10 Vancouver Island Wedding Venues I Love as a Victoria BC Wedding Photographer
When couples reach out asking where they should get married on Vancouver Island, they’re looking for more than a beautiful backdrop. They want one of the best Vancouver Island wedding venues. A space that feels elevated, immersive, and unforgettable. As a Victoria BC Wedding Photographer and Filmmaker, I’ve photographed and filmed at many locations. I pay attention to how a space photographs in every season. I look at how it flows for guests and how it shapes the overall story of the day. With that in mind, these are the luxurious Vancouver Island wedding venues I consistently recommend to couples who want their celebration to feel elevated, refined, and deeply personal.
The Best Luxury Wedding Venues on Vancouver Island
From Victoria to Tofino and beyond, Vancouver Island offers an incredible range of wedding venues for couples seeking refined coastal, historic, and resort-style celebrations.
Hatley Castle
Tone: Regal, historic, cinematic drama
Vibes: Old-world elegance. Grand. European estate energy.
Regal and unmistakably iconic, Hatley Castle offers historical stone architecture, sweeping staircases, and manicured heritage gardens overlooking the ocean. For couples dreaming of that fairy tale experience at a real castle, the European-inspired celebration offered by Hatley Castle on Vancouver Island offers a truly cinematic backdrop at every turn.
Why I personally love it: Hatley Castle is stunning! It’s a photographer’s dream location because there are so many unique opportunities for creativity to flow. My favourite place on the property is the Italian Gardens.
I always love filming at Hatley Castle. This cinematic videography blog from Kaiya and Dagon’s celebration is one of my favourites!
Villa Eyrie
Tone: Romantic destination fantasy
Vibes: Intimate. European escape.
Perched high above the Saanich Inlet, Villa Eyrie feels like a destination wedding in the Italian countryside. The panoramic mountain views, refined architecture, and on-site accommodations create an immersive, romantic experience for both couples and guests, making it popular as a destination wedding venue.
Why I personally love it: Villa Eyrie is one of my favourite venues on Vancouver Island. It feels like you are transported to Lake Como, but you have never left Canada! The intimacy is unreal, and everywhere you turn, the view is stunning.
Oak Bay Beach Hotel
Tone: Refined coastal luxury
Vibes: Oceanfront sophistication. Polished. West Coast black-tie.
Oceanfront and effortlessly refined, Oak Bay Beach Hotel blends historic charm with modern coastal luxury. The sweeping water views, elegant reception spaces, and golden West Coast sunsets make it an ideal choice for couples wanting a polished, upscale celebration in the heart of Victoria.
Why I personally love it: The ocean views at this elegant resort hotel can’t be beat! The timeless beauty of the Pacific Northwest coastline takes my breath away and captures the hearts of many of the couples I work with. Oak Bay Beach Hotel is a perfect option for couples planning a destination wedding.
Capturing proposals at Oak Bay Beach Hotel is also an experience I love! That’s why I was so honoured when Jon asked me to capture his proposal there.
Church & State Winery
Tone: Warm, celebratory, vineyard romance
Vibes: Elevated but relaxed.
For vineyard romance with elevated versatility, Church & State Winery offers both indoor and outdoor spaces framed by rolling vines and warm golden light. It’s a beautiful balance of sophistication and celebration, making it a perfect option for lively, guest-focused weddings.
Why I personally love it: In two words: Golden hour. The warm, cozy feel of Church & State enhances the scenery, making Golden Hour shoots effortless.
Whether you’re planning a summer waterfront celebration or a cozy fall estate wedding, Vancouver Island’s venues offer stunning backdrops in every season.
Gowlland Harbour
Tone: Modern coastal exclusivity
Vibes: Private. West Coast minimal luxury. Ocean backdrops.
Tucked along the coastline in North Saanich, Gowlland Harbour on Quadra Island offers private oceanfront luxury with a distinctly West Coast feel. Intimate, modern, and surrounded by natural beauty, it’s a stunning choice for couples wanting exclusivity and uninterrupted waterfront views.
Why I personally love it: The staff at Gowlland Harbour is incredible! Their attention to detail and personalization to each couple is exceptional. Plus, sneaking away for sunset photos always delivers incredible photos and videos that take your breath away.
Bailey and Tracey’s wedding in Fall 2025 was a perfect example of why having weather options is so important! Learn more about their Gowlland Harbour experience by reading this blog.
Tigh-Na-Mara Seaside Spa Resort
Tone: Immersive West Coast resort experience
Vibes: Beach access. Forest textures. Guest experience-focused.
Nestled between forest and shoreline, Tigh-Na-Mara offers a full West Coast resort experience with beach access, lush grounds, and versatile event spaces. It’s ideal for couples who want a relaxed yet elevated celebration where guests can stay, unwind, and fully immerse themselves in the weekend.
Why I personally love it: Tigh-Na-Mara is perfect for those wanting quality time with their loved ones! Many of the weekend weddings I shoot are here because guests can really enjoy the entire experience in a relaxed setting. The versatility of the property means couples can combine the types of photography or film they want, whether that means green forests, beachy vibes or something else altogether.
Wickaninnish Inn
Tone: Dramatic, windswept, iconic West Coast
Vibes: Luxury meets raw nature. Editorial. Statement venue.
