FAVORITE WINNIPEG VENUES {over 200 people}
Searching for the perfect venue is hard. It’s the foundation, (literally) for your wedding and one of the biggest decisions you will make during your wedding planning journey. Many historic homes, garden sanctuaries and smaller museum sites have capacities limited to 150 or fewer persons and in mid-size markets like Winnipeg, finding a venue can be particularly difficult if your wedding guest list exceeds 200 people.
I’ve had a few couples come my way recently looking for venue recommendations in the 200+ person category and while going through this process with my clients, I thought it would be a great opportunity to share my favorite large scale venues designed to accommodate both ceremony and reception.
Disclaimer: Below, I provide anecdotal feedback based on my professional experience at each of these locations. Please remember every couple is different so make sure you always visit your prospective wedding venue and ensure the space is right for YOUR wedding. I did not receive any commissions or incentives for recommending these venues – it is my opinion only! I considered not only capacity but aesthetic, atmosphere and overall quality of service and guest experience. Each of these venues also has a different feel, thus allowing for a wide range of themes.
Here they are, in no particular order!
CAPACITY: 550
VIBE: Romantic, Elegant, Classic
PERKS: An iconic hotel in Winnipeg for over 100 years, the Victorian Style Fort Garry hotel is more than just a wedding location, it is a destination for you and your guests. Weddings over 150 guests at this venue get access to a number of benefits including a complimentary room and breakfast for the couple, sparkling wine for the head table and a complimentary tasting. This is an excellent venue for a couple looking for a classic and traditional wedding. The day after the wedding, relax at Ten Spa on the top floor and take in their signature Hamam at Ten (it is ah-mazing)!
HIGHLIGHT: I love the access to Upper Fort Garry and close proximity to the exchange district. The staff always take care of you here!
2) Canadian Museum For Human Rights
CAPACITY: 350
VIBE: Dramatic, Industrial
PERKS: Opening in 2015, The CMHR is one of Winnipeg’s newer venues (a National museum by day) and by night, it transforms into whatever event you are looking for! This building is truly a marvel and stunning architectural icon, perfect for events of all sizes, particularly larger scale functions in the main Bonnie & John Buhler Hall. The ceilings are sky high for extra drama with concrete and glass textures – this place is an architectural gem!
HIGHLIGHT: Have your photographer take your wedding photos on the museum ramps all the way up to the garden of contemplations– the photos are stunning!
3) Alloway Hall
CAPACITY: 400
VIBE: Contemporary, Fresh
PERKS: Alloway Hall opened in 2017 after extensive renovations made to the Manitoba Museum Gallery. It is a unique space resembling a dome with floor to ceiling windows and clean white walls allowing for a variety of configurations. The ceiling design also makes it easy to install lighting or additional décor to create something really unique for your event. Alloway Hall also showcases various art exhibits for half the year, BUT if you are one of the lucky ones who gets to book here in between exhibitions; the space won’t disappoint!
HIGHLIGHT: Alloway does not have an in house catering team so clients have the creative freedom to bring in a caterer of choice for optimal customization of your wedding menu.
CAPACITY: 250
VIBE: Romantic, Rustic
PERKS: THE ideal prairie event experience, Pineridge Hollow’s huge white banquet tent and the woodland enclosure is a beautiful seasonal spot for couple’s looking to host a semi outdoor summer celebration without the hassle of setting everything up and coordinating a tent rental on your own. Rental includes your choice of long or round tables, chiavary chairs and lots of awesome décor add-on’s in terms of lighting and lounge furniture. You can also have a late night bon fire!
HIGHLIGHT: Pineridge is magic. While you tour the space with your partner, grab lunch in their restaurant located in the carriage house or say hi to goats in the back property. The calm energy is contagious and it’s easy to fall in love with the space – and your guests will love it too!
CAPACITY: 9000
VIBE: Urban, Contemporary
PERKS: After a recent 180 Million + expansion, this continues to be Winnipeg’s premiere event facility. Couples book the 4000 square foot York Ballroom (divisible by four) depending on the size of the event. There is an additional 22,400 square feet of space for readying, cocktails, signing – you name it! The floor to ceiling windows in the Carlton Lobby draw in tons of natural light making the space perfect for photos.
HIGHLIGHT: It is hard to find a better location, particularly for out of town guests. The Convention Centre is conveniently located steps away from numerous hotels and restaurants and is attached to the Delta Hotels by Marriott Winnipeg.
Need help finding the perfect venue for your wedding? Email me alli@allimae.com