The Central Experimental Farm offers a unique space for public events such as photoshoots, small weddings, and charitable events.
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Host a wedding
Celebrate your wedding with close family and friends at the Central Experimental Farm. Surrounded by gardens, historic buildings and open green space, it's a beautiful space for an intimate ceremony. Conveniently located in the heart of Ottawa, the Farm offers a quiet, natural atmosphere without leaving the city.
Rent a venue
Contact the Canada Agriculture and Food Museum (ingenium) to rent a wedding venue with catering and a reception hall.
Access outdoor spaces
You can host up to 40 people in the Arboretum and 15 people in the Ornamental gardens. This limit includes all individuals present including the photographer, celebrant, etc.
Public spaces cannot be reserved for weddings. This means, you do not need approval to host a ceremony on the Farm, but you cannot block off any areas such as the bridges in the lower part of the Arboretum.
Plan a back-up location in case of the weather. The Central Experimental Farm does not have an indoor hall, gazebo, or covered facility.
- Tents, chairs, decorations, tables, and serving of food or drink are not allowed.
- Lawn chairs are permitted if elderly persons, or persons with a disability, cannot stand for the entire service. Chairs should be removed immediately afterwards.
Read visitor guidelines for more information on what is and isn't allowed at the Farm.
Host a charitable activity
Charitable events are usually held in the Arboretum. Walks or runs may be allowed on Farm roads, depending on availability and the estimated number of participants.
We review event proposals each autumn for the following year. Email your proposal for a public activity to aafc.cef-fec.aac@agr.gc.ca by October 31. Late proposals will not be reviewed.
Information to include in your activity proposal
- Name (individual, group, organization, etc.)
- Number of people expected
- Date of activity (day and time)
- Site requirements (size of space needed, parking, etc.)
If the activity is approved, the Central Experimental Farm will send you a Permission/Authorization to Use form. Complete, sign and return the form. You will also need to provide proof of insurance (minimum $1 million to $5 million depending of the type of activity) for liabilities associated with the activity and the use of Crown property.
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada does not support commercial activities such as music concerts, flea markets or amusement parks.
Host an Indigenous learning activity
The Mikinàk Ceremonial Lodge is an Indigenous gathering space located on the Central Experimental Farm in Ottawa. It is a place for Indigenous Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada employees and community members to come together, exchange ideas and perform traditional ceremonies.
Indigenous organizations and communities can contact the Lodge for more information on hosting community events.
