After photographing weddings at Le Belvédère over the last few seasons, I can honestly say it’s one of my favourite venues in the Ottawa area. Yes, the view is absolutely stunning, there’s a reason it’s called “Le Belvédère” aka “the view”, but what truly sets it apart is how well they treat everyone — from the couple and their guests to us vendors.

This kind of thoughtful hospitality is rare at wedding venues, and it’s what makes the whole day feel so effortless and enjoyable. This is why I wanted to share this post: to highlight why Le Belvédère stands out and has won “Best Wedding Venue in Ottawa” many years in a row, and to give you a look at the best photo locations around the venue.

Many wedding venues are buildings that were converted from some former use, like an old church, barn, or heritage estate, but Le Belvédère was designed to specifically be a wedding venue, so their layout was designed specifically with weddings in mind. From the cozy Garden House bridal suite to a ceremony setup that’s prepared for all weather, this place is perfect for beautiful, relaxed wedding days. Keep reading for a few of my favourite spots to photograph — plus some behind-the-scenes notes and why you’ll definitely want your own Le Belvédère wedding photos.

Le Belvédère Wedding Photos: The Garden House

Let’s kick things off where the day usually begins — the Garden House. This space is just a short walk from the ceremony and reception areas, and it’s where the bridal party typically gets ready. It’s filled with natural light (obviously best option for Le Belvédère wedding photos), and it includes a cozy breakfast table, a coffee and tea station, and a fridge for any food or drinks you want to keep chilled throughout the morning.

The getting-ready area itself is spacious, with plenty of mirrors so your whole crew can get glammed up together. One of my favourite details? The oversized mirror — it’s absolutely perfect for those final touches before you head down the aisle and we always see the bridesmaids grabbing a quick mirror picture together too.

Le Belvédère Wedding Photos: The Guest House

Often at Le Belvedere weddings, the groom will get ready with his loved ones in the Guest House, where they can also stay the evening before. The couple can decide if they want to spend their wedding night there too. This makes everything super convenient — no post-reception travel needed. It’s a really thoughtful setup, letting the newlyweds stay close to their guests and soak up every moment right through to the end of the night with no worry about transportation at the end of the night since they can just walk down the driveway a few hundred meters to the guest house.

The Best Photo Locations: For Couple Portraits and First Looks

If you’re planning to do a first look, Le Belvédère offers a few great options — but one I highly recommend is the lower terrace to the left of the outdoor ceremony space. It has a beautiful view, is sheltered from rain by the tree canopy, it feels private, and it gives you plenty of room to share that moment with your partner. Plus there’s enough room for your photographer to capture a range of angles without it feeling intrusive.

Later on — whether it’s post-ceremony or at golden hour — there’s another nearby spot with that iconic view of the Gatineau Hills. I’m sure you know the one, because it’s exactly what Le Belvédère wedding photos are known for. And if you haven’t seen it in person yet? Book your tour (no they’re not paying me to say this.)

The Best Photo Locations: For the Guests

Le Belvédère’s staff truly prioritize the guest experience and it shows — especially during cocktail hour. With an outdoor cocktail deck, seating and a campfire, plus space for both indoor and outdoor bars, guests can relax and enjoy the celebration in any weather. The spacious terrace beside the ceremony space — a perfect spot for guests to mingle and for me to capture photos together (including large group shots with that view as the backdrop). And when it comes to the ceremony, even if the weather turns, the venue has it covered: guests are provided with umbrellas, and the couple stays dry under a canopy at the end of the aisle. But if it’s too wet to stay outside, they have an indoor option in the basement that has floor to ceiling windows looking out to the same view. These thoughtful touches make the entire day feel seamless and stress-free for everyone and they absolutely help you get the best candid photos when your final gallery arrives.

Added Benefit:

One of the standout moments at one of our weddings here was the sparkler exit. Orchestrated by the venue coordinators, this exit makes a beautiful send-off with guests lining the aisle, sparklers in hand, as the couple made their way to the canopy area for their first dance. An added touch by this couple was the bride’s sister singing Lifetime by Justin Bieber. From my perspective, it all came together seamlessly. Le Belvédère’s team handled it flawlessly — guests were in place, the timing was perfect, and everything unfolded smoothly. Truly a well-oiled machine.

I’m sure there are many more reasons to love having your wedding at Le Belvédère, but from a photographer’s perspective, these are some of the biggest benefits that make the day run smoothly and look incredible. The thoughtful details, beautiful spaces, and attentive staff all come together to create a truly special experience for couples, their guests, and their vendors. If you have any questions or just want to chat about weddings, my photography, or Le Belvédère, I’d love to hear from you!