MY FAVOURITE WINNIPEG VENUES (under 100 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. In the past, I’ve shared my favourite venues over 200 people but in light of all the wonderful small weddings we get to be a part of lately, I decided to share my favourite venues ideal for weddings with 100 guests or less.
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!
VIBE: Industrial & Timeless
PERKS: Brought to you by ah-mazing local fashion designer Lennard Taylor, the Exchange District Studio Cloakroom Wellness is turning 2 this year. Cloakroom Wellness is a 3000 square foot blank canvas. It also features 11-foot-high windows providing plenty of natural sunlight, historical brick walls and gleaming hardwood floors which create the perfect ambiance for any intimate creative project.
HIGHLIGHT: I love the brick wall backdrops and little lounge nook along with close proximity to the exchange district for photos.
Cloakroom Wellness provides plenty of natural sunlight, historical brick walls and gleaming hardwood floors which create the perfect ambiance for any event. Photo by Brenna Farris.
VIBE: Contemporary
PERKS: Many people do not consider a restaurant booking for a private event but given the delicious food, quality service and existing décor & design, they are perfect options for couples hoping to host an intimate wedding. Gusto is one of the best, serving elevated Italian food and exceptional décor and atmosphere featuring artisan cocktails and pizza baked in their very own wood burning oven. They also have a gorgeous patio with bistro lighting and overflow space.
HIGHLIGHT: Their gorgeous patio can be tented for a weatherproof and safe outdoor option!
Pizzeria Gusto is one of the best, serving elevated Italian food and exceptional décor and they have a gorgeous patio with bistro lighting and overflow space. Photo by Ariana Tennyson.
3) Patent 5 Taproom & Distillery
VIBE: Updated Industrial
PERKS: Patent 5 is a Winnipeg based Vodka and Gin Distillery owned by an entrepreneurial collective of passionate folks. Patent 5 has been open less than a year but the space itself is over 100 years old and was formerly a carriage house in the early 1900’s. All furniture/fixtures and stained glass up cycled from old churches and the famous St. Regis Hotel that recently closed. Currently aging their own whiskey for release in 2021 / 2022.
HIGHLIGHT: Special events can also get an opportunity to tour the taproom and taste their delicious Patent 5 flavour infused gin.
Patent 5 is a Winnipeg based Vodka and Gin Distillery owned by an entrepreneurial collective of passionate folks.
4) De Luca’s Private Event Space
VIBE: Laid Back Elegance
PERKS: Did you know Winnipeg Italian Institution De Luca’s also has a private event space? For that special evening with friends, family or colleagues, old and new, the open yet intimate space of their Cooking Studio is perfect for any special occasion. Enjoy the subtle ambiance of an Italian kitchen at work while you mingle and dine. The studio is completely wired for optimal audio and video to facilitate a professional and lasting impression and can accommodate a minimum of 20 guests up to a capacity of 130.
HIGHLIGHT: For a little extra excitement, incorporate cooking demonstrations into your evening! They are happy to personalize your event, so feel free to inquire about how we can make it extra special.
At De Luca’s private event space, enjoy the subtle ambiance of an Italian kitchen at work while you mingle and dine.
VIBE: Romance in the woodlands
PERKS: ‘SNAC’ is a heritage Site (over 100 years old) and community driven arts and makers space hosting indigenous gatherings, local artisan fairs, Shakespeare in the Ruins and they are committed to providing an eco-conscious space for creatives in the community. When they aren’t hosting community events, the gallery and grounds are open for intimate weddings!
HIGHLIGHT: This venue is situated between river and old growth forest and Trappist Monastery Ruins for gorgeous photo opportunities (especially as the leaves turn in the fall) and their gallery space is truly a blank canvas to design your celebration as you wish!
At SNAC, the gallery and grounds are open for intimate weddings! Photo by Aimee de la Lande Photography.
6) Kitchen Sync
VIBE: Modern and Industrial
PERKS: At Kitchen Sync, owner Sheila Bennett says you are only limited by your imagination. This heritage property was empty for 20 years before its restoration in 2014 as a ‘commercial kitchen for rent,’ ideal for chefs looking to refine their skills in a practice kitchen or for those hosting a private dinner party without making a mess in their own home. With an emphasis on eating local and eating healthy, this is a beautiful dining space with notable accents of timber pillars and stone. This venue is centrally located in the exchange district and is great for local businesses hosting meetings, breakfasts, lunches and features a ‘pop up restaurant’ during more typical seasons. For private parties you can even bring in your own personal chef (provided they have a food handlers certificate). I LOVE booking events here – the space is perfect for birthdays, engagements and small weddings
HIGHLIGHT: Working with owner Sheila is always a pleasure. She is not only friendly and attentive to all our event planning needs, but she is a wine and cuisine expert, always ready to develop something custom and delicious for all our events!
At Kitchen Sync, there is an emphasis on eating local and fine drinks! This is a beautiful dining space with notable accents of timber pillars and stone.
Need help searching for a venue for your intimate wedding? Send me an email alli@allimae.com