LAST UPDATE: Sept 2024. There are heaps of wedding venues located in Vancouver to suit all kinds of style and design preferences. As a wedding photographer with 12+ years of experience, I've been fortunate to document ceremonies and receptions at many of these locations.
I love it when couples discover a particularly special venue, one that checks all the right boxes in their wedding planning and the experience they're hoping to create for for their family and friends.
The following list includes indoor and outdoor locations, both large and intimate venues, and what I personally consider the Top 30 Unique Vancouver Wedding Venues.
Tucked away at the University of British Columbia is Cecil Green Park House, a beautiful wedding venue that offers a number of different options for your ceremony and reception: an exclusive private garden, covered terrace, and its classic house. It can accommodate a full seated dinner on the covered terrace for up to 110 guests or in the house for up to 150 guests. Food is offered via Westcadia Catering.
Marisa & Lebron's Wedding at Cecil Green Park House ↗
Owned by the University Women's Club of Vancouver, Hycroft is a beautiful Edwardian mansion available for wedding rentals. Ceremonies are typically held on the lawn, while receptions are hosted amongst the stately columns at views of the surrounding garden. There are no other venues in Vancouver quite like Hycroft for those looking to celebrate in elegance and style.
Cheryl & Taylor's Wedding at Hycroft Manor ↗
Located in the ever beautiful and popular Stanley Park, the Stanley Park Pavilion is a great venue that is actually 4 different spaces that can host both indoor and outdoors weddings: the Lord Stanley Ballroom, the Tea Room, Stanley's Bar & Grill, and the Formal Gardens. Wanting both an outdoor garden setting for your ceremony and a neutral blank slate for your dinner reception? The Stanley Park Pavilion has you covered.
Kaylee & Luke's Ceremony at the Stanley Park Pavilion ↗
At the heart of Vancouver's Chinatown behind white walls sits Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Garden, the first classical Chinese Garden in Canada and established outside of China. This peaceful venue features covered walkways, pavilions, and meticulously cared for plants and ponds. Rent it for an intimate wedding ceremony and then head on over to your favourite restaurant in Chinatown for your dinner reception.
Swaneset Bay Resort boasts a picturesque setting, surrounded by lush greenery and manicured gardens. The luxurious 65,000 square foot chateau style clubhouse is the site for grand celebrations, from Sikh wedding ceremonies to beautiful receptions catered by an outstanding team. A bit of romance set against a scenic backdrop—is there anything better?
Surrounded by the lush greenery of Stanley Park, the Teahouse is the perfect wedding venue for couples planning an intimate celebration. Additionally, the venue's close proximity to downtown Vancouver and various accommodations makes it convenient for out of town guests to explore the city and enjoy the surrounding attractions.
Kaylee & Luke's Wedding Reception at the Teahouse ↗
Although the UBC Botanical Garden offers a number of different areas that can be used for weddings, couples are often drawn to its beautiful covered arbour: a natural and romantic backdrop for ceremonies and long table dinners. This list of the most unique Vancouver wedding venues wouldn't be complete without including this stunning location. As a photographer, I also love the many portrait locations all over the UBC campus.
Sean & Dan's Wedding at the UBC Botanical Garden ↗
For couples envisioning a grand, classic, and luxurious ballroom style wedding, the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver is all aces. There are various spaces to choose from for both your ceremony and reception at this venue but the Pacific Ballroom happens to be the most popular option for opulent, show-stopping weddings and those who want to dance their faces off on the large and permanent wooden dance floor.
One of East Vancouver's historic gems, the Heritage Hall on Main St is one of those rare venues boasting an art deco aesthetic. Its high ceilings, large windows, and artfully painted interior is ideal for couples who want to make it their own and was no brainer when it came to researching this list of the top Vancouver wedding venues.
Located in downtown Vancouver, the Permanent is another heritage venue that has been renovated and restored. The building's interior is lit by a gorgeous 35' long and 20' wide stained glass skylight. The owners have decided to keep the original vault door and many other neo-classical and art deco elements making this one of the most stunning indoor wedding venues in the city.
Classic meets contemporary at the Rosewood Hotel Georgia with its interesting architectural elements and an overall luxurious and elegant vibe. Perfect for Gatsby style weddings where the Roaring Twenties stay alive forever and ever. Or for those classic affairs where you can simply enjoy the ambiance of a well designed room dressed up in the most exquisite details.
Thankfully you don't need to be a member in order to rent the TCC for your wedding. Featuring both elegant ballrooms and garden patios, you'll be well taken care of by staff who excel at creating a thoughtful experience for everyone who steps through this venue. Terminal City Club blends tradition and modern luxury in the heart of downtown Vancouver, and is undoubtedly one of the city's hidden gems.
Boasting a number of different indoor and outdoor spaces including the classic Ballroom to the intimate Patio Garden, the Vancouver Club is perfect for couples wanting an elegant and thoughtful venue for their wedding day. Along with the exceptional cuisine served up by VC staff, you'll be helped along by the in-house wedding specialist.
Rachelle & Caleb's Ceremony at the Vancouver Club ↗
The ARRAS is one of Vancouver's newest wedding and event venues and thankfully for the urbanite, it's very centrally located in Fairview. It boasts three different spaces: the Ballroom (a large and modern open space suited for 348 to 400+ guests), the Rooftop Terrace (located above the Ballroom and well suited for ceremonies of up to 308 guests as well as tented receptions), and the Piano Cafe (best for seated intimate receptions of up to 100 guests). Light sculpture by Matthew McCormick, anyone?
