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If you’re dreaming of a wedding that feels calm, romantic, and is right on the ocean, an Inn at Laurel Point wedding in Victoria, BC might be exactly what you’re looking for ❤️

Located right on the edge of the Inner Harbour, this waterfront hotel feels like a quiet coastal retreat, even though you’re only minutes from downtown. With ocean views, beautiful architecture, and peaceful garden paths, it offers that West Coast feeling so many couples love, without the need to travel far or plan complicated logistics.

As a Victoria BC wedding photographer who loves documenting natural, unscripted moments, I’m always excited when couples choose this venue. It creates space for connection, conversation, and a relaxed flow to the day, which often leads to the most meaningful photographs. Their naturally lit reception space is also every photographer’s dream!

In this article, I’ll walk you through what it’s really like to get married at the Inn at Laurel Point, including ceremony options, reception spaces, photo locations, and a few planning tips to help you make the most of your day.

Why Couples Choose Inn at Laurel Point for Their Wedding

One of the biggest reasons couples are drawn to Inn at Laurel Point is how peaceful it feels. Even though you’re close to the city, the property is surrounded by water and greenery, which immediately slows things down. Guests often comment that it feels like a little getaway rather than a hotel in town.

Another big plus is how much you can do in one place. Many couples host their ceremony and reception on site and also get ready in the hotel rooms, which keeps the day simple and stress-free. Fewer moving parts usually means more time to be present and enjoy what’s happening.

The venue also suits a wide range of wedding styles. I’ve seen it dressed up with formal florals and candlelight for classic, elegant celebrations, and I’ve also seen it kept very minimal for relaxed, intimate weddings with a more natural feel. It adapts beautifully to both.

Ceremony Locations at Inn at Laurel Point

There are a few different ceremony options depending on your guest count and the feel you want for your day.

🌊Waterfront Ceremonies

The waterfront patio is the most popular ceremony spot on the property, and for good reason. You’re standing right beside the harbour, with boats drifting by. It feels open, peaceful, and very West Coast.

From a photography perspective, this area has lovely light, especially in the late afternoon and early evening. The water reflects soft tones back onto faces, and the background changes gently as the light shifts.

This location works well for large and medium-sized guest lists and couples who want that classic waterfront ceremony look without needing to travel.

🌷Garden and Courtyard Areas

For couples who prefer something a bit more tucked away, there are garden and courtyard-style spaces within the property. These areas feel more private and sheltered, which can be especially nice on breezy days.

These spaces are ideal for smaller weddings and for couples who want a slightly more enclosed, cozy atmosphere while still being surrounded by greenery.

☂️Indoor Ceremony Options and Rain Plans

Being in Victoria, it’s always smart to think about rain plans, even in the summer. The Inn at Laurel Point has indoor spaces that work well for ceremonies if needed, with large windows and clean, modern decor that still feels bright and open. They also have a large tent for rain-proofing their outdoor patio.

Having a solid indoor backup option takes a lot of pressure off and allows you to relax and enjoy the day, regardless of what the weather decides to do.

Reception Spaces and What They Feel Like

Your reception at The Inn at Laurel Point can feel very different depending on the room you choose and how you style it.

The main ballroom offers large windows overlooking the harbour and plenty of space for dinner, speeches, and mingling. In the evening, with soft lighting and candlelight, it feels romantic and intimate. This space works well for couples who want a more traditional reception flow with dinner followed by dancing (typically out on the patio, for noise reasons).

There are also smaller event and dining spaces that are perfect for more intimate celebrations. These rooms lend themselves to long dinner tables, heartfelt toasts, and a slower-paced evening where conversation and connection take centre stage. Their private room and balcony celebrations are a lovely option for micro-weddings or family-focused celebrations where the priority is spending time together, rather than hosting a big party.

Getting Ready at the Hotel

One of the things I really love about photographing weddings at Inn at Laurel Point is that many couples choose to get ready right at the hotel. The rooms are bright and neutral, which photographs beautifully, and everything is close together, so there’s no need to build travel time into your timeline.

Getting ready on site allows for a calmer start to the day. Hair and makeup can set up easily, and you don’t have to worry about running late because of traffic or parking. It also means we can capture more of the quiet, emotional moments before the ceremony, like reading letters, sharing a drink with your wedding party, or having a first look nearby on the property.

Wedding Photo Locations at and Around Inn at Laurel Point

One of the biggest advantages of this venue is how much variety you get without having to go far!

On the property itself, there are waterfront walkways, open grass space, landscaped garden areas, and clean architectural lines that all work well for portraits. We can create a full gallery of couple, wedding party, and family photos without ever leaving the grounds.

For couples who don’t want to leave their guests for long, this setup is ideal. You can slip away for a quick portrait session and be back in time for cocktail hour without feeling like you’re missing your own wedding.

