When you’re planning a wedding, you have so many decisions to make—and choosing a wedding venue is one of the very first! Vancouver has a variety of absolutely stunning wedding venues to choose from, and I’ve written about a few of these in the past:
- Best Wedding Reception Venues in Vancouver
- Vancouver Wedding Ceremony Venues
- Vancouver Rustic Wedding Venues
But what if you’re planning a small wedding in Vancouver, with a more intimate guest list? It can be difficult to comb through massive lists of possible venues that fit upwards of 150 guests, and wonder how the space will look with your guest list of 60. That’s why it brings me joy to share my top picks for the best small wedding venues in Vancouver with you.
I’ve personally seen how these beautiful venues fit more intimate guest lists wonderfully, and I hope that my guide will help you narrow down your search for the perfect small wedding venue in Vancouver!
PS. If we haven’t met yet, my name is Jamie Delaine and I’ve been a Vancouver wedding photographer since 2008—15 years and counting! I believe you deserve a photographer who not only delivers amazing images, but one who cares deeply about the experience you will have. If you’re still searching for a wedding photographer for your wedding in Vancouver, I’d love to hear from you.
Small Wedding Venues Vancouver
- Stanley Park Teahouse
- Brix & Mortar Restaurant
- Cecil Green Park House
- The Vancouver Club
- Shaughnessy Restaurant
- The Loft at Earls Yaletown
- Hawksworth Restaurant
- Hycroft Manor
- The Settlement Building
- Seasons in the Park
Stanley Park Teahouse
Let’s start with one of my absolute favourite smaller venues in Vancouver, the Stanley Park Teahouse. This venue offers two stunning spaces for your small wedding reception. The first room is the Conservatory, which can accommodate up to 70 guests (though 60 is a better fit if you’d like space for dancing & mingling.) On the other side of the restaurant, The Drawing Room can seat up to 50 guests for your reception (but 40 guests is a better fit for dancing & mingling.)
I’ve photographed about 10 weddings at this venue over the years, and I absolutely love the private feel of this venue. It’s peaceful, surrounded by water views in Stanley Park and forests just a step away (which also make for a great wedding portrait location.) You’re also able to host your ceremony at the Stanley Park Teahouse which is a bonus!
Brix & Mortar Restaurant
In my opinion, Brix & Mortar Restaurant is tied for first place with the Stanley Park Teahouse for the best “small wedding venue” in Vancouver. This restaurant is famous for its picturesque heated, covered courtyard—featuring brick walls, trailing ivy, and a beautiful chandelier in the center. This venue is ideal for any time of year, but I think it particularly shines in the winter given that there are so few options for covered ceremony venues in Vancouver (that still have natural light available.)
If you want to host your reception inside the restaurant, you can fit up to 90 guests for a seated dinner. However, an option I particularly adore is a seated dinner in the heated, covered courtyard patio—you can fit up to 34 guests for a private dinner. It’s super magical!
Cecil Green Park House
A stunning venue on the UBC campus, Cecil Green Park House has many options for hosting your wedding day! Because this post is particularly about small wedding venues, I want to highlight the outdoor reception option at Cecil Green Park House on the patio. According to their website, their covered patio can accommodate up to 110 guests for a seated reception. (In the weddings I’ve previously done here, the floor plan has been two long guest tables, which looked so lovely!)
The Vancouver Club
Easily in my top-3-favourite venues for weddings, The Vancouver Club also has some lovely options for your intimate wedding day. One of my favourite intimate celebrations was hosted on the rooftop of The Vancouver Club. The couple was married in a short ceremony on the rooftop, and friends and family celebrated with passed canapes and cocktails. A great option if you want the world-class service and experience of hosting your wedding at The Vancouver Club, but aren’t inviting enough guests to justify the Grand Ballroom rental.
Shaughnessy Restaurant
Featuring a covered open-air patio nestled in greenery that overlooks the beauty of the VanDusen Botanical Garden, Shaughnessy Restaurant is a great choice for your wedding. I love that you can host both your ceremony and reception in the same space (always a bonus in my books!) and if you’re willing to pay the VanDusen Garden entrance fee, you have a built-in portrait location.
The Loft at Earls Yaletown
Definitely a hidden gem in Vancouver, I’ve only had the pleasure of photographing at The Loft in Yaletown once, many, many years ago—so I don’t have too many of my own photos to share. I would definitely recommend you visit their website to learn more, but the private room can set up to 96 guests. (I’m also a big fan of Yaletown weddings, as I love the walkable, easy access to portrait locations—totally simplifying your day to eliminate transportation needs.)
Hawksworth Restaurant
For couples wanting a sophisticated, elegant feel with a focus on phenomenal food, the private York Room at Hawksworth Restaurant is the perfect space. Located on the second floor of the Rosewood Hotel Georgia, the York Room can accommodate up to 50 guests for a seated dinner.
Hycroft Manor
The University Women’s Club (also known as Hycroft Manor) is one of the most iconic wedding venues in Vancouver! This venue is available for ceremony and reception rentals, and it’s also a popular choice for engagement or anniversary photos (as it can be rented by the hour!) I have not personally photographed a reception on the patio at Hycroft Manor but I’ve seen some absolutely stunning photos of the set up. (I believe you can accommodate up to 100 seated guests under the covered terrace.)
Settlement Building
Located in the heart of Vancouver’s historic Railtown district, Belgard Kitchen is a trendy and rustic wedding venue that’s perfect for couples who want a unique and stylish celebration. The space features a beautiful open-concept design with high ceilings, exposed brick walls, and industrial-chic decor, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere that’s perfect for intimate weddings.
(To be honest, I wasn’t crazy-clear on what to title this venue. The Settlement Building holds a few different vendors: Vancouver Urban Winery, Belgard Kitchen and Postmark Brewing. But I photographed a wedding at Belgard Kitchen a few years ago and I loved the vibe for a small wedding. If you’re looking for more info, I’ve visited The Settlement Building’s website.)
Seasons in the Park
Nestled within the beautiful Queen Elizabeth Park, Seasons in the Park restaurant offers breathtaking views of Vancouver’s city skyline and North Shore mountains. This Vancouver gem is a popular choice for couples looking for an intimate wedding venue that combines stunning scenery and exceptional cuisine. The Skyline Room offers a private dining space that can accommodate up to 70 guests, making it perfect for smaller, more intimate weddings.
Other small or intimate wedding venues in Vancouver
Although I haven’t personally photographed at these small wedding venues in Vancouver, I wanted to include them as options I found in my own research:
Are you searching for a Vancouver wedding photographer?
Hi! I’m Jamie Delaine and since 2008, I’ve helped more than 280 wedding clients and an equal number of families remember the most important moments of their lives through beautiful, timeless photography.
If you’re planning a wedding, you need a photographer who can make the process easy and stress-free, while capturing joyful, natural photos you’ll love. As your photographer, I will make it my mission to be the easiest part of planning your wedding day through reliable communication, a positive attitude and natural posing. You can inquire about your wedding using the form below:
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