Best Wedding Venues
in Vancouver and the Fraser Valley
I’ve been there! You’ve got the date, a vision, now how do you bring it together? It can be overwhelming to find the perfect venue. Do you elope on a mountain top? If so, how do you get there? Do you want somewhere that takes care of all the details or do you want that control? Is amazing food your priority, or maybe having the space until at least midnight so you don’t have to shut the party down.
I certainly have some favourites and I’d love to share them! Different venues win in different categories too and I’ll weigh in my two cents on that as well!
Rowena’s Inn on the River - Harrison Hot Springs
Also called The Sandpiper Resort, it’s a beautifully restored English style manor (used as a bed and breakfast) that overlooks the Harrison River waterfront. They’ve got multiple ceremony locations including in front of the pool, inside the manor (hello amazing rain option) and on the lawn under the giant tree (my favourite)!
Generally one partner gets ready in the cabins and the other uses the manor. Receptions are held in an open air marquee tent and the portrait options are so gorgeous. There’s a dock on the river, barns and forest. Have I gushed enough?
Estate 248 - Langley
Located at Poppy Estate Golf Course (but not like a golf course wedding at all). If you want a barn venue in the Fraser Valley, this is it. Ceremonies take place in either the rustic long barn, or in front of a large tree on the lawn (in perfect light for photography). There’s also a second open air barn that’s perfect for cocktail hour or the first dance, and a historic farm house converted into a bright minimalistic space for the bride and bridesmaids to get ready.
The Fraser River Lodge - Agassiz
A private venue situated right on the river with the most incredible mountain and water views. I especially love this venue in the winter with a dusting of snow on the peaks. Family and bridal party can stay on site in the cabins and the space allows to up to 200 guests.
Ceremonies can be held on the lawn, in the log hall or on the deck (so can the first dance)! There’s the option of doing the reception inside, or in a marquee tent during the summer months.
Hycroft Manor - University Women's Club of Vancouver
Romantic and intimate, but still able to accommodate a medium sized wedding. You’ll feel like you’re in a manor in Europe but it’s in the heart of Vancouver. I’m obsessed with ceremonies on the terrace under the giant pillars and how the reception space is fully covered incase it rains, but still open air so you feel like you’re outdoors. Worth considering is that it’s not a late-night venue so if you want a party atmosphere this might not be your spot.
mount Lehman Winery - Abbotsford
They only take on a very limited amount of weddings each year but if you are lucky enough to get the opportunity, seriously book this venue! They’ve got a barn filled with oak barrels for cocktail hour, acres of open space, vineyards and an impressive view of Mt Baker.
Furry Creek Golf - Porteau Cove
Half way between Vancouver and Squamish on the Sea to Sky Highway lies Furry Creek Golf and Country Club. Jessica and Derek chose this venue because they had a whole bunch of family flying in from Ireland who had never been to BC. Picking something on the Sea to Sky was tourism perfection for anyone who wanted to see the beauty of our coast. It’s also got one of the most stunning ‘rain back up’ options that I’ve ever seen. A glass room with a view of a huge waterfall (you can hear it too). This isn’t a fake landscaped golf course waterfall, it’s the real thing. Angela, the venue coordinator is amazing and arranges for the best photo tour during portraits which ends on the beach. It’s an ocean venue, a forest venue, a waterfall venue… you get the idea.
The Tea House in Stanley Park - Vancouver
Another perfect spot for something smaller and romantic, or to show off Vancouver to any out of town guests. It’s right on the seawall in Stanley Park and the food is amazing. The glass conservatory accommodates 70 seated guests or 100 for a standing reception and there’s the prettiest little spot outside on the lawn for a ceremony.
Redwoods Golf Course - Langley
Redwoods recently underwent a huge renovation of their ceremony site. I loved it before, and it’s even more impressive now. I work with this venue often as one of their preferred photographers and it’s close to my heart. The food is awesome, the staff are the best and there are so many options for photos whether you want to stay on site or venture to Fort Langley for portraits.
The Hart House - Burnaby
May to October the tent at the Hart House can hold up to 200 guests comfortably with a full dance floor. The ceilings are beautifully draped and it’s steps from Deer Lake. This is another winner if amazing food is high on your list of priorities. Also, it’s the brightest and best lit marquee tent space I’ve witnessed for photos.
Backyard Weddings!
Okay yes, you have to be lucky enough to have the space yourself or ‘know someone’ but I would shoot backyard weddings every weekend if I could. Big pros include being able to set up and tear down leisurely on your own schedule, never having ‘the same’ wedding as someone else, and the ultimate flexibility to do things exactly how you want. The con list basically includes the extra work things like bringing in your own tables, chairs, bathrooms, bar etc.
