Calgary, ab

Calgary Wedding Photographers

calgarys best wedding photographers

Calgary Wedding Photographers

Calgary, AB, is renowned for its picturesque vistas and vibrant culture, making it a perfect location for hosting weddings. Whether it's the majestic Rocky Mountains or the scenic Bow River Valley, Calgary offers breathtaking views that are second to none. However, it takes more than just exceptional landscapes to make a wedding unforgettable; it also requires the right photographer who can capture the special moments of your big day. Calgary wedding photographers have earned a reputation for being some of the best photographers in the business. They possess qualities such as experience, style, and the ability to make clients feel comfortable, ensuring that the moments they capture are genuine and authentic. Skilled Calgary wedding photographers employ creative and innovative techniques to make each wedding album unique and memorable. Examples include candid shots, aerial photography, and the use of dramatic lighting to enhance the overall effect of the photos. The best Calgary wedding photographers offer a host of services, from engagement shoots to day-of wedding coverage, to post-wedding editing and album design. To find the right Calgary wedding photographer, look for those with a suitable style and an excellent track record. You want to see a history of beautiful images, and they must have an amazing experience. Don't be afraid to ask for a full wedding album of recent weddings photographed at your venue.Referrals are an excellent source of leads, as is online research, social media, and wedding photography directories. With the right photographer by your side, your wedding photos will become cherished memories that you'll treasure for years to come.

Calgary Wedding Photographers Chinook Photography take outdoor wedding photos at St Patricks Island near the Calgary zoo in the fall

Calgary Wedding Photographer

Here are some commonly asked questions we get asked as wedding photographers Calgary:

What's the best time of year to get married in Calgary?

Calgary has beautiful scenery all year round, but the most popular time to get married is during the summer months from June to August. However, autumn (September-October) and winter (December-March) weddings are also becoming more popular as couples take advantage of the beautiful winter landscapes and holiday season.

bride and groom get married in Indian Ceremony Calgary wedding Photographers Chinook photography.  Photo taken on the bridge to Fort Calgary over the Bow River

Is it easy to find wedding venues in Calgary?

Yes, Calgary offers a wide range of wedding venues, from picturesque outdoor locations to stylish indoor spaces. Popular venues include private estates, wineries, hotels, ranches, and restaurants. It's important to start your search for venues early so you can secure your preferred location and date.

How much does it cost to get married in Calgary?

The cost of getting married in Calgary varies depending on the venue, the number of guests, and the services you require. According to WeddingWire, the average cost of a wedding in Calgary is around $30,000 - $35,000 CAD. However, you can easily find beautiful venues at a range of different price points.

Should I meet with the photographer before booking them?

bride and groom get married at the Lake House in Calgary wedding photo by Calgary wedding photographers Chinook Photography

Yes, it's highly recommended that you meet with your potential wedding photographer in Calgary before booking them. This will give you a chance to discuss your vision for your wedding photos, ask questions about their experience and style, and get a sense of their personality to see if you'll work well together.

Can I request specific shots or poses?

You should communicate any specific shots or poses to your photographer. This will help ensure that you get the photos you want and that the photographer can capture your most important moments.

When will I receive my wedding photos?

The turnaround time for wedding photos can vary depending on the photographer and their workload, but you can typically expect to receive your wedding photos within 4-8 weeks after your wedding. Be sure to ask your Calgary wedding photographer about their specific timeline and what to expect in terms of delivery.

How do I find the best wedding vendors in Calgary?

Word of mouth can be a great way to find the best wedding vendors in Calgary. Ask friends, family members or coworkers for recommendations. You can also use websites and social media platforms like Wedding Wire, The Knot, and Instagram to search for vendors and reviews. When choosing vendors, look for experience, style, and reliability.

What's the legal process for getting married in Calgary?

To get married in Calgary, you will need to obtain a marriage license from a registry office. Both parties will need to provide identification and proof of age. The cost of a marriage license is currently $40 in Alberta. A marriage commissioner will then perform the ceremony, and you'll need two witnesses to sign the marriage license. You can find more detailed information about the legal process on the Alberta Government website.

