While the property itself is beautiful, our experience with venue management was disappointing and ultimately added unnecessary stress throughout the planning process all the way up to, and including, the wedding day. They had sold us on the idea “be a guest at your own wedding”, unfortunately the experience we had with them was quite the opposite.
One of the recurring challenges was communication and consistency. We experienced multiple situations where verbal discussions were later disputed or not reflected in practice. For example, the day before our wedding, we were informed that we could not take formal photos in a location that had previously been discussed with the venue. A year prior, we specifically booked a walk-through with the owner and our photographer (who drove out from Calgary) to scope out the property. As a group, we had decided on the location for photos with the owner present at the walk through. When we were told that photo location was absolutely not an option, our wedding coordinator ultimately found an alternative location by working directly with a neighboring property owner as Kara unhelpful and snarky with our coordinator.
We also encountered issues with transparency regarding pricing and included items. Several details discussed during planning either changed over time or were communicated inconsistently, specifically between their site wedding coordinator and the owner. The initial “Everything Included” package was misleading when we learned of the arbitrary costs, such as $250 to have cocktail hour open at 3pm (instead of 4pm), $5 /table runner, $25 for guest signing tablecloth, $50 fee to have staff bring out dessert from the kitchen fridge, etc. We also caught multiple errors on our invoices leading up and had to email back and forth a number of times before receiving the correct (lower) price - at which point, no apology or explanation of the errors was given.
The bar service was also disappointing. Initially, Kara reassured us we could work out options to keep costs down, including bringing our own liquor. However, when we later tried to arrange this due to high open-bar pricing ($6.50 for domestic beer), she claimed venue policy required us to use their service. We were ultimately caught off guard when it was too late to back out.
Another example involved the reception hours after the ceremony. Prior to signing our contract, we discussed the possibility of extending the reception past midnight if a county noise bylaw exception could be obtained. We assumed there would be an additional staffing cost for the extra time. However, it was not until approximately a month before the wedding that we learned the late-night extension fee was $750/hour which was not mentioned any time prior, even during our initial extension discussions.
By the final stages of planning, our experience with venue communication had become difficult enough that we hired an external professional wedding coordinator to manage day-of logistics and interactions with the venue. Hiring her was one of the best decisions we made. Unfortunately, she also encountered dismissive and disrespectful interactions from the owner, Kara, while advocating for us and resolving issues.
We had read previous reviews describing similar experiences and hoped they were isolated situations. Unfortunately, many of the concerns raised in those reviews were consistent with our own experience. Throughout the wedding planning process, there was a lack of clarity, few apologies when there were errors made (specifically around pricing and scheduling), and many situations where concerns were redirected back to us rather than collaboratively resolved (i.e. gaslighting - "We made it absolutely clear to you when booking with us" - even if the topic had not been discussed whatsoever).
While the venue itself is beautiful and has great potential as a wedding location, the customer service was so atrocious and disrespectful that this is not a place that we would recommend booking for a wedding.

Our wedding at Rocking R Guest Ranch was the most amazing day ever. We had to postpone our wedding 3 times before it actually happened on July 9, 2022 but our experience at the Ranch made it well worth the wait. Kara and Ryan went above and beyond to make our day perfect! The venue itself is absolutely beautiful and the customer service is top notch! If you want a rustic, elegant wedding, Rocking R Guest Ranch is the place to book!

We had our wedding at Rocking R Guest Ranch in September 2021 and everything about it was perfect. We wanted a venue outside of Calgary and something a little more "rustic" and we instantly fell in love with the Ranch. From the stunning view of the lake with the horses in the pasture, the beautiful reception tent and ceremony spot, and the cozy cabins, it is THE venue to have your wedding at.
We were initially supposed to get married in June 2020 and had to postpone due to COVID. Terri was so wonderful throughout what was already a stressful time, and I cannot say enough good things about her, she is the best!! She was so flexible, easy to deal with and made the entire experience so enjoyable and special. Terri provides couples with a list of trusted vendors from photographer to DJ, which made finding those vendors so easy and stress free. You must use the Ranch's preferred caterer, and it was such an honor to have Chef Judy from YYC Flavour cater our wedding. The food was absolutely delicious, and all our guests told us after how amazing everything was (We had the cedar plank salmon and braised short ribs as our mains, they were to die for!) I could go on and on about the food but trust me when I say you will not be disappointed!
I always thought I would feel way more stressed out as the day came closer, but I wasn't at all thanks to Terri, she really has thought of everything! We had such an amazing wedding weekend, from getting to the Ranch on Friday night to set things up, to taking everything down on Sunday, the entire weekend was relaxed, fun, and so special. The actual day of our wedding was incredibly windy so our plans to have a champagne toast on the patio after the ceremony had to move inside but Terri had already thought of that and by the time I had freshened up and made my way to the tent everything was all under control. This is just one of many examples of how I didn’t have to worry about barely anything on the day. Thankfully the wind died down right as the sun was setting and our guests were able to get outside onto the beautiful patio to take pictures and enjoy themselves.
Another thing I loved about the tent itself is that it's basically a blank canvas. With the help of some creative family members, I was able to have my wedding vision come to life. There is already a lot included with the Ranch, like a twinkly back drop for the head table, tree lights, hanging chandeliers, wine barrel tables for the cake and coffee tables, and so much more, that I really didn’t need to rent many decorations!
My husband and I cannot say enough good things about Rocking R Guest Ranch and highly recommend it to every couple looking for a venue, you will not be disappointed!!