The Contemporary Art Gallery takes a limited number of rental bookings each year, so it isn't very well known as a wedding venue. That said, it's perfect for small weddings that want a clean and modern setting in the heart of downtown Vancouver.
The flexibility of the Kent allows you to create a celebration that is uniquely tailored to your preferences. Whether you envision an intimate wedding ceremony, a cozy reception, or an elegant cocktail-style affair, the venue can be transformed to accommodate your specific needs. Its open layout and adaptable space offer endless possibilities for creative and personalized event design.
Modern, minimalist, and full of interesting corners every where you turn, the Polygon features multiple areas for hosting wedding events. My favourite has to be the Seaspan Pavilion with its floor to ceiling glass walls and an epic view of downtown Vancouver and the Burrard Inlet, though the exhibition spaces themselves can make for some interesting photos depending on the current gallery exhibitions.
Dana & Ben's Wedding at the Polygon Gallery ↗
This incredible studio in East Vancouver has opened up their blank slate of a space to small wedding rentals and, needless to say, I'm excited by the opportunities. Depending on your needs, you'll likely want use of both the Production Area and Kitchen + Staging Area to bring in your own caterer, host your guests, and fully enjoy this unique industrial venue of your dreams. The various installations throughout the space are *chef's kiss*
The Landing at the Beach House Restaurant in West Vancouver has been reimagined to play up its heritage qualities and provide a West Coast dining experience focused on seafood. The Landing itself is situated on the second floor of the building and offers views across the Burrard inlet. Its 2,000 sq ft of space can accommodate a seated reception of up to 50 guests for lovers of small weddings or up to 125 guests with a full buyout. The venue also provides an in-house events manager for a streamlined planning experience.
Boasting floor to ceiling glass walls, exposed cedar beams, and a balcony overlooking the Fraser River, the UBC Boathouse can host up to 150 guests for a seated dinner. Highlights include: no noise restrictions (ie. you can party until 3am!), a day-of-venue coordinator, flexible floor plan arrangements, and a convenient location close to YVR Airport and a short walk away from the Canada Line skytrain.
The Vancouver Convention Centre offers three spaces for hosting weddings, ranging from 220 to 700 guests, and is perfect for grand celebrations where you're greeted by the harbour and views of the North Shore mountains upon stepping out onto the terrace during golden hour. Forget the banquet hall and check out this spectacular building instead with its contemporary west coast architecture, high ceilings, and impeccable views.
The Wallace is the newest wedding venue to grace North Vancouver's Shipyards area. It boasts history with a modern twist: located in the reconstructed Machine Shop with a terrace to beat all terraces. Very much a blank slate kind of establishment, The Wallace requires that you work with a professional wedding planner to bring your planning ideas to life. If you need any recommendations, I'm more than happy to help.
Located in the heart of Vancouver, Fabrique St. George is the epitome of the perfect rustic and cozy wedding venue. With its warm and inviting ambiance, charming aesthetics, and attention to detail, it sets the stage for an intimate and unforgettable celebration. Fabrique accepts buy-outs for their lounge every day of the week. There is no rental fee but they do require a minimum spend over the course of your event.
KOU Studios provides ample space for full customization, enabling couples to design their wedding according to their unique style and preferences. What could be better than access to natural light, high ceilings, and a clean palette? The mezzanine, or "Mezz" is perfect for intimate gatherings.
The Pipe Shop is a restored heritage building located on the waterfront in North Vancouver. It is 9,000 sq ft of rustic industrial goodness featuring original wood beams, polished concrete floors, and white walls throughout. The location doesn't get any better being in the Shipyards area and right beside the modern Polygon Gallery. A ceremony at the Polygon with your reception at The Pipe Shop? Easy.
Located in historic Gastown, L'Abattoir's private dining space is ideal for couples having an intimate wedding. It can accommodate up to 50 seated guests or a standing reception of up to 70 guests and boasts the brick and beam aesthetic that can be seen through the main restaurant dining area. Elegant but simple, and for the wedding couple who appreciates good food and a refined aesthetic.
Susan & Graeme's Wedding Reception at L'Abattoir ↗
For lovers of botanicals and the unconventional, the Bloedel Conservatory in QE Park can host private events such as intimate wedding ceremonies and cocktail receptions. Time slots are somewhat limited but if you're willing to get creative with your wedding planning (for example, having your ceremony in the morning and your reception elsewhere in the afternoon), enjoy this very special part of Vancouver's history.
Darcy & RJ's Ceremony at the Bloedel Conservatory ↗
Including this rental service takes my Vancouver Wedding Venues guide well beyond our Top 30 but I think it's 100% worth a look. From private lofts to industrial event venues, Giggster offers heaps of creative spaces for you to rent for small weddings. Have a look through their website and consider locations like The Garden Strathcona or this Penthouse Loft for your intimate celebration.
Susan & Graeme's Ceremony at this Penthouse Loft ↗
A Japanese-Italian supper club that's a cut above the rest. Every meticulous detail of this restaurant transports you to another time (the 1960s) and if the ambiance doesn't leave an impression on you, the food certainly will. Romantic, sexy, and channeling those In the Mood for Love / Wong-kar Wai vibes like no other, I can't recommend Kissa Tanto highly enough.
Rachelle & Caleb's Wedding at Kissa Tanto ↗