I need a pep talk!

I am a huge fan of lists and comparing prices and details. I made a list of all venues in the area. For me a “need” was a place that did ceremony and reception at the same place. then budget was the next important “need”
Go through the most important things you want in a venue. And the “ wants” could be a bonus.

Everyone will have different things that are important to them.

for us. it was all about good food, and budget. and being able to have an open bar.

I had a rough guest list first. So I didn't fall in love with a place that wouldn't accommodate everyone we wanted there.

I looked at all the venues that I liked. and priced them out all based on the same numbers/ordering similar food. I made a checklist of what to ask each venue about payments/whats included/extras/tips etc etc. We eliminated out any that wouldn't let us bring in our own booze (we estimated that by being able to bring in our own bar would be about 3-5K savings. so EASY elimination there). this brought it down to 3 venues. 1 was too far from hotels (we have a lot of out town guests). the other 2 were same distance from hotels. and their pricing was within $200-300 of each other. We ended up picking the one we did because they let you pay the bill after the wedding. one less thing to worry about the day of.

don't be afraid to look at non-traditional venues (depending on how many guests you have). art galleries. museum. community centres. air bnb rentals. and price out things with it. for example. an art gallery will have so much uniqueness/beauty. you won't need much for decorations. a community hall generally run WAY cheaper. so then you spend a bit more on decos.
hope that helps! you are good time wise (especially if you are open to the date). we booked about a year and half out.

When FH and I began looking at venues for our reception, I literally called and/or emailed every venue I could think of in the general area (I live in Woodbridge, so there's a TON of venues). We weighted each venue against the same criteria and literally just went with our guts.

We definitely had to compromise on some things. I wanted an outdoor venue, but I needed a venue that didn't break my budget, and so on. Just know that whatever venue you go with, it will be perfect for you and your FS

I feel ya - we looked at venues for a good two months before finding ours. The way I stayed motivated was by reminding myself that the longer it took the closer to the wedding we are and the sooner I can be done with the planning in general But for real - just remind yourself that it will be worth it in the end and that it is one of the main things you need for a wedding and will be a huge check off you list.

As for how to prioritize wants vs needs - consider the most important like how Gina said money. We know that we can't run into more than a said amount so we CAN'T get a venue too expensive.

Next was to make sure that the venue could accommodate for our large families and many friends - we needed a venue that could hold 250 people and be in our budget. After that we were only left with a few in our circle we were willing to hold the wedding in and we went from there. We chose Rivers Edge Resort over the other ones just based on those two things plus they would be able to let us bring in our own food catering and alcohol catering.

It’s tough! We chose The lodge in Kananaskis. Sometimes I wish I would have looked a bit more as it’s super expensive! Lol. But we know it will be a great time! I love that our guests don’t have to leave, and everything is in one location. Also a lot of my vendors are from Calgary, which I feel opened up my options.

It’s best to sit with your Partner and prioritize the most important aspects for you both! Is it food? Is it price? Is it convenience etc. Focusing on the most important aspects will help cross out some places that aren’t the right fit for what you both want. There is an endless amount of places to get married within the areas your looking for. I have heard really amazing things about cornerstone theatre in Canmore as well as Stewart creek country club. Lake Louise would be incredible! The view is to die for!

Make a list of both wants and needs and start the search with venues that meet your needs. Don't think about your wants in the initial search, just focus on needs!

Your needs are your "non-negotiables": Things you need at the wedding reception.

Your wants are your "would be nice to have's": it'd be nice to have it at the venue, but maybe there's a workaround?

I hope you find a venue that works for you! I've also added some links to wedding wire's venue list for both locations you mentioned:

Lake Louise Venues

Kananaskis Venues