It’s time I finally get to my home town, Victoria, BC. This is a favourite destination for millions of tourists and Canadians every year. And there’s nowhere else in Canada I’d live! It’s not only beautiful, but offers so much to do and experience. They don’t call it beautiful British Columbia for nothing. Oddly enough I’m not biased, I know, you don’t believe me, but I have lots of other places in the world that I love to travel to. However, I haven’t met anyone that doesn’t love it here.
I’m going to cover Victoria and surrounding area (maximum a 1 hour drive from the city). Vancouver Island is a two hour ferry ride or 30 minute flight from the Lower Mainland (Vancouver). Please be aware that this is not a small little Island that you can zip around, in one day, from mile zero in Victoria to Port Hardy it’s 500km / 310 miles. And if you want to reach the very north end, I think there’s a forestry service road, for another 70km / 40 miles or so!
Its important to understand these distances, because it will impact your plans. While getting married on the beach in Tofino and then having your reception in Victoria seems like an amazing idea, you probably don’t want your guests driving over 4.5 hours one way to get there.
If you’re looking for group bookings, contact to me and I’ll work with my contacts to put together an amazing package for you.
DON’T FORGET – If you’re getting married, or renewing your vows you will need to check whether you need a Visitors Visa and a Marriage License, as well as a justice of the peace, minister or officiant to make it all happen.
*Disclaimer – prices are just a guideline, if you’re looking to book a venue, I’m happy to help.
Style: Hotel | Waterfront | City | Harbour & City Views
The Delta is set right on the water, with views of Victoria’s inner harbour, you can watch the sea planes taking off, and the harbour ferries puttering around. Located about a 10 minute walk to downtown. What I love about the Delta, which is now part of the Marriott family; is the sense of style and sophistication you feel when you’re there. The rooms are great, the suites are spectacular with a view overlooking the harbour. And the service is also great. Oh and the food is fantastic, I’ve eaten at Lure Restaurant and Bar many times, as well as the food served at a wedding!
Accommodations: Peak summer $449 – $509 CDN per night | Off season $269 – $359 CDN per night
Events Guest Capacity: 280 guests
Group Events: Suitable for weddings, meetings and corporate events.
To book this venue: Please contact me if you’re interested in booking this venue.
Style: Private Farm | Ranch | Outdoor | Restored Barn
This stunning location is truly unique. With long table seating perfect for family reunions and vow renewals and even elopements. It’s also perfect for that elegant rustic, shabby chic styled wedding. With rustic barns and expansive walkways this location offers true heritage charm.
Guest capacity: 150 guests
Group Events: Suitable for weddings, meetings and corporate events.
To book this venue: Please contact me if you’re interested in booking this venue.
By acquiring a liquor permit for your event, you’re also able to supply your own alcoholic beverages. However, your caterer will be able to assist you with bar tending services.
You must provide/arrange for the following: Flowers • DJ/Music • Decorations • Wedding Officiate • Catering • Photographer • Wedding cake • And any other extras.
*Please note, that they have trusted vendors that they work with, so speak to them first.
Style: Private Orchard | Barn | Farm
Sea Cider Farm is a working apple cider farm. It’s perfect for corporate, family reunions or weddings. Voted one of Victoria’s best event locations, they’ve got the art of special events down. They offer a casual and effortless style, in a flexible and peaceful environment.
Events Guest capacity: 150 guests
Services: Ceremony | Reception Indoor & Outdoor – Event Tent 150 guests / Indoor 71 guests | Forest Ceremony Space 170 guests
Group Events: Suitable for weddings, meetings and corporate events.
To book this venue: Please contact me if you’re interested in booking this venue.
You must provide/arrange for the following: Flowers • DJ/Music • Decorations • Wedding Officiate • Catering • Photographer • Wedding cake • And any other extras.
*Please note, that they have trusted vendors that they work with, so speak to them first.
Style: Private Hotel | Gardens | Beach Front
Is located on Vancouver Islands’ West Coast – only 60 minutes from Victoria. I’ve chosen this location because it’s a beautiful ocean-side resort, that will leave you with beautiful memories and amazing photos. I’ve toured this property and think its incredibly beautiful. Perched overlooking the Pacific Ocean and Straits of Juan de Fuca, the Sooke Harbour House Resort Hotel is the perfect destination location. Whether its a family reunion, or your wedding they’ve got it covered.
