*Updated 2020* Unique Vancouver and Kelowna Wedding Venues

As a Vancouver wedding photographer who has shot over 300 weddings I  have gotten to see some of the best and most unique wedding ceremony and reception venues in Vancouver and Kelowna. Below you will find a range of wedding venues, from modern to rustic, outdoor to indoor. In addition to being beautiful to look at, they all offer outstanding service as well. I enjoy photographing weddings at these venues so much I would be happy to offer you a special discount if you book your wedding at any of them. Inquire today by using the contact form at the top of the page or email me directly at mf@mathiasfastphotography.com

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Polygon Gallery 

Until recently the newest addition to this list of best wedding venues in Vancouver. The Polygon gallery is located in a fantastic spot in the heart of Londsdale Quay with the Vancouver skyline in the distance. This indoor wedding venue can host both your ceremony and reception. The clean, minimalist interior is extremely versatile and can be transformed in a variety of ways. A most welcome addition to the Vancouver wedding venue scene. To see more Polygon Gallery Wedding photos take a look at Kerry and Justin’s minimalist wedding.

The Wallace 

Literally a neighbour of the aforementioned Polygon Gallery and replacing it as the newest wedding venue in Vancouver. Another minimalist wedding venue but this one has much more of an industrial feel to it, something sorely lacking in Vancouver. The floor to ceiling windows surrounding most of the space allow for plenty of natural light. Ideally suited for both wedding ceremonies and receptions.

L’Abattoir Restaurant

Not only is L’abattoir one of the best restaurants in Vancouver but also one of the most unique intimate wedding reception venues. The private dining room can seat up to 50 guests for a dinner. The brick and glass room is set right in the heart of Gastown which makes it ideally suited for those looking for an urban feel to their celebration. Take a look at David and Eleanor’s wedding to see more photos from this historic venue.

Stanley Park Pavilion

In my opinion the best overall wedding venue in Vancouver. Right in the middle of the second most beautiful city park in the world, this heritage wedding venue oozes charm and class. The stunning setting is matched by the impeccable food and service. The Stanley Park Pavilion has been nominated a number of times for best wedding reception venue in Vancouver by the BC Wedding Awards.

A few years ago the Stanley Park Pavilion underwent extension interior renovations and the results are incredible. While it used to look somewhat dated inside it now has a clean and minimalist feel to it which allows for a range of wedding themes. It hasn’t lost any of its classic heritage feel however and is suitable for even the most luxury wedding.

Manning Provincial Park

While not exactly in Vancouver, Manning Park is the perfect venue for your rustic mountain wedding in BC. Also a great idea if you’re looking to have a destination wedding without having to hop on an airplane. Manning Park gives you the option of having your wedding ceremony on the shores of Lightning lake in an alpine meadow overlooking the valley. Trust me, it’s incredible. If this wedding venue checks off all the boxes for you, I HIGHLY recommend setting aside an hour in your day to drive up to the alpine meadow for some portraits. This is a budget friendly wedding venue near Vancouver and perfectly suited for an entire weekend wedding. To see weddings I have photographed at Manning Park Lodge check out the following:

Aaron and Leslie’s tent wedding

Adrian and Rebecca’s Mountaintop proposal

Kyle and Amanda’s Cabin wedding at Manning Park

Sunwolf Riverside Cabins

Another venue located a short distance outside of Vancouver. This forest wedding venue is perfectly suited for those who want to make an entire weekend out of their wedding. The camp wedding venue is located in Squamish and provides a number of cabins for your guests to stay in. The catering is top notch and the setting is hard to beat. I highly recommend having your reception under a clear ceiling tent like Jasmine and Daniel did.

Stanley Park Brewing

Technically not a wedding venue, the new Stanley Park Restaurant and Brewpub might just be able to host your private event if you inquire. The location can’t be beat, the beer is fantastic and the space doesn’t require a whole lot of decorating. If you want an intimate and extremely laid back setting I highly recommend considering Stanley Park Brewing for your wedding. Take a look at Jordan and Alyssa’s wedding to see what you can do with the space.

