Searching for your wedding venue? Consider finding a venue that is a blank canvas! These types of spaces offer the advantage of creating a truly customized experience & I’m here to share some of our favourites.
Before we get to the list.. let’s talk about what “blank canvas” really means…
To me, a blank canvas space is essentially a room rental with very little furniture inclusions & limited in-house vendor exclusivity. These types of spaces allow a world of possibilities when producing your event! When searching for your wedding venue, a blank canvas space is a wonderful consideration but definitely comes with it’s list of pros & cons. Here are some important things to consider:
PROS
– Freedom to select most (if not all) of your vendors
–> from your caterer, to the DJ & florist. You can bring in almost anyone you want in these spaces!
– Full design liberty
–> choosing your own tables, chairs, bars etc. Contrary to some other venues that have built in items that cannot be removed.
– Control on all aspects of your wedding
–> you can build your own experience from A-Z
CONS
– More elements to consider when planning
–> things like alcohol permits, kitchen space / equipment, power capabilities & behind the scenes logistics may be tough to navigate. Hiring vendors who are familiar with the venue will be a huge asset.
– Little to no venue staff to assist in set up & tear down of the space
–> Having a planner may be required by some of these venues for this reason & will certainly facilitate the planning and logistics.
– Higher attention to detail needed due to coordinating with a larger vendor team
–> Having a vendor team that has worked together before will also be an asset here!
– Larger budget allocation towards rentals
–> think all of the furniture, dishes, cutlery and glassware guests will use & all of the kitchen equipment your caterer will require (if not included in their service or at the venue) + your decorative choices & more
Now that we’ve addresses the main pros & cons of blank canvas spaces, here are some of my favourite blank canvas spaces in Montreal:
01. Le Belvédère – Old Port of Montreal
Cools Events – photos by FCP Weddings
Located at the Montreal Science Centre, Le Belvédère is one of many event spaces available here. Unlike the other space they offer, this venue is secluded on the 2nd level parking lot and gives you full exclusivity of the space. Wrapped in windows, this venue provides a stunning panoramic view of Old Montreal. The outdoor terrace space & rooftop terrace also feature breathtaking views & allow you to separate your ceremony, cocktail and reception areas to create a multi-dimensional experience for your guests. One of my favourite features is the ability for ceiling rigging (game changer!). This stunning industrial space can comfortably seat ~350 guests with a dance floor & is the perfect choice for city-lovers.
Pro Tip: keep the shades down until sunset for a show-stopping reveal of Old Montreal’s city lights & landmarks.
Learn more about Le Belvédère here
02. La Toundra
Cools Events – photos by Julia Garcia-Prat
A popular favourite amongst couples looking to get married in an indoor/outdoor hybrid venue & one that we’ve had the pleasure of stepping foot into over a dozen times. Located in Montreal’s Parc Jean Drapeau, La Toundra can comfortably fit ~150 guests, has a stunning garden ceremony location & outdoor terrace. In the event of rain, there is also an upper floor mezzanine that we frequently utilize.
Learn more about La Toundra here
03. Pavillion de la Jamaique
Cools Events – photos by Julia Garcia-Prat
Sister venue to La Toundra, the Pavillion de la Jamaique is also located in Montreal’s Parc Jean Drapeau and offers both indoor & outdoor areas for your celebration. This cozy villa-esque venue is covered in windows with views of nature, can comfortably fit ~100 guests and also features a large built in bar. The outdoor ceremony location is just steps away from the venue, in a secluded forested area that has a show stopping willow tree, making this a romantic setting for your outdoor ceremony!
Learn more about Pavillion de la Jamaique here
04. Crew Collective & Café
Cools Events – photos by Alessandra Jennifer Ross
Located in a heritage building that was once the Royal Bank of Canada, Crew Collective & Café is a popular cafe / workspace in the heart of the Old Port of Montreal that can be transformed into a breathtaking event space! With tall ceilings and historic details, Crew Café effortlessly brings that “old money aesthetic” to life. This venue can comfortably fit ~120 guests with a dance floor and offers a variety of sections that can be rented out to customize your experience.
Pro Tip: Opt for a privatized full day venue rental to host your ceremony, cocktail & reception under one roof.
Learn more about Crew Collective & Café here
There are definitely several other blank canvas spaces in Montreal, these are just a few of our favourites! Hopefully this post helped to spark some inspiration in your venue search and will fuel daydreams of your wedding day.
Happy planning & until next time,
Hi Dreidre, it was nice to meet you last Thursday. I really love this post. The pictures of the Crew Cafe are amazing!