say i do away

ULTIMATE BRIDAL | 24

I dosay away: W E S T C O A S T B L I S S

You’ll be swept away when you say “I do” on the coast! British Columbia’s coastline has a wide variety of beautiful and diverse locations to make your special day even more magical. Whether you’re exchanging vows on the beach in midsummer, or in the heart of a winter storm, the coast is the perfect, picturesque destination yearlong.

Coastal weddings offer the opportunity to relax and enjoy the brilliant landscapes where the mountains and temperate rainforest meet the ocean. Surrounded by enduring elements, you and your partner will feel the permanence of your bond, filled with the knowledge that you will spend the rest of your lives together.

There is no need to spend money creating intricate backdrops to make your wedding special, because the natural environment has already cre-ated the perfect scenery. From lush, old forests with dappled sunlight to calm rolling seas and sandy beaches, the British Columbia coast has a variety of beautiful landscapes. Local photographers have the exper-tise to utilize the natural landscapes and lighting to create snapshots of the memories that you will treasure for the rest of your life, whether your wedding takes place in bright sunlight or darker weather.

Coastal destinations may be a staggering prospect, as the planning has to be done at a distance, but the inns and resorts that cater to wed-

W R I T T E N B Y : Jessica Sanderson

A B B Y + D A V E

dings take great pride in making the process as easy as possible. With consultations, advice on vendors, and experienced wedding planners on hand, the stress of planning your big day melts away. With so many venues to choose from, not only will you find your dream location and the best support staff, but also avoid the troubles of overbooked locations closer to home.

The coast is not just for intimate elopements, but can also accommo-date grand weddings with over a hundred guests. Customized wedding packages allow you to organize all the details and a huge variety of venue destinations mean you can have your wedding your way, wheth-er you want an intimate, natural wedding with lodging in a small cabin nestled between parkland and ocean, or an elegant, romantic wedding with formal, traditional rooms close to the heart of a city.

British Columbia’s coastline is renowned for its natural beauty. Where the forest meets the sea you can have the most beautiful elements of any setting. Treat yourselves and your guests to a magical day away, where the serenity of nature will make it a day no one will ever forget. To help you on your way to planning your perfect day, we’ve selected a handful of beautiful coastal treasures.


E N G L I S H I N NThe English Inn, located in Victoria, British Columbia, is a 107 year old historic landmark to the township. The inn is a Tudor style manor house designed by famous architect Samuel McClure and is located on just over an acre of sprawling gardens. The tranquility of the private estate, only seven minutes from the city’s inner harbour, makes it a popular destination for a peaceful ceremony within the city.

Despite the secluded feeling of the Inn, just a forty minute walk along the harbour is the downtown core. Closer at hand, only ten minutes away, is Saxe Point Park, a beautiful location for oceanside photos. Guests are also within walking distance to the water taxis on the west bay marina, which can take them to the inner harbour or dockside restaurants.

The existing beauty of the Inn means that very little additional décor is needed to make it a magical setting. The stone and water features and lush garden provide a stunning backdrop for your wedding ceremony. The inner manor has undergone considerable renovation to add modern touches that still hold the old world charm that makes the site truly special.

The English Inn offers a variety of options for wedding parties to ensure your day is unforgettable. Parties can book the entire estate exclusively and guarantee a private affair or they can book the venue and rooms individual-ly. The Inn offers room block discounts, rates on the front and back side of your event date, as well as being flexible, when possible, to help you make your dreams come true.

From the day of inquiry to the night after, you will be given the undivided focus of one of the event planning staff. It is their goal to make each bride and groom as comfortable as possible throughout their entire wedding. Al-though the English Inn operates as a hotel, they are driven, dedicated, and experienced when it comes to making your event as flawless as possible.

venue details W E D D I N G P A C K A G E S :The English Inn has two elopement packages for groups under 10 people.

Package 1: Includes 30 minutes in the Sunken Garden, table and chair for signing the marriage license, bridal bouquet and groom’s boutonniere, and a marriage commissioner.

Package 2: Includes one hour in the sunken garden, one night in the Crown Jewel Suite, wedding cake for two and a bottle of bubbly, plus all of the above.

