About Montréal
Montréal is a world-famous Canadian city renowned for its vibrant energy and European flair. Located in the province of Quebec, Montréal lies on an island at the confluence of two great rivers, St. Lawrence and Ottawa Rivers, making it the second-largest metropolitan area in Canada after Toronto. Boasting a captivating history, architecture, culture, and outdoor activities, Montréal has something unique to offer everyone.
Blessed with stunning natural scenery, from parks to peaceful woods and tranquil lakeside settings, as well as a wealth of historical buildings like cathedrals and châteaus, any couple looking to tie the knot in style will find no shortage of breathtaking venues fitting for a wedding in Montréal.
For those who want to experience extra panache, selections of luxury hotels in some neighbourhoods provide spectacular views over the city skyline or riverfront. With so much variety available nearby and so many experiences within the city, couples who decide to say “I do” in Montréal are sure to create special memories that will last a lifetime!
Wedding Options in Montréal
- Florist
From centrepieces and bouquets to corsages and boutonnieres, a florist curates flowers that bring colour and beauty to any ceremony or reception space. They use diverse blooms in various colours, from classic roses to unique wildflowers, to decorate the venue and add an extra touch of elegance.
- Stationery Designer
Customized invitations and stationery designs capture the aesthetics of the occasion. The designer can create other personalized items, such as place cards, thank you cards, menu cards, programs, table numbers, ceremony programs, or seating charts.
- Musicians/DJs
Music sets the mood and provides entertainment throughout an entire event. Hiring live musicians, like string quartets or jazz bands, creates an unforgettable ambiance at ceremonies or receptions. For modern sounds, DJs mix tunes tailored to individual preferences.
- Photographer/Videographer
Professional photographers and videographers document all aspects of the wedding, from the ceremony to special events. They take photos or record videos of ceremonies, receptions, cake-cutting, first dances, speeches, and more; couples will cherish these memories for years.
Wedding Vendors in Montréal
- B'S Bees
B'S Bees is a Montreal-based jazz quartet that plays high-energy interpretations of classic jazz music. Led by drummer Brandon Goodwin, the group has gained a reputation for its dynamic live performances and original compositions. The team offers services for any occasion, providing combinations of vocalists, saxophone players, guitarists, pianists, bass players, and drummers.
- Atelier Carmel
Atelier Carmel is a floral studio in Montréal that specializes in creating bouquets with love. They offer complete event floral design services. With a focus on weddings, they welcome the opportunity to reimagine floral design for every new event. From boutonnières to bouquets and tablescapes to floating gardens, Atelier Carmel delivers all floral arrangements. Their inspiration comes from nature and the endless possibilities it provides.
- Tea & Oranges
Tea & Oranges is a collective of award-winning fine art photographers and videographers based in Montreal, Canada, and Perth, Western Australia. Specializing in intimate elopements and heartfelt weddings, they provide a reliable, knowledgeable, and detail-oriented approach to capturing your special day. Drawing inspiration from classic fine art paintings such as those of Caravaggio and Dutch masters, they strive to capture candid moments that will forever preserve the joys of your wedding day.
Pros and Cons of Wedding Venues in Montréal
Montréal is a vibrant city with a long history, and its many attractions have made it a popular destination for weddings. Here are the advantages and disadvantages of hosting a wedding in this stunning Canadian city.
Advantages
- Montréal is home to some beautiful old churches and other landmarks dating back centuries that are perfect for photo ops or formal ceremonies.
- Located near the US border, hosting a wedding in Montréal allows for easy travel for international guests.
- In summer, temperatures reach up to 28 degrees Celsius in Montréal, which makes it ideal for spring and summer weddings.
Disadvantages
- As one of the most popular Canadian cities, traffic gets congested at certain times, posing a challenge to transport guests between ceremony and reception locations.
- Depending on the area or district you choose to organize your wedding in, language barriers can come into play if not all vendors are bilingual or trilingual (English, French & Spanish).
- Parking can be hard to come by during peak times due to the crowded streets, so you might need to hire shuttles or find an alternative transportation plan.
Tips on How to Organize Weddings in Montréal
Montreal is a beautiful city with fascinating venues and locations to consider when planning the perfect wedding. Here are some tips on planning a memorable wedding in and around Montréal.
- Choose the right venue: Consider factors such as size, budget, time of year, and the desired atmosphere when selecting the perfect location for your special day. Also, consider the convenience for guests and accessibility.
- Hire experienced professionals: To ensure everything goes according to plan, hire experienced professionals. From caterers and DJs to photographers and planners, these vendors provide expertise and insight into the details.
- Make use of technology to stay organized and connected with guests: Technology can help you easily manage RSVPs from attendees and provide updates about changes in the schedule or other information they need to know before attending the festivities. These tools can also help keep track of tasks like seating arrangements or registry items.
- Take advantage of local attractions: From its picturesque cobblestone streets to its vibrant culture and nightlife, there is something for everyone in Montreal! Use this to your advantage by incorporating fun activities or locations, such as walking through Old Montreal during photos or taking a carriage ride around Parc Jean-Drapeau.
- Personalize details: Take some time to personalize the occasion with custom seating charts or personalized gift bags for each guest at the ceremony/reception site! Add meaningful touches throughout to help create lasting memories.
Famous Locations in Montréal
- The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts
The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts is a stunning complex of five pavilions showcasing an array of art, from ancient African to modern Japanese works. While the museum features renowned European artists such as Rembrandt and Picasso, its strength truly lies in exhibiting Canadian art. Visitors can view various pieces by artists like Prudence Heward and Paul Kane, as well as abstract works by Martha Townsend and Jean-Paul Riopelle and landscapes by the Group of Seven. With underground tunnels connecting the pavilions, visitors can comfortably explore different exhibitions regardless of the weather.
- Saint Joseph's Oratory of Mount Royal
The Saint Joseph's Oratory of Mount Royal is a stunning basilica located on the flanks of Mont-Royal in northwest Montréal. The basilica, constructed in the mid-20th century, is a magnificent example of design offering grand views of the surrounding Côte-des-Neiges area. The church is an intimate shrine dedicated to Brother André, a local saint revered for his healing powers. Brother André built the first chapel here in 1904, and as word of his miracles spread, the need for a shrine became apparent. In tribute to Brother André and St. Joseph, the largest ever built was completed in 1960, featuring a Renaissance-style dome visible from anywhere in the surrounding area.
- Parc La Fontaine
Parc La Fontaine is a verdant municipal park stretching over 34 hectares, making it the city's third-largest park. The lush greenery and calming atmosphere make it a popular destination for the city's urbanites, especially during the warmer months. Visitors can enjoy the park's walking and bicycle paths, quaint ponds, and the general air of relaxation. The park has different activities, including paddle boat rentals during summer and ice skating during winter. The view from Avenue du Parc La Fontaine, especially when the fountains are on, is breathtaking. Additionally, in July, the open-air Théâtre de Verdure hosts relaxed outdoor shows.