Our story really began back in 1903 - with roots as old as Calgary, The Pioneer consists of two original buildings on historic Stephen Avenue - right In the heart of Calgary’s downtown. Although there’s been many caretakers of the buildings throughout the years, we have been their stewards since 2018. It’s with great passion for Calgary’s community that we continue to offer this space to the public, helping them make craft moments that truly resonate.

Distinguished as one of Calgary's most unique venues, our space offers an unparalleled setting for your special day.

Our wedding packages at The Pioneer are designed to support you every step of way. We are pleased to offer month of management included in all Pioneer weddings.

Month of management: We will manage your vendors and schedules one month out from your day to give you peace of mind in the last stretch of your wedding planning. A team of lead coordinators and production assistants provide unparalleled support to make the experience as seamless as possible. If you already have a wedding planner engaged, our team will collaborate with your planner to ensure a smooth and seamless experience. Our wedding pricing is inclusive of this partnership.

Please see below for a full breakdown of this service:

Initial 30 minute consultation upon booking & curated vendor guide.
Unlimited email correspondence
Budget template and initial timeline created.
Additional scheduled walk through of space
Month of management - takeover of vendor communication 4-6 weeks prior to event
Final timeline and floor plan creation.
Communication between wedding client & venue partners
Day of set-up including (but not limited to): set up of the floor plan, managing vendors and load in, decor set up where applicable.
Transition management: flipping the space from ceremony to cocktail hour/dinner service
Teardown: manage vendor load out, decor teardown, resetting the floor plan, lock up services.
Coordination services: Managing the timeline, music/sound.
Production team on-site
Maximum 12 hours on-site unless otherwise agreed to.

FOOD & DRINK

We pride ourselves on offering exceptional food and beverage offerings. We love working with clients to build unique concepts to elevate the experience. We also work with incredible third parties to fulfill all your food and beverage needs.

The Sugar Water Bar Experience at the Pioneer, is expertly curated to provide a uniquely exceptional libation experience to your special day and your special guests. Our bar selections are carefully curated by Kyo, his team, and his close partners of which are some of the most passionate and renowned professionals in the beverage industry. Every spirit, wine, beer, seltzer and non-alcoholic option are carefully curated to provide exceptional taste and value within their categories. Our bar at the Pioneer is stocked with a wide array of seasonally appropriate selections that are deliciously approachable to service a broad palate as well as the most discerning of guests.
Preview our bar menu

We partner with some of the best catering providers in the city, with lots of options for both plated and non-plated services.
Our team will match you with our preferred vendors. Outside caterers are permitted at the venue’s discretion.

Venue Capacity: 300 standing, 150 seated
Length of Rental: 9AM - 12AM
Easy drop off and load in access for vendors, with our ground-level loading bay
Large service sized elevator with access to all 3 floors
3 washrooms on main floors, 5 washrooms downstairs, 1 accessible washroom on main floor
Large-scale white walls which allow for versatile projection and lighting options (13 ft. Main Level, 25 ft. Tall Gallery)
Dimmable lighting with various lighting levels
Multiple parking options available within 1 block walking distance
Quick access to the C-Train and other forms of public transportation
Centralized location in the heart of downtown Calgary
Enclosed licensed outdoor patio with capacity of 75 facing onto Stephen Ave (summer months only)
Fully equipped bar with dark wooden and iron features
Close proximity to hotels such as the Marriott, Hyatt, and Le Germaine
Modern-meets-industrial with historically restored materials complimented by contemporary additions
Exposed original brick and sandstone features
Concrete floors and exposed iron beams with new finishes, carefully chosen to enhance the industrial feel of the space
A stunning floating concrete staircase to act as a focal point
A retractable iron and glass wall to sectioning off the bar and main space
Mobile wall at entrance that can be decorated to add a wow factor upon entry

frequently asked questions

Can we book separate rooms in The Pioneer or do we have to book the entire venue?

Booking the Pioneer for your wedding includes all four sections: the Mezzanine, Tall Gallery, The Mill, and the Main Gallery. You do not have to utilize all the spaces in our venue for your event, but they are great extra options for seating areas or game rooms!

What if I hired a wedding planner?

Our month of management services acts a venue contact with the added support a month out from your day for a truly turn-key experience. If you’ve hired a planner or designer, we are ecstatic to work alongside them to bring your perfect day to life and ensure a seamless event from start to finish. As an expert in the space, we can support your vendor team to build out your timelines, floor plans and be on-site to assist the vendor team.

Do we need to use your list of preferred vendors for caterers, rentals, and coordinators?

No, you do not have to use our list of recommended vendors. However we partner with highly qualified vendors, who have experience working with our teams and know our space well. Outside caterers need to be approved by venue.

Do you have a fully functioning kitchen on site?

The Pioneer does not come equipped with a kitchen. Our preferred caterers are aware of our set-up and they know how to come fully prepared to offer you a great experience. If you book a caterer outside of our list, a site visit is required well ahead of your event date to ensure they have the means to work within our venue.

Do you have a loading dock that our vendors and us can use the day of our event?

Yes! We have a loading dock that you and your vendors can use the day of your event. We have a garage door that is ground level and easily accessible from our loading dock. To ensure space at the loading dock, all dropoffs and pick ups to be coordinated prior to.

Is your space accessible?

Our venue is wheelchair accessible, including an elevator that has access to all three levels. In addition, there is an accessible washroom on the main floor. If any of your requests require these facilities, kindly inform our team, and we will ensure that both the elevator and accessible washroom are readily available on the day of your event.

Do you offer any furniture that we can use for our event?

Yes, we offer a range of furniture that you are welcome to use on the day of your special event. Our furniture is included in your rental fee, there is no extra or hidden fees to use it.

Do you have a bridal suite?

We offer a very unique bridal suite unlike any other. The Garret is our sister venue, located two doors down from The Pioneer. This loft style space features exposed brick wall, a large Chef’s kitchen, large windows with natural light, and spare room with a large mirror for getting ready. This space is available for rent in addition to your venue booking, however is subject to availability and will incur an additional cost.