There are no specific packages. Each wedding is custom tailored. Prices vary depending on choices.S E R V I C E S : The Inn has tried and true suggestions of partnerships that have worked well with the property in the past including four partnered caterers with different styles, techniques, and price points.

venue details C E R E M O N Y :The Sunken Garden & Stone Pavilion have a capacity of 150–180 guests

The Fireside Ceremony has a capacity of 10 guestsR E C E P T I O N :The Rosemeade has a capacity of 75 guests seated or 150 cocktail

The Courtyard Garden has a capacity of 110 seated or 150 cocktail

The Ivy Room has a capacity of 20-25 seated for a 3 course plated service

A C C O M M O D A T I O N S :The English Inn has 14 unique boutique suites. $139–$269 subject to further discount based on duration of stay and time of yearO T H E R A C C O M M O D A T I O N S :Cottage Pirouette, The Lord Nelson, Hemingway’s By the Sea within walking distance, and the Delta Victoria Ocean Pointe Resort and Spa; 6 minutes from the English InnP A R K I N G & T R A N S P O R T A T I O N :Free parking on siteB O O K I N G & I N F O R M A T I O N :Ph: 1.250.388.4353 | Email: [email protected]

P H O T O G R A P H Y B Y : Chelsea Dawn Photography & Makeup Artistry


E A G L E ’ S N E S T R E T R E A TThe Eagles Nest Retreat is located on the southernmost tip of Galiano Island, on a 20 acre estate, surrounded by 200 acres of park and protected land on the three inland sides. With an entire kilometre of ocean front views and trails leading through 75 acres of wilderness it is a picturesque venue to host your wedding.

The Retreat is perfect for small, simple, and intimate weddings. For your reception, the marquee tent, with its silk ribbon ceiling and soft lighting, has a whimsical atmosphere. The artistically designed and distinctively crafted home, built almost entirely of cedar from the property, has been featured in “Northwest Best Places.” The beautiful surrounding landscape and the unique character of the Retreat create something truly magical.

Natural and quiet surroundings will help you relax and unwind in prepar-ation for your big day. The romance of ocean views and raw wilderness are the perfect setting for wedding photographs. The retreat is a five minute walk to the Mount Galiano trail head and ten minutes from the nearest beach, providing a variety of landscapes to explore or act as natural back-drops that will lend themselves to stunning and memorable pictures.

Not only does the site have a sauna house, but the hot tub has an incredible ocean view. If you’re lucky you will spot some of the local wildlife. Eagles, whales, racoons, sea otters, sea lions, ravens, and deer all make appearances near the Resort.

The intimate property does not have a restaurant, but the full size kitchen has everything you may need to cook a grand dinner, including a herb gar-den right outside. Although, the large maple table only seats twelve people the local market and the pub are only five minutes away by car.

venue details C E R E M O N Y :The ceremony site has a capacity of 50 guestsR E C E P T I O N :The Marquee tent has a capacity of 50 guestsA C C O M M O D A T I O N S :A safari tent, converted 1954 coachline bus, a private cabin, and five unique bedrooms in the main house for a maximum capacity of 20 guests

Rooms cost $70–$700/night

O T H E R A C C O M M O D A T I O N S :Driftwood Village Resort, Cain Cottage, Galiano Oceanfront Inn and Spa, Bellhouse Inn Ltd; within a 16 minute driveP A R K I N G & T R A N S P O R T A T I O N :Free parking on site (transportation can be arranged)B O O K I N G & I N F O R M A T I O N :Ph: 1.888.454.8899Email: [email protected]

wedding details W E D D I N G P A C K A G E S : Packages start at $2,500 and vary depending on choices.

Package 1: Full use of the Eagles Nest Retreat for 16 hours, marquee tent, audio system, tables and chairs, separate food and beverage tent, ceremony and recep-tion on site, separate cabin for two nights

Package 2: The same as above, with the addition of flower arrangements, bou-quets, boutonnieres, wedding cake, photographer, and disk jockey.

Two Day Wedding: Same as above, including the full use of the property for two days and up to 12 guests.

Last Minute Wedding: Last minute simple weddings can be arranged with as little as three days notice, subject to availability.S E R V I C E S : Line Marie, host and wedding planner, can assist couples in finding local vendors.

P H O T O G R A P H Y B Y : The Nickersons


S O O K E H A R B O U R H O U S ESooke Harbour House is located less than an hour outside of Victoria where you can enjoy the view of the distant Olympic Mountain across the Strait of Juan de Fuca. This destination has a pet friendly service and assistance with childcare, so guests of all shapes and ages can join you on your special day.

Sooke Harbour House serves local, organic, seasonal, and wild food. The advantage of living on the sea is that the seafood they serve is often caught by local fishermen the same day. The lush gardens that are an aesthetically pleasing backdrop for your wedding photos are also used to create culinary delights. By utilizing the natural resources of the area Sooke Harbour House is able to create fabulous food, which brings fresh elements from the stunning environment to the table. This commitment to freshness and excellence has won the Sooke Harbour House the “Best Vancouver Island Restaurant” vote by Vancouver Magazine.

