This post is great if you are researching forest wedding venues BC. British Columbia has an amazing amount of forests to get married in. In this post, we will touch on private wedding venues for forests, getting married on crown land, campgrounds, as well as beautiful parks in British Columbia.
All photos by BC-based wedding photographers Pursell Photography
What is a Forest Wedding?
A forest wedding is a unique and beautiful way to tie the knot in an outdoor setting.
Weddings are more popular than ever, but choosing a venue can be difficult. With a forest wedding, you get an outdoor ceremony in nature with the beautiful natural light that happens in the forest.
Private Forest Wedding Venues in British Columbia
Private forest wedding venues are popular because they are typically located on private property and the process of gaining permission to hold a ceremony is usually simplified. They also offer other services that come along with being on private land as well like washrooms, kitchens, covered areas, and tents in case of bad weather.
Stanley Park Pavillion Side Lawn
The Stanley Park Pavillion Side Lawn is on the east side of the wedding venue and is perfect for wedding ceremonies or tented receptions. It faces the nearby natural trees. This venue can be tented and is licensed for up to 200 seated guests or 300 standing guests. See wedding photos from the Pavillion. (https://stanleyparkpavilion.com/weddings/)
Whonnock lake | Maple Ridge Bc
Whonnock Lake Centre has the capacity to hold 160 people and features a large hall with amenities including a kitchen, multipurpose room, and two meeting rooms. The venue is also located in a beautiful park setting. More photos (Official)
UBC Botanical Gardens | Vancouver
Their beautiful grounds will be an unforgettable location for your wedding ceremony, reception or photos. The multiple venues offer unique characteristics to match your needs. (https://botanicalgarden.ubc.ca/)
Rowena’s Inn on the River | Fraser Valley Bc
A beautiful wedding venue with lots of natural beauty. You invite your closest friends & family for a romantic ceremony near some mighty trees by the river. More photos from Rowena’s. (official)
Cedar Haven | Sooke Bc
Cedar Haven is a forest wedding venue near East Sooke on Vancouver Island, Canada. They have been hosting weddings since 2017, with magical weddings in the woods. (official)
Sea Cider wedding | Vancouver Island
Sea Cider is a unique and innovative winery venue that has the space to accommodate up to 120 guests and can help you plan your wedding. They have a beautiful rustic forest that is perfect for weddings. (official)
Cheakamus Centre | Squamish British Columbia
Cheakamus Centre has the perfect venue for you to tie the knot. Whether it is a natural setting you are looking for, or an indoor venue & outdoor backdrop all in one, Cheakamus will provide the perfect experience. (official)
Harrison Hot Springs Resort | Fraser Valley
Harrison Hot Springs Resort is a beautiful wedding venue in the Fraser Valley. Their wedding packages are perfect for couples who want a rustic and natural outdoor woodsy setting. More photos from Harrison. (official)
Island Lake Lodge | Fernie
The Island Lake Lodge is a special place with 800-year-old cedar, spruce, and douglas fir trees. It’s perfect for friends and family to come to visit for an unforgettable wedding. (https://www.islandlakelodge.com/)
Parks With Beautiful Forests that are good for weddings
Some of these public parks have beautiful forests with easy access. Many of these parks require a permit to use the area for weddings.
Stanley Park Downtown Vancouver
Stanley Park is Vancouver’s best-known and most beautiful urban park, located at the center of one of Canada’s most densely populated areas. A winding network of paths, green space and towering trees, it is a popular destination for weddings for a reason. More photos from Stanley Park.
Pacific Spirit Park in Vancouver
Pacific Spirit Park is a breathtaking forest with endless ways to explore it. There are plenty of wide paths to hold a wedding without affecting nature.
Golden Ears Provincial Park in Maple Ridge
If you’re into water, mountains, and forests, Golden Ears might be your place! It’s a park with some beautiful locations to celebrate your wedding. There’s a lot happening on the weekends during summer so I wouldn’t recommend it for wedding celebrations in mid-summer.
