VanDusen Botanical Garden transforms dramatically throughout the year, which means the season you choose can shape the entire feel of your wedding day. While both spring and summer offer incredible beauty, they create very different photographic experiences.
Here’s what tends to change between the two seasons.
Spring Weddings — Fresh Colour and Soft Atmosphere
Spring at VanDusen feels vibrant and alive. Blossoms begin to appear, greenery looks fresh, and the overall palette leans toward softer tones. The light during this time of year often feels gentle and diffused, which creates a romantic, airy look in photos.
Crowds can be lighter earlier in the season, making it easier to move between portrait locations without interruption.
Spring also brings a sense of unpredictability with weather, but the softness of cloudy skies often results in beautifully even lighting.
Summer Weddings — Warm Evenings and Lush Greenery
By summer, the garden is at its fullest. Greens deepen, flowers become more varied, and the atmosphere shifts toward a more vibrant, celebratory energy.
One of the biggest advantages of summer weddings at VanDusen is the extended evening light. Longer days allow for sunset portraits that feel warm and cinematic, especially around open lawn areas and near water features.
The trade-off is that visitor traffic tends to increase, making thoughtful timing and location choices more important.
Choosing the Season That Matches Your Vision
Neither season is inherently better — it really comes down to the feeling you want your wedding to have. Spring offers softness and freshness, while summer leans into warmth and abundance.
What makes VanDusen special is that both seasons still feel distinctly connected to nature, giving couples a setting that evolves beautifully throughout the year.
If you’re looking for real examples of how the garden changes between seasons, you can explore a full VanDusen Botanical Garden wedding here.