Accomodations: Peak season starting at $412 – $604 CDN per night | Winter $379 – $575 CDN per night
Planning on inviting family and friends from out of town? Buy the Keys to the Inn and reserve all 28 rooms.
Events Guest capacity: 150 Guests
Group Events: Suitable for weddings, meetings and corporate events.
To book this venue: Please contact me if you’re interested in booking this venue.
Style: Private Gardens | World famous tourist site
World famous, and every square inch covered in gorgeous floral display. Butchart Gardens has hosted thousands of weddings over the years. You couldn’t ask for a more beautiful location to say your vows, and have your photos taken. They have several options, one of which is a picnic on the fireworks lawn, catering is offered for this event, and would be a fabulous way to spend the day.
Guest capacity: See below for space & date specifications
The Spring Prelude – Up to 60 guests | Available January 15 – March 31
The Blue Poppy Restaurant – Reception up to 240 guests | Reception up to 400 guests
The Carousel Room – great for parties and group events – Up to 40 guests
The Dining Room Restaurant – Reception up to 124 guests
The Fireworks Lawn – Reception up to 200 guests
The Residence Lawn – Up to 126 guests seated at picnic tables and an additional 120 guests seated on picnic blankets.
Group Events: Suitable for weddings, meetings and corporate events.
To book this venue: Please contact me if you’re interested in booking this venue.
Style: Hotel | City | Waterfront | Harbour and City Views
The Laurel Point Inn sits right on the water along Victoria’s outer harbour, less than a 15 minute walk along the shoreline to downtown. Minutes from Fisherman’s Wharf and Ogden Point Cruise Ship Terminal. Guest rooms and suites feature water views, private balconies the Inn’s two wings balance clean, classic design elements with a modern style, with an indoor pool.
Accommodations: Starting from $359 to $1309 CDN Peak Season
Events Guest capacity: 250 guests
Group Events: Suitable for weddings, meetings and corporate events.
To book this venue: Please contact me if you’re interested in booking this venue.
Style: Estate/Mansion | Historical Site | Gardens
If you’re looking for a historical Victorian feel, you’ll find beautiful stained glass windows, exquisite woodwork in one of Victoria’s oldest buildings. This wonderful Castle has had many lives from that of military hospital, college, school board, and a music conservancy, the Castle is now open to the public as a museum. Available for weddings, cocktail receptions, garden parties, photo shoots, fundraisers and more!
Event Guest capacity: Accommodates up to 300 guests
Group Events: Suitable for weddings, meetings and corporate events.
To book this venue: Please contact me if you’re interested in booking this venue.
Style: Hotel | Historic Building | Luxury | 5* | Harbour & City Views
There isn’t a more iconic building in all of Victoria. The Empress has been the city landmark for over 100 years. They’ve recently renovated the entire interior, updating it to give it that modern and sophisticated feel most of us have become accustomed to. But they have somehow managed to retain all the charm and history. The location literally could not be better. It is in the very heart of the city, across the street from the harbour, and close to absolutely everything. The best part of staying downtown is that you are within walking distance of pretty much everything.
Oh and because sometimes accolades need to be made – The Empress is a 5 star property and recognized as one of Top 21 Iconic Hotels in the World by National Geographic Traveler magazine, honoured with Travel + Leisure Magazine’s World’s Best Award for Top 10 City Hotels in Canada, and regarded as a Condé Nast Readers’ Choice and Gold List hotel.
Accomodations: Starting from $569 – $939 CDN per night – peak season | Christmas $304 – $623 CDN per night
Events Guest capacity: 500 guests
Group Events: Suitable for weddings, meetings and corporate events.
To book this venue: Please contact me if you’re interested in booking this venue.
Style: Winery | Rustic | Pacific Northwest Style
I’ve chosen this place, because it’s both special and beautiful. This is a uniquely Pacific Northwest experience that perfectly pairs the wild and rustic nature of the vineyard with the sleek modernity of their Tasting Bar. The Winery boasts a sprawling open concept floor plan with high ceilings and windows, exposed cedar beams, and a covered and heated wrap-around veranda. No matter what weather the unpredictable West Coast brings, Church & State will accommodate your needs to ensure your event is perfect in every way.
Event Guest capacity: 300 guests
Group Events: Suitable for weddings, meetings and corporate events.
