Mia and Seb’s Notre-Dame Basilica wedding on Friday, October 16th felt like a postcard of downtown Ottawa. We started at the Château Laurier, then said vows at the basilica, and finished with a reception at the National Arts Centre, with the Château and Parliament glowing outside the windows. Add a moody October sky, fall colour everywhere, and two people who could not stop smiling at each other? We were in heaven.
The day at a glance
- Getting ready: Fairmont Château Laurier
- Ceremony: Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica, Ottawa
- Reception: National Arts Centre (NAC)
- Season and style: October, black tie, a bouquet full of oranges, corals and deep reds
All three spots are a short hop from each other in the heart of downtown. So we had more time for photos, less time in cars, and a day that felt relaxed even with a lot happening.
Getting ready at the Château Laurier
If you want old-world Ottawa elegance, the Château Laurier delivers. Think long hallways, warm wood, and light pouring in from tall windows. Plus, Mia’s bouquet was the pop of colour the whole morning needed, with burnt orange, coral and burgundy that looked made for October. Meanwhile, Seb looked sharp and calm in his tux, with a boutonniere that picked up the same reds.
A first look on the Château staircase
Mia’s dad got a moment first, and yes, there were happy tears. Then came the first look. The staircase at the Château is a gift for a photographer: curved wood, golden light, and a groom with his back turned and his heart in his throat. When Seb turned around and saw Mia, his hand flew up to his face. That’s the shot. That’s the one we live for. The best part about doing a first look is what comes after, because you get a quiet little pocket of time together before the whole day starts. Look at those forehead kisses! So if you’re on the fence about a first look, this is your sign.
Portraits with the Château as the backdrop
Because the October sky was grey, we got soft, even light, and the Château’s turrets did the rest. So we love how the lawns, the fall leaves and the castle-like roofline come together here. It’s a very “only in Ottawa” backdrop. Plus, the fall leaves added even more colour.
The Notre-Dame Basilica wedding ceremony at Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica
If you’ve never stepped inside Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica, picture this: a deep blue ceiling covered in gold stars, carved wood everywhere, and a long aisle that makes every entrance feel like a movie. It is easily one of the most beautiful ceremony spaces in Ottawa, and a Notre-Dame Basilica wedding is a joy to photograph. Also, watching Mia walk toward Seb under that ceiling was one of those moments we won’t forget, and neither will he. You can see exactly how he took it in.
Family photos at our Notre-Dame Basilica wedding
Because family photos are a big part of a day like this, we keep them quick and relaxed so everyone can get back to celebrating. Plus, the stone doors of the basilica make a gorgeous frame, and the navy and blue tones in the guests’ outfits looked stunning against all that grey stone and fall foliage. Then it was back to the party.
Quiet portraits at a Notre-Dame Basilica wedding
Black and white and gothic arches? Yes, please. These are some of our favourite frames from the day. We also played with height and grabbed a few from above on the stone steps, where Mia’s veil spread out like a little cloud.
Reception at the National Arts Centre
The reception space at the NAC is a real “wow” moment. Floor-to-ceiling windows, long tables lined with warm wooden chairs, candles, and florals that were pure fall: roses, ranunculus and deep red blooms in every corner. Plus, the view of the Château and Parliament was the cherry on top. The NAC’s terrace is a hidden gem for portraits too. So we slipped Mia and Seb outside for a few quiet minutes and came back with some of our favourite images of the day. We also grabbed a guest photo on the big staircase, which is always a fun one to look back on.
Dancing, cake and a lot of joy
Live drummers brought the room to life, so the dance floor lit up fast. Then came cake, toasts and big smiles. The night had a joyful, come-as-you-are feel, with the whole city sparkling outside the glass.
Planning a Notre-Dame Basilica wedding in downtown Ottawa? A few things we learned
- Plan for the weather you want to love. October in Ottawa can mean sun, cloud, or a bit of rain. Soft overcast light is actually gorgeous for portraits, so build a little flexibility into your timeline.
- Keep your locations close. When your getting ready, ceremony and reception are all downtown, you spend more time celebrating and less time travelling.
- Ask about photography rules early. Churches and landmark venues can have their own guidelines. We always check ahead with your officiant and venue, so there are no surprises.
- Build in time for portraits. Even 20 minutes alone together on a terrace or in a park can be your favourite part of the day.
Congratulations, Mia & Seb
Thank you both for letting us be part of your Notre-Dame Basilica wedding day. From the first look at the Château to the last dance at the NAC, we loved every minute. So we can’t wait for you to see the rest of your gallery.
Getting married in downtown Ottawa and dreaming of a cathedral ceremony or a view of Parliament Hill? We’d love to hear about your day. Get in touch with us here and let’s start planning.
Vendor team
- Getting ready: Fairmont Château Laurier
- Ceremony: Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica
- Reception venue: National Arts Centre
- Photography: Grey Loft Studio
- Florals & Decor: Frid Events
- Day Of Coordination: With Oak & Apple
- Hair: Showpony
- DJ: Quality Entertainment
