© Musée du chateau Dufresne
Let’s make history, baby
As one of Canada’s oldest cities, Montréal is neck deep in history. Its most famous neighbourhood is Old Montréal, replete with 18th century European charm — but how about taking it up a notch and tying the knot in a private chateau? The Château Ramezay and Château Dufresne are both historic private homes that can take you back in time in the most romantic way. The stunning Birks Heritage Chapel features carved wood and coloured marble floors, and the Les Voûtes room in the InterContinental Hotel’s wing in the historic Nordheimer house is an underground discovery: its three magnificent stone vaults date back to the 18th century. The Auberge Saint-Gabriel, owned in part by Cirque du Soleil founder Guy Laliberté, is a stunning piece of history preserved and restored — and updated with a five-star restaurant.
© Société du parc Jean-Drapeau
Woods you be mine?
Nature inspires all sorts of life-affirming dreams, perfect for the first moments of your life together. Within this very city there are stunning green spaces. In Parc Jean-Drapeau, a mere metro ride away from central Montréal, you can rent out the Pavillon de la Jamaïque or the Toundra, two architectural icons from Expo 67 set among verdant gardens. Further afield, just outside the city, get a true taste of Canadian tradition by holding your special day at a sugar shack: Sucrerie de la Montagne, a woodsman’s dream with luxury chalets you and your wedding party can stay at.
© Le Place d'Armes Hôtel & Suites
Modern bride (and groom)
Clean lines and shiny surfaces are more your thing? Rent out a hall at the Loft Hotel in a refined art deco building steps away from trendy Saint-Denis Street. Hôtel Nelligan is a grey-stone property that contrasts its historic heft with beautifully sleek interiors, while Hôtel Place d’Armes brings the celebration to new heights in either the rooftop terrasse with a view of the port or the beautiful halls. Right on the water in the Old Port, you can gaze out upon the water as you say “yes, a thousand times yes!” at one of the hall spaces at the Montréal Science Centre or, further west, at the architecturally striking archaeology and history complex, Pointe-à-Callière.
© Scena
Our love is industrial size!
Jaw-dropping, cavernous spaces are aplenty in Montréal, especially those with an industrial edge. Got a giant guest list? Check out Entrepôts Dominion, an industrial building steps away from the Atwater Market right on the Lachine Canal space, with huge spaces for rent — or Arsenal, a contemporary art gallery and cultural centre by day and ah-may-zing rental space by night set in a ginormous old metal plant. The Grand Quai de Montréal is a huuuge glassed in hall right on the shores of the St. Lawrence River that rocks contemporary vibes to the max, while the Paddocks at Parc Jean-Drapeau, right on the historic Gilles-Villeneuve racing track that hosts the Formula One Grand Prix, is a legendary (and large!) location to pledge your undying love.
© Ritz-Carlton Montréal
Honey, you’re a classic
You dream of an ivory dress with a 10-foot train and a receiving line of 30? White linen tablecloths and centrepieces featuring white peonies? Get to the heart of classic glamour at the Ritz-Carlton Montréal, where the reception halls feature glittering chandeliers. Make the most iconic heritage address in Old Montréal your own by saying “I do” at Marché Bonsecours, whose large spaces with views on the St. Lawrence River date back to 1847. With their ceiling mouldings, crystal chandeliers and giant columns, the Windsor’s spaces are a stupendous choice for a Disney-worthy wedding, and for a stunning environment complete with stage, step into the glorious Théâtre Paradoxe in Côte-St-Paul. In the heart of Mile End, the Rialto Theatre is a stunning classic theatre turned high-tech performance centre where you can rent various spaces. A similar option is The St-James Theatre, in Griffintown, which has three lovely spaces for rental, all in a jaw-dropping architectural setting.
© Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth - Espace C2
The view from up here
Want to BE on top of the world in addition to feeling it? Has Montréal got options for you! The terrasse at Hôtel Nelligan in Old Montréal has one of the most extraordinary views in the city — imagine having it all to yourself! Rent the top levels of the SAT for your big day and enjoy not only incredible food from Foodlab, but also access to the deck which boasts an all-around view of downtown Montréal! Also in the heart of the city, Espace C2, on the 21st floor of the Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth, is a rental space that blends light-flooded modernist chic with high tech, creative menus and incredible views.
Isa Tousignant
Isa Tousignant is a Montréal-based editor and storyteller with a curiosity that runs deeper than most. She has chatted life philosophies with celebrity chefs, gemologists, arena rockers and furries. All were transformative.
