Choosing the perfect setting for your wedding ceremony is one of the most pivotal decisions you’ll make as an engaged couple. The backdrop you select sets the tone for your entire event, impacts the mood, and ultimately becomes ingrained in your most cherished photos and videos.
Will it be the awe-inspiring expanse of an ocean view or the intimate charm of a garden ceremony? If you’re planning your wedding in the Lower Mainland in Vancouver. These options are as breathtaking as they are diverse.
Why Your Ceremony Backdrop Matters
Your wedding venue is one of the most important decisions you'll make for your big day. It’s more than just a backdrop—it sets the mood and reflects your unique love story as a couple. Whether you’re dreaming of an oceanfront wedding or a romantic garden ceremony, choosing the perfect venue depends on factors like your wedding theme, guest comfort, and your connection to nature.
Planning a wedding in Vancouver? This beautiful city offers some of the best outdoor wedding venues in the Pacific Northwest. From breathtaking ocean views to lush garden settings, Vancouver is the ultimate destination for unforgettable outdoor weddings.
The ROMANCE of an Ocean View Ceremony
The Romance of Ocean View Weddings
Dreaming of the perfect beach / Oceanview wedding? A romantic oceanfront ceremony is one of the most popular wedding ideas for couples. Imagine saying “I do” with the sparkling ocean as your backdrop, golden sunsets on the horizon, and the soothing sound of waves creating the perfect ambiance.
An ocean view wedding is ideal for couples looking for a unique, elegant, yet relaxed atmosphere. They offer timeless beauty and are a favorite among wedding photographers and videographers. Your wedding photos will capture stunning golden hour light and the breathtaking view of the shoreline meeting the sky.
Whether you’re planning a small, intimate beach wedding or a larger celebration, an oceanfront ceremony creates unforgettable moments. It’s easy to see why beach weddings remain one of the top wedding trends.
Vancouver’s Top Ocean View Venues
Brock House Restaurant (Vancouver)
Located on the picturesque Jericho Beach, this waterfront venue is perfect for weddings and events. Whether you’re planning a romantic beachside ceremony or a tented reception, this versatile space offers breathtaking ocean views, a serene atmosphere, and exceptional service. It’s the ideal choice for those looking for a memorable waterfront event.
Stanley Park Teahouse (Vancouver)
The Teahouse in Stanley Park is one of the best wedding venues in Vancouver, known for its romantic atmosphere and stunning natural surroundings. Nestled in the heart of Stanley Park, this venue offers a serene setting with lush forests and breathtaking views, making it perfect for weddings, elopements, and intimate ceremonies.
If you’re looking for small wedding venues in Vancouver, the Teahouse is an excellent choice. Its solarium is a hidden gem, ideal for intimate wedding ceremonies or elegant receptions. With large windows that fill the space with natural light, this venue ensures beautiful wedding photos, no matter the weather. Even on cloudy days, the views from the Teahouse remain spectacular.
For couples seeking wedding venues with a view, the Teahouse in Stanley Park combines charm, elegance, and natural beauty. Whether you're planning a small wedding or an elopement in Vancouver, this scenic venue offers an unforgettable experience for your special day.
Polygon Gallery (North Vancouver)
Located in North Vancouver, this one-of-a-kind wedding venue offers a perfect blend of modern architecture and breathtaking views of the city skyline and Burrard Inlet. Ideal for weddings of all sizes, the venue can host intimate gatherings of 20 guests, seated dinners for up to 180, or large stand-up receptions with space for up to 600 guests. Whether you're planning a small, elegant celebration or a grand wedding reception, this North Vancouver wedding venue provides the perfect backdrop for your special day.
Sea to Sky Gondola (Squmish)
The Sea to Sky Gondola in Squamish, British Columbia, is one of the most stunning wedding venues in Canada. Perfect for couples looking for a breathtaking backdrop, this unique venue offers unforgettable views of Howe Sound, lush coastal forests, and majestic mountains. A scenic gondola ride takes you to the summit, where panoramic scenery sets the stage for a romantic and memorable wedding experience. Whether you're planning a mountaintop ceremony or an intimate reception, the Sea to Sky Gondola is an ideal destination wedding venue in British Columbia.
