Any Vancouver, BC brides?

[onepart_lullaby]

We're getting married in Vancouver, BC in October 2009. We think we've found a great venue for our reception, but it has one serious downside - we can't have the ceremony there!

We have some limitations:

• needs to be affordable (definitely under $1000, preferably $500 or less)
• NO churches
• indoors is preferable, because it's October in Vancouver so

Comments

[skrype]

Why can't you have your reception there? I've been to a wedding where everyone was seated at their tables and the couples just got married in front of everyone right before dinner- is this an option?

[onepart_lullaby]

There's no space for it, unfortunately. We could do what you suggested, though, if it came down to it.

[in_da_lifeworld]

friends of mine got married at the contemporary art gallery on nelson downtown. i have no idea how much it cost, but you might want to call and find out.

if you're into the shabby chic look, the wise hall near commercial drive and the anza club near main street are real cheap to rent. they're not beautiful, though. i have no idea how much it costs to rent the heritage hall on main, but it's pretty.

[onepart_lullaby]

Thanks for the tips!

[dithie]

i don't know how much it costs, but my sister got married at Hycroft, the University Women's Club. http://www.uwcvancouver.ca/index.html

if you are or someone you know is a member there are big discounts, too.

[onepart_lullaby]

Hmm that has definite potential, if it's affordable! Thanks!

[tortillafactory]

I don't know the basis for your "no churches" rule, but Unitarian churches are extremely welcoming, spiritual rather than openly religious, and cheap. And many of them are very attractive. It's something to consider if you're open to the idea. Unfortunately, a lot of non-church venues know that they can bleed most brides until they squeal and will treat you the same way as everyone regardless of your budget.

You didn't mention how many guests you have - that will definitely be a factor, as in general, the bigger something is the more expensive it is. If it's a small guest list you might be able to find a little chapel somewhere.

I look forward to an update from you, because I know how hard it is to find budget venues. I was eventually able to get a Unitarian sanctuary for about $250, but I live in a very cheap area. Not sure about Vancouver.

[onepart_lullaby]

My fiance and I think it would be disrespectful (of the church, and of each other) to get married in a church whose tenets we don't both believe in. Since I'm religious and he's not at all, that rules all churches out, unfortunately! :)

We're still not sure of how many guests - 50-100, probably - so we'll see what happens!

[fifteenaugust]

I'm a Burnaby Bride! So we're in the same general area!

I can't really help you on locations in Vancouver proper...all I could suggest is checking out any halls that Vancouver Parks and Rec may have. I'm also sure there has to be a suitable location downtown, but I wouldn't know where to start. I'm sure Yaletown would have something pretty. If you were looking for a place in Burnaby...then I could help ya, lol.

Good luck though! You'll have to update us!

[onepart_lullaby]

Hooray for Lower Mainland brides!

If there was somewhere GREAT, we might consider Burnaby. ;)

[fifteenaugust]

Hmm...

I'm having everything at the Hart House - it's an old Heritage Home made into a restaurant by Deer Lake. I don't know if it could work for the ceremony...with 50-100 people you could probably use the upstairs room, or if that isn't set up right, the downstairs room has a lovely view of the lake and lawn...

Nearby to there is also the Shadbolt Center, which does have a large, lovely room viewing the lake and lawns...it even has a fireplace, if I remember properly.

Also, you might be able to find something at the Burnaby Heritage Museum...

There's also the Firefigher's Club near Metrotown...

You could also see if there's anything available up at SFU or UBC...even in the rain, UBC looks stunning, and there are so many places 'hidden away' up there...I'm biased because I'm a student there...

[onepart_lullaby]

Ohh, I'll have to email Hart House - I've seen beautiful pictures from weddings there.

Shadbolt Centre is out, although I forget why we ruled it out! Hahah.

Thanks for the other tips! We've already looked at UBC lots - I'm an alum, and he proposed on campus! :P