About Vancouver
Vancouver is located in the southwest corner of British Columbia, Canada. It was initially a small sawmilling settlement in the 1870s and was incorporated as a city in April 1886. Today, it’s a thriving coastal seaport city and one of Canada’s most linguistically and ethnically diverse cities, with a little over half of the population speaking a first language other than English.
From waterfront parks to fields of wildflowers and natural wooded areas, there’s no shortage of gorgeous spots in the city where you’ll feel close to nature. There are also mountains nearby, including Grouse Mountain, Cypress Mountain, and Mount Seymour, for outdoor enthusiasts and thrill seekers to explore.
With its lovely climate, spectacular natural views, and fantastic cityscapes, it's no wonder why couples choose this picturesque city as one of their top destinations for weddings. Whether you're looking for a breathtaking mountain view or an ocean backdrop, you can pick any setting for your Vancouver outdoor wedding venue. So, if you want your big day surrounded by natural beauty while still having access to modern amenities nearby, look no further than lovely Vancouver!
Outdoor Wedding Options in Vancouver
- Photography
A good photographer can capture the emotions of your wedding day and turn them into beautiful, lasting memories. There are a variety of photographers to choose from in Vancouver, so take your time to find one you connect with and whose style you love.
- Catering
Your catering team will be responsible for creating a delicious menu that will wow your guests and leaves them satisfied. Several catering businesses in Vancouver are available for you to select from, so choose the one you trust and whose cuisine you enjoy.
- Wedding Planning
A wedding planner can be a valuable resource when planning your big day. They can help you stay organized, find vendors, and stay within your budget. Thankfully, Vancouver has numerous reliable wedding planners who will work with you from start to finish to help you plan your dream wedding.
Outdoor Wedding Vendors in Vancouver
- Blissfully Dynamic Events
Blissfully Dynamic Events is a full-service events and decor company in Vancouver serving all over British Columbia. They have experts in wedding and party planning, coordination, décor setup and take-down, and full-service bartending services. They have you covered no matter what event you're planning, from small gatherings to grand wedding celebrations.
- Potluck Catering
Operating since 2001, Potluck Catering is a Vancouver-based catering business dedicated to helping the city's residents through training and employment. Their dedicated team will assist you with menu selection, rentals, staffing, and other logistics to ensure your wedding is successful. They can cater to larger events of up to 100 people and more and provide custom menu options to fit any specific dietary needs.
- Sea to Sky Studios
Sea to Sky Studios is a husband-and-wife team of photographers specializing in natural light wedding and portrait photography. Based in Bowen Island, British Columbia, they are passionate about capturing the beauty of the Sea to Sky region and its people. Working with couples to best capture their day, they pride themselves on their ability to tell a story through their images. Whether it's a wedding, engagement, elopement, or simply couple photos, they strive to create lasting memories that will be cherished for years.
Pros and Cons of Outdoor Weddings in Vancouver
Outdoor weddings in Vancouver have become increasingly popular in recent years due to the city’s stunning natural beauty and temperate climate. Before making a decision, however, it is essential to consider the pros and cons of outdoor weddings in Vancouver.
Advantages
- Vancouver has some of the most beautiful natural scenery in the world, making it a perfect backdrop for any outdoor wedding.
- Natural daylight helps create unique pictures that will last a lifetime. With its mild climate, Vancouver is perfect for photos taken during the golden hour – providing a romantic glow for your special day!
- Since there are no walls or ceilings outdoors, guests can enjoy unlimited space during your ceremony and reception.
- Outdoor weddings provide endless opportunities for unique decor ideas such as floral archways, hanging chandeliers, floating lanterns, and much more.
Disadvantages
- Unfortunately, Mother Nature doesn’t always cooperate with our outdoor plans. If it rains or if there is windy weather on your special day, things can quickly go awry!
- Bugs are another issue couples should consider when planning an outdoor wedding in Vancouver. Mosquitos love warm summer nights, so it might be a good idea to invest in citronella candles or insect-repellent sprays ahead of time.
- Outdoor venues may have noise restrictions limiting the amount of noise you can make during your reception. This could affect what you play on your speakers and how late into the night you can party.
- Sunburns can also occur if couples forget about protecting their skin from the UV rays, so bring sunscreen for everyone attending your event!
Tips on How to Organize Outdoor Weddings in Vancouver
Planning an outdoor wedding can be time-consuming and even stressful. But with a few simple tips, it can be easy to pull off a beautiful and memorable event.
- Consider the location: Choose a site that is both convenient for your guests and has stunning natural surroundings. If you pick a remote location, it would be best to arrange transportation to ensure everyone can get to the outdoor wedding venue on time and without issues.
- When to hold your wedding: Think about the best time of day when you will have the ceremony and reception. If possible, avoid the midday sun, as it can be uncomfortably hot for everyone involved. Instead, opt for an evening wedding or early morning.
- Don't forget to decorate: Start planning your decorations once you set the date and time. Simple white lights are always a classic choice, or you could go for something more festive, like lanterns or bunting. Flowers are also a must-have for an outdoor wedding, so be sure to work with a florist who can help you choose blooms that will complement your setting.
- Create Establish an emergency plan: Don't forget to plan for inclement weather! Have a contingency plan in case of rain or heat, and communicate any changes to your guests in advance.
Famous Locations in Vancouver
- Jericho Beach
Jericho Beach is one of Vancouver's most beautiful seaside locations. Located on the shores of English Bay, the beach offers stunning views of the water and the city skyline. The garden is less crowded than other parks near downtown Vancouver and is flawlessly maintained, with beautiful bougainvillea and rolling green lawns. At Jericho Beach, you can play sports such as soccer, tennis, baseball, softball, and volleyball or have a picnic in the park.
- Queen Elizabeth Park
Queen Elizabeth Park is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Vancouver. As the city's highest point (at 125 m above sea level), it's a fantastic place to get a good view of the park and the city below. The park is home to some of the world's most beautiful and well-maintained gardens, perfect for horticulturists and plant lovers to explore. It also features several sculptures and art installations, making it an ideal place to spend a leisurely afternoon.
- VanDusen Botanical Garden
Nestled in the heart of Vancouver, VanDusen Botanical Garden is a 55-acre garden featuring over 7,500 plant species and varieties worldwide. It has intimate garden settings and spacious lawns with stunning mountain views, making it a wonderful place to relax and hang out with friends and family. For animal lovers, the garden is home to birds, bees, squirrels, fish, coyotes, and insects. You can also explore the garden's features: the Elizabethan Maze, Stone Garden, and Scottish Shelter.