Weddings

Highland Village Malagawatch Church

Malagawatch Church at the Highland Village

Overlooking the picturesque Highland Village with the backdrop of the spectacular Bras d’Or Lake, the historic Malagawatch Church (c. 1874) is the ideal location for your special celebration.

The Malagawatch Church is available for weddings, holy unions, commitment ceremonies, christenings, memorials services, funerals, church services and other functions. Civil ceremonies and ceremonies from various religious traditions are most welcomed.

The Malagawatch Church was built in 1874 as the Malagwatch Union Church (Presbyterian) on the shores of the River Denys Basin. The church served a primarily Gaelic speaking population descendant from Highland Scottish immigrants. In 1925, the church became a part of the newly formed United Church of Canada and relocated to the Highland Village in 2003. The church is not consecrated, nor is it any longer a part of any religious denomination.

The church is available for rent from May 1st to October 31st each year (sorry, we do not rent the church for winter celebrations or other functions). The maximum capacity of the building is 210 persons, as per the NS Fire Marshall's Office. 

Rental fees are as follows:

  • During museum hours of operation = $500 + 15% HST (Total $575)
  • Outside of museum hours of operation = $750 + 15% HST (Total $862.50)
  • Extra time for rehearsal or ceremony* = $100/hr + 15% HST (Total $115)

                * Rental includes on hour for rehearsal and 2 hours for ceremony.

                ** Fees are for rental only. All other costs (officiant, music, sound, extra seating, decorations, food & refreshments, etc.) are the responsibility of the renter. 

A $250 + 15% HST ($287.50) is due at booking with the remainder payable 1 month prior to the rental. 

For more information on renting the church, our guidelines, or to make a booking, please contact Janet MacNeil at janet.macneil@novascotia.ca or (902) 725-2272.

Wedding Photos

Looking for a scenic or period backdrop for your wedding photos? Consider the Baile nan Gàidheal | Highland Village. With period buildings dating from 1780 to 1920, and a spectacular view of the Bras d’Or Lake, the Village is a great location for wedding photos. 

Our location fee for photos is $150.00 + 15% HST ($172.50) for one hour during regular museum hours of operation. The fee for times outside of our hours of operation is $200 + 15% HST ($230). Full payment is due at booking. 

For more information on renting the church, our guidelines, or to make a booking, please contact Janet MacNeil at janet.macneil@novascotia.ca or (902) 725-2272.