SIGN UP TO GET A FREE COPY OF MY ULTIMATE CAMPING CHECKLIST

A Complete Guide to Planning a Wedding in Victoria, BC

My guide to planning a wedding in Victoria BC will highlight why our little piece of paradise is the perfect place to say "I do."

Victoria, British Columbia is a wedding destination that combines stunning natural beauty, historical charm and modern amenities. It has everything you need for the wedding of your dreams. This guide to planning a wedding covers what you need to know about venues, vendors, legal requirements, accommodations and more. Combined with all the information about the region already on this site, MustBeVictoria.com is your one-stop guide for planning your Southern Vancouver Island wedding.

Why Choose Victoria, BC for Your Wedding?

If you're a local, you already know about Victoria's picturesque setting, charming architecture and scenic beauty. It truly is unlike any other. If you are planning a destination wedding to Victoria you'll soon learn that we appeal to couples looking for everything from urban sophistication to rugged outdoor adventure. Victoria is an ideal location for couples to customize their wedding to suit their specific style. This guide to planning a wedding will get you started.

Here are a few reasons why couples choose Victoria for their wedding:

Scenic Beauty: Nestled on the southern tip of Vancouver Island, Victoria offers breathtaking views of the ocean, mountains and lush forests.
Rich History: The city is filled with beautiful heritage buildings and historical sites, providing a romantic and timeless backdrop for weddings.
Year-Round Mild Climate: Victoria’s temperate weather allows for outdoor ceremonies throughout the year.
Variety of Venues: From elegant ballrooms and luxurious resorts to rustic barns and botanical gardens, there is a venue for every style and budget.
Ease of Access: Victoria is easily accessible by ferry, seaplane or a quick flight from Vancouver or Seattle.

Best Wedding Venues in Victoria

Victoria has an array of stunning wedding venues to suit every taste. Here are some popular options:

The Butchart Gardens

One of Victoria’s most famous attractions, The Butchart Gardens offers a fairytale setting for a wedding. With vibrant floral displays, tranquil fountains, and manicured lawns, this venue is perfect for garden lovers.

Capacity: Up to 200 guests
Best For: Outdoor ceremonies, garden-themed weddings
Highlights: Rose garden, Japanese garden and scenic pathways

Hatley Castle

This historic castle, located at Royal Roads University, offers a majestic backdrop with its grand architecture and beautiful gardens.

Capacity: Up to 250 guests
Best For: Classic and elegant weddings, historical themes
Highlights: Castle interiors, manicured lawns and ocean views

Delta Hotels by Marriott Victoria Ocean Pointe Resort

For a modern and luxurious experience, this waterfront hotel offers stunning views of the Inner Harbour and easy access to downtown Victoria.

Capacity: Up to 300 guests
Best For: Waterfront weddings, hotel receptions
Highlights: Ballrooms, spa services, and waterfront terraces

Sea Cider Farm & Ciderhouse

For a rustic and relaxed wedding, Sea Cider offers a beautiful farm setting with apple orchards and views of the ocean.

Capacity: Up to 160 guests
Best For: Rustic, outdoor, and farm-themed weddings
Highlights: Orchard ceremonies, handcrafted ciders, and a charming barn

Fairmont Empress Hotel

The iconic Fairmont Empress offers a blend of history, luxury, and impeccable service. It’s perfect for couples who want a lavish and elegant wedding.

Capacity: Up to 400 guests
Best For: Grand, luxurious weddings
Highlights: Crystal Ballroom, Tea Lounge and views of the Inner Harbour

Keep reading here for many more indoor venue ideas.

Legal Requirements for Getting Married in Victoria

Before you can exchange vows in Victoria, you’ll need to meet the legal requirements for getting married in British Columbia:

Marriage License: You’ll need to obtain a marriage license from any Service BC office or authorized vendor. The license costs $100 and is valid for 90 days.
Age Requirements: Both parties must be at least 19 years old. If under 19, parental consent is required.
Identification: Both parties must provide valid government-issued photo ID, such as a passport or driver’s license.
Officiant: You must have a licensed officiant to perform the ceremony. This can be a religious representative, a marriage commissioner or a celebrant.
Witnesses: You will need two witnesses over the age of 18 to be present during the ceremony.

For more information about getting married in the Province of British Columbia visit the Government of BC website.

Wedding Vendors in Victoria

This section of my guide to planning a wedding is going to evolve over the coming months. I could just provide you a list of the top results that Google comes back with but you could do that too. My intention with this section is to curate a list of photographers, florists, caterers, bakers and planners whose work I admire or I have a connection with. Some may be young people who are just establishing their businesses or others with a proven reputation in the wedding industry. Either way, I am confident you will find this section of my guide to planning a wedding to be helpful for your special day.

Bridal Boutique

Not only am I the creator, writer and publisher of this site, I have several other creative outlets. One of my life-long passions is knitting and crochet. I am very experienced at both and recently turned to creating bridal fashion and accessories. Items for sale will be posted here as they become available.

Photographers

Florists

Brown’s the Florist: A long-established florist known for beautiful bouquets and arrangements.

Caterers

Truffles Catering: Offers customizable menus with local and sustainable ingredients.

Bakers

The Dutch Bakery: A family-run bakery known for traditional and custom creations.

Planners

Accommodation Options for Guests

Whether your guests are looking for luxury, charm or budget-friendly options, Victoria has something for everyone:

Fairmont Empress
Magnolia Hotel & Spa
Oak Bay Beach Hotel
Chateau Victoria Hotel & Suites
Hotel Grand Pacific
Parkside Hotel & Spa
Accent Inns Victoria
Days Inn by Wyndham Victoria on the Harbour

Find more accommodations in Victoria here.

Best Times of Year to Get Married in Victoria

Victoria’s mild climate allows for year-round weddings, but some seasons may be more desirable based on your preferences:

Spring (March to May): The gardens are in full bloom and temperatures are mild.
Summer (June to September): Warm, sunny weather makes this the peak wedding season. It is also peak travel season so everything is busier and more expensive.
Fall (October to November): Fall foliage provides a beautiful backdrop and venues may offer discounts.
Winter (December to February): Cozy indoor weddings can be romantic and holiday decor adds charm.

Learn more about weather in Victoria here.

Activities for Wedding Guests

Victoria offers plenty for your guests to see and do before or after the wedding. Some highlights include:

Explore Butchart Gardens: A must-see, especially in spring and summer.
Visit the Royal BC Museum: Learn about BC’s history and culture.
Go Whale Watching: Take a tour to see orcas, humpbacks, and more.
Tour the Parliament Buildings: Beautiful architecture and free guided tours.
Enjoy Afternoon Tea: The Fairmont Empress offers a classic tea experience.
Stroll Fisherman’s Wharf: A fun area with floating homes and seafood shacks.

Be sure to visit the "See and Do" section of this site for many more things to do in Victoria.

Final Tips for Planning Your Victoria Wedding

Book Early: Popular venues and vendors fill up quickly, especially during peak summer months. If you don't have a lot of lead time, consider getting married on less popular days of the week in order to secure your preferred venue.
Visit in Advance: If you've never been here, plan a trip to Victoria to tour venues and meet vendors. Consider visiting during one of the annual wedding shows to meet the most vendors in one location.
Prepare for Weather: Even in summer, be ready for rain with a backup plan for outdoor ceremonies.
Consider Transportation: Arrange shuttles for guests, especially if venues are outside the city.
Embrace Local Touchs: Incorporate local flowers, food and scenery into your wedding for a unique and memorable experience.