Ahhh, the wedding venue. One of the first decisions you make as an engaged couple planning your wedding in Alberta. Below, I have collected some of my favorite wedding venues around Edmonton (and surrounding areas), as an Edmonton Wedding Photographer. I’ve included some hidden gems (like Trestles Edge – a favorite of mine!) and some a little farther out of town (like Pine and Pond – it’s worth the drive!). If you are new to my corner of the internet, allow me to quickly introduce myself :). I am Danelle (think Janelle with a D) and I am the owner here at Wild Theory Weddings. You can read more about me here and you can read more about wedding packages and frequently asked questions here.

But for now, I will get to the good stuff. I love outdoor venues for the most part (I actually live on an acreage outside Edmonton in Parkland County, Alberta) so you are going to see a little bit of that here. I can’t help it. And not that I like to bring up the C word *COVID* but outdoor venues are a much safer bet during this *unprecedented* time. Even if it weren’t safer, nothing beats the great outdoors and you and yours with big smiles on their face.

Trestles Edge

For the most part, I don’t like to play favourites. But this one is DEFINITELY one of my top favorite wedding venues and to be honest, it’s still kind of a hidden gem somehow. Trestle’s Edge is just outside of St. Albert and you can rent the venue for the entire weekend (from 12pm Friday to 3pm Sunday) which gives you an almost insane amount of time for set up and take down. Any DIY decor brides? You are going to want this! You can really transform the space – with string lights, rustic ceremony arches, and more. Here are a few of my favourite photos to get you feeling inspired!

Trestles Edge and I have similar business goals – to serve each couple to the best of our abilities. You’ll find me on their preferred vendor list here but I want to remind you what that really means: you don’t have to plan your wedding alone. I will help you sort out your timeline and plan your wedding photography locations and poses. I am with my couples every step of the way.

Obsidian Ridge

About 45 minutes south-east of Edmonton, you’ll find Obsidian Ridge in the heart of Beaver County. If you are looking for a venue that is truly unique – they have a stunning stone amphitheater that would be perfect for any wedding ceremony. Their reception venue is a tent with part of the ceiling transparent, so you can have your first dance under the stars (while protected from our unreliable Alberta weather). Because 2021 availability is limited, they have already released their 2022 packages for couples ready to book!

Foundry Room

Let me guess – you are wondering if all of these are going to be farm venues? For the urban couples reading this, can I recommend Foundry Room in downtown Edmonton? With indoor brick walls and city views, the room has a unique industrial feel. The large windows make this indoor venue a photography DREAM. I highly recommend.

Red Tin Barn

The Red Tin Barn is just half an hour southwest of Edmonton and is an outdoor wedding venue for wedding ceremonies only. If you are dreaming of wooden benches and mason jars – they have all the rustic wedding decor included in one easy-to-understand package. They also have several places around the property for us to take photos after the ceremony – which is a major plus! When it’s your wedding day, I try to make sure we don’t waste any time between the fun!

Lion’s Garden

Another favorite. Half an hour west of Edmonton (another Beaver County Wedding Venue), Lion’s Garden is one of the original “just out of town” outdoor wedding venues in Edmonton. When you book your ceremony and reception here (and the use of their STUNNING bridal suite on the second floor of the barn) you’ll be the only wedding couple on that day. This is great flexibility for us, because they have some absolutely stunning places on property for us to take photos.

Copper Creek Barn

About 15 minutes north of Edmonton, you’ll find Copper Creek Barn. Similar to Trestles Edge, you get to rent the barn wedding venue for the entire weekend – from Friday to Sunday. They include wedding coordination in their wedding venue fee (the owner was actually a project manager for the U of A – so you are in good hands!) which is nice for those of you that want a one stop shop. They don’t have catering on site but can I suggest a food truck? That’s always a hit!

Pine and Pond

This one is a bit farther out of town – but 1000% worth the drive. Only about an hour south of Edmonton, you can find Pine and Pond. Although I personally love all the rustic vibes a barn wedding brings, Pine and Pond offers the same outdoor feeling in a more modern way. They have an almost completely transparent tent with walls you can open depending on the weather to allow you to feel that warm summer breeze. In Alberta, we have to be prepared for anything so it’s nice knowing that you are completely protected (without sacrificing any of the view!). Saturdays in 2021 are fully booked, but you can check out their up to date availability here.

Whitewood Barn

Whitewood Barn is a relatively new venue close to Leduc. One thing I love about Whitewood Barn (other than the gorgeous, renovated, white barn), is that they have camping on site so nobody has to worry about driving home if they like to party.

BONUS: Backyard Wedding (or Farm or Acreage!)

Are you looking for something different? Maybe your grandparents have a farm and you always pictured getting married there. Maybe you are finding 2021 availability limited and you don’t want to wait any longer to marry your person so you start eyeing up your Aunt’s acreage and seeing future wedding vibes.

Want something stunning and unique? I highly recommend you check out these Tipi-inspired tents at Crossroad Events. Alberta weather IS unpredictable so don’t proceed without a backup plan! Don’t worry, I will remind you.

Planning an Edmonton (or nearby) Wedding?

If you are looking for a wedding photographer, I got you. I’m not “just” a photographer though. I’m going to help you plan the timeline of the day, your wedding day shot list (so we don’t miss that Pinterest pose you want, or the photo with *just* your grandma), all the details. You will find that I am your biggest fan and go to person on the day because I don’t leave your side. If you need help adjusting your train, pinning a boutonniere, this is not my first rodeo. Contact me here to inquire about availability and let’s get your date on the calendar!