Strathmere is a country retreat that lets you turn your wedding into a whole weekend: gardens, forest, on-site accommodation, and a relaxed getaway feel just south of Ottawa (about 30–40 minutes from downtown). It’s one of our favourite venues to shoot, the kind of property where every direction gives you a different backdrop. For couples who want their people to stay, unwind, and celebrate all in one place, it’s a gem. Here’s the photographer’s-eye view.
Why couples love it
Strathmere’s charm is its variety: manicured gardens, natural forest, and cosy indoor spaces all on one property, plus the option for guests to stay over. That mix means your photos can move from garden-romantic to forest-earthy without ever leaving the grounds. It also means your day doesn’t have to feel rushed between locations, everything is a short walk away, so more of your timeline goes toward actually enjoying the day instead of driving between spots.
Best photo areas
- The gardens: lush and romantic, ideal for portraits and ceremonies.
- The forest and natural paths: for couples who love a more organic, woodsy look.
- Cosy indoor nooks: warm light for rainy-day and evening portraits.
- The manor exterior: stone walls and a tree-lined drive for classic, timeless portraits.
The weekend-wedding advantage
Because Strathmere offers on-site accommodation, many couples make a weekend of it: welcome dinner, wedding day, morning-after brunch. From a photography standpoint, that relaxed pace is a gift: more time, less rushing, and gorgeous getting-ready and golden-hour moments without racing the clock. It also means we get more than one shot at good light, so if the wedding day itself turns cloudy, we can still catch a golden evening the night before or after.
Planning tips
It’s about a 30–40 minute drive south of Ottawa, so plan guest travel and your own timeline accordingly. With gardens and forest both on offer, tell your photographer which look you’re drawn to so we can scout the right spots. And ask the venue about indoor and covered options for weather. (See our rainy day backup guide just in case, and the full venues guide for the region.) If you’re planning a weekend wedding, block off accommodation for your wedding party early, rooms on the property are limited and it’s a popular spot. And if you want portraits at both the gardens and the forest, build a little extra time into your timeline so the walk between them doesn’t feel rushed.
FAQ
Where is Strathmere?
In North Gower, about a 30–40 minute drive south of downtown Ottawa.
Does Strathmere have on-site accommodation?
Yes, it’s known as a country retreat where guests can stay, making a weekend wedding easy. Confirm current options with the venue.
What are the best photo spots at Strathmere?
The gardens for romantic portraits, the forest for a natural look, and cosy indoor spaces for evening or rainy-day photos.
How far is Strathmere from Ottawa?
Roughly 30–40 minutes south of downtown.
Dreaming of a relaxed weekend wedding at Strathmere? Let’s talk about capturing every part of it.
