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A Joint Perspective from Aspen Country Hills & CitizensCanvas
When couples set out to find the perfect Edmonton wedding venue, they’re often searching for more than just a beautiful backdrop—they want a memorable, immersive celebration that’s convenient for everyone involved. Here at Aspen Country Hills Wedding Venue, we’ve found that canvas bell tents can take an ordinary outdoor wedding and elevate it to a one-of-a-kind, festival-like experience. But setting up a tent is only half the story; proper care and maintenance ensure these tents last season after season. We’ve turned to CitizensCanvas bell tent experts advice on maximizing the lifespan and appeal of our bell tents, so couples, guests, and venue owners can enjoy them to the fullest.
Aspen Country Hills: Bringing Camping Comfort to Weddings
From Ostrich Barn to Picturesque Wedding Venue
Aspen Country Hills Wedding Venue began its journey as a modest ostrich barn on the outskirts of Edmonton, Alberta. My fiancée, Astra, and I devoted much of 2020 to transforming this space into a tranquil wedding retreat. We now operate from May through late September and extend our rental period to a full three days, giving couples ample time to celebrate—and truly soak in the surroundings.
Why Canvas Bell Tents?
Because our location is somewhat remote, we needed a creative lodging solution for guests without RVs or personal camping gear. Canvas bell tents stood out as the perfect answer, offering a luxurious glamping option that keeps everyone onsite—no worries about long drives or organizing rideshares.
A Look at Our Setup
We started small, launching with two bell tents, each on a 20×20 wooden deck. Inside, we placed queen-size memory foam mattresses, cozy rugs, high-quality bedding, and pillows, turning them into instant weekend retreats for wedding guests.
Demand skyrocketed—we fielded 5 to 15 inquiries per wedding—so we expanded to 12 tents, cleared additional forested space, built an oval access road, and even added portable toilets nearby.
The Numbers: Investment & ROI
- Bell Tent (Sibley 600 Ultimate): $2480
- Memory Foam Mattress: $300
- Bed Frame: $150
- Bedding & Pillows: $300
- Area Rug: $100
- Porta Potty: $650
- 20×20 Deck: $2,000
Total Setup Cost: $5,980
By charging an average nightly rental rate of $157.50, we recouped our investment in just under two wedding seasons. By the following summer, our 12 tents were generating about $30,000 in additional income, and guests consistently praised the convenience and charm of staying right onsite.
Citizens Canvas: The Importance of Proper Tent Maintenance
As we discovered the incredible revenue potential of bell tents, we realized that ongoing care and maintenance are essential to keeping them in tip-top shape. This is where Citizens Canvas plays a vital role. Their expertise in bell tents—from high-quality manufacturing to best practices in cleaning and upkeep—helps venues like ours extend the life of each tent, ensuring every guest enjoys a clean, comfortable, and durable space.
Top Tips for Bell Tent Care (Inspired by CitizensCanvas)
- Regular Cleaning & Drying
Even a slight amount of moisture can lead to mold growth if a tent is folded up damp. We always allow our tents to air-dry completely before packing them away. - Use Protective Flooring
We rely on raised wooden decks to reduce dirt and moisture. This makes cleanup easier between rentals and helps keep the tent’s interior pristine. - Spot Clean vs. Deep Clean
Small stains often come out with a gentle spot-clean using mild soap and water. A deep clean at the end of each season keeps the canvas looking fresh for the next wave of celebrations. - Proper Storage
Tents should be stored in a cool, dry space—never in plastic for the long term. Breathable canvas bags help reduce condensation and mildew risks. - Weatherproofing & Sealing
Reapplying waterproof or UV-protective coatings can significantly extend the life of your tents. Checking seams and coatings at the end of each season helps you catch any small issues before they become big headaches.
Longer Lifespan, Better ROI
By embracing these maintenance best practices, venue owners and couples can keep their bell tents looking and feeling brand new. For us at Aspen Country Hills, consistent care means we can confidently offer a glamping experience at every wedding, without worrying about mold, weather damage, or costly repairs.
Growing Together: Weddings, Festivals, and the Future
We’ve watched firsthand how onsite accommodations transform a wedding from a single-day event into a weekend-long celebration. Beyond weddings, we also host two annual festivals—the Womp Music Festival and the Wild Rose Festival—where our bell tents are a big hit among attendees. Moving forward, we plan to add small cabin rentals for four-season events, but our bell tents remain at the heart of our brand.
Thanks to Citizens Canvas and their emphasis on bell tent care, we feel confident that our tents will continue to thrive year after year. For any venue owner looking to enhance guest experiences or couples hoping to create a unique lodging option for their big day, consider canvas bell tents. Just remember: proper cleaning, drying, weatherproofing, and storage will keep these showstoppers in prime condition for many seasons of happily-ever-afters.
Final Thoughts
- Canvas bell tents add character, convenience, and a touch of adventure to any Alberta wedding or festival.
- At Aspen Country Hills, we’ve proven that glamping can be both profitable and unforgettable, turning a rustic barn setting into a highly sought-after wedding destination.
- With CitizensCanvas leading the way in tent care, we’re able to ensure our guests enjoy a safe, comfortable stay while we protect our bottom line.
By combining the serene environment of Aspen Country Hills with expert insights from Citizens Canvas, you’ll have everything you need to elevate your Edmonton wedding experience—and keep those bell tents standing tall for years to come.