To relax and prepare for your wedding day, the Sooke Harbour House offers 25 spa amenities and the use of two infrared saunas to you and your guests. Special spa packages include the Bridal Retreat, the Spa Retreat for Men, and the Honeymoon Package.

For those who would prefer excitement and adventure to relaxation and pampering before or after the wedding celebrations, there are a number of adventure packages that can be arranged for an additional cost. Day sails, whale watching and fishing charters are all available to small groups of 4–12 people each.

The Sooke Harbour House is committed to being one of the best destin-ations in Canada. They have been awarded the “Travel + Leisure Second Best Hotel in Canada” award, the “Green Tourism Canada’s Level Stan-dard” award, and the “Weddingbells Canada’s Loveliest Wedding Venues” award, among others.

P H O T O G R A P H Y B Y : Abby + Dave

venue details C E R E M O N Y :The Upper Gardens have a capacity of 75 guests

The Lower Gardens have a capacity of 45 guests

The Totem Site has a capacity of 150 guestsR E C E P T I O N :The Sun Room has a capacity of 20 guests

The Potlatch Room has a capacity of 60 guests for plated dinner, and 80 guests standing

The Summer Pavilion has a capacity of 150 guests and is available May–September

Currently building a new event room with a capacity of 110 guests

A C C O M M O D A T I O N S :28 unique guest rooms, each individually decorat-ed, which can accommodate up to 80 guests

Room rates range from$199–$450 (low season) to $329–525 (high season)O T H E R A C C O M M O D A T I O N S :Richview House Bed and Breakfast, Comfort Cove Seaside Cottage, Salty Towers Oceanfront Cottages; within 6 minutes from the Sooke Harbour HouseP A R K I N G & T R A N S P O R T A T I O N :90 free parking stalls on siteB O O K I N G & I N F O R M A T I O N :Ph: 1-800-889-9688 Email: [email protected]

wedding details W E D D I N G P A C K A G E S :Each wedding is custom tailored. Prices vary depending on choices.

Secret Hearts Package: $1,500–$2,700: Three separate elopement packages all including bouquet and boutonniere, wedding, one hour couples massage, dinner, wedding cake, and turndown.

Keys to the Inn Wedding: $12,000: All 28 room, free movement throughout the entire hotel, and access to professional staff available to assist you and your guests.

Honeymoon Package: $950: Unique wedding cake for two, multi-course candlelit dinner, a bottle of sparkling wine, couples massage, turndown service, breakfast in bed.S E R V I C E S : Bachelorette parties and salmon fishing stags, in-house made wedding cake, local flowers designed by florist Karen Stones, food and beverages prepared on site, hair stylist who comes to the hotel, and assistance acquiring all other venders.


P H O T O G R A P H Y B Y : Chris Pouget Photography

W I C K A N I N N I S H I N NThe Wickaninnish Inn is located in Tofino, British Columbia, where the old growth forest meets the beach. These diverse backdrops makes the Wickaninnish Inn a special place to turn your dreams into magical mem-ories. The Wickaninnish Inn also welcomes children and pets so everyone can be included in your special day.

For a secluded beach wedding between mid-May through to mid-Septem-ber, the Wickaninnish Inn offers the use of their beautiful, private Shell Beach, named for the finely crushed shells underfoot. To make the time on the coast even more unique and exciting for you and your guests, a concierge is available to make arrangements for group activities such as surf lessons or whale watching.

For a wedding in November through February, the Wickaninnish Inn of-fers the unique opportunity to marry within a winter storm. The anticipa-tion of the storm builds along with the anticipation of the wedding. As the wind builds and the storm rolls in the large trees bend and sway, reminding the couples that if they are flexible they can survive any storm that comes once they’re married. From within the Inn the wedding party will feel safe and secure until the storm ends, providing a feeling of clarity, tranquility, and the beginning of something new.

The award winning Ancient Cedars Spa offers a variety of treatments. Whether it be makeup application and a manicure to prepare the bride for her wedding day, or a relaxing couples massage at the end of the day, the spa will make your day that much more special.