For couples drawn to dramatic coastal beauty, the Wickaninnish Inn in Tofino pairs five-star luxury with sweeping ocean views and windswept beaches. It’s iconic, immersive, and breathtaking. A venue where nature and elegance collide in unforgettable ways.
Why I personally love it: My heart lives in Tofino! And I can’t think of a better venue in Tofino to celebrate your special day.
As a Victoria BC Wedding Photographer & Videographer, I work closely with couples to design timelines that capture the most beautiful light each venue offers. Venues in locations like Tofino will have very different vibes than a venue in the heart of Victoria, and I want to do everything I can to help you get the exact photos and videos you envision to serve as memories you look back on 30+ years into the future.
Fairmont Empress
Tone: Timeless grand hotel elegance
Vibes: Iconic. Historic. International prestige.
An international landmark in the heart of Victoria, the Fairmont Empress is synonymous with timeless grand hotel elegance. With historic architecture, harbour views, and refined ballrooms, it’s perfect for sophisticated, black-tie celebrations.
Why I personally love it: There is a reason this historical hotel books out so quickly! Their desire to deliver quality, luxurious experiences is unmatched.
Butchart Gardens
Tone: Romantic garden masterpiece
Vibes: Lush. Colourful. Classic floral beauty.
World-renowned and endlessly romantic, Butchart Gardens offers vibrant seasonal blooms, manicured pathways, and storybook garden settings. For couples envisioning a floral-forward, European-inspired wedding, it provides colour, charm, and natural beauty in every direction.
Why I personally love it: Butchart Gardens is a horticultural paradise! And it shows in the timeless images and film I capture here.
It’s not my style to pose my clients endlessly for family photos! To make sure my couples maximize their time with guests, I help them create a family photo list. Learn more here.
Stonebridge Estate
Tone: Intimate, private estate magic
Vibes: Emotional. Boutique.
The highly sought-after Stonebridge Estate offers an intimate, private estate charm with a deeply personal atmosphere. Known for hosting some of the most heartfelt celebrations, it’s an ideal choice for couples wanting exclusivity and meaningful connection woven into every moment. A word of caution: Book well in advance because it is very popular.
Why I personally love it: The variety at Stonebridge Estate makes documentary-style storytelling a dream to capture. From the rustic barn to the rolling hills, everywhere you look is a blank canvas ready to capture a memory for a lifetime.
Frequently Asked Questions
The best Vancouver Island wedding venues offer more than beautiful scenery! They provide exceptional guest experience, versatile event spaces, and stunning backdrops for photography and film. Historic estates, oceanfront resorts, luxury hotels, and vineyard venues are especially popular for elevated celebrations.
Most luxury Vancouver Island wedding venues book 12–24 months in advance, especially for peak summer dates. If you’re planning a destination wedding or hoping to secure a highly sought-after venue like Hatley Castle or the Wickaninnish Inn, booking early is essential.
Yes!! Vancouver Island is home to several refined venues perfect for black-tie or sophisticated celebrations, including grand historic hotels, oceanfront resorts, and exclusive private estates. Many of these spaces offer full guest accommodations for a seamless, immersive experience.
Couples can choose from historic castles, waterfront resorts, vineyards, garden estates, boutique hotels, and private oceanfront properties. The island offers an incredible range of venue styles while maintaining its signature West Coast natural beauty.
Start by thinking about the atmosphere you want. Romantic garden? Dramatic coastal? European-inspired estate? Maybe even refined hotel elegance. There is something for everyone! As a Victoria BC Wedding Photographer & Filmmaker, I always encourage couples to consider how the venue supports their timeline, guest experience, and the overall story of their day.
Absolutely! Vancouver Island offers dramatic coastal scenery, luxury resorts, historic estates, and world-class dining. All within easy travel distance from Vancouver and Seattle. Many venues like Oak Bay Beach Resort, Villa Eyrie and Laurel Point Inn provide on-site accommodations, making it ideal for couples planning an immersive, guest-focused destination wedding experience.
Vancouver Island is known for its natural beauty, but having a strong indoor backup option is essential, especially during spring and fall. Many of the best Vancouver Island wedding venues offer seamless indoor-outdoor flow, giving couples flexibility without sacrificing atmosphere or elegance. And Vancouver Island Wedding Planners are pivotal to making it stress-free for you when a weather change occurs. They are professional and experienced in quick thinking and the execution of a new plan.
Planning your wedding on Vancouver Island?
Your venue sets the stage. Your story brings it to life. As a Victoria BC Wedding Photographer & Videographer, I approach every wedding with a creative, cinematic eye and a deep appreciation for connection. If you’re dreaming of a celebration that feels as extraordinary as it looks, I’d love to hear about your plans.
A Little About the Artist Behind the Lens
Hey! I’m Hayley. A Victoria BC Wedding Photographer and Filmmaker who believes your wedding day should feel effortless, elevated, and deeply personal. With years of experience capturing celebrations across Vancouver Island, I approach each wedding as both a storyteller and creative director, guiding you with calm confidence while documenting imagery that feels joyful, cinematic, and true to you.
My team and I are known for creating a seamless experience from our very first conversation to the final gallery and film delivery. By blending refined artistry with genuine connection, we ensure you feel fully supported and present, while every meaningful moment is preserved with intention.
If that sounds like the experience you’re envisioning for your wedding, we would truly love to hear your story. Let’s start with a conversation.
📨 Ready to chat? Get in Touch and let’s make something special
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