Reader Rock Garden

Reader Rock Garden offers a beautiful and secluded venue for your wedding with four outdoor spaces and views of the Calgary skyline.

This historic garden created in 1913 is a tribute to one man's passion for plants and beauty. William Roland Reader was the Superintendent for Calgary Parks from 1913 – 1942 who transformed a bare hillside into an internationally-acclaimed garden.

Reader Rock Garden was historically used as accompanying gardens for the private residence of Calgary's Superintendent of Parks and Cemeteries. The house was constructed in 1912, and the garden's creation began one year later. The house is now home to the Reader’s Garden Café.

To preserve the fragile surroundings of this historic site, this venue has limited bookings and is only available for bookings between May 1 and September 30.

The Main Lawn

Information:

Overlooking the downtown skyline and adjacent to the beautifully restored Reader house, this flat, grassy area is surrounded by seasonally blooming plants making it an ideal location for an outdoor wedding or reception.

Features:

• Chairs are permitted, but not provided
• Power available

Capacity:

Up to 80 people

Rate*:

$787.40

Three-hour booking, including set-up, take-down and photography permit.

A $5.75 risk management fee applies to all bookings/rentals.

The West Garden

Information:

This gradually sloping grassy area features a nearby waterfall making it an ideal location for a small, intimate, stand-up wedding. The West Garden is exceptionally beautiful in May when the apple blossoms are in bloom.

Features:

• Chairs are not permitted due to slope

Capacity:

Up to 80 people

Rate*:

$562.43

Three-hour booking, including set-up, take-down and photography permit.

A $5.75 risk management fee applies to all bookings/rentals.

Nana's Garden

Information:

Lovingly designed by Reader for his wife, this warm, sunny, private location is perfect for a small gathering. Access to Nana’s Garden is via rock pathways, sensible footwear is recommended.

Features:

• Surrounded by rose bushes
• Chairs are permitted, but not provided

Capacity:

Up to 50 people

Rate*:

$449.95

Three-hour booking, including set-up, take-down and photography permit.

A $5.75 risk management fee applies to all bookings/rentals.

The Western Slope

Information:

Imagine walking down a private aisle through a natural cathedral of towering trees and flowers. This is what makes the Western Slope the perfect spot for small weddings. The Western Slope is accessible via pathways from Union Cemetery or other Garden areas.

Features:

• One of the oldest trees in Calgary
• Chairs are permitted, but not provided

Capacity:

Up to 80 people

Rate*:

$562.43

Three-hour booking, including set-up, take-down and photography permit.

A $5.75 risk management fee applies to all bookings/rentals.