Find Event spaces for rent in Vancouver, Canada

About Vancouver

Founded in 1825, Vancouver is a major metropolitan city in British Columbia. As of 2021, its population is over 660,000 (as opposed to 630,000 in 2016), making it the most populous city in the entire B.C. province. Vancouver is also one of the most culturally diverse cities in the world—around half of its population are non-native English speakers, and over half belong to minority groups, including Chinese, South Asians, Filipinos, Japanese, Koreans, Latin Americans, and Blacks.

Housing rates are pretty steep in this city and are considered one of the most expensive globally. Still, Vancouver is consistently ranked as one of the most livable cities, not just in Canada but in the world. And it's easy to see why—its spectacular scenery, surrounded by snow-capped mountains, cannot be found anywhere else in the world. It's no wonder why Vancouver is heavily featured in TV shows and movies—filmmakers and producers just can't resist that natural beauty! Not to mention, its oceanic climate produces mild winters and warm summers, thanks to the Pacific Ocean waters nearby that act to regulate the temperatures. It's one of the warmest cities in Canada, allowing people to enjoy nature and outdoor activities to the fullest.

As a bustling modern city, Vancouver is home to plenty of top-notch residential homes, corporate buildings, and commercial establishments, many of which offer their spaces for rent. These spaces, ranging from white lofts and spacious condo units to flexible event spaces in parks and art galleries, can be used for filming, photography, and special events.

If you want to throw a birthday bash, a holiday party, a wedding reception, or a baby shower and need a venue for it, don't worry—rest assured you'll find the perfect space in Vancouver for your next event. You will never run out of amazing choices in this city—the most challenging part comes in choosing the best one for your needs! By using one of the many property rental websites available today, you can easily filter out your venue options in a given city to match your budget, required amenities, and aesthetic preferences.

Event Options in Vancouver

• Catering Services
  Catering is one of the most important aspects that you need to prioritize when planning an event. After all, an event is incomplete without food! Plus, catering will surely account for a huge percentage of your budget. You'll want to impress your guests with mouthwatering dishes and make sure that there's enough food throughout for all attendees, as this can significantly affect the overall experience. For smaller, casual events like brunch with friends or a birthday party of a family member, you can of course cook your own food. However, catering is the most efficient solution for large-scale or more formal events, like corporate parties, art exhibit openings, an awards night, and charity galas. Let the experts handle the food for you while you enjoy your special occasion!
  
  
• Bartender
  A professional bartender present in the venue elevates the event atmosphere. With plenty of drinks available throughout the event, guests can relish their conversations over a glass or two of their favorite drinks. Experienced bartenders also know how to customize drinks or create new ones according to the event theme. They can also mix nonalcoholic drinks and ensure that everyone's consumption is within safe limits. Make sure you're hiring a licensed bartender so you know you're in safe hands.
  
  
• Photo Booth
  Virtually every party or special event has a photo booth in one corner. And why not—it's fun, engaging, and allows you to keep a souvenir of the event. Many photo booth businesses have already adopted the newest trends in the business, adding new options like 360-degree photos, GIFs, green screen technology, social media sharing, virtual props that guests can add to their photos, eco-friendly booths, and more. As it's becoming increasingly popular, you can easily find a photo booth service in Vancouver that ticks all your boxes.

Event Vendors in Vancouver

• VIP Bartending and Event Services
  Based in Vancouver, VIP Bartending and Event Services has over 15 years of experience catering to the Greater Vancouver area and beyond. Their team of professionals are not just bartenders but licensed experts in their craft, who have built an excellent reputation based on client recommendations. Dressed in stylish black attire, they specialize in planning and executing events of any size, from weddings to corporate gatherings and private parties. Some of their services include bar setup, beverage selection, and ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience for all attendees.
  

• Dang Good Booths
  Dang Good Booths is a photo booth rental business based in Vancouver. They offer a range of services, including the classic photo booth, glamour photo booth (black and white), portrait studio booth, 360 video booth, audio guest book, and more. They offer both physical and digital props for guests to use, although they encourage people to use digital props instead, especially during the pandemic. The best thing about their photo booths is that they offer unlimited photo sessions, each of which can produce one printed photo. They also have a Sharing Station where guests can find their photos and email them to themselves.
  

• Emelle's Catering
  Emelle's Catering was established in Vancouver in 1999. Since then, the business has retained its most dedicated and loyal employees because of its people-first philosophy. They cater to corporate events, weddings, and other milestone events no matter the size—whether it's with two or two thousand guests. Emelle's is also the preferred caterer of some of the city's popular venues and has won numerous awards over the years, attesting to the team's continued excellence. Their menus are available on their website so you have an idea of the dishes they serve, but you are free to pick your selections. They also offer gluten-free and dairy-free options for guests who may have dietary restrictions. Those on a budget can also choose from their customizable buffet and plated meal packages. For more information, you can consult with them online, and they will discuss with you all the details about their setup, menu, and service.

Pros and Cons of Event Spaces in Vancouver

Renting an event venue for an occasion is the best option when you want to celebrate somewhere that looks polished, professional, or cozy. As a city dotted with numerous properties, Vancouver is a wonderful place to host an event. However, like any other city, it comes with downsides that need to be thought about carefully.