To book this venue: Please contact me if you’re interested in booking this venue.
You must provide/arrange for the following: Flowers • DJ/Music • Decorations • Wedding Officiate • Photographer • Wedding cake • And any other extras.
Style: Outdoor | Scenic | Historic Site
This one-of-a-kind experience at Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic Sites, offers you the opportunity to go from intimate to the most extravagant. There’s room for groups small and large. You can hold your ceremony on the cliff of Lower Battery, overlooking the historic Fisgard Lighthouse, the Juan de Fuca Strait and the Olympic mountains; or find the perfect grove of trees in one of our green spaces for a more intimate event. This spacious outdoor venue is ideal for your wedding, reception, or other memorable celebration!
This is not a conventional site, and is a Government run public property. You will need to follow their rules. Here’s a link to their Q&A, because you’ll need to know these things.
Rental Rates: All Prices are in CDN Dollars
Evening (6 p.m. to 9 p.m.), groups under 100 – $392.50
Evening (6 p.m. to 9 p.m.), groups over 100, per person – $3.90
Wedding Parties (Ceremony Only), administrative fee – $9.10
Wedding Parties (Ceremony Only), per guest – $3.40
Wedding Parties (Ceremony and Reception), administrative fee – $196.20
Wedding Parties (Ceremony & Reception), per guest – $3.90
To have both wedding and reception here takes a lot more planning, however, getting married here, doesn’t have to be too complicated. You just need a event set up company to put up and take down the chairs, then your reception can be elsewhere.
You must provide/arrange for the following: Flowers • DJ/Music • Chair Rentals, etc. • Catering • Decorations • Wedding Officiate • Photographer • Wedding cake • And any other extras.
Style: Historic | Castle | Gardens | Estate | University | Movie location
Hatley Castle is one of the most sought after wedding destinations in the region. About a 25 minute drive from downtown Victoria, Hatley Castle is a designated World Heritage Site. The grand staircase makes for a dramatic entrance, or walking through a heritage garden, surrounded by flowers and beauty. With three uniquely different locations available for your ceremony. It truly is a magnificent location to say “I do”.
Guest capacity: 300 Guests
Group Events: Suitable for weddings, meetings and corporate events.
To book this venue: Please contact me if you’re interested in booking this venue.
Weddings: Base rental peak season plus catering, etc. Depending upon the package choice. Starting from $18,000 CDN (50 guests minimum charge)
2.5 hr Castle ceremony only pkg October to May only
2.5 hr Garden ceremony only pkg 9am to 2pm
You must provide/arrange for the following: Flowers • DJ/Music • Catering (Truffles) • Decorations • Wedding Officiate • Photographer • Wedding cake • And any other extras.
Style: Museum | Gallery
The Royal BC Museum is an amazing location for your special event, whether a full sit down dinner for 200, a grazing reception, a long table dinner or something entirely unique, they can make it happen. It has been everything from the dining room on the Titanic to an Egyptian banquet hall—a primeval forest or a trapeze training school. They will help you bring your vision to life!
If you want your event to be outdoors, The Royal BC Museum offers several locations: at historic Helmcken House in Elliot Square, amid the totems of Thunderbird Park or beside the reflection pool in front of the BC Archives.
Guest capacity: 200 Guests
Group Events: Suitable for weddings, meetings and corporate events.
To book this venue: Please contact me if you’re interested in booking this venue.
Style: Hotel | Spa | Oceanside resort
The Brentwood Bay Resort & Spa is set in the most idyllic location half way out the peninsula, only about a 25 minute drive from downtown Victoria, it feels like an escape. From weddings, to family gatherings, elopements and vow renewals, it’s all there. With an outdoor deck that leaves you never wanting to leave! They have 36 beautifully designed OceanSuites and OceanVillas, tailored for the luxury traveler, this destination won’t soon be forgotten.
Accomodations: Starting from $304 – $749 CDN per night
Guest capacity: 120 Guests
Group Events: Suitable for weddings, meetings and corporate events.
To book this venue: Please contact me if you’re interested in booking this venue.
I hope that one of these beautiful destinations inspires you to book your destination event in Victoria, BC. You can find a lot more inspiration on Instagram & Pinterest.
Looking to book? Remember, I’m here for all your luxury travel needs.
