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Getting engaged is such a beautiful, joyful moment – and then, almost right away, the questions start popping up: Where do we even begin? How much should we budget? Which wedding venues in Victoria are the right fit for us?

If you’re newly engaged and starting to plan your Victoria wedding, first of all… congratulations! 🎉This season of your life is so special, and you deserve to enjoy it just as much as the day you say your vows.

Victoria is an incredible place to get married. Between our ocean views, lush gardens, heritage buildings, and cozy tucked-away venues, weddings in Victoria BC have a way of feeling both romantic and relaxed at the same time. Whether you’re dreaming of something intimate and laid-back or elegant and full of celebration, there’s so much possibility here.

This guide is here to walk you through the early stages of Victoria wedding planning, step by step – from dreaming up what you want your day to feel like, to choosing the right venue and building a vendor team that truly supports you. My hope is that you’ll come away feeling more confident, more excited, and a little more at ease as you move forward 🥰

💭 Step One — Dream a Little Before You Plan

Before you open spreadsheets or start comparing venues, I always encourage couples to pause and talk about what they actually want their wedding day to feel like.

Not what Pinterest says.
Not what anyone else expects.
But what feels right for you.

What Do You Want Your Victoria Wedding to Feel Like?

Close your eyes and picture your day for a moment. Are you surrounded by towering trees? Standing by the ocean with the sound of waves behind you? Laughing over long tables with candlelight and wine flowing?

Here are some questions that can help shape your vision:

Do we want something intimate and quiet, or more lively and social?
Do we picture being outdoors, indoors, or a mix of both?
Are there moments we care about most – like private vows, lots of time with guests, or a big dance floor?

When couples plan with these feelings in mind, everything else starts to fall into place more naturally, from the venue you choose to how your timeline flows.

Guest Count Comes First (Even If It Feels Early)

I know, making a guest list isn’t the most romantic part of planning. But for Victoria weddings, your guest count shapes almost every major decision that follows.

It affects:

Which wedding venues in Victoria can host your day
How your budget is spread out
Whether your day feels cozy or more full-scale

You don’t need to lock in every single name right away, but having a rough range helps so much.

Guest Count	Wedding Style	Best Venue Types in Victoria
2–20	Elopement or micro wedding	Beaches, forest clearings, small inns
20–50	Intimate wedding	Gardens, small estates, boutique venues
50–100	Medium-sized celebration	Farms, wineries, heritage buildings
100+	Larger gathering	Resorts, dedicated event venues

Key takeaway: Start with how you want the day to feel, then check that your guest count supports that vision.

💰 Step Two — Setting a Realistic Wedding Budget

Budget talk can feel uncomfortable, but it’s really just about creating a plan that supports what matters most to you.

What Do Victoria Weddings Typically Cost?

For full-day celebrations with professional, experienced vendors, many Victoria BC weddings land somewhere in the mid to higher five-figure range. Smaller weddings and elopements can be much less, especially if you keep things simple and guest counts low.

Rather than starting with a single big number, it often helps to think in percentages:

Category	Typical % of Budget
Venue & Rentals	30–40%
Food & Drinks	20–30%
Photography & Video	10–15%
Florals & Decor	8–12%
Attire	5–10%
Other (music, stationery, transport, etc.)	5–10%

This gives you flexibility while still keeping things balanced.

Where Couples Often Choose to Invest More

Many couples planning Victoria weddings decide to invest more in:

Photography and video — because these are all that you keep after the day is over
Food and drinks — since this shapes the guest experience so much
The venue — especially if it includes beautiful scenery and built-in character (less decor needed!)

Where You Can Keep Things Simple

If you’re hoping to keep your budget comfortable, you can often save by:

Choosing venues that don’t require a lot of extra decor
Limiting guest count
Focusing on meaningful details rather than lots of extras

Key takeaway: Your budget should support your priorities, not fight against them.

🏠 Step Three — Finding the Right Wedding Venues in Victoria

This is usually the first big decision couples make – and for good reason. Your venue sets the tone for your entire day.

Popular Types of Wedding Venues in Victoria BC

One of the best parts about planning weddings in Victoria BC is the variety of beautiful spaces available.

Some common venue styles include:

Oceanfront and waterfront venues — perfect for sunset ceremonies and coastal vibes
Garden and estate venues — lush, romantic, and full of natural beauty
Heritage buildings and historic spaces — full of charm and character
Farms and countryside venues — relaxed, open, and great for longer celebrations
Resorts and inns — wonderful for guest accommodations and weekend-long events

When you’re touring spaces, try to imagine not just the ceremony, but the whole flow of the day – where you’ll get ready, where guests will gather, and how the evening will feel.