Here are THe ten best wedding venues in Calgary:

01

The Lake House

Location: Lake Bonavista, Calgary

Capacity: Up to 200 guests

Type of venue: Contemporary lakeside restaurant and event space

02

Azuridge Estate Hotel

Location: Priddis, Calgary

Capacity: Up to 200 guests

Type of venue: Luxury estate hotel with mountain views

The Lake House is a modern venue nestled on the shores of Lake Bonavista. This restaurant and event space can accommodate up to 200 guests, and offers an extensive menu featuring locally-sourced Canadian cuisine and an impressive wine selection. With its panoramic views of the lake and the Rocky Mountains, it's a picturesque choice for a wedding ceremony and reception.

Reviews: "The Lake House is the perfect combination of a lakeview and fine dining experience. The food was amazing, and the room is beautiful."

Azuridge Estate Hotel is a one-of-a-kind experience that offers couples a dreamy mountain wedding escape. This boutique luxurious estate features multiple stunning indoor and outdoor spaces, picturesque views, and an unparalleled 5-star service. The estate is available year-round for weddings and can host events of up to 200 guests. Couples have the option of exchanging their vows in one of the estate's many outdoor gardens or enjoy a poolside ceremony.

Reviews: "Exceptional venue - from the luxurious bedrooms to the jaw-dropping surroundings, Azuridge provides an undeniably perfect setting for a fairytale wedding."

The Nash and Off Cut Bar

Location: Inglewood, Calgary

Capacity: Up to 85 guests

Type of venue: Sophisticated and upscale restaurant and bar experience

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Located in the trendy neighbourhood of Eau Claire, The Char Bar is a rustic-chic restaurant and event space that provides couples with a unique experience for their wedding day. With a capacity of 120 guests, the space exudes a warm and inviting atmosphere while being housed in a historic building in a fantastic location. The menu features Alberta-inspired cuisine and a well-curated selection of fine wines and spirits.

Reviews: "The Char exceeded our expectations in every way. The service was fantastic, the food was delicious, and the atmosphere was so cozy and intimate."

The Nash and Off Cut Bar is an elegant restaurant and bar venue situated in the historic neighbourhood of Inglewood. With a capacity of up to 85 guests, it's perfect for couples looking for an intimate wedding experience. The venue is renowned for its exceptional food, fresh ingredients, and contemporary, yet timeless design. The Nash is an excellent choice for a sophisticated and upscale wedding reception.

Reviews: "Unsurprisingly amazing food, impeccable service, and luxurious decor make this venue an excellent choice for a wedding reception that everyone will love."

Calgary Zoo

Location: Bridgeland, Calgary

Capacity: Up to 500 guests

Type of venue: Indoor and outdoor spaces surrounded by exotic wildlife

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The Bow Valley Ranche Restaurant is a historical landmark located in the heart of Fish Creek Provincial Park. This beautiful venue offers couples an unforgettable wedding experience in a picturesque natural setting that's perfect for any outdoor enthusiast. The venue boasts indoor and outdoor spaces that are perfect for hosting both ceremonies and receptions. The interior decor features vaulted ceilings, elegant chandeliers, and a charming rustic ambiance, while outside, the park offers stunning natural scenery and multiple photographic opportunities. The Bow Valley Ranche Restaurant provides a range of customized options for the couple to choose from, including menus, decor and service to fulfill all the unique wedding requirements.

Reviews: "The Bow Valley Ranche was the perfect venue for a wedding filled with natural beauty and historical significance. The staff was professional and attentive. Highly recommended!"

The Calgary Zoo is an excellent choice for animal lovers who want a unique experience for their wedding day. What sets this venue apart is its diverse array of indoor and outdoor spaces available for use surrounded by exotic animals. With a capacity of up to 500 guests, couples can exchange vows at breathtaking locations such as the conservatory, ENMAX conservatory or Penguin Plunge before moving on to the reception space of their choice. The venue also offers exceptional catering services, banquet rooms, and team-building activities.