St. Francis of Assisi Parish

Most Vancouver Catholic churches I’ve been in are beautiful and this one is no exception. The way the ceiling reflects off the floor is incredible. If you are looking for a Catholic Church in Vancouver to hold your wedding ceremony, I would definitely recommend taking a look here. It’s located just off of Commercial drive (which itself is a great location for urban wedding photos).

A bonus to having your wedding ceremony at St. Francis of Assisi Parish is they do not restrict where photographers can shoot from. While I am always discreet when photographing a wedding ceremony, many Catholic churches in Vancouver have strict guidelines where photographers can take pictures from. 

The Permanent

Just because the Permanent is one of the most popular wedding venues in Vancouver doesn’t mean it isn’t unique. Where else can you get married in an old bank, complete with an actual vault and the most incredible vaulted stained glass ceiling? The permanent is both a ceremony and reception venue but due to space you will require the flip the room in between. If you want a luxurious urban feel to your downtown Vancouver wedding venue look no further.

Bridges Restaurant

My favorite restaurant wedding venue in Vancouver and one of the most unique. Bridges Restaurant takes advantage of its location on the edge of the water by having floor to ceiling windows. Bridges can host both your wedding ceremony (indoor or outdoor on the deck) and reception. This unique wedding venue in Vancouver is perfectly suited for those rainy fall days we get in the city. Fill the space with candles like Ali + Brendan did and you have an intimate and cozy space. If you are planning a summer wedding I highly recommend taking advantage of the outdoor deck for your first dance.

The Loft at Earls Yaletown

You probably already know how good the food is at Earls but did you know they have a wedding venue as well? Based downtown at their Yaletown location, the loft takes up the entire top floor and is both a ceremony and reception venue. The unique decor and intimate space makes for a very laidback feel. I highly recommend hiring a wedding planner (or day of coordinator) if you have your wedding at the Loft Earls Yaletown. The reception usually takes place in the same rooms as the ceremony so having an experienced team to flip the room will make sure your wedding day is stress free. Check out Esther and Jan’s celebration to see more from this unique downtown Vancouver wedding venue.

York Room at Hawksworth Restaurant
Catering by one of the top chefs in Canada inside one of the best hotels in the city – intimate wedding venues in Vancouver don’t come much classier than this. The York Rooms is lesser known than the large ballrooms at Rosewood Hotel Georgia but equally as stunning. If you’re looking to get married in a Vancouver hotel but don’t want a large wedding I highly recommend taking a look at this space.

The Atrium at Vancouver Club

Another lesser known venue inside of a very popular one. My personal favorite space at the club as it allows so much natural light. The Atrium is perfect for those of you wanting a very intimate setting for your wedding reception. Take a look at Travis and Areiyu’s wedding to see more photos from this unique greenhouse style wedding venue in Vancouver.

Pacific Yacht Charters

The only wedding venue on this list without a fixed address. It doesn’t get much more unique than having your wedding on a yacht! Pacific Yacht Charters starts in Coal Harbour and transports you and your guests up the Indian Arm with stunning scenery the entire way. Wedding ceremonies take place on the top deck under a clear tent and receptions inside. This Vancouver yacht wedding venue is best suited for more intimate celebrations.

Roma Hall

This unique wedding venue in New Westminster can accommodate a large number of people and has newly renovated interior. The Roma Hall also allows you to bring in your own alcohol and provides their own catering.

Fraser River Lodge

This indoor and outdoor wedding venue is located in one of the most stunning settings you’ll ever see. Absolute first class. Weddings can be out in the field with Mt. Cheam as the backdrop or indoor in the event of rain. The range of decor options are endless. Located in Agassiz, this rustic wedding venue is approximately 1.5 hours drive from Vancouver. The Fraser River lodge also provides their own catering which is top notch. Right up there with the Stanley Park Pavilion as my favorite wedding venue to photograph at in Vancouver. More Fraser River Lodge Wedding Pictures here and HERE

Pinnacle at the Pier Hotel

This hotel wedding venue is classy, modern and comes with amazing views of downtown Vancouver. It is consistently named one of Vancouver’s best wedding reception and ceremony venues by the BC wedding awards. More Pinnacle at the Pier Hotel Wedding Pictures. This waterfront hotel gives you the option of holding your wedding reception indoors and your ceremony out outside on the patio. The Pinnacle hotel is conveniently located near another of my favorite wedding venues in Vancouver – the Polygon Gallery.