Please consider sharing and pinning because each share truly helps me out! Thanks – Maria
And if you have a suggestion for a city/country that you’d like me to focus on, please send me a message at maria @ theeventfultraveller.com and I’ll get to it asap.
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Joanne | 5th Aug 19
Your photos are absolutely breathtakingly beautiful!
Melissa Parcel | 5th Aug 19
I love Victoria BC and it’s been way too many years since I’ve been there (even though I live so close!)
Maria | 5th Aug 19
It’s changed a lot in the last 10 years. Still beautiful though. And I get it, I love Seattle for example, and yet, do I ever get there…
Angela | 5th Aug 19
Some of those settings are just breathtaking . I was there once as a teen and would love to go back again especially in tulip season!
Maria | 5th Aug 19
Thank you, yes it is beautiful during tulip season!
Cynthia | 5th Aug 19
This a such a great resource for people looking to book an event in Victoria BC.
Maria | 5th Aug 19
Thank you, that’s my goal!
Candy K | 5th Aug 19
We’ve only been to Canada when we went to Niagara Falls. I had no idea there were so many beautiful places.
Maria | 5th Aug 19
I’d say the West Coast is the most beautiful part of Canada
Katherine Wolfe | 5th Aug 19
Goodness gracious, all of those places are gorgeous!
Adrienne B Redelings | 5th Aug 19
Beautiful! I love the tulips!
Nikki | 5th Aug 19
Beautiful! I’m sure most people don’t think of Victoria when considering a wedding but if I was getting married and had read your post I would sure consider it
Maria | 5th Aug 19
Thank you! That’s awesome 🙂
Tiffany | 5th Aug 19
Just beautiful!!!
Suzan | 6th Aug 19
Thank you for the beautiful virtual tour of an area that speaks to me.
Margaret | 6th Aug 19
Thank you for the information and the awesome and beautiful pictures. The Delta Ocean pointe resort and the castle definitely tapped the list for me!
Maria | 6th Aug 19
You’re most welcome. The Delta is definitely worth the stay!
Sian | 6th Aug 19
These places look stunning! We would love to see some orcas, my boyfriend loved Free Willy growing up and now spoils our nephew with orca toys haha
Maria | 6th Aug 19
So funny, you should come and experience them for yourselves!
Haley Kelley | 6th Aug 19
I love vacation posts! B.C. is on my list of places to go and I cannot wait!
Kendra | 6th Aug 19
Gorgeous event destinations! I especially love the Ciderhouse! We were in Victoria for an afternoon 3 years ago and loved it!
April | 6th Aug 19
That area looks absolutely and entirely amazing
Lisa Manderino | 6th Aug 19
So beautiful! I want to go know!
Karla Petersen | 6th Aug 19
Beautiful! This makes me want to plan an event. For no reason whatsoever… just gather a bunch a people to have time together!
Maria | 6th Aug 19
Awesome! Just do it!
Christina Furnival Real Life Mama | 6th Aug 19
Such a helpful post! My younger brother is getting married in Paris next year and we so could’ve used a post like this!
Maria | 6th Aug 19
Paris was actually on the list after I finish Vancouver Island! Hope their wedding is fantastic!
Cindy | 6th Aug 19
Such beautiful and unique locations for events! I’m especially drawn to the big houses/castles. I’d love to explore those.
Ruth Iaela-Pukahi | 7th Aug 19
I never thought to visit Canada before but your blog and pictures are totally changing my mind! 🙂 It’s so beautiful!!!
Heather | 7th Aug 19
Wow, these are stunning locations. My baby sister just got engaged, but these are a little bit a drive from Boston, MA. LOL. Simply stunning.
Maria | 7th Aug 19
Unfortunately yes! Boston is on my list of destinations.
Laura Lee | 7th Aug 19
SO many beautiful venues and great places for a destination wedding. So often we think of going tropical, but these look perfect!
Carie Faa | 9th Aug 19
I wish I’d had this resource available when planning our daughter’s wedding 3 years ago…love the way you’ve condensed and included so much helpful information on one site. Would have saved a lot of time checking out the recommended venues. Your blog is stunning!
Maria | 9th Aug 19
Thank you so much!
T.M. Brown | 14th Aug 19
Okay, I am officially intrigued! This place looks fantastic – so many gorgeous places to visit!
Maria | 14th Aug 19
Intrigued is good! That’s how we discover new places!