Advantages

• In Vancouver, you'll get plenty of choices when it comes to finding venues. If you want something other than the traditional ballroom, banquet hall, or hotel space, there are other more unique event venues to choose from, such as farmhouses, creative studios, warehouses, nightclubs, heritage homes or apartments, and art galleries.
  
  
• In a bustling metropolitan city like Vancouver, many service-oriented businesses would be willing to help you put up an outstanding event. Whether you need assistance with catering, lighting, sound system, or party rentals like tables and chairs, you'll have access to numerous vendors with remarkable reputations.
  
  
• Vancouver’s natural beauty can serve as a splendid backdrop for any event, making it memorable for all attendees. In East Vancouver alone, Queen Elizabeth Park provides an expansive and beautiful natural space where a wedding reception, private event, or photoshoot can take place.

Disadvantages

• The most popular venues for private events can get booked up easily, especially during peak seasons such as summer and winter, when travelers from North America visit the city to experience outdoor activities and attend events and festivals. To avoid losing out on your preferred venue, book it as early as you can.
  
  
• Although Vancouver is said to be one of the most livable cities in the world, living here is pretty expensive. Housing rates are steep, so venue rental fees will most likely be pricey. Make sure to allocate enough budget for the venue by planning in advance, which includes scouting venues early.
  
  
• Parking, especially in downtown Vancouver, is not only expensive but also challenging particularly for non-residents. Many establishments also impose two-hour limitations on parking. When you check an event space, ensure that it has ample parking space for your guests to avoid encountering frustrations.

Tips on How to Organize Events in Vancouver Venues

Not everyone is a natural at event management—to be good at it, you'll need to have skills like problem-solving, creativity, communication skills, and time management. For beginners, planning an event can be challenging and overwhelming since you'll be dealing with various aspects like budget, catering, entertainment, and guests. But with enough time to prepare and plan, you can surely pull off an event that will leave a positive impression on your guests. It also won't hurt to ask for help from your friends or family!

• Use online platforms to look for the perfect venue: Many websites that allow you to browse unique venues in a given city are available at your fingertips. These platforms list down properties in an area, along with a description of their amenities and pricing. You can easily filter your options to view only those that match your budget and preferences. Begin your search as early as possible so you can still compare your options and select the best one for your needs. Since parking in Vancouver is expensive and hard to find, find a unique event venue that has a designated parking spot for guests.
  
  
• Secure the necessary permits: Special events that may require street closures will need you to apply for permits from the City of Vancouver. The City Special Events Office (for streets, sidewalks, and plazas) and the Park Board Special Events Office (for park events) are the two offices in the city that handle these matters. These permits, which range from low complexity to high complexity, ensure that your event is safe and won't cause any trouble in the neighborhood. To prevent last-minute issues, read the handbook carefully and submit your application well in advance. You may also need to pay an application fee for it.
  
  
• Practice eco-friendly measures: Vancouver is known for its commitment to sustainability. For birthday parties, for example, minimize waste by avoiding the use of plastic utensils and containers and sending digital invitations instead of printed ones. For a corporate event, consider hiring a shuttle service to transport your attendees all at once to the venue. This prevents the use of private vehicles which can also contribute significantly to the traffic. There are many ways to be eco-friendly, so take a look at those that you can easily apply to your event.
  
  
• Reach out to local businesses: There are many benefits to be had from hiring local vendors to help with your event. For example, by getting a local caterer, you can ensure that the ingredients they use are fresh and seasonal. On the same boat, equipment suppliers and party rental businesses are likely familiar with most venues in the city, so they will know what setup works best in a particular space.
  
  
• Hire an event planner: If you'd rather have an expert handle the details of your event, you can reach out to a local event planner to help you. They can either plan everything from start to finish or just be there on the day of the event to coordinate everything. Some offer consultation services only if all you need is a little guidance.

Famous Locations in Vancouver

• Chinatown
  This 100-year-old neighborhood is the largest Chinatown in Canada and one of the most distinct neighborhoods in the city. With its selection of boutique shops and restaurants, it continues to attract tourists from all over British Columbia and other countries as well. The neighborhood is composed of mostly Cantonese-speaking Chinese Canadians and Hong Kong immigrants, but recent migrations are mostly by Mandarin-speaking Mainlanders.
  
  
• Granville Island
  Located in Fairview, this peninsula and premier shopping district is popular for many reasons. In this waterfront location, you can find an indoor market with colorful food, handcrafted goods, and unique gifts. There is also a Design District where you can find the best artists and designers in Canada. Granville is home to over 300 businesses and 3,000 employees.
  
  
• Vancouver Art Gallery
  Founded in 1931, the Vancouver Art Gallery is a non-profit museum considered to be the largest in Western Canada, with an area of 15,300 sq m. It's also hailed as one of the most innovative in North America for its exhibits and programs that aim to advance historical scholarship on contemporary art in British Columbia. The Gallery also emphasizes works from Indigenous artists and those from the Asia Pacific region.