105-year-old Simmons building situated beside the lovely Bow River. They offer in-house catering, reception styling, and access to numerous vendors for your dream wedding.

Private parties for as few as 14 people are available, as well as spacious event halls for as many as 550 guests. Rich with culture and great food, Charbar offers an experience that’s truly unlike any other.

7. Azuridge

Maybe you’ve always wanted a dreamy, romantic wedding in a sprawling estate just like a princess in a fairytale? Look no further – Azuridge has all you can imagine and much more.

They offer multiple venues that are naturally beautiful and made even more elegant by their intuitive designers. Azuridge’s large estate grounds can hold up to 250 guests in a garden wedding setup.

Your backdrop will be the mountains, valleys, and breathtaking views of the stately manor. They also offer smaller ceremonies at the gazebo, a whimsical adult treehouse that can hold up to 40 guests. You may also opt to have your ceremony under exquisite birch tree chandeliers at their Carnelian venue, which can seat up to 60 dinner guests on a private outdoor patio.

Whichever option you choose, you’re sure to have a memorable and exceptionally picturesque wedding day at Azuridge.

8. Fairmont Palliser

Located right in the middle of downtown Calgary, Fairmont Palliser is one of the city’s most coveted hotels for weddings. The Fairmont’s Crystal Ballroom is most suitable for grand events, allowing you to seat 320 guests. They also have smaller yet just as breathtakingly elegant venues in the Oval Room and the Oak Room, each capable of seating up to 80 and 96 guests respectively.

Fairmont Palliser will provide you with event planners and organisers to ensure the success of your big day.

9. Lougheed House

Tying the knot in a captivating 14,000-square-foot Victorian mansion? Why not? The Lougheed House comes with an on-site events manager, a bar, and a family-run, in-house catering service. Very few wedding venues have the luxury and warmth that Lougheed House has to offer. Both indoor and outdoor services are offered with a maximum capacity of 96 seated guests.

10. Spruce Meadows

Spruce Meadows offers a sprawling (i.e., enormous) landscape with the dazzling Canadian Rockies in the backdrop. Their largest space, the Gallery on the Green Congress Hall boasts a reception area fit for as many as 700 people.

Their smaller venues are not small by any means.

The Horizons Pavillon can accommodate as many as 200 people while the CP Canada House can hold up to 350 guests.

Choosing the right inner city venue in Calgary

Whether you choose to have a lavish wedding or an intimate one, remember that the day should be about celebrating the love you share with your partner.

Pick the venue that reflects your personality, your values and something that represents the love that you and your partner feel for one another.

It is a blessing to be able to commemorate such a special day with your friends and family around you.

Cherish these moments with your loved ones – and don’t forget to take lots of pictures!