Garry Point Park (Richmond)
Garry Point Park in Richmond is the perfect destination for nature lovers, families, and photographers alike. Known for its stunning ocean views, scenic walking trails, and peaceful atmosphere, this waterfront park combines natural beauty with Japanese garden-inspired design. Whether you're looking to relax by the water, take a leisurely walk, or snap some incredible photos, Garry Point Park offers a serene escape just minutes from the city. Plan your visit today and experience one of Richmond's top outdoor attractions!
UBC Boathouse (Richmond)
The UBC Boathouse is one of Vancouver's most popular waterfront wedding venues, nestled on the picturesque banks of the Fraser River. Ideal for couples searching for a unique and romantic wedding location, this venue offers breathtaking views and versatile event spaces. Say "I do" on the floating dock with the serene Fraser River as your backdrop, creating an unforgettable ceremony setting. Afterward, celebrate in the elegant John M.S. Lecky Pavilion, a modern, open-concept reception space featuring floor-to-ceiling windows with panoramic views of the river and North Shore mountains. Whether you're planning an intimate wedding or a grand celebration, the UBC Boathouse combines natural beauty, elegance, and a one-of-a-kind waterfront experience, making it the perfect choice for your special day in Vancouver.
Rowena’s Inn on the River
Located in scenic Harrison Mills, this stunning wedding destination is nestled on a 160-acre estate, offering breathtaking views and an elegant atmosphere for your special day. With a beautiful golf course, luxury guest cabins, and a full-service reception space for up to 150 guests, it’s the perfect spot for weddings of all sizes. Couples can choose from multiple ceremony sites, including a wooded area, a riverside location, or the charming front of the historic Inn itself. Rowena’s Inn also offers customizable wedding packages to fit various budgets and needs, making it easy to plan your dream wedding in BC. Whether you're envisioning an intimate gathering or a grand celebration, Rowena’s Inn is a top choice for unforgettable weddings in British Columbia.
The Allure of a Garden Ceremony
Dreaming of lush greenery, blooming flowers, and an intimate feel? A garden ceremony brings timeless romance to life. This setting combines nature’s grandeur with a sense of seclusion for a warm, immersive experience.
Garden ceremonies are especially popular in spring and summer, when flowers are in full bloom. These venues often pair well with whimsical or vintage wedding themes and offer cozy nooks for capturing candid moments. Wedding photographers love the contrast of light and shade, while the organic backdrops keep your photos wonderfully natural.
Top Garden Venues in the Area
VanDusen Botanical Garden (Vancouver)
Outdoor weddings at VanDusen Botanical Garden are a stunning choice for your special day. With 55 acres of breathtaking outdoor space, this venue offers endless possibilities to create the perfect wedding experience. Whether you're planning an intimate ceremony on The Great Lawn or a romantic gathering by Meadow Pond, VanDusen Garden provides a picturesque backdrop that will leave your guests in awe. If you're looking for a unique outdoor wedding venue in Vancouver, VanDusen Botanical Garden is the ideal setting to celebrate your love.
Hycroft Manor (Vancouver)
Hycroft Manor is a stunning historic wedding venue in Vancouver, perfect for couples seeking a romantic and elegant setting for their special day. This cherished mansion features breathtaking gardens and a picturesque terrace, ideal for outdoor wedding ceremonies and photo opportunities. Inside, the Grand Ballroom and Drawing Room provide sophisticated and timeless spaces for unforgettable wedding receptions. Whether you're planning an intimate gathering or a larger celebration, Hycroft Manor offers the perfect blend of charm, beauty, and versatility for your dream wedding in Vancouver.
Stanley Park Pavilion (Vancouver)
Planning a wedding in Vancouver? Stanley Park Pavilion is the perfect wedding venue for your special day. Located in the heart of Stanley Park, this historic venue offers four unique spaces: the elegant Lord Stanley Ballroom, the charming Tea Room, the picturesque Formal Gardens, and Stanley’s Bar and Grill.
