VENDOR SPOTLIGHT: The Boathouse Café
We love shining a spotlight on amazing vendors who make weddings extra special! This month, we’re excited to feature Marianne, the heart behind Boathouse Café. Not only is it a versatile wedding venue, it is also a café with delicious coffee (a must!) and has an option to book a BnB to stay at when you’re visiting Ottawa and Kemptville. With a background in wedding planning and a passion for hosting, she’s created a beautiful, light-filled space that’s perfect for saying “I do” or celebrating with loved ones. Plus, with her love of cooking, you just know the food is going to be incredible!
Open Concept Wedding Venue In The Ottawa Valley
Nestled near the scenic Rideau Canal, the Boathouse Café is a charming and versatile wedding venue just outside Kemptville. With its airy, minimalist design that embraces natural light and organic elements, the space exudes warmth and elegance. The venue also features an upstairs suite—ideal for wedding stays or an Airbnb retreat when not hosting events. Marianne brings years of wedding planning experience to ensure every detail is thoughtfully executed, making the Boathouse Café a hidden gem for couples seeking a stylish yet inviting venue.
Perfect for about 85 guests seated indoors, or 100 in a cocktail style. The venue also boasts a huge green space, so feel free to book a tent for your reception to have a larger guest count!
The Vendor
Learn more about her:
After completing a large renovation, I officially opened the doors to the Boathouse Café in August of 2023 and I haven’t looked back! I chose this location because of its proximity to the historic Rideau Canal, the large outdoor property and the upstairs space which we have converted into a beautiful overnight suite for weddings and an Airbnb whenever we don’t have an event. The café space is also used to host events such as weddings, bridal showers, and much more! I love natural light and a minimalist design that uses natural elements and this is the theme I went for when designing the café and upstairs suite. My favourite features of the café include the large accordian style door which leads to our sunlit outdoor patio and the high ceilings with exposed trusses.
Fun fact about me: I worked as a wedding planner & coordinator for ~6 years before opening the café which really helped to prepare me for running an event space. I also LOVE cooking and I spend a lot of my time cooking at the café making soups, quiche, sandwiches and more!
Her Work
*Photos shown here by Dabrosian Imaging and Of Wild and Wander were not planned by Fiona Lau Events
For more images of this versatile wedding venue, follow Marianne and the Boathouse Café on Instagram @theboathouseottawa and don’t forget to follow us too! @fionalauevents
Check out our blog for other vendors we love – these lists don’t include every awesome vendor, but we’ll be continuing to feature them so make sure you subscribe to our newsletter to get the best inspo from the best people.
Other Vendor Features
- Baker – Jules Cakes
- Photographer – Danielle McFaul
- Photographer – Palm Tree Studio
- Menswear – Mario Uomo
- Photographer – Rob Lloyd
- Hair + MUA – Jacquie K
- Florist – Beaudry Flowers
- Venue – The Knox
- Best Ottawa Florists
- Best Wedding Hairstylists in Ottawa
- Photographer – Shawn Kerr
- Hair Stylist – Taylor Cameron
Cover photo by Rob Lloyd Photography
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