You know that scene in Runaway Bride where Julia Roberts runs through the woods in a white dress, covered in mud? That image has stuck with me ever since.
Honestly, that movie is a masterpiece for showcasing nearly every outdoor wedding disaster imaginable. Who knew a simple “I do” could be so susceptible to unexpected weather, overzealous wildlife, and gusts of wind?
After watching that movie and witnessing my fair share of disastrous outdoor ceremonies, I decided to turn to the wedding experts.
So, here are the best outdoor wedding venues in Calgary that guarantee stunning memories.
How much does it cost to rent an outdoor wedding venue in Calgary?
It costs at least 5,000 CAD to rent an outdoor wedding venue in Calgary. This price is just an estimate. The actual price will depend on the size of the venue, the location, the wedding date, and more.
Table of Contents
1. Jan’s Garden
Address: 18 Patina Ln SW
Contact Details: +1 403-870-9656
Operating Hours: Monday to Saturday – 9 AM to 6 PM
Jan’s Gardens is perfect for intimate weddings under 40 guests. From the moment I arrived, I was captivated by the stunning atmosphere.
The lush flower beds and the soothing sounds of the Bow River create a truly special urban oasis. Plus, I love the manicured lawns and mature trees—they give a sense of secluded elegance.
The covered area is an especially practical feature. Many couples appreciate having a weatherproof option for Calgary’s unpredictable conditions.
Jan’s Gardens’ Micro Wedding Package is another highlight. It bundles the venue rental with pre-wedding planning meetings in the garden. It even includes anniversary visits—a thoughtful and unique offering.
The bridal room is also a great addition. It provides a peaceful space for preparations before the ceremony.
However, the venue’s limited food options are a slight drawback. The selection might be challenging for couples with specific culinary preferences or dietary requirements.
A magical place for a special day
“Jan’s Garden was a magical place for us to have our small, intimate wedding of 18 people. Her garden is stunning and we had perfect weather on Sept 1st. Jan is an amazing hostess and went out of her way to accommodate our needs for the wedding.
We felt blessed to be surrounded by such beauty on our special day and all our guests loved the gardens! Our officiant Soleiha’s wonderful storytelling/ceremony was perfect to celebrate our love and Ryan captured those special moments so creatively. We are forever gratefully to all of them. I would highly recommend Jan’s Garden for small intimate weddings and gatherings. Thank you for everything Jan & Bruce!”
– Melanie Shelley, Google Reviews
Everything you can ask for an intimate wedding
“Jan’s Garden, what can I say? Everything you can ask for an intimate wedding! Jan herself is very loving and caring, she tries her best to let us felt we have everything we need. She also gives us room for ourselves to decorate the ceremony. And she picked a vase and flowers as a gift for us from her garden! So beautiful! All guests from our wedding are having compliments for both Jan herself and her garden! I am absolutely recommend this place if you’re looking for an intimate wedding! Thank you so much Jan again!!!!”
– Lu Luna, Google Reviews
2. Waterfront Park
Address: 5225 101 St NW
Contact Details: +1 403-242-1457
Operating Hours: Monday to Friday – 9 AM to 4 PM
Waterfront Park completely impressed me with the magical views of the Bow River. It’s a perfect spot for a ceremony with the river as your backdrop.
The atmosphere is relaxed and elegant. The grounds are spacious enough to accommodate up to 250 guests, so there’s plenty of room for everyone.
Couples I spoke with loved how easy it was to personalize their weddings across the park’s different spaces.
Many also mentioned how The Belvedere offered an amazing aerial view, making it a prime spot for beautiful photos.
The staff at Waterfront Park were really responsive. They answered my questions and addressed my concerns promptly.
However, it’s not without its drawbacks. The catering options offer limited customization choices. If you’re after a highly personalized menu or have specific dietary needs, this could be a challenge.
Aside from that, parking can be an issue. With larger guest lists, the parking area tends to fill up quickly.
Provides top-notch care even before the ceremony
“Every time I think about this venue, it takes my breath away. From the first time my husband and I had our initial site visit in 2019 till when we had our traditional Nigerian wedding ceremony in 2021, I am still in awe that we had our special day here. We lucked out being one of the first couples be having their celebration at the venue under Simply Elegant management. I am forever grateful for Peter for making sure we had the perfect ceremony in the newly added tent, during the craziness of covid. Peter even made sure we were taken care of even before the ceremony with a surprise in our respective rooms we got ready in.”