With a stunning outdoor ceremony space, an elegant indoor ballroom, and exceptional catering services, Stanley Park Pavilion ensures your wedding will be truly unforgettable. The venue’s location near downtown Vancouver, surrounded by the breathtaking forest of Stanley Park, makes it one of the most sought-after wedding venues in the city.
To keep your guests comfortable, the Pavilion also offers convenient tenting options. If you’re looking for a romantic and timeless setting for your Vancouver wedding, Stanley Park Pavilion is the ideal choice.
Cecil Green Park House (Vancouver)
Cecil Green Park House is a top wedding venue in Vancouver, British Columbia, perfect for couples seeking a romantic and picturesque setting. Located at UBC, this heritage mansion offers stunning views of Howe Sound, lush gardens, and well-maintained grounds that create a beautiful backdrop for wedding photos and ceremonies.
This elegant wedding venue features versatile spaces to suit your celebration, including the Yorkeen Room, Kanakla Room, Langara Room, Library, Solarium, and Boardroom. With its timeless architecture and breathtaking natural surroundings, Cecil Green Park House is ideal for couples dreaming of a memorable wedding in Vancouver. Whether you're planning an intimate ceremony or a grand celebration, this venue provides the perfect combination of charm, beauty, and functionality for your special day.
Hart House / Deer Lake Park (Burnaby)
Hart House Restaurant at Deer Lake in Burnaby is a top wedding venue known for its stunning lake views and beautiful gardens. This unique venue offers both indoor and outdoor spaces, including a picturesque lawn with a tent option, perfect for ceremonies and receptions. The scenic backdrop of Deer Lake makes it ideal for wedding photos, while the indoor areas provide comfort no matter the weather. Whether you're planning an outdoor wedding or an elegant indoor celebration, Hart House Restaurant delivers a memorable experience for your big day.
UBC Rose Garden (Vancouver)
Located on the stunning University of British Columbia (UBC) campus in Vancouver, the UBC Rose Garden is a must-visit destination for nature lovers, photographers, and couples seeking a romantic setting. This breathtaking garden is home to over 4,500 rose bushes, showcasing vibrant blooms from late spring to early autumn. With its peaceful atmosphere, colorful flowers, and picturesque views, it's one of Vancouver’s top spots for wedding photography and scenic strolls.
The UBC Rose Garden features a wide variety of roses, including fragrant tea roses and bold hybrid varieties, creating a kaleidoscope of colors and scents. Each section of the garden offers something unique, making it a perfect place to relax, take photos, or celebrate special moments. Whether you're planning a wedding shoot or simply looking for a serene escape, the UBC Rose Garden is an unforgettable Vancouver attraction.
UBC Botanical Garden (Vancouver)
The UBC Botanical Garden is one of Vancouver's most stunning wedding venues, perfect for capturing unforgettable photos. Surrounded by lush greenery and breathtaking displays, this garden offers countless picturesque spots, making it a dream location for wedding ceremonies and receptions. The natural beauty of the forest setting adds a magical touch to every moment, creating a truly romantic atmosphere.
For couples planning an outdoor wedding reception, the UBC Botanical Garden is an ideal choice. Picture dining under the stars, surrounded by sparkling string lights and the peaceful ambiance of nature. This unique venue provides an enchanting backdrop for your special day, ensuring a memorable celebration that guests will rave about. If you’re looking for the perfect outdoor wedding venue in Vancouver, the UBC Botanical Garden offers everything you need for a magical and unforgettable experience.
Minoru Park (Richmond)
With manicured landscapes and eye-catching floral beds, Minoru Park makes for a vibrant garden ceremony. Plus, the nearby Minoru Chapel offers a rustic yet classy indoor option.
What’s Your Dream Wedding Backdrop?
Ocean or garden? Whichever you choose, your wedding day should reflect your story and vision. Consider what feels most authentic to you as a couple and what will offer both style and comfort for your guests.
Planning your dream day in Vancouver, Burnaby, or Richmond? Start by visiting local venues, meeting photographers, and picturing yourself in these stunning settings. Then, get ready to say “I do” in the backdrop of your dreams.
