About Vancouver
Vancouver is a coastal seaport city situated in the Lower Mainland region of British Columbia. It’s Canada’s most populous city, as well as its third-largest metropolitan area. Vancouver is renowned for its picturesque mountain and ocean views and enjoys some of the mildest weather in Canada. The city has a diverse population, with more than half of its residents having a foreign background.
Camping is popular in Vancouver, due to its abundant natural scenery and numerous outdoor activities. The North Shore Mountains provide endless opportunities for hiking, climbing, and biking; while nearby beaches offer swimming, surfing, kayaking, and other water-based activities. Vancouver also boasts plenty of campgrounds located throughout the city that allow visitors to enjoy its stunning vistas up close.
Hosting a campground wedding in Vancouver is an incredible way to mark your union with family and friends, all while being surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of mountains or the ocean. With plenty of camping venues suitable for receptions, you can create stunning memories that will last a lifetime.
Camping Wedding Options in Vancouver
- Equipment Rentals
If you're planning a camping wedding in Vancouver, there is no shortage of companies offering equipment rentals. From tents and tables to chairs and decorations, these businesses can provide all the items necessary for your special occasion, allowing you to customize the wedding according to its size and location. You may need only one company or multiple ones depending on what kind of setup you desire for your big day.
- Photographers
Vancouver is home to many seasoned wedding photographers who specialize in preserving the most unforgettable moments from your special day. From posed group shots and intimate portraits of family members to the breathtaking beauty unique to outdoor weddings, these professionals can make your camping celebration truly one of a kind with their awe-inspiring photographs!
- Catering Services
Your wedding day menu will be a major factor in the success of your event. Therefore, it is important to consider enlisting the help of a catering service that specializes in outdoor weddings and camping celebrations. Vancouver has many talented caterers who can provide delicious food options that cater to your guests’ tastes and dietary needs while being mindful of the outdoor setting.
- Wedding Coordinators
Having a wedding coordinator is key when organizing a camping wedding in Vancouver. A coordinator will assist with logistics such as setting up tents and arranging seating plans while providing organizational guidance throughout the planning stages. They also double-check that everything runs smoothly on the big day so families can relax and enjoy themselves without worrying about details. Luckily, there are plenty of wedding coordinators in Vancouver who specialize in outdoor weddings and can help make your camping experience a success!
Camping Wedding Vendors in Vancouver
- Cascade Tents
With over 20 years of industry experience, Cascade Tents have the largest tent inventory in Metro Vancouver. With their satellite-tracked service fleet, they can provide you with an accurate installation and strike time for your event. Their standing as a licensed and insured corporation ensures peace of mind for all customers that book with them. Cascade Tents offers upfront competitive pricing with no hidden charges and party rental accessories so you don't need to book two separate companies for your needs. Cascade Tents also offers 24-hour on-call assistance in case of any emergency during your event.
- Demin Photography
Demin is a top wedding photographer based in Vancouver. He proudly serves newlyweds in Vancouver and across British Columbia. His style is a combination of documentary, classic, and fine art photography, using natural light and capturing candid moments to create amazing sceneries. He has over 10 years of experience in wedding photography, has done over 300 weddings, and has numerous 5-star reviews on Google and WeddingWire.
- Yo-Bones BBQ Catering
Yo-Bones BBQ Catering is an independently owned catering company with over 30 years of experience in the food industry. The owner, Rick Bone, has strong ties to the local community and Yo-Bones takes great pride in servicing a wide variety of clients. From stylish cocktail receptions to elegant weddings and distinct corporate functions, they offer quality cuisine and excellent service to make any event successful.
Pros and Cons of Camping Weddings in Vancouver
Camping weddings are a unique and memorable way to celebrate your special day. However, it’s also important to consider the pros and cons of hosting this type of celebration in Vancouver:
Advantages
- Unique experience: Camping weddings provide an unforgettable experience with beautiful natural surroundings that many couples cannot find elsewhere.
- More affordable than traditional venues: Since campsites are usually much less expensive than other venues, camping weddings are often more budget-friendly.
- Accessibility to outdoor activities: Couples and their guests can enjoy the outdoors with activities like hiking, swimming, and fishing right before or after the ceremony.
- Fun activities to customize your event: Decorating, campfire parties, and other recreational events can all make the overall experience that much more special.
Disadvantages
- Possible bad weather: Vancouver is known for frequent rain which could put a damper on outdoor wedding plans.
- Limited resources: Campsites may not have all the amenities needed for a wedding, such as electricity and running water.
- Limited accessibility: Not all guests will be able to attend, as camping weddings often involve more difficult and remote locations.
Tips on How to Organize Camping Weddings in Vancouver
Camping weddings in Vancouver can be incredibly enjoyable occasions—but only if they’re planned with care. Here are some tips to help you create a wedding celebration that is both special and successful:
- Research Vancouver's local rules and regulations for hosting weddings outdoors: This will include understanding the regulations around noise, fire, tents, and other restrictions that may exist.
- Find a suitable campground or location to host the wedding: Consider factors such as proximity to services, availability of amenities, and the overall layout of the space.
- Prepare for any weather conditions: Vancouver can be prone to rain showers in the summer months so it’s important to have plans in place to mitigate any surprises from Mother Nature.
- Bring necessary camping supplies: Ensure that you have all necessary items like sleeping bags, tents, portable lighting, lighters, matches, etc.
- Choose an experienced catering company: Pick a catering company with experience in providing food at outdoor weddings. Make sure they understand your vision and can provide menus that suit your tastes.
- Entertainment: Consider ways to keep your guests entertained throughout the entire day. This could include camping activities, yard games, or live music.
Famous Locations in Vancouver
- Fairview
Fairview is a vibrant neighborhood on the west side of Vancouver, BC, featuring numerous commercial and health-related centers. Boasting False Creek in the north and 16th Avenue in the south, Burrard Street to the west, and Cambie Street to the east, Fairview provides streets bustling with activity. Central Broadway highlights medical and research institutions like Vancouver General Hospital, BC Cancer Agency, and BC Centre for Disease Control as well as popular retail areas such as South Granville Rise, City Square Shopping Centre, and Granville Island which are all easily accessible. Visible from City Hall across Cambie Street are the city offices located on Fairview’s eastern edge, making this area a great place for both work and relaxation.
- False Creek
False Creek is an important urban waterway, stretching from the mouth of English Bay to the north arm of the Fraser River. It serves as a longstanding route for local boat traffic, as well as providing habitat for many of Vancouver's native aquatic species. Famous landmarks within False Creek abound—from Granville Island to the Vancouver Convention Center, and ongoing expansion projects such as The Sea Wall and Park Pathways. A perfect way to view it all is by kayak, a favorite activity among Vancouverites in all seasons.
- VanDusen Botanical Garden
VanDusen Botanical Garden is an impressive 55-acre haven for locals and visitors to Vancouver. From tranquil settings boasting seasonal displays of blooming plants to the Elizabethan hedge maze, guests can find something suited to their interests. Furthering its commitment to nature and conservation, the Visitor Centre was awarded LEED Platinum status in 2011, while its structure reflects its eco-sensitivity with organic lines inspired by the presence of nature throughout the Garden. With thousands of plants from around the world, VanDusen Botanical Garden offers an unforgettable experience in green living for all.