event rentals
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Photo credit: Images by Jp Photo and Films
weddings | meetings | workshops
Make your special event extra
special at the Coutts Centre
The Coutts Centre for Western Canadian Heritage is an extensive garden venue that hosts various types of events, including weddings, meetings and workshops. With gorgeous gardens, warm and welcoming spaces, and a top-notch catering facility, we can help you bring your special day or corporate retreat to life.
What we offer
Hayshed Pavillion
Our grand event space can be an open or walled venue, accommodating up to 120 guests in a beautifully restored hay shed that is home to 3 chandeliers. The pavilion also includes a separate concession area for receptions.
Chicken House
Originally built by Allan in the early 1900’s, the Chicken House was refurbished and renovated into a guesthouse by Jim in August of 1996. This building that was once used as a chicken coup is now a beautiful, open concept building that is great for conferences, meetings, receptions or retreats for up to 60 guests.
Writers Cabin
Moved from Jim’s mother’s homestead a few properties away, this old Granary called, “The Writers Cabin” can be used as a room to write or paint in on an Artists Retreat. It also serves as the perfect place for mom and dad to prepare their daughter for the walk down the aisle. It sits next to the Elm Allée, offering an exceptional walk through 24 elm trees to the ceremony where the groom awaits.
South Barn
The South Barn is the original Tapp Barn that was brought to the property in 2006 and has been renovated over the years to a unique looking building that is great for holding workshops, classes, field trips or receptions. It can accommodate up to 36 guests.
North Barn
This Barn was completely removed during the summer of 2016 and is a fully licensed kitchen that can be used to prepare your meal on your special day. From a small conference or retreat to a large event, this great new addition can serve all of your needs.
Wedding Packages
Classic Ceremony and Reception for 120 guests $8000.00 (plus GST)
*prices subject to change
Additional guests $20 each maximum 150 guests including wedding party.
Package includes:
- Full use of the property and buildings from 10am-1am. (Last call is 12am)
- Open concept 2300 square foot building with 3 magnificent chandeliers, string lights, canvas sides that can be opened to provide that outdoor garden feeling.
- Choice of 8-foot wooden rectangle farm tables, or 5ft round tables.
- Cross back vineyard chairs for reception
- White cushioned chairs for ceremony
- Rehearsal time on a selected day before your wedding date, you can bring your things with you and we will store them, ready for set up on the day.
- Set up of reception tables and chairs. Rental option available for tableware, including mixed antique China plates.
- Set up and removal of ceremony chairs.
- We help with clean up and store your things for pick up before 9.30am the next day.
- Podium and PA system, with corded microphones
- Registry table and several accent tables that can be used as you wish.
- Seven acres of perennial gardens for your guests to enjoy, while you enjoy unlimited photo opportunities.
- Two separate character buildings with bathrooms for dressing rooms for the bridal parties
- Charming greenhouse next to event building available for your use.
- Oversized gazebo with lights and power, so you can take the dance outside if you choose.
- Separate bar and patio area.
- Caterers kitchen, you pick your caterer from our list of preferred providers.
- Wheelchair accessible bathrooms
- You provide your own liquor, license, and certified bartender.
- Ample, lighted parking area for your guests
- Staff are onsite throughout your day to assist where needed.
Intimate Ceremony and Reception for 60 guests $6000.00 (plus GST)
*prices subject to change
Additional guests $20 each maximum 70 guests including wedding party.
Package includes:
- Full use of the property and buildings from 10am-12pm. (Last call is 11.30pm)
- Choice of 8 ft. rectangle farm tables, or 5ft round tables.
- Cross back vineyard chairs for reception
- White cushioned chairs for ceremony
- Rehearsal time on a selected day before your wedding date, you can bring your things with you and we will store them, ready for set up on the day.
- Set up of reception tables and chairs. Rental option available for tableware, including mixed antique China plates.
- Set up and removal of ceremony chairs.
