At charbar, a wedding can begin on a rooftop beside the Bow River and end with a first dance as the sun goes down over the Calgary skyline.
The restaurant fills the restored 1912 Simmons Building, a heritage landmark on the river in Calgary's East Village. Inside, original exposed brick, timber beams, tall fir posts, wood mill floors, vaulted ceilings and original windows give every room a warm, historic character.
The rooftop patio, once named the city's best, looks out over the river, St. Patrick's Island and the skyline, with both sunny and shaded corners. Couples can book it for the whole wedding or just for an hour for the ceremony and photos. A custom glass fireplace and heaters keep guests cozy into the evening, and there is always indoor backup space if the weather turns.
Downstairs, the main floor has a wraparound bar, an open kitchen and a ceviche bar, with glass doors that open onto a riverside patio beside the pathways. The second floor can be booked privately or in sections, with two bars, private washrooms and a view down into the main dining room. Weddings here range from four guests to about 300.
Founded in 2015 by chef owners Connie DeSousa and John Jackson, charbar is built around a custom Argentine wood fired grill and now runs as a wood fire steakhouse featuring dry aged Alberta beef. Event menus can include oyster bars, ceviche and canapés, the rooftop serves its own hand spun pizza, and the kitchen happily adapts dishes for cultural traditions and dietary needs.
A dedicated events manager plans each floorplan and guides couples from first inquiry to the last dance, and the team can help guests book rooms nearby at a preferred rate. The building is wheelchair accessible and welcomes guests of all ages.
For couples who picture rooftop vows above the Bow River and a heritage brick room filled with the scent of the wood fired grill, charbar offers a city wedding full of history, view and flavour.
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