Looking to peruse some venue options? Check out: The Top 20 Wedding Venues in Victoria, BC

Questions to Ask Your Venue Before You Book

To avoid surprises later, it’s helpful to ask:

What’s included in the rental fee?
How long do we have access to the space?
Are there noise limits or end times?
Do you have vendor restrictions?
What happens if the weather doesn’t cooperate?

Key takeaway: The best venue is one that supports both your vision and your timeline.

💕 Step Four — Building Your Victoria Wedding Vendor Team

Once your venue and date are set, it’s time to start gathering the people who will help bring your day to life.

Vendors to Book Early

For most Victoria weddings, these are the first to fill their calendars:

Venue
Photographer
Planner or coordinator (if you’re using one)
Catering (if not included with the venue)

Booking these early gives you much more flexibility with everything else.

What Makes a Great Vendor Fit

Beyond beautiful work, the right vendors should:

Make you feel comfortable and heard
Have experience with local venues and weather
Help things feel easier, not more complicated

You’ll be spending a lot of your wedding day with your vendor team, so feeling a real sense of trust and connection goes a long way!

Tips for Finding Local Victoria Wedding Vendors

Some great ways to find vendors who truly know Victoria BC wedding planning:

Venue referral lists
Instagram and local wedding hashtags
Recommendations from friends or other vendors
Wedding blogs that focus on Vancouver Island weddings

📸 Bonus!

Here are some additional resources, for starting your wedding photographer search:

How to Choose the Best Wedding Photographer for You

FAQs: Answering Common Questions About Wedding Photography

What to Ask Your Wedding Photographer

Key takeaway: Choose people who support your experience just as much as the final result.

🥳 Step Five — Creating a Wedding Day Timeline That Feels Relaxed

A good timeline gives your day structure without making it feel rushed. Your exact schedule will depend on your venue, guest count, and sunset time, but hopefully this gives you a helpful starting point –

Example Timeline for a Summer Victoria Wedding

Time	Activity
12:00 pm	Getting ready photos
2:00 pm	First look & couples portraits
3:30 pm	Wedding party & family photos
5:00 pm	Ceremony
5:30 pm	Cocktail hour
6:30 pm	Dinner
8:00 pm	Dancing

Here are some additional timeline resources to check out:

Key takeaway: Build in breathing room so you never feel rushed, even if your schedule falls a little behind.

☔️ Step Six — Planning for Victoria’s Weather

One of the most charming parts of Victoria weddings is how connected they feel to nature – but that also means being ready for changing conditions.

The Best Months for Victoria Weddings

Many couples choose:

May to September for warmer weather and longer evenings
Spring and early fall for softer light and fewer crowds

Rain Plans That Still Feel Beautiful

Even in summer, it’s wise to have:

Covered ceremony options
Indoor photo locations nearby
Clear communication with your venue and vendors

Key takeaway: Having a plan helps you relax, no matter what the skies decide to do.

✨ Step Seven — Little Details That Shape the Experience

Once the big pieces are in place, these smaller choices help your day feel unique and thoughtful.

Consider:

Where you’ll get ready (Tip: natural light makes a big difference)
How guests will move between locations
Whether you want time for private moments together
What you and your guests will taste, see, hear, touch and smell – engage all the senses!

Key takeaway: A thoughtful flow helps your day feel calm and intentional.

😍 Step Eight — Enjoying the Process and Your Wedding Day

Planning a wedding is a big project, but it’s also such a meaningful and unique season of your life!

Try to remember:

Things don’t need to be perfect to be beautiful
Your guests are there because they love you
The most important part is the two of you and your story

When you allow yourselves to be present, those natural, joyful moments tend to unfold on their own – and those are the ones that feel the most special looking back.

Some Final Thoughts on Planning Victoria Weddings

Planning a wedding comes with lots of choices, but at its heart, it’s about creating a day that feels true to you and your relationship.

Victoria offers such a wonderful mix of scenery, venues, and talented local vendors, making it an amazing place to celebrate your love in a way that feels both meaningful and memorable.

If you’re starting your Victoria wedding planning journey and want guidance, inspiration, or simply to connect with someone who truly cares about your experience, I’d love to be part of your story. Whether you’re dreaming up an intimate gathering or a full celebration with everyone you love, you deserve to feel supported every step of the way.

I can’t wait to see what you create 🤍

Do you have questions about my wedding photography process? Feel free to reach out to me here anytime!

Contact Aly