- We help with clean up and can store your things for pick up before 9.30am the next day.
- Podium and PA system, with corded microphones
- Registry table and several accent tables that can be used as you wish.
- Seven acres of perennial gardens for your guests to enjoy, while you enjoy unlimited photo opportunities.
- Two separate character buildings with bathrooms for bride and groom dressing rooms
- Charming greenhouse next to event building available for your use.
- Oversized gazebo with lights and power, so you can take the dance outside if you choose.
- Open concept 2300 square foot building with 3 magnificent chandeliers, string lights, and canvas sides that can open to provide that outdoor garden feeling.
- Separate bar and grass patio area
- Caterers kitchen, you pick your caterer from our list of preferred providers.
- Wheelchair accessible bathrooms
- You provide your own liquor, license, and certified bartender.
- Ample, lighted parking area for your guests
- Staff are onsite throughout your day to assist where needed.
Garden Ceremony $500 (plus GST)
*prices subject to change
Available Monday through Thursday
1.5 hr. to 3.5-hour bookings for Ceremony only
$500.00 per 1.5 hour- maximum 30 guests
Pricing for groups over 30 can be arranged.
Package includes:
- Full use of the property and buildings during rental period
- White cushioned chairs for ceremony
- Rehearsal time on a selected day before your wedding date
- Set up and removal of ceremony chairs.
- Podium and PA system, with corded microphones
- Registry table and several accent tables that can be used as you wish.
- Seven acres of perennial gardens for your guests to enjoy, while you enjoy beautiful photo opportunities.
- Two separate character buildings with bathrooms for bride and groom dressing rooms
- Charming greenhouse next to event building available for your use.
- Wheelchair accessible bathrooms
- Ample, lighted parking area for your guests
- Staff are onsite throughout your day to assist where needed.
Bookings and Inquiries
Catering
• The University will allow an outside caterer provided that they are a licenced business and can provide a minimum of 5 million in liability insurance. Certificates must be provided
• Food items that are commercially prepared are allowed
• Low risk items such as: a candy/popcorn bar are allowed
• You may bring your own cake/cupcakes
• Home cooked/pot luck meals are not allowed
The following is a list of caterers that meet the University requirements. All have worked with us in the past, and all have had good reviews.
- Live Edge 403-601-9487o
- Soul Sugar 403-422-1061
- Sage Catering 403-603-8810
- Highwood Catering 403-649-3663
- Hansel and Gretel 403-689-4400
- JRRR /BBQ 403-200-4578
- Great Events Catering- Flavors Menu 403-252-2956
- Great Events Catering-Rare Cuts Menu 403-256-7150
Alcohol
- You must provide the liquor
- Your severs must be ProServe certified
- Liquor license and certification must be provided
Insurance
• You must provide evidence of Special Event Liability insurance of limits not less than 2 million dollars per occurrence
• Insurance may be purchased through your insurance broker, or online through eventpolicy.ca. The Governors of the University of Lethbridge must be added as an additional insured in relation to the operations and activities of your event.
• Your insurance certificate should state that liquor liability is included (where applicable).
Event Hours
- Bar closes at 12:00 am
- All guests should be off the property by 12.30 am
- We ask that you take the majority of your things with you that evening. All items must be removed by 8 am the next day
- A weekday evening will be provided for rehearsal, and to check for placement and organization of details. Extra decorations can be stored on site.
Decorations
- We ask that nothing be suspended from the trees and no harm be done to the buildings, grounds or gardens
- You can post directional signs
Payment
- A deposit of 20% is due to secure booking, and is refundable up to 90 days prior to your event
- Full payment is due no later than 2 weeks before your event
- Payment can be made by e-transfer, debit or credit card
Contact Us
Tours of the Coutts Centre wedding facility are conducted on Wednesday evenings and Sunday afternoons.
To book or for further inquiries, please email our Bookings Coordinator at coutts.centre@uleth.ca or 403-915-6497.
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