– Nkem Nwankpa, Google Reviews
Ensures beautiful outdoor ceremony
“Had our wedding ceremony outdoors and it was just beautiful! Highly recommend”
– Anna Rennel, Google Reviews
3. Jumping Pound Ranch
Address: 251207 Range Rd 50
Contact Details: +1 403-932-4003
Jumping Pound Ranch left me in awe. Its 400 acres in the foothills of the Canadian Rockies are truly unforgettable.
The rolling hills, mountain vistas, and peaceful Jumping Pound Creek create a truly picturesque setting. Plus, many couples I’ve spoken with have shared the same sentiment.
The ranch comfortably accommodates up to 200 guests. The spacious peak tent for the reception has worked perfectly for many weddings.
Couples also appreciated the exclusive use of a large portion of the property. It offers stunning and diverse photography opportunities throughout the day.
I appreciate that the staff also goes above and beyond. Many couples praised their proactive approach to addressing needs, from accommodating dietary requests to making minor setup adjustments.
However, the lack of on-site accommodation can be a slight drawback for some guests hoping to stay on the ranch.
Offers a stunning view of the mountains
“We could not have asked for a more perfect place to get married!!! Karli, Clarence and Abby helped us make the day of our dreams come true and were so easy to work with! From day one visiting Jumping Pound Ranch and meeting Karli we knew we were in good hands. This venue has it all- the ability to pick your own vendors, it’s close to Calgary, but has the most stunning views with mountains, trees, and flowing water- it was everything we were hoping for our ceremony and reception! (Thank you also to Jalisse Photography for these photos)”
– Kalie Mosig, Google Reviews
Welcoming and amazing to deal with
“We absolutely loved having our wedding at Jumping Pound Ranch this year! Karli, her family, and Abbey were all so welcoming and amazing to deal with. The venue was stunning, couldn’t have asked for more”
– Tori Martyn, Google Reviews
4. Crestmont Hall
Address: 12400 Crestmont Blvd S W
Contact Details: +1 403-475-7320
Operating Hours:
- Monday, Wednesday to Friday – 11 AM to 4 PM
- Tuesday – 1 PM to 7 PM
Crestmont Hall offers uninterrupted views of the Rocky Mountains and surrounding woodlands, which truly captivated me.
The spacious grassy lawn is perfect for mid-size ceremonies, offering ample space for over 140 guests. However, it’s important to note that only the lawn is provided—no chairs or decor.
Despite this, the venue’s inclusions are a welcome bonus. The indoor hall is a lifesaver, providing a backup option in case of rain. Plus, the kitchen is surprisingly well-equipped.
On top of that, many couples praised the staff for their help in ensuring the day ran smoothly.
However, the limited parking is inconvenient. Some guests mentioned they had to walk from the overflow lot. It could be challenging for elderly guests or those with mobility issues.
Helpful and accommodating staff
“We had our wedding at Crestmont Hall this past weekend, and it could not have been more perfect. The tables were set out for us in advance and the employees were incredibly helpful and accommodating. From ceremony to cocktail hour to reception everything was perfect. We wanted a venue that was affordable where we could bring our own alcohol and decorate as we wanted and Crestmont hall fit the bill exactly! I would reccomend this venue to anyone looking to really make their wedding space their own! It was perfect!”
– Noelle, Google Reviews
Offers beautiful view of the city
“Beautiful view of the city in mutliple directions. Nice sized property for a wedding and versatility to do outdoors. Had lots of fun and looks modern and clean.”
– Mark Mosur, Google Reviews
5. Shawnessy Barn
Address: 224 Shawmeadows Rd SW
Contact Details: +1 403-254-1012
Operating Hours: Monday to Friday – 9 AM to 5 PM
Shawnessy Barn won me over with its unique rustic charm and expansive outdoor area. The 17-acre green space offers plenty of room for a ceremony, easily accommodating 115+ guests.
I also loved how the barn’s large doors open onto the patio, creating a beautiful indoor-outdoor flow.
The tables, chairs, and basic lighting inclusions are standard. However, they are sufficient to meet the needs of most events.
Aside from that, many couples appreciated the helpful staff. They went out of their way to ensure everything ran smoothly.
Just a heads-up: the pricing may reflect its rustic charm and exclusivity. It’s important to consider if it fits within your budget.
A wonderful and unique wedding venue
“Wonderful and unique wedding venue with a century old barn that is a rustic beauty. I had the opportunity to shoot a wedding at Shawnessy Barn and would be happy to return to this amazing venue with character and charm!”
– D.O.P. co, Google Reviews
Beautiful location with a nice pathway
“We had our wedding here in September. What a beautiful location. Set in a public park with a nice path way. Strongly recommend.”
– Christine D, Google Reviews