Reviews: "Having our wedding at the Calgary Zoo was such a fantastic experience. We enjoyed gorgeous scenery, delicious food, and creative animal exhibits that our guests loved. All in all, it was a magical day we'll never forget!"

Meadow Muse Pavilion

Location: Fish Creek Provincial Park, Calgary

Capacity: Up to 250 guests

Type of venue: Rustic outdoor pavilion with breathtaking natural scenery

Fairmont Palliser Hotel

Location: Downtown Calgary

Capacity: Up to 500 guests

Type of venue: Historic grand hotel with elegant ballrooms

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Meadow Muse Pavilion is an exquisite outdoor wedding venue located in the picturesque Fish Creek Provincial Park. This secluded and private venue offers couples an enchanting setting to exchange their vows. The pavilion's rugged wooden architecture complements the surrounding lush greenery and features expansive windows that offer stunning views of the park. With a capacity of up to 250 guests, it's a perfect choice for couples looking for a rustic yet elegant outdoor wedding. The venue provides an array of customizable options to meet the couple's unique wedding requirements.

Reviews: "Meadow Muse Pavilion was the perfect venue for our dreamy rustic-style wedding. The natural setting made for an unforgettable ceremony and reception that we'll always cherish. The staff was exceptionally attentive, and the catering was delicious."

Fairmont Palliser Hotel is the epitome of grandeur and luxury, an architectural masterpiece located in the heart of downtown Calgary. This historic hotel boasts several elegant ballrooms with stunning chandeliers, historic murals on the ceiling, and an opulent ambiance for couples who want to celebrate their big day in style. It offers custom packages to meet the couple's wedding requirements, ranging from ceremony and reception venues to expert catering, floral arrangements, and music. Its central location makes it convenient for out of town guests to explore Calgary before or after the wedding ceremony. The Fairmont Palliser hotel is the premier luxury wedding venue in Calgary.

Reviews: "The Fairmont Palliser is the best wedding venue in Calgary! The location and service are unbeatable. Every little detail met our expectations, and it was well worth the money."

Deane House

Location: Bankview, Calgary

Capacity: Up to 200 guests

Type of venue: Unique and historic Edwardian-style house with multiple event spaces

Spruce Meadows

Location: Southwest Calgary

Capacity: Up to 1,000 guests

Type of venue: Picturesque outdoor venue with an impressive equestrian facility

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Dean House is a unique and historic Edwardian-style house that offers couples an unusual and charming backdrop for their wedding. Located in Bankview, this two-story house features multiple event spaces that are ideal for celebrations of any size. The house has several gardens and courtyards surrounded by trees and shrubs, creating an intimate setting for couples to exchange vows. The distinct architecture provides couples with endless decorating possibilities, making it one of the most desirable venues in Calgary. In addition to providing rental space, Dean House also offers exceptional wedding packages that include catering, music, decorations, and more.

Reviews: "We had our wedding at Dean House and it was incredible! The unique architecture blends modern touches while keeping its old time charm intact. The staff were very helpful in arranging everything we needed."

Spruce Meadows is a picturesque outdoor venue in southwest Calgary that offers couples the perfect setting for their dream wedding. This venue features an impressive equestrian facility and is surrounded by lush greenery, making it a great choice for couples who want a magical outdoor ceremony. Spruce Meadows boasts plenty of space – up to 1,000 guests can be accommodated within their expansive grounds. As an added bonus, there are plenty of nearby accommodation options and other attractions that families and friends can enjoy before or after the special day.

Reviews: "We had our wedding at Spruce Meadows and it was truly amazing! The staff were incredibly helpful in every step of the process and made sure we had everything we needed for our big day. We couldn't have asked for better service."

bride and groom get married at Char bar in Calgary.  Epic first dance photo from Calgary Wedding Photographers Chinook Photography

Questions about eloping or getting married in caLGARY?

Calgary has something for everyone, no matter how big or small the celebration. Be sure to decide what kind of venue you're interested in early on in your wedding planning process to ensure the venue has availability on your preferred date.

Hopefully, this FAQ provides helpful insights into choosing a Calgary wedding photographer. If you have any further questions or concerns, don't hesitate to get in touch with us.