Britannia Yacht Club

At Britannia Yacht Club, a wedding comes with the Ottawa River stretched out below the windows and the sun setting over the water as the evening begins.

This sailing club sits on the shore of the river in Ottawa's west end, about ten minutes from downtown. Its rustic clubhouse holds a full kitchen and bar, and the grounds give guests room to wander between the lawn, the marquee and the water.

Ceremonies take place outdoors, either under the marquee tent or out on the front lawn, with the river as the backdrop.

Receptions move upstairs to the Upper Deck, a banquet room overlooking the river that seats up to 120 guests for dinner or about 150 for a cocktail style party, with ceiling decor and lighting included. For a smaller celebration, the Sunset Lounge offers a sweeping panoramic view and suits up to 28 seated guests or about 40 for cocktails.

Rather than fixed packages, the club's events team builds each wedding around the couple. Day-of coordination by the Events Manager is part of the rental, along with linens, tables, chairs and place settings, free parking, a podium and microphone, a screen and projector, coffee and tea, servers and bartenders, and cake cutting. Couples enjoy a complimentary tasting once they book.

Food and drink come from the club's own kitchen and bar, and couples are welcome to bring in their own late-night snacks.

As a thank-you, couples receive a complimentary social membership for the summer of their wedding year, which includes tennis, the clubhouse bar and restaurant, the marquee and member events.

For couples who picture saying their vows by the water and dancing as the river turns gold at sunset, Britannia Yacht Club offers a relaxed waterfront wedding with a personal touch, right in the city.