The Rooms Wedding Photographer | St. John’s NL Wedding Venue
The Rooms
If there’s one venue that instantly feels unmistakably St. John’s while still reading clean, modern, and elevated, it’s The Rooms. Sitting above the city with sweeping views of the harbour, Signal Hill, and jellybean row, it gives couples a setting that feels both architectural and deeply local.
Inside, the event spaces lean contemporary — warm wood, stone, and huge windows that flood the room with natural light during the day and turn into a glowing backdrop after dark. Weddings here tend to skew toward polished, intentional celebrations: black-tie optional, thoughtful florals, strong design choices, and a guest experience that feels seamless.
From a photography perspective, this is one of the most consistently strong venues in the city. The exterior overlook is perfect for quick dusk portraits without leaving the property, (or not going far) and even winter weddings benefit from the massive window light indoors.
If the weather turns classic Newfoundland (fog, drizzle, sideways wind), this is still one of the safest venues for beautiful portraits without scrambling for another weather-proof location.
Nearby outdoor portrait options: Bannerman Park, downtown row houses, harbourfront, Signal Hill, Quidi Vidi
Background
The Rooms is one of Newfoundland and Labrador’s most architecturally striking landmarks, designed to evoke the look of traditional fishermen’s “rooms” — the stages and sheds used by coastal outport communities for centuries. From the outside, the building is dramatic and unmistakable; from the inside, it’s a soaring cultural institution housing the provincial museum, art gallery, and archives. As a wedding venue, it is in a class entirely its own. Hosting an event at The Rooms means your guests move through gallery spaces rich with Indigenous artifacts, stunning Newfoundland artwork, and geological marvels.
Event Space
The main atrium offers floor-to-ceiling glass walls and breathtaking panoramic views over the St. John’s cityscape and harbour. The Rooms is available for private evening rental and the exclusive caterer, Red Oak, provides upscale, locally-inspired menus that complement the cultural experience. The venue is ideal for couples who want something with intellectual depth and visual drama. It’s a conversation starter, a centrepiece in itself, and a statement of place — deeply and unmistakably Newfoundland. Bookings typically require advance planning given the venue’s popularity for galas and corporate events. Wedding packages are available and can be downloaded directly from The Rooms’ website.
Location
Address:
9 Bonaventure Avenue, St. John’s, NL
Link to google maps: https://share.google/YhIC2w7T5ft9bC9Vl
Nearby Hotels:
The Sheraton
Doubletree by Hilton
Alt Hotel
The Delta
The JAG
Pro Tips
- The Rooms requires bookings at least one week in advance for portrait sessions and limits in-gallery photography to 30 minutes when you aren’t having your wedding or event there
- The glass can give off a blue hue and affect skin tones, so additional lighting is often recommended for the ceremony
- Reflections in the glass can alter the aesthetic when flash/lighting is used.
Wedding Information
Capacity:
Ranges from 60 to 350 guests.
The Level 3 Atrium holds up to 350 for receptions or 140 for seated dinners, while the Harbour View Room accommodates up to 80 for ceremonies.
Accessibility:
Fully Accessible
Parking:
There is very limited paid parking on site.
Booking Info:
https://therooms.ca/meeting-spaces/rentals-rooms
709-757-8014
Weather Considerations
The Rooms events take place entirely indoors, so weather is not a concern at this venue.