Fairview Baptist Church

This historic church works great as a Vancouver church wedding ceremony venue. Location near the Kitsilano area of Vancouver, this popular heritage church is authentic as they come. More Fairview Baptist Church Wedding Pictures

Bloedel Conservatory

This unique, intimate wedding ceremony venue is located in the beautiful Queen Elizabeth Park. It’s right next to a great reception venue, the Seasons in the Park Restaurant. Both provide magnificent views of the Vancouver skyline. More Bloedel Conservatory Wedding Pictures and HERE. This wedding ceremony venue only allows bookings outside of opening hours, either early morning or later in the evening.

Cecil Green Park House

Easily one of the most popular and famous luxury wedding venues in Vancouver. Huge, immaculate mansion located on the UBC campus. Works as both a ceremony and reception venue. The back lawn provides a great outdoor setting for a summer wedding and the patio can be used for an outdoor reception. In the event of cooler weather or if you simply prefer the architecture, the ballroom inside can be used for your reception or ceremony as well.  This amazing wedding venue has a great view of the water and mountains. Along with many others on this list, Cecil Green is often nominated for best wedding venue in Vancouver by the BC Wedding Awards.

To see some of the weddings I have photographed at Cecil Green Park House take a look at these:

Shawn and Karlee’s luxury wedding

Vicky and Colin’s brunch wedding

Terminal City Club

Another classy hotel wedding venue in downtown Vancouver. Very elegant decor. Named one of the top hotel wedding venues at the BC Wedding Awards. A great bonus to having your wedding ceremony and reception here is getting access to the members only billiards room which makes for unique wedding photos. The service and food are top notch too! To see more Terminal City Club wedding photos take a look at these:

John and Julie’s romantic wedding

Darren + Christy’s white wedding

Abbotsford Mansion

Heron’s Bridge is a unique wedding venue in Abbotsford which is a short drive from Vancouver. Perfect for an outdoor wedding in the summer – tons of space allows for lots of creativity! This venue is a private residence but rents out the entire property as a wedding venue. There are some alcohol restrictions but don’t let that stop you from considering this unique space for your big day. Heron’s bridge is also an exception wedding venue in Abbotsford because the portrait locations on the property and down the road are limitless. The property backs onto a forest (with trails running through it), has a huge open field in the front and is just a minute down the road from an orchard.

Best Kelowna Wedding Venues

Off The Grid Organic Winery, Kelowna

While Kelowna and the Okanagan have plenty of winery wedding venues, this one is perfectly suited for large wedding ceremonies. The expansive lawns affords stunning views and the resident goats are a unique little feature. Included in wedding ceremony packages is also complimentary wine tastings for your guests. Off the Grid is perfect for outdoor wedding ceremonies but the lawn is also large enough to accomodate a reception tent. Take a look at Brook and Sandy’s multicultural wedding to see more photos from this unique Kelowna winery wedding venue.

Laurel Packing House, Downtown Kelowna

In an area known for its winery wedding venues, the Laurel Packing House is an incredible urban destination. The exposed wood beams complement the brick walls perfectly. This indoor wedding venue is ideal for large weddings. To see more photos from the urban Kelowna wedding venue take a look at Brook and Sandy’s Indian wedding.

Casorso Ranch, Kelowna

This rustic wedding venue is set on private property near downtown Kelowna. Permission to use as photo location or venue must be received from the owners. Old Cabin, buildings and a stream make for a stunning rustic outdoor wedding venue. More Casorso Ranch Wedding Pictures

Thanks for stopping by! If you are planning at wedding at any of the Vancouver or Kelowna venues listed above and still need a photographer I’d love to hear from you! Please use the contact form at the top of the page or send me an email directly at mf@mathiasfastphotography.com. I am currently booking Vancouver and Kelowna weddings for this year and next.