About Vancouver
Vancouver is a coastal city in the Pacific Northwest of Canada. Located on the traditional territories of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations, it is home to a unique blend of cultures that create an amazing atmosphere. It has a thriving art and culture scene, with plenty of galleries, museums, theaters, and music venues to explore. With its mild climate and diverse recreational activities—from skiing and snowboarding in winter to boating and hiking in summer—Vancouver is a great place for outdoor enthusiasts.
The bustling metropolis is also well known as one of the best places in Canada to host weddings! Because there are so many hotel venues in Vancouver, couples can find an array of options for their perfect day. These hotels offer beautiful locations for both the ceremony and reception, offering services for intimate get-togethers and grand galas for hundreds of guests.
From stunning mountaintop retreats with breathtaking panoramic views of snow-capped peaks and lush valleys to glamorous beachfront hotels where you can exchange your vows as the sun sets over the glimmering Pacific Ocean, Vancouver has something perfect for every couple's dream wedding celebration.
Hotel Wedding Options in Vancouver
- Event Planner
Hotels often already have their in-house event planners to accommodate your requests, but in case your chosen hotel doesn’t have one, hiring an event planner is a great way to ensure your wedding goes smoothly. They will take care of everything from the catering to the seating arrangements, so you can relax and enjoy your big day.
- Makeup and Hairstyle
A makeup artist will ensure you look flawless on your big day. They can create that airbrushed look that complements your dress and personality and brings out the best in you. Additionally, a hairstylist can help you choose the perfect hairstyle to match your wedding theme.
- Photography
A wedding is a momentous event, so why not hire a professional photographer to make it even more special? Wedding photographers are experts in this field—they will craft a photography package tailored especially for you and your spouse, providing services that fit both your needs and budget.
- Music
Choosing the right music for your wedding is important! A DJ can help you create a playlist that reflects your personal taste and style. Alternatively, you can choose to hire a wedding band or an instrumentalist to play the songs that are special to you and your spouse.
Hotel Wedding Vendors in Vancouver
- Above and Beyond Event Planning
Above and Beyond Event Planning specializes in providing couples with high-quality wedding and event planning services. Their staff takes a hands-on approach to creating a wedding celebration that reflects your goals and stays within your budget. Depending on the level of assistance you need, you can either use their day-of coordination package or their complete planning service package.
- Sachin Khona Photography
Award-winning photographer Sachin Khona loves to capture couples in both their small, in-between moments and grand gestures that tell a story. Although based in Vancouver, he caters to weddings in all of Canada and even internationally. Whether your wedding is in a hotel in the city or on the mountaintop, you can rely on Sachin to produce the best wedding photos you’ll cherish for life! Clients have described Sachin’s photos as visually beautiful and genuine.
- Alisha Hopps
Alisha Hopps is a hair and makeup artist who creates either bold or natural looks for your wedding day. She puts a premium on communication so that her client feels their most confident and beautiful. She uses high-quality brands for her makeup and brushes for optimum results and safety. Alisha is based in Gastown but also services clients in the Lower Mainland and beyond through her mobile service. Past clients have described her as professional, punctual, and patient.
Pros and Cons of Hotel Weddings in Vancouver
Organizing a wedding in a hotel in Vancouver can be an excellent choice for couples looking for an intimate yet luxurious experience. There are several benefits and drawbacks to organizing a wedding in a hotel, and couples need to consider all these factors before deciding where to hold their special day.
Advantages
- Hotel wedding packages can make organizing your special day easier as all aspects of the ceremony have been pre-arranged with local vendors.
- Many hotels offer onsite amenities like spas or pools that can be used by guests before or after the ceremony for extra relaxation or fun.
- Hotels are often located near other attractions like parks or beaches that couples can take advantage of when they want some time away from the festivities.
- Hotels are typically cheaper than other venues because they offer discounts for booking multiple services at once.
Disadvantages
- Hotel settings tend to have a standard design that cannot be altered too much, which limits customization opportunities for couples.
- Depending on the size of your event, you may find yourself competing with other customers for space within the hotel's dining room or ballroom area which could limit seating options if too many people RSVP yes to your invitation.
- Some hotels impose noise restrictions which means if you plan on hosting live bands or DJs, it may not be allowed due to sound levels being too loud according to management guidelines.
Tips on How to Organize Hotel Weddings in Vancouver
A hotel wedding in Vancouver is an amazing way to celebrate a special occasion. From picking the perfect venue to planning the details of the day, these tips will help you create an unforgettable experience for all your guests.
- Select the right venue: When planning a hotel wedding in Vancouver, finding the perfect location is essential. Consider whether you’d like a traditional ballroom, a more intimate setting such as a garden terrace or waterfront view, and any particular amenities that may be important to you and your guests.
- Work with an experienced event planner: While some couples prefer organizing every detail themselves, having someone with expertise on hand can make all the difference when it comes to planning a successful event. An experienced wedding planner will be able to provide valuable advice while managing all of the logistics involved throughout the planning process.
- Inquire about décor possibilities: Be sure to ask if there are any limitations on decorations at the hotel so that you can plan accordingly and make sure everything looks just as you imagined it would. Some venues may even have their own vendors who can provide rental items like chairs, tables, lighting, linens, etc., which can save time when it comes to sourcing these items yourself.
- Consider catering options: Once you’ve chosen your ideal venue, take into account their catering options. Many hotels have their own chefs who can provide delicious menus tailored to your event, or you can opt for an external caterer that specializes in weddings if desired.
- Book early and confirm details: Don’t wait too long before booking your desired date—popular hotels tend to book up quickly! Make sure all details are confirmed well in advance of your big day so that there aren’t any last-minute surprises or issues related to the arrangements made for your wedding celebration at the hotel.
Famous Locations in Vancouver
- Christ Church Cathedral
The Christ Church Cathedral is a beautiful, heritage Anglican cathedral located at the corner of Burrard Street and Georgia in downtown Vancouver. The cathedral was completed in 1895 and is an impressive example of a heritage building. It is one of Vancouver's major churches and has a beautiful Gothic structure. The Cathedral serves as the church for the Anglican Diocese of New Westminster, offers services throughout the week, and sometimes hosts public performances. It is also an all-inclusive church that has embraced the LGBTQIA/2S community since 1975.
- Lynn Canyon Park
Opened in 1912, Lynn Canyon Park is a lovely park in North Vancouver. It's popular among locals and tourists, with plenty of free activities for children of all ages, including the suspension bridge, waterfalls, little hikes, and a swimming hole during the summer. The Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge, located across from the Capilano Suspension Bridge, is the most famous feature of the park. The Suspension Bridge has its unique appeal, and while it spans more than 150 feet above the roaring waters, waterfalls, and pools of Lynn Canyon, it stretches even farther towards Grey Bluff Lookout. The peace and quiet of Lynn Canyon Park make it such a popular spot for locals.
- Vancouver Aquarium
Vancouver Aquarium, located at 845 Avison Way, is Canada’s largest aquarium and is a center for marine research and ocean life literacy. Opened to the public in 1956, it is Canada’s first public aquarium. Vancouver Aquarium has thousands of aquatic species that have delighted over 40 million visitors worldwide. Its mission is to become a top-notch facility that gives animals the utmost care and visitors a fun and educational experience. The Aquarium was the first ever in the world to receive Humane Certification from American Humane in 2016.