The menus for The Pointe Restaurant, Driftwood Café and On-the-Rocks Lounge and Special Events catering are prepared by Executive Chef War-ren Barr. From a seafood bbq on the private beach to a formal dinner in the private dining room the Wickaninnish Inn can prepare you and your guests a spectacular meal.

venue details C E R E M O N Y :North Chesterman Beach, a public beach, has no maximum capacity

Shell Beach, a private beach, has a capacity of 60 guests

The Salal Room, an indoor venue, has a capacity of 50 guests

The Rainforest Venue has a capacity of 25 guests sitting, or 40 guests standingR E C E P T I O N :Shell Beach has a capacity of 60 guests

The Salal Room has a capacity of 50 guests

A C C O M M O D A T I O N S :75 guest rooms and suites in the Inn can accommo-date 150 guests. Group packages of 25 guest rooms, which can accommodate 60 guests

Room rates range from $300–$975/night (storm season) to $520–$1,500/night (summer season)

O T H E R A C C O M M O D A T I O N S :Resorts, hotels, B&Bs, and campgrounds; 5 minutes from Wickaninnish Inn

P A R K I N G & T R A N S P O R T A T I O N :Complimentary valet parking on siteB O O K I N G & I N F O R M A T I O N :Ph: 1.800.333.4604 | Email: [email protected]

wedding details W E D D I N G P A C K A G E S :The Elopement Package: Can accommodate 6 guests, two nights accommoda-tion, marriage commissioner assistance, marriage license assistance, bridal bou-quet and groom’s boutonniere, witnesses, professional photography, a single-tiered wedding cake, romantic turndown, and a side by side hot stone massage for two.

All weddings are custom designed for couples.

Rental costs for the venues are: Shell beach is $1,500 for the ceremony and $3,800 for the reception & ceremony. The Salal room is $1,000 for the ceremony and $1,000 for the reception & ceremony. The Rainforest Venue is $500 for the ceremony.S E R V I C E S : Personal consultation with a Special Events team. They will provide marriage commissioner and license assistance, recommended vendors, and customized menus and a wedding cake from their Chef and Chef Pâtissier.


P H O T O G R A P H Y C O U R T E S Y : Sunrise Ridge Hotel

S U N R I S E R I D G E H O T E L The Sunrise Ridge Waterfront Resort is located on Vancouver Island, just above Parksville’s Craig Bay. Overlooking the sandy beaches and the waters of the Strait of Georgia the resort is situated on 10.2 acres with peaceful surroundings. This serene property feels peaceful and calm, even when it is busy. Group accommodation and wedding rates will allow everyone you love to be there to enjoy your day with you.

There is ocean access from the property, so when the tides go out there is a mile long stretch of beach and shallow water to explore. The sandy land-scape makes a perfect background for photo shoots.

The Hummingbird Terrace is an outside, covered location perfect for intimate, smaller weddings, but its location on Resort Drive means it is perfectly situated for large wedding parties as well. The Resort works with the local golf course to handle splendid larger ceremonies or receptions. Ideal for far away brides, this destination will plan it all for you, or let you bring your own vendors so you can have your wedding perfectly designed for you and your budget.

The contemporary decor and elegant ambiance of the Resort’s reception room create a unique space for any wedding. The room features a full kitchen and visual functionality, allowing you to create the experience that will match your needs. The lack of onsite food and beverage can actually benefit couples, letting them choose the vendors that best suite their vision and budget.

Sunrise Ridge Waterfront Resort offers fully furnished vacation homes with gourmet kitchens and spa style soaker tubs. The warm west coast style makes it a comfortable place to relax during the celebrations. Further relax-ation can be found in the areas spas, or for the more adventurous wedding party rainforest tours, skydiving or other activities can be arranged.

venue details C E R E M O N Y :The Hummingbird Terrace has a capacity of 64 guestsR E C E P T I O N :The Sandpiper Room has a capacity of 50 guestsA C C O M M O D A T I O N S :65 rooms ranging from studios to 3 bedroom suites with kitchens

Room rates range from $199-$324/night (low season) to $239-$429/night (high season)

O T H E R A C C O M M O D A T I O N S :Tigh-Na-Mara, and Oceanside Village Resort; within a 10 minute walkP A R K I N G & T R A N S P O R T A T I O N :Free parking on site, and private shuttles can be arrangedB O O K I N G & I N F O R M A T I O N :Ph: 250.248.4674 Email: [email protected]

wedding details W E D D I N G P A C K A G E S :Full Service Wedding $7,995.80 Bridal suite for two nights, welcome champagne and strawberries, rental of cere-mony and reception venues, white padded ceremony seating, place settings, white linens, dance floor, catering, bartending, dj services, silver photography package. Do it Yourself $1,978.80 Rental of ceremony and reception venue, white padded ceremony seating, place settings, white linens, and dance floor.S E R V I C E S : A list of prefered partners is available for those who wish to choose their own vendors.

say i do away

Documents