If you’re open to stepping just off the property for a few minutes, there are also beautiful nearby spots downtown that offer slightly different backgrounds and a bit more of that city-meets-ocean feel. This can be a great way to add variety while still keeping your photo time short and relaxed. Reach out to ask about my favourite nearby spots!

What Kind of Couples Is This Venue Best For?

The Inn at Laurel Point tends to be a great fit for couples who value atmosphere and experience over formality. If you’re drawn to natural settings, calm energy, and meaningful moments with your guests, this venue supports that kind of day very well.

It’s especially well suited to couples who want a waterfront wedding but don’t necessarily want to deal with unpredictable beach conditions or long travel times. It’s also a wonderful option for destination weddings in Victoria, since guests can stay on site and easily explore the city during their visit.

If your vision includes a relaxed timeline, lots of conversation, and a day that feels unrushed, this venue makes that much easier to achieve.

Best Times of Year for an Inn at Laurel Point Wedding

🌸 Spring weddings here feel fresh and soft, with lots of greenery and fewer tourists in the harbour. The light is often beautifully diffused, which is great for photography, and the temperatures are usually comfortable for both outdoor ceremonies and indoor receptions.

☀️ Summer offers long daylight hours and warmer evenings, which is wonderful for waterfront ceremonies and sunset portraits. The harbour is busier during this time of year, which adds energy and movement to the background. Some couples love this lively atmosphere, while others prefer the quieter feel of spring or fall.

🍂 Fall weddings at The Inn at Laurel Point tend to feel especially cozy and romantic. The skies can be moodier, the light softer, and the overall pace of the city slows down a bit. For couples who love a more intimate, cinematic feel to their photos, fall can be a beautiful choice.

A Few Helpful Planning Tips

✔️ When planning your Inn at Laurel Point wedding, it’s worth thinking about your ceremony time in relation to sunlight. Late afternoon or early evening ceremonies often provide the most flattering conditions for waterfront photos and also allow for sunset portraits afterward.

✔️ It’s also helpful to build a small buffer into your timeline for couple’s portraits, even if everything is happening on site. Having just ten or fifteen minutes without feeling rushed can make a big difference in how relaxed you feel and how natural the photos look.

✔️ Because the venue is right on the water, it’s also smart to think about wind when choosing hairstyles, veils, and floral designs. A little planning here can help you avoid stress on the day and keep everything feeling comfortable.

Planning an Inn at Laurel Point Wedding?

If you’re considering an Inn at Laurel Point wedding and you’re looking for photography that feels natural, relaxed, and focused on real connection, I’d love to hear about what you’re planning!

Every wedding at this venue feels a little different, and that’s part of what makes it so special. Whether you’re envisioning something small and intimate, or a big celebration with friends and family, this space has a way of making the day feel emotional and meaningful.

If you have questions about timelines, ceremony locations, or how to make the most of your photo time here, I’m always happy to help guide you through the options 🥰

Curious about my availability and wedding photography prices? Please reach out here to chat!

Contact Aly

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FAQs: The Inn at Laurel Point Weddings

Is Inn at Laurel Point a good wedding venue in Victoria BC?

Yes, Inn at Laurel Point is one of the most popular waterfront wedding venues in Victoria, BC. Couples love it for its peaceful harbour views, flexible spaces, and convenient on-site accommodations for getting ready and guest stays.

How many guests can the Inn at Laurel Point accommodate?

Guest capacity depends on the ceremony and reception spaces you choose. The venue can host small, intimate weddings (2-15 people) as well as mid-sized celebrations (50-100 people).

Can you have both the ceremony and reception at Inn at Laurel Point?

Yes! Many couples choose to host both their ceremony and reception at Inn at Laurel Point. Having everything in one location helps keep the day relaxed and minimizes travel time for you and your guests.

What are the best photo locations at Inn at Laurel Point?

Popular photo spots include the waterfront walkways, garden paths, and harbour viewpoints on the property. The hotel architecture itself also makes for a beautiful backdrop.

Is Inn at Laurel Point good for small weddings or elopements?

Inn at Laurel Point is an excellent choice for small weddings and elopements in Victoria BC. The venue offers intimate dining and event spaces that are perfect for smaller guest lists.

What is the best time of year for an Inn at Laurel Point wedding?

Spring and Fall are popular for couples who want softer light and fewer crowds in the harbour. Summer offers longer daylight hours and warmer evenings, which are ideal for waterfront ceremonies and sunset portraits.

Does Inn at Laurel Point have indoor ceremony options if it rains?

Yes, Inn at Laurel Point offers indoor ceremony spaces as well as tented spaces that work well as rain plans. These areas feature large windows so your ceremony can still feel open, even if the weather doesn’t cooperate.

How far is Inn at Laurel Point from downtown Victoria?

Inn at Laurel Point is only a few minutes from downtown Victoria and is easily accessible by car, taxi, or even walking for some guests. Despite being so close to the city, the property feels quiet and secluded because it sits right on the harbour.