Something Different: Unique Local Venues for Your Dream Wedding

by Jesse Holth – 

The Saanich Peninsula has a number of gorgeous locations to host your dream wedding. Each of these venues holds its own unique charm and style, with a range of amenities to make your big day come to life. From organic farm-to-table feasts, to intimate elopement packages, to elaborate large-scale weddings, choose the special celebration that’s right for you.

Prospect Lake Community Hall

Located at 5358 Sparton Road, this beautiful and rural venue is quite affordable. For only $1,000, you can get married against a scenic background of lush trees and continue your celebration outside in the garden, or have a reception inside the hall. This venue has room for 148 guests, parking for 70 cars, and includes tables and chairs. There is also a bar space, an industrial kitchen (catering and alcohol not included), and a projector with pull-down screen. If you choose a playlist or DJ for music, this venue has a sound system for laptop or iPod hook-up; however, bands are also welcome. A take-down service is available for hire, and this venue offers multi-day rentals in addition to special off-season rates during October through April. It’s the perfect space for a simple, delightful celebration! Visit the website at pldcahall.rentals or call 250-686-3742.

Kildara Farm

Located in Deep Cove, Kildara Farm (shown at right) features English country gardens, a view of the ocean and mountains, a mature apple orchard, and close proximity to the beach. Many couples opt to take their wedding photos around the property, capturing the venue’s rustic style. Part of its charm lies in the recently renovated great barn, which was built with posts and beams milled right from the property. This venue works with caterers (Toque Catering or Food for Thought) who utilize produce from the farm itself, providing a unique, organic, farm-to-table feast for your guests. The rate for this venue is $4,950 plus tax, based on 100 guests, and includes: use of the grounds until 11 p.m.; tables, chairs, linens and place settings; parking (cars can be left overnight); extension cords; a WPIC-certified planner on-site for the day; rehearsal time; décor options and more. One of the special features about this venue is the loft space in the barn – it’s the perfect place to get ready for the ceremony, as it’s been transformed into a charming bridal room. For more information, email
info@freshviewevents.com.

Church & State Wines

Located in Brentwood Bay, this venue offers an expansive property with views of their sprawling vineyard. Elegance is the key word at this venue, with options to celebrate your special day in a simple ceremony or an elaborate event. With an on-site team of culinary professionals, they curate a menu paired with B.C. wines from their own vineyard estates. This picturesque setting offers three ceremony sites: the Tasting Room (200 guests, outdoor); the Terrace Patio (75 guests, outdoor); and the Cellar Space (90 guests, indoor). There are two large parking lots, with bookings available from 4 p.m. to midnight, Wednesday through Sunday. Both family-style and plated dining experiences are offered, as well as options for hors d’oeuvres service and cellar service post-ceremony. Pricing varies from $6,500 in non-peak season to $10,000 during peak season, with the venue rental costs of $3,000 and $5,000 respectively (includes microphone system, flatware and glassware, tables and chairs).

Find out more at churchandstatewines.com/events/weddings.

HCP (Horticulture Centre of the Pacific)

Located at 505 Quayle Road, this quaint garden venue (shown at left) offers plant lovers a space to celebrate their special day. A stunning nine acres of land with a variety of scenic backdrops for the perfect wedding photos, HCP also has a Pavilion for food and drink. With an aisle of roses and a fragrant eucalyptus tree, this nature paradise is affordable, costing $3,000 for an outdoor ceremony and indoor reception. The rate includes tax, tables and chairs, white tablecloths, indoor A/V equipment, and admission to the Gardens for all guests. The Pavilion holds 96 guests (110 max.) and your choice of catering, bar service, or other vendors. Discounts are available in the off-season (October through April), and for daytime-only or evening-only bookings. This venue is also perfectly suited for elopements and tiny weddings! For $500 ($300 off-season), you can have an intimate ceremony for up to 20 people in the Gardens. HCP also offers its grounds for wedding photography alone ($300 for up to 20 people for two hours). Contact events@hcp.ca for more information.

Deep Cove Winery

Located at 11195 Chalet Road, this boutique vineyard is just steps to the ocean and offers two unique wedding spaces. The Amphora Room has a flexible floor plan of 1,800 square feet, vaulted ceilings, and a natural-edge marble bar. Double French doors open to the vineyard terrace for an air of classic romance. The Crush Pad is a wooden, open-beam space offering 1,200 square feet of rustic elegance. It’s a great option for a covered outdoor wedding ceremony, or a beautiful cocktail reception. The Wedding Package at Deep Cove Winery costs $5,995 and includes a private, brand-new Bridal Lounge for pre-ceremony pampering. With an on-site team to handle wedding details, there are also custom décor, planning, and floral packages available. Visit deepcovewinery.ca to find out more.

Photo at top left: Jesse Holland Photography. 

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