“May you - Work like you don't need the money, love like you've never been hurt, dance like no-one is watching, screw like it's being filmed, and drink like a true Irishman”

God I really hope no one quotes that during the speeches at our reception, but knowing our friends, they just might ;)

Hello gentle readers, and today we will be discussing the often arduous, rarely easy, quest for the venue. Now, as I have probably discussed before, this one aspect of the wedding has been a complete nightmare for me. I have literally spent the equivalent of 12 hours trying to  find venues within our budget, within our size and within distance for all our guests...all of which have seemed totally impossible. Our wedding is going to be between 40-60 guests max and we live in a major metropolitan city! How do you find the right space, to have a formal, yet intimate wedding? Well, this was our mission and what follows is the fruits of our labor and how we got there.


What We Were Looking For:
The Mission

• A space appropriate for 40-60 people sit down dinner, as well as a space available for ceremony. Worst case scenario, we have two different venues for ceremony and the reception, but ideally we could have both in the same space
• A space that is either modern and clean, or historic and classic.
• A space that allows for outside catering and liquor
• A space that allows outside decor and candles
• A space my FI actually likes.

What We Found:
In No Particular Order

Beecher Place

Slideshow

Beecher Place is located on the second floor of
a modern, brick building with southern
exposure and a breath-taking, unobstructed
view of the Gulf Islands.
• Panoramic View
• Picture Windows
• Wrap Around Balcony
• Elevator Access
• Fridge, Stove and Sink
• Pull Down Projector Screen
• Two Washrooms
• Tables and Chairs for 80
• Catering Available

Waterfall Events

The Waterfall building has been the backdrop to many weddings over the years, and we’re happy to continue that tradition as we host couples and families in the celebration of their special day.
We consciously break from the ‘typical’ hotel ballroom venue-model for weddings. The space is modern, full of light and distinctive as a wedding venue. The courtyard can be used to host both ceremonies and receptions. The distinctive architecture is a subtle backdrop to let you and your friends and family shine on your special day.
From dancing to dining, from marquees to music, there is very little we can`t achieve for your dream wedding day.
Also, there are many exciting photo opportunities on our green roof and around the Granville Island Marina.

An Oldie But A Goodie: 
Heritage Hall

We offer the perfect place for you to make your event truly special. Our main floor rental ballroom is elegant with a rich cream and taupe colour scheme, stained glass chandeliers, 18 foot high ceilings, with lots of natural light from our large windows. The room is about 3,300 square feet.
The hall has rectangular tables and comfortable chairs for 150 people. The maximum capacity of the room is 200 people. Renters may choose who they wish to cater, or may cater themselves. Renters run their own bar, although a special occasion permit must be obtained from any B.C. Liquor Store before alcohol can be served.

The Teahouse in Stanley Park: The Tea Room and The Conservatory

 

Absolutely breathtaking rooms, plus located in Stanley Park where we can hold the outdoor ceremony. 70 sit down seating capacity.


Burnaby Art Gallery

 Burnaby Art Gallery is a beautifully and authentically restored Arts and Crafts mansion complete with a wide veranda looking out over the park, a fireplace with inglenook, leaded glass windows and many other architectural details. You can rent the fireside room for an intimate wedding, luncheon, birthday party or meeting. The lawn is also available for wedding ceremonies.


So what do you think ladies? Did we choose well? Be brutally honest ladies! Do you think we can make our wedding vision happen at these places?