My husband and I recently got married at the rocking r guest ranch and it was the most perfect day! We had zero issues, not only on the day of the wedding but during the whole planning process! Terri was awesome to deal with, quick to get back to me with all my questions. Her staff on the day of the wedding were all so kind and nice! We went with the DJ they suggested to us and we are so happy we did! He had the party going and everyone up dancing all night. So many of my guests have said it was the best wedding they have been too! Terri and her staff made setting up and taking down a breeze! I didn’t bring many of my own decorations because I loved the way it looked how it was simply decorated to begin with! I would recommend this venue to everyone! It was the best day!

We were planning a destination wedding before Covid happened and when everything closed down we started looking for alternatives. We were planning a small wedding to start with and Terri made our weekend exactly what we wanted. I didn't want to plan a wedding and she made all of our plans/dreams come true. The accommodation, food and trail ride were all perfect. We are local to Strathmore and it was still a nice getaway.

We had our wedding at the Rocking r guest ranch,in August. It's a beautiful venue, the property is green and full of big trees and horses, which made for excellent picutures. The venue tent is lovely, with elegant touches already inside. The food was amazing and we had so many compliments on it as well! Terri was great and very easy to work with, I would highly reccomend this as an event venue. We also stayed in the cabins, which are very comfortable and clean. The hot tub is a nice touch also!

My wife and I had our wedding at Rocking R Guest Ranch in September. The whole experience was so much better then we could have ever imagined! Terri was absolutely fantastic to deal with, not only with making sure everything was perfectly set up she also helped with the planing and provided many ideas to make our wedding the best day of our lives. The cabins are cozy and inviting while the rest of the venue was stunning. There are amazing views from the entire property. On the wedding day Terri and her staff were amazing and made it a truly memorable experience for us! Thank you so much Terri !!!

Beyond our expectations!
The venue itself is absolutely beautiful. Terri and the staff made our dreams come true!!

My Mom kept asking me during my wedding planning, "You sure there's not more to do? This seems too easy". After helping my sisters plan their weddings, my Mom couldn't believe everything Terri included with her Venue and neither could I. Weddings are hard enough to plan you don't need to stress about renting tables, chairs, cutlery, glassware, linens, plates, bartender, servers, etc. Terri takes care of it all. She also has many recommendations for extra vendors to use (photographers, DJ, dessert, decor, wedding planners, etc). Terri also has an option of providing a Hayride which we chose to do, and our guest LOVED it! It gave them something to do while photos where being taken. Not to mention the other horses on her land the guest loved as well.

Terri also has 2 cabins available on her property which we also booked and had the best time. The night before the wedding my girls and I enjoyed having a glass of wine in the hot tub and relaxing before the craziness began the next morning. The next morning we woke up to an amazing view and while hair and makeup were being done we enjoyed the entertainment from the horses outside our front door.

I sent Terri numerous emails with questions, confirmations, etc. She always got back to me within the same hour if not sooner. She was very accommodating when we asked to come out to the Ranch to plan some decorations and then again with our photographers. The day of our wedding, it was calling for rain and Terri prepared me the ceremony may not be able to be held outside. However, she gave me some other options and was willing to wait until the last minute to call it. Which I appreciated so much.

The Rocking R Guest Ranch was the first venue we went to go look at. We loved it right away. But we felt we needed to look at one more venue just to compare. Our second venue didn't even come CLOSE to The Rocking R Ranch. If you are looking for a rustic, GORGEOUS, stress-free venue. Then look no further because you have found it. I could go on and on about how amazing this place is and how wonderful Terri was to deal with. All I can recommend to you is, take the time to go visit the Ranch. I guarantee you will not be wasting your time.

My husband and I just recently got married at Rocking R Guest Ranch and had what can only be described as a perfect day.

We started our wedding venue search with the goal of finding something outdoorsy, but found the places in Banff, Kanaskasis and Canmore to not quite fit the bill - either too expensive or too restrictive or too cookie cutter. We stumbled upon Rocking R while doing some online searching and were able to meet with Terri the next day to check it out. We fell in love immediately and have absolutely no regrets with having our big day out there. Nearly every guest commented on how picturesque the setting is and what a wonderful wedding spot we had found.

Terri was incredibly supportive every step of the way, making sure we were on track and able to answer any and all questions.

Her list of preferred vendors made the planning stages nearly seamless as we went with her tried and true suppliers who did not disappoint. A tasting dinner in early spring allowed us to meet with additional vendors as well as taste the delicious food from the on location caterer.

Being able to have access to the venue from Friday afternoon to Sunday morning allowed for a non-frantic set up and time spent with friends and family during the rehearsal bbq which we were able to host out there as well. The cabins on site are extremely well appointed with every detail thought of.

We additionally hired a ‘day of’ coordinator which took the organization to the next level and allowed Terri to focus on keeping the venue top notch.

Hurry up and book this place!

Sarah and Rob