Ottawa Tennis and Lawn Bowling Club

Some venues feel like a cottage weekend that happens to be in the middle of the city. The Ottawa Tennis Club, established in 1881 and one of the oldest tennis clubs in Canada, brings that feeling to weddings in Old Ottawa South.

The historic clubhouse sits in Ottawa near the Rideau River, beside Brewer Park, whose green space offers lovely backdrops for photographs.

Celebrations centre on the second-floor mess hall, a vaulted space with seating for up to around 100 guests. A wrap-around patio expands the capacity and creates an easy indoor-outdoor flow.

Sample layouts include around 90 to 100 seated guests, about 60 seated guests with a head table and dance floor, or roughly 120 guests for a standing reception. The front lawn, games room, sand volleyball courts and tennis courts can also be rented.

Food is prepared by the club's kitchen, with sit-down meals served family-style alongside passed canapés and platters. Menus are seasonally inspired and locally sourced, and the team works with guests on dietary needs. Full beverage service and bar packages are available.

Tables, chairs, dinnerware and glassware are provided, basic setup and teardown are included, and a dedicated staff member is on hand from start to finish. Couples are free to bring in their own DJ or band.

The first floor, front lawn and washrooms are accessible, while the second floor is reached by stairs.

For couples who picture a relaxed, family-style celebration with a sense of history and summer evenings on the patio, the Ottawa Tennis Club offers a wedding that feels like coming home.