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If you’re recently engaged and feeling overwhelmed by the idea of planning a massive wedding, you’re not alone. More couples this year are choosing smaller, more intentional celebrations—and for good reason. Small weddings allow you to focus on what really matters: the love you share, the people closest to you, and creating a meaningful, memorable experience.

Victoria BC, on Vancouver Island, is a dream location for intimate weddings. With the mix of ocean views, heritage architecture, lush gardens, and cozy venues, it’s the perfect backdrop for couples looking to do things a little differently. Whether you’re planning a micro wedding with 20 guests or an elopement for two, you’ll find the ideal setting in this beautiful West Coast city.

Without further ado, let’s jump into the best small wedding venues in Victoria BC! ⬇️

The Benefits of a Small Wedding

More meaningful connections with each guest
Greater flexibility with wedding packages and vendors
Access to unique venues that don’t suit large crowds
Lower stress and simpler logistics

Aspect	Small Wedding	Traditional Wedding
Guest Count	2-50	80+
Pricing Flexibility	High	Lower
Venue Options	Boutique & Unconventional	Larger, More Conventional
Planning Complexity	Low to Medium	High
Focus	Intimacy & Connection	Party time & Tradition

Local Tip: Victoria, British Columbia’s mild climate and stunning natural beauty make it an ideal spot for year-round weddings—especially elopements and micro weddings.

The Best Small Wedding Venues in Victoria BC

1. The Library at the Fairmont Empress Hotel

The Fairmont Empress is iconic, but many don’t realize it houses a hidden gem: The Library. This cozy, wood-paneled room offers classic elegance and a historic ambiance, perfect for an intimate celebration.

Guest Capacity: Up to 40 guests
Best For: Winter elopements and micro weddings
Standout Feature: Large windows with natural light and heritage beauty
Expert Tip: Take your portraits at the nearby BC Legislature for variety in your wedding album

2. The Gardens at HCP (Horticulture Centre of the Pacific)

Nestled just outside the city of Victoria, The Gardens at HCP is a botanical paradise. With multiple garden spaces to choose from, this venue offers a lush, colorful backdrop that changes with the seasons.

Guest Capacity: Up to 100 in the main outdoor ceremony space, but smaller in the various gardens
Best For: Garden weddings, nature lovers, Spring/Summer dates
Standout Feature: The Takata Japanese Garden & naturally lit wedding pavilion
Expert Tip: Plan to have all your photos taken on the property, to have more time for mingling with your loved ones

3. Swan’s Hotel Penthouse

Overlooking downtown Victoria BC, the Penthouse at Swan’s Hotel offers an intimate rooftop setting with stunning city and water views for your wedding ceremony. It feels like a private, elevated oasis right downtown.

Guest Capacity: 20-30 guests
Best For: Urban weddings, hosting out-of-town guests
Standout Feature: Rooftop patio with panoramic views
Expert Tip: Schedule time for golden hour photos downtown, in the hour or so before sunset

4. Pendray Inn & Tea House

Step into Victorian elegance at the Pendray Inn, a heritage mansion steps close to Victoria’s Inner Harbour. The period interiors make it a romantic, storybook setting for your wedding day.

Guest Capacity: Up to 80 in the main room, up to 12 in the drawing room.
Best For: Vintage-inspired weddings and elopements
Standout Feature: On-site high tea and antique-filled rooms
Expert Tip: Encourage your guests to try their iconic afternoon tea service

5. Fairholme Manor

A charming 19th-century villa in Rockland, Fairholme Manor is ideal for couples wanting a quiet, European-inspired wedding experience. The gardens and verandas are straight out of a Jane Austen novel.

Guest Capacity: 2-20 guests
Best For: Elopements and Spring/Summer micro weddings
Standout Feature: Stunning indoor spaces and boutique accommodations
Expert Tip: Stay overnight for a romantic mini-moon after your big day

6. Inn at Laurel Point (Balcony Ceremony)

The Inn at Laurel Point offers a private balcony ceremony option that feels like you’re floating over the harbour. Perfect for couples who love modern design and ocean views.

Guest Capacity: 2-30 guests (balcony); larger options indoors
Best For: Micro weddings and sunset ceremonies
Standout Feature: Panoramic harbour views
Expert Tip: Book a corner suite for both your ceremony and overnight stay—the view is unmatched

7. Starling Lane (in the Greenhouse)

Hidden in the countryside just outside Victoria, Starling Lane offers a romantic, greenhouse wedding experience. It’s especially lovely in spring when the flowers are in bloom.

Guest Capacity: 10-40 guests
Best For: Spring weddings, rustic-chic themes
Standout Feature: Cute and photogenic greenhouse
Expert Tip: Keep décor minimal—the event space is already a showstopper

8. The Parkside Hotel (Rooftop or Atrium)

The Rooftop Garden or lush indoor Atrium at Parkside Hotel both offer a contemporary setting surrounded by amazing natural light—and the Atrium is without the risk of rain!

Guest Capacity: 20-100 guests
Best For: Downtown Victoria lovers, modern aesthetics
Standout Feature: Indoor waterfall and sustainable design
Expert Tip: Choose the atrium for a winter wedding without sacrificing greenery.

How to Choose the Right Small Wedding Venue

Here’s what to consider when wedding planning and narrowing down your options:

Factor	What to Ask
Guest List	How many people do we truly want to invite?
Vibe	Garden, modern, vintage, oceanfront?
Season	What’s the best time of year for this venue?
Accessibility	Will elderly guests or kids be attending?
Weather Backup Plan	What if it rains or is too hot/cold?
Privacy	Will we have the venue to ourselves?

Pro tip: Always visit venues in person if you can—photos don’t always tell the full story. Ask about what’s included (furniture, rentals, staff), and don’t forget to ask about noise or time restrictions.

Final Thoughts: Let Intimacy Lead the Way

Small weddings give you permission to focus on you. Whether you’re drawn to lush gardens, ocean views, or cozy heritage hideaways for your ‘I dos’, Victoria has the perfect venue to bring your wedding vision to life.

Next Step: If you’re still exploring options or need help planning your special day, reach out here to chat about photography coverage and insider venue tips! I have flexible wedding packages and would love to help you create something unforgettable 🤩

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