Weddings at River Café
As part of this venue guide in Calgary, River Café offers couples a distinctive space that combines the charm of a remote venue with the convenience of downtown accessibility. Ideal for both ceremonies and receptions, River Café’s setting on Prince’s Island Park provides stunning natural backdrops, perfect for a stunning photography shoot that captures both rustic charm and elegance. With both indoor and outdoor options, River Café allows couples to personalize their experience, creating a seamless flow from ceremony to reception.
Continue reading to explore how this one-of-a-kind venue, with its exceptional cuisine and breathtaking views, makes River Café a premier choice for Calgary weddings or explore my mountain wedding venue guide for detailed venues set in the Canadian Rockies.
Venue Type, Ceremony & Reception Options, and Capacity
Venue Type
River Café offers both indoor and outdoor spaces for ceremonies and receptions, combining rustic, lodge-inspired interiors with scenic natural surroundings. This blend of spaces allows couples to enjoy a unique and flexible environment for their wedding day.
Indoor & Outdoor Wedding Ceremony Locations
Ceremony options at River Café include outdoor locations with views of the Bow River and the surrounding parkland, providing a tranquil, nature-inspired setting. The cozy indoor space offers an intimate option for ceremonies, surrounded by wood, stone, and large windows that invite in natural light, adding warmth and elegance.
Indoor & Outdoor Wedding Reception Areas
River Café’s main dining room, with its rustic charm and warm, inviting ambiance, is ideal for hosting a seated indoor reception. The outdoor terrace, surrounded by greenery and overlooking the river, offers additional space for receptions or cocktail hours, creating a perfect blend of nature and celebration.
Seated Capacity for Indoor and Outdoor Receptions
River Café can accommodate up to 60 seated guests indoors, providing an intimate and exclusive setting for smaller weddings. The outdoor terrace is available for cocktail receptions, expanding the capacity and allowing guests to mingle while enjoying the park’s serene surroundings.
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Privacy
River Café provides exclusivity by hosting only one wedding at a time, ensuring that your celebration remains private and intimate.
Access
Vendor access is arranged in coordination with the River Café events team, allowing setup to begin a few hours before the event to ensure everything is perfectly arranged before your guests arrive.
Furniture
River Café provides essential furniture, including tables and chairs, as part of the rental. Customization options can be discussed with the events team to suit the theme and style of your wedding.
Decorations
Personalized decor is welcome at River Café, though some restrictions may apply due to the natural surroundings. Open flames and specific decor attachments should be discussed with the events team to ensure compatibility with the venue’s guidelines.
Catering
River Café specializes in farm-to-table catering, offering menus that feature fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. Their acclaimed culinary team collaborates with couples to design a dining experience that complements the natural elegance of the venue.
Plated or Buffet Dinner Service
River Café offers both plated and buffet-style dining options, allowing you to choose the service style that aligns best with your wedding vision and guest experience.
Food and Drink Minimums
Minimum spend requirements for food and beverages may apply based on guest count and specific arrangements. Contact the events team for more details on these requirements.
Alcohol Policy
The venue provides a full bar service with a range of customizable options. Outside alcohol is not permitted, but River Café’s team can work with you to create a tailored beverage menu for your guests.
Vendor Restrictions
River Café welcomes outside vendors but suggests choosing from their preferred vendor list to ensure smooth event coordination and familiarity with the venue’s layout.
Sound and Music
The venue observes local sound ordinances. Amplified music is allowed, though volume levels and curfews may be in place to respect the tranquil atmosphere of Prince’s Island Park.
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Lighting
Ambient lighting throughout the venue creates a cozy, intimate atmosphere. Additional lighting can be arranged as needed to enhance the ambiance. Consult with the events team regarding specific lighting options.
Electricity and Power
River Café provides sufficient power outlets to support DJ equipment, lighting, and other electronics. Review any specific power needs with the events team to ensure compatibility.
Setup and Cleanup
Setup and cleanup services are included in the venue rental, allowing you and your guests to focus solely on enjoying the celebration.
Parking
While there is no on-site parking, nearby public parking options are available. River Café’s location on Prince’s Island Park allows guests to reach the venue by a scenic park pathway.
Transportation
River Café is accessible by public transit, and rideshare services provide convenient transportation options for guests traveling to and from the venue.
Accessibility
River Café is wheelchair accessible, ensuring that all guests can comfortably navigate the venue.
Coat Check/Storage
A coat check area is available for guest convenience, providing a secure place for personal items during the celebration.
Guest Accommodations
While River Café does not offer on-site accommodations, there are multiple nearby hotels in downtown Calgary, providing convenient lodging options for guests.
Bridal Suite
A designated bridal suite is not available for getting ready or a hair and makeup artist, though arrangements can be made within the venue for a comfortable space where the bride and bridal party can prepare.
Groom’s Room
While a groom’s room is not specifically provided, the events team can coordinate a comfortable area for the groom getting ready and groomsmen to get ready, ensuring ample space for all pre-wedding preparations.
Photography
The natural setting of Prince’s Island Park, combined with the rustic charm of River Café, and here you can view a stunning selection of wedding gallery portfolio photographs.
Location
River Café is located on Prince’s Island Park, 25 Prince’s Island Park SW, Calgary, AB T2P 0R1.
Proximity to Airport
River Café is approximately 20 minutes from Calgary International Airport, providing easy access for guests traveling from out of town.
Rehearsal
River Café offers the option for a pre-wedding rehearsal. Contact the events team for availability and details on any associated costs.
Noise Restrictions
River Café observes local noise ordinances to maintain the tranquility of Prince’s Island Park, with specific volume limitations for outdoor music.
Fireworks/Sparklers
Due to the natural park setting, fireworks and sparklers are generally not permitted at River Café. Discuss alternative send-off options with the events team.
Pet Policy
Pets are allowed on the outdoor terrace with prior approval, allowing couples to include their furry friends in the celebration.
AV Capabilities
River Café offers AV equipment rentals. Confirm AV requirements with the events team to ensure availability and compatibility with your vendors.
Wi-Fi
Complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout River Café, keeping guests connected during the celebration.
Bar Service
River Café provides a variety of bar service options, including customizable drink selections to suit your event. Open and cash bars are available, depending on your preference.
Dance Floor
A designated dance floor can be arranged indoors, providing a dedicated space for dancing during the reception.
Extensions
Event extensions may be arranged, subject to availability and an additional fee. Contact the events team for specific policies.
Renovations
The venue is well-maintained to preserve its natural charm. Contact the events team regarding any planned renovations before your wedding date.
Sustainability
River Café is committed to sustainable practices, with a focus on locally-sourced ingredients, eco-friendly operations, and waste reduction initiatives.
Cost
River Café offers tailored wedding packages based on event size and specific arrangements. Costs generally cover the rental of chosen spaces, tables, chairs, and standard setup. Contact the events team for detailed pricing information.
Payment Plan
The venue provides flexible payment plans, beginning with a deposit to secure the booking and additional payments scheduled leading up to the wedding day.
Cancellation Policy
River Café’s cancellation policy includes a non-refundable deposit, with terms based on the timing of cancellation. Review the policy with the events team to fully understand the conditions.
