5 Unforgettable Vancouver Island Wedding Venues in the Forest
Vancouver Island is defined by wild, rugged beauty. Here, ancient cedar groves meet the salt air, and the soundtrack to your vows is the crunch of spruce needles underfoot, the call of ravens above, and the soft drip of water from the forest canopy.
Here are a few of my favourite forest wedding venues Vancouver Island has to offer. These are spots where time seems to move just a little bit slower, and you can enjoy every moment of your celebration under the trees.
Wickaninnish Inn, Tofino
The outdoor ceremony space at the Wickaninnish Inn in Tofino is completely unlike any other forest wedding venue on Vancouver Island; it’s ethereal with a touch of whimsy, like stepping into a forest-fairy wonderland. There’s ample space in the forest clearing for guest seating, and I’ve seen couples lean into the vibe with epic floral installations.
Tofino is a town that keeps going no matter the weather, and a little rain is never a disruption. At the Wickaninnish Inn, it only adds to the atmosphere. The dense Sitka Spruce canopy of the ceremony site provides just enough coverage to keep you dry, and you’re cocooned in the rhythmic pitter-patter of raindrops on the trees and the earthy petrichor of the rainforest. If you prefer an indoor option, the Wickaninnish Inn offers several intimate spaces to celebrate, including the Salal Room, the Shoreline Terrace, and Howard’s Wine Cellar.
Just beyond the treeline, you can hear the roar of the Pacific as it meets the rugged edge of Chesterman Beach. Take a short wander from the ceremony site, and you’ll pop out into the expanse of the beach for portraits. You can also book Shell Beach, the property’s private beach, as a more secluded option for your ceremony or portraits.
A stay at the Wickaninnish Inn will absolutely wow your guests. It was recently ranked as the #1 Resort in Canada and #3 in North America by Condé Nast Traveller. It’s also one of just a few properties in Canada to hold two Michelin Keys. Rooms are beautifully appointed, and every one has ocean views and a gas fireplace. Yes, it’s luxury, but it’s the kind that encourages you to kick off your shoes and feel the sand of Chesterman Beach between your toes.
Wickaninnish Inn | Essential Details
Guest Capacity: Ideal for smaller micro weddings and elopements, but can comfortably fit up to 70 guests.
On-site accommodations? Yes, beautiful, world-class accommodations that all your guests will love.
Tip: If you want golden hour photos, plan your timeline so you start shooting at least 3 hours before sunset if you’re in the forest, and 2 hours before sunset if you will be out on Chesterman Beach.
Sea Cider, Saanich/Victoria
Sea Cider is the romantic, cozy, cottage-core Vancouver Island forest wedding venue of your dreams. There are two main areas that you can use for your reception: the cider house, which has a farmhouse vibe and is perfect for intimate celebrations, or a versatile open-concept pavilion that invites you to bring your ideas to life. And yes! Sea Cider’s crisp and refreshing on-site-made cider is definitely part of the draw at this venue. Their cider is popular across all of BC, and while it’s tough to choose a favourite, I love Witch’s Broom. I honestly look forward to grabbing a pint every time I’m here!
Sea Cider’s forested ceremony spot looks as if it’s been pulled from a fairytale. You can say your vows in front of the most enormous fallen tree with twisted exposed roots, or with the lush green open forest as your backdrop. I will never forget capturing a Halloween wedding here in the rain, as the heavy drizzle slipped through the foliage, we all sheltered under a sea of umbrellas.
There are plenty of spots for photos at Sea Cider, and you’ll be able to stroll through row after row of apple trees. The orchard is a dream for golden hour portraits. I also just love the cute getting-ready space in the main ciderhouse. Just be sure that your photographer brings their wide-angle lens, as it is quite narrow.
Sea Cider | Essential Details
Guest Capacity: Perfect for weddings from 2 to 120 guests.
On-site accommodations? No, but Sea Cider is just 20 minutes from Victoria, where there are plenty of options.
Tip: The ceremony site is spacious, and the ground has been cleared to bring in guest seating. If you want a more lush green look with heavy foliage and moss for your portraits, I know of a beautiful forest backdrop just a 30-second walk from the ceremony site.
Want to see more photos of Sea Cider? Find the full gallery here.
Cedar Haven, Sooke
The towering trees at Cedar Haven make everything in the world feel small, bringing the focus to only you and your partner, and the power of the moment. There is really no way to describe Cedar Haven’s outdoor ceremony site other than dreamy, West Coast wedding bliss. Soft, moody light filters through the dense forest as you stroll down a natural pathway through the ferns. A calm river murmurs and babbles in the depths of the forest just behind the ceremony site, and can be accessed for more photos.