Lighthouse Park in West Vancouver
Lighthouse Park offers some of the most dramatic views of BC’s coastal sunset. On the way, you’ll stop by a huge forest that has wide trails for walking.
Redwood Park in South Surrey
Redwood Park has great accessibility, multiple location options for your wedding ceremony, and even open areas for you your guests to sit in.
Forests on Crown Land
You can use crown land for almost anything and that includes a wedding. It’s important to note here that everyone else can use crown land for anything as well, so you have to expect people camping, off-roading, hunting, etc. British Columbia has a HUGE amount of crown land.
You can use the government of BC’s website https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/data/geographic-data-services/web-based-mapping/imapbc and check what is Crown Land and what is not. Use the “Integrated Cadastral Fabric – Crown Ownership – All” and look for crown land in the area you are thinking about holding your wedding.
Citizens of Canada have the opportunity to use public land at no cost. If you’re not a resident, technically you need to apply for a permit and pay $10/day per person.
There are some restrictions you should be aware of, such as ‘leave no trace, and no cutting down healthy trees. These are just common-sense things that need to be said before embarking on any trip in the outdoors.
We have millions of square kilometres of pristine wilderness out there. Get out there and embrace it!
Great places around Vancouver that has beautiful crown land that would be great for a forest wedding are:
- Chilliwack Lake Road
- Harrison East and West FSR
- Squamish FSR
- Mission – Davis lake area
Getting married in campgrounds
Campgrounds are a great place to get married. They have beautiful scenery, the perfect location for a wedding, and its great having your guests stay with you in the same campground.
Camping areas are often overlooked when it comes to wedding venues because they are rustic. However, that doesn’t mean they aren’t worth considering as a wedding venue option. Campgrounds offer an escape from city life while still providing amenities like washrooms and shelter.
Check with the campground near you to see if they would allow weddings. Finding a large group site that is away from other campsites might be the perfect option.
Lower Mainland BC
Sunshine Coast British Columbia
Vancouver Island BC
Interior British Columbia
- Wells Gray Provincial Park
- Kootenay Lake Provincial Park
- Liard River Hot Springs Provincial Park
- Yoho National Park
4 Incredible Reasons Why You’ll Love Your Forest Wedding Venues in BC
If you are planning a forest wedding in British Columbia, you’ll be able to find the perfect venue for your event. Here are five reasons why forest wedding venues in BC are worth considering.
1. You can plan your wedding in a natural setting that is beautiful and unique.
2. You’ll be able to create a personal experience with nature that will last forever.
3. Forest weddings allow for an authentic experience without any extra decorations or décor that might distract from the natural beauty of the venue itself.
4. The scenery will be unmatched and unforgettable, and the guests will have plenty of opportunities to enjoy it as well!
Who is responsible for obtaining permits for a BC forest wedding?
The couple must obtain the necessary permits before they can get married in a BC forest. Some parks require a permit or permission. When having your wedding at private venues permission is usually included.
What are some things that one should consider when organizing a BC forest wedding?
For those who are getting married, planning a BC forest wedding is a great way to have a beautiful and unique wedding. However, there are many things that you need to consider before you start planning your wedding.
-Photographer
-Location
-Date
-Ceremony
-Reception
-Invitations and RSVPs
-Floral arrangements and centrepieces
-Food and drink selections
-Music selection for ceremony and reception
How to Choose the Best Day and Time for Your BC Forest Wedding?
When you are planning your BC forest wedding, it is important to find the best day and time for your ceremony. There are many factors that determine the best time for a BC forest wedding.
Factors to consider when choosing the best day and time for your BC forest wedding:
- Where the sun is located
- Weather
- The level of interest in the area you are looking at
- The availability of parking spots
- Distance from the parking for your ceremony or reception
Hire us as your photographers
Once you book your forest wedding venue, we would be happy to take photographs for you. We photograph weddings in an intimate forest setting as well as natural landscapes with a luxurious feel. Get in touch to book your free photography consultation.