FortWhyte Alive

At FortWhyte Alive, couples can exchange vows beside the water and then walk out onto boardwalks over lakes and marsh for photos, all without leaving Winnipeg.

This nature centre on the southwest side of the city is home to lakes, forest trails, prairie fields and wild animals, which is why the whole site feels more like countryside than city on a wedding day.

Ceremonies take place in a lakeside space set aside for weddings, and couples can host the ceremony, the reception or both here.

Two reception spaces each come with their own balcony over the water. The Paul Albrechtsen Visitor Centre at Buffalo Crossing seats up to 150 for dinner and looks over Lake Muir, while the Alloway Reception Centre seats up to 110 and faces Lake Devonian.

A reception booking includes exclusive use of the lakeside space for the evening, a one hour rehearsal during the wedding week, tables, white or grey chairs, tableware and barware, plus a projector, screen, podium and microphone. Food and drink come from FortWhyte's preferred caterers, and the team can suggest local decor vendors for backdrops and string lights on the deck.

On the wedding date, the couple, their wedding party and their photographer can roam the entire property, from the forest paths to the prairie along the North trails. Sustainability is a priority here, and pets stay home to protect the animals that live on site.

For couples who picture a lakeside ceremony, a balcony at sunset and wedding photos among the reeds and trees, FortWhyte Alive offers a wedding that feels close to nature in the heart of Winnipeg.