As we toured around Victoria and across to Sooke and back there were several places we went to that made me want to put together this blog post. Vancouver Island wedding venues that would be a dream for me to photograph at!! The island is a beautiful place and these are locations that can be rented for your special day. I know there are many more options as well. These are some that we had the chance to spend a little time at. A great reason to use a venue like some of these listed here is that everything can happen at the same location from getting ready to your ceremony, photos and reception.
I’ll share a little story from early on when I was starting my photography business. From my very first trip to Victoria. I had taken a photography course at the U of C and was second shooting a few weddings for the instructor and doing some portrait sessions on my own as well. But I really felt I wanted to take a workshop that covered technical and artistic aspects of photography as well as business and marketing. Not just from an expert in photography but from someone working in the industry. In September of 2009, I hopped on a plane to Victoria to attend Red Leaf Studios workshop. They were photographers I really admired and what a treat to learn and photograph in this scenic, beautiful city! There was a lot covered in the days I spent there and it’s a place that will always feel important in my photography journey!!
Starting off with this iconic landmark in Victoria. The Fairmont Empress Hotel. Or as they say, Canada’s Castle on the Coast. An absolutely fairytale venue!
Another castle option in Victoria is the Craigdarroch Castle. With Victorian era decor and plenty of character inside and out the castle is elegant and romantic. Either a small indoor or outdoor ceremony would be beautiful! Right next door there’s another historic building, The Craigmyle, with suites to stay in and get ready at or enjoy for your wedding night.
At the time I thought this was marked as a wedding pavilion but reading online the Government House does not allow formal ceremonies like weddings to take place on the grounds. However there are beautiful gardens where you can take photos with no charge. There was a beautiful rose garden area too.
For outdoor nature lovers, there are many beautiful beaches along the coast. Check with the City of Victoria or a local wedding planner for permission and necessary permits. What a dream location with ocean and mountain views!!
We stayed at the Prestige Oceanfront Resort in Sooke to celebrate our 15th anniversary. This would be an amazing wedding venue!! It would really be an honor to photograph a special day here! Their level of service was exceptional, our dinner at the Westcoast Grill was exceptionally good and the hotel and rooms are very nice.
Whether for photos or an intimate outdoor ceremony, there is a beautiful stretch of coastline at Sooke.
Last but not least is Hatleyhttps://hatleypark.ca/weddings Castle. It is a National Historic Site. I didn’t go inside as time was limited but the castle itself and well-kept grounds (even in late fall!) are gorgeous! Everything about this location would make for a dream wedding day!!
There are so many more beautiful Vancouver Island wedding venues. This blog post has links to additional venues in and around Victoria.
Film images were processed and scanned by the Canadian Film Lab.
