If you’ve been searching for a wedding venue near Ottawa that feels like the countryside but doesn’t ask you to give up any of the polish, let us introduce you to one of our favourites. We’re Bethany and Luc, an Ottawa husband-and-wife wedding photo and video team, and Thee Farm is a place we genuinely love shooting. Here’s our honest take on getting married there — the vibe, the light, what photographs beautifully, and everything a couple usually wants to know before booking.
The short answer
Thee Farm is a rustic-luxury wedding venue set on a 110-acre forested property in Kemptville, about 40 minutes south of downtown Ottawa. You get both indoor and outdoor spaces, a 60-acre lake, a restored 1854 farmhouse, a proper event barn, six geodesic glamping domes for getting ready and staying over, and full in-house catering — so you can hold your whole day, start to finish, in one place. If you want the feel of a private country estate without giving up the comfort of a full-service venue, it’s easily one of our favourite Ottawa wedding venues.
Why we love photographing here
Honestly? Almost every corner of this property is frame-worthy. The spaces are beautifully detailed and there’s a real sense of luxury to the architecture — the old stone farmhouse alone is a photographer’s dream to shoot in, and the getting-ready spaces are some of the nicest around. It’s intimate and full of charm, but it still feels grand. That combination is rare.
The thing that gets us every time, though, is the light near the end of the day. As the sun drops down the tree-lined driveway and settles behind the treeline out by the lake and the sand, everything goes soft and gold. We’ll almost always sneak couples away for ten quiet minutes down there — it’s where we get the frames people end up hanging over their bed.
What photographs beautifully at Thee Farm
- The tree-lined driveway — gorgeous depth and dappled light, especially as the sun drops.
- The 60-acre lake and sandy shoreline — our go-to for golden-hour portraits.
- The restored 1854 stone farmhouse — stunning for getting-ready photos and detail shots.
- The event barn and Italian pergola — the covered pergola has a retractable roof, so your reception look holds up rain or shine.
- The pond and cascading gardens — quiet, pretty spots to slip away for a few frames.
- The glamping domes — a genuinely unique backdrop you won’t get at most venues.
A real wedding at Thee Farm
A little peek at Aditi and Conner’s day here — from getting ready through to the last dance in the barn.
The practical details
Here’s what couples usually want to know before booking. Capacity and package specifics can change, so always confirm the current numbers with the venue directly.
- Where: 4100 County Rd 43, Kemptville, ON — about a 40-minute drive south of downtown Ottawa.
- Setting: a private 110-acre property with a 60-acre lake, a pond, gardens and a 3.7 km walking trail.
- Indoor or outdoor: both — you can plan around the weather instead of praying about it.
- Reception: the event barn seats around 150 for a plated dinner and holds up to about 200 for a standing reception, with a 2,500 sq ft covered Italian pergola alongside it.
- Getting ready: a bridal room with ensuite in the barn, plus the five-bedroom farmhouse.
- Stay over: six geodesic glamping domes (each with a king bed and full bathroom) and the restored farmhouse — so you and your closest people can stay right on the property.
- Food & drink: full in-house catering from an experienced chef, with customizable menus — plus a wood-fired pizza setup on the piazza.
- Best for: couples who want a rustic-but-elevated day with everything — ceremony, dinner, dancing and sleep — in one place.
Planning tips from us
- Protect your golden hour. Build 15–20 minutes into your timeline for lakeside portraits just before sunset. Tell us the season you’re leaning toward and we’ll help you back-time the day so you don’t miss that light.
- Pack sensible shoes for the walk down. The property is big and the best portrait spots are a short stroll from the barn — flats or boots for the walk, then swap back for photos.
- Use the domes and farmhouse for getting ready. They’re beautiful, calm and full of good light, which makes for relaxed morning photos.
- Consider a first look. With this much ground to cover, a first look frees up time for portraits in more of those frame-worthy spots before guests arrive.
Thinking about Thee Farm for your wedding?
We’d love to be there with you. We’re Bethany and Luc — an Ottawa husband-and-wife photo and video team — and Thee Farm is one of the venues we know well and genuinely love shooting. If you’re picturing your day here, get in touch and tell us a little about it. We’ll help you plan a relaxed day and photos that actually feel like you.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Thee Farm located?
Thee Farm is at 4100 County Rd 43 in Kemptville, Ontario — about 40 minutes south of downtown Ottawa.
Is Thee Farm indoor or outdoor?
Both. There are outdoor ceremony and portrait spaces around the lake and gardens, plus a covered pergola and an indoor event barn — so your day works rain or shine.
How many guests does Thee Farm hold?
The event barn seats roughly 150 guests for a plated dinner and holds up to about 200 for a standing reception. Confirm exact numbers with the venue for your specific setup.
Can you stay overnight at Thee Farm?
Yes — there are six on-site glamping domes and a restored five-bedroom farmhouse, so you and your closest people can stay right on the property.