It feels like this Vancouver Island wedding venue was made for live music. Cascadia Quartet is a regular guest here, and they provide a soundtrack fit for the forest. While Cedar Haven focuses on wedding ceremonies, it’s also an incredible place to linger for a social cocktail hour before heading to your party.
Cedar Haven | Essential Details
Guest Capacity: Well-suited for weddings from 2 to 100 guests.
On-site accommodations? No, but Cedar Haven is close to Sooke and accommodations, including the Prestige Hotel and Sooke Harbour House.
Tip: The getting-ready space at Cedar Haven can be a bit tight, especially for wedding parties. If you want a little more space for your morning, book nearby accommodations like Sooke Harbour House or the Prestige Hotel.
Want to see more photos of Cedar Haven? Find the full gallery here.
West Coast River Lodge, Port Alberni
Want to celebrate your love at your own private riverside estate? West Coast River Lodge is an absolute gem where you and your guests will want to revel in every moment. The lodge is tucked alongside the Somass River in the Alberni Valley. There’s a special kind of stillness here, and as the day slips away, golden hour brings a soft glow, and the sunset is mirrored on the river.
The ceremony site is a beautiful clearing with a pond, a small waterfall, and abundant light. One of the best features of the property is the permanent glass structure meant for receptions. It lets the forest light filter in while keeping you protected from the elements. At night, it lights up like a glowing lantern in the dark woods. If you’re having a more intimate celebration with under 20 guests, the back deck of the lodge is the perfect spot for a long table dinner under the stars.
The amenities at West Coast River Lodge, including a fire pit, seasonal outdoor swimming pool, hot tub, and cedar sauna, will make your weekend-long celebration so much fun! I photographed one wedding here where the newlyweds ordered Pizza Hut for their late-night snack, and ended the night by leaping into the pool. It was pure joy! There is also a pool table in the main lodge, which makes for a memorable pre-ceremony activity or an alternative to dancing during your reception.
West Coast River Lodge | Essential Details
Guest Capacity: There are two reception spaces to choose from, with space for 2 to 150 guests.
On-site accommodations? Yes, the lodge can host 23 to 26 guests across 7 rooms.
Tip: The river height fluctuates with the tide. If you want to take photos alongside the river, plan to go at low tide. You can ask the lodge for advice or find tide times here.
Want to see more photos of West Coast River Lodge? Find the full gallery here.
Owl Grove, Sooke
Owl Grove is designed for slow, intentional celebrations. You’ll find gnarled Arbutus trees and rugged rocky outcrops that give way to glimpses of the Juan de Fuca Strait and the Olympic Mountains. If you’re craving a rustic, outdoors venue, where the distractions of the world fall away, you might just fall in love with the private property.
There is ample space at Owl Grove to accommodate a 20×60-foot tent and bring in your own vision. The venue also provides a selection of wedding essentials, including rustic harvest tables, whiskey barrels, a wooden bar, and other decor items. The rest is up to you!
Owl Grove | Essential Details
Guest Capacity: Perfect for celebrations with 20-120 guests.
On-site accommodations? Yes, Charlie’s cabin can accommodate up to 8 guests, and Perch cabin can accommodate 2 guests. More accommodations are available nearby in Sooke.
Tip: Bringing in a food truck is an extra sweet touch for this rustic outdoor venue. I would recommend Tacofino, Spoon & Spade, and Brubike, which is a cafe bike!
5 Tips for your Forest Wedding on Vancouver Island
- Lean on your photographer for advice on your timeline. Light can be tricky and dappled in dense forested areas. For the best photos, I suggest either an early morning ceremony, between 8-10 am, or a late afternoon ceremony between 2-5 pm. Forest settings are not ideal for sunset ceremonies, as it tends to get dark among the trees a few hours earlier.
- Consider accessibility. Will your guests be able to navigate the space? I always recommend having a look at the pathways. Are they packed woodchips, gravel, or gnarled roots? Give your guests a heads up on your wedding website.
- You don’t need to compromise on your wedding attire. Most wedding attire feels surprisingly at home amongst the moss and ferns. If you’re planning a wedding during Vancouver Island’s cooler seasons, long sleeves or a cape can add a fairytale-esque touch. While block heels or flats are easiest in the forest, other shoe options aren’t impossible.
- Pick up your dress if it’s wet or rainy. While moss and twigs are part of the beauty of the forest, lifting your dress and train will help keep your hems intact. I can always help you carefully fluff it back out for photos.
- Learn to remove twigs without damaging your dress. If the forest floor has a lot of small twigs, they may end up tangled in your dress skirt, especially if it’s tulle. To remove them quickly and without damaging the dress, twist the stick between your fingers, and it will gradually untangle itself!
Ready to plan your celebration at one of these Vancouver Island wedding venues in the forest?
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