Say ‘I Do
We are currently finalizing our wedding dates for 2025, which will require approval from our department heads. Once this approval is obtained, we will be able to begin the booking process for 2025. Regarding 2026, the dates will not be confirmed until later in the new year. However, we can add you to an email list to notify you when those dates are finalized, ensuring you have the first opportunity to express your interest.
At HCP we know that your love is too big and joyous to be kept indoors - that's why when you say your vows in our outdoor ceremony area, you will find yourselves accompanied by birdsong, joined by soaring eagles, and surrounded by flora whilst the waters of our conservation park sparkle in the background.
Our Couvelier Pavilion provides a climate-controlled reception area and ceremony backup, replete with red cedar beams and unique Pacific Northwest architecture.
At HCP we know that your love is too big and joyous to be kept indoors - that's why when you say your vows in our outdoor ceremony area, you will find yourselves accompanied by birdsong, joined by soaring eagles, and surrounded by flora whilst the waters of our conservation park sparkle in the background.
Our Couvelier Pavilion provides a climate-controlled reception area and ceremony backup, replete with red cedar beams and unique Pacific Northwest architecture.
We offer a variety of wedding and elopement packages in our beautiful Gardens.
Questions? Interested in a site visit? Contact HCP's Venue Coordinator at [email protected].
We are so excited to turn your dream of an outdoor wedding into a reality.
What is the Gathering Place?
The Gathering Place is the beautiful, circular brick area where we host wedding ceremonies. The Pavilion refers to the Couvelier Pavilion, the building where we hold receptions and events.
How many guests can I have?
HCP has a max capacity of 100 (including the wedding party). We love small weddings, and we cannot wait to host a gathering of your close family and friends.
What about the elopement package?
The elopement package gives you access to the garden of your choice for 3 hours, to say your vows and take pictures. HCP provides seating for up to 10 guests, and a signing table (with a white linen tablecloth). The elopement package does not give you access to the Pavilion or the Gathering Place.
Can I get married at HCP year-round?
Yes! HCP is open year-round for weddings, subject to availability. Weddings October-April receive an off-season discount of 10%.
What days of the week can I have my wedding?
Preferred days for weddings at HCP are Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
How far ahead can I book my wedding?
Wedding bookings will be available in the new year for the following year. For example, bookings for weddings in 2026 will open in early 2025. If you're interested, please feel free to email us to inquire about being placed on a waitlist for future years. Thank you!
Do I need to pay a fee to reserve a wedding date?
We reserve dates for a period of one week and if not confirmed within that time frame, the reservation is released. If you decide to go ahead with the date, HCP requires a 50% booking deposit upon signing of the contract. This deposit is fully refundable for up to 30 days prior to the wedding date, which is when the remaining payment will be processed.
What is the cancellation policy?
The booking deposit is fully refundable up until 30 days prior to the wedding date. Between 30-7 days prior to the wedding date, 50% of the deposit is refundable. There is no refund for cancellations less than 7 days before the wedding date.
After signing the contract, can I reschedule my wedding date?
Yes! Contact HCP's Venue Coordinator
Will there be an on-site Coordinator for the duration of my wedding?
Yes, HCP's Venue Coordinator will be onsite for the entire duration of your wedding, to supervise the event and provide whatever assistance you require.
What does HCP provide for the ceremony?
HCP provides up to 100 white outdoor ceremony chairs in the Gathering Place, a signing table (with a white linen tablecloth) + chair, and a beautiful wooden arbour to decorate as you see fit (zap straps only - no pushpins, staples, or nails, please).
Can we throw rice during the ceremony?
No - rice, birdseed, confetti, glitter, and silk petals are not permitted in the Gathering Place. Organic flower petals and leaves are welcome, as are bubbles!
Are there power outlets in the Gathering Place?
Yes! There are power outlets surrounding the Gathering Place, however HCP has no technical equipment outside of the Pavilion - if you wish to use heaters, speakers, or the like at your ceremony, you must bring your own equipment.
Is the venue wheelchair accessible?
Yes, our venue is totally wheelchair accessible. We have a wheelchair ramp from the parking lot to the Gardens, a ground level Pavilion with an accessible washroom, and sloping gravel paths connecting the Pavilion to the Gathering Place. For additional information please email
What does HCP provide for the reception?
HCP provides:
13 round tables (60” diameter)
13 rectangular tables (6'x2')
22 rectangular tables with adjustable height (4'x2')
Up to 100 chairs
White linen tablecloths
A/V equipment (projector, screen, HDMI cord, speakers, microphone)
Does the Pavilion have air conditioning?
Certainly! The Pavilion is equipped with a complete air conditioning system.
Does HCP provide catering?
No, all catering is done via third party. If desired, ask the Venue Coordinator for a list of preferred caterers.
Does the Pavilion have a kitchen?
Yes, the Pavilion has a commercial prep kitchen for you or your caterer's use.
Do I have to hire a caterer, or can I bring my own food?
You are welcome to bring your own food to the premises. Please be advised that we do not supply utensils or glassware, so you will need to bring your own if necessary.
Does HCP have dishware I can use?
No, HCP has no dishware or glassware. All dish equipment must be rented and brought on site by a third party.
Can I take glassware into the Gardens?
No. For safety reasons, glassware is not permitted anywhere in the Gardens, and must stay in the Pavilion or the Pavilion's brick patio.
Can I serve alcohol at my wedding?
Yes, if you apply for and receive a Special Event Permit (SEP) from the Province of BC (this can be completed by you or your caterer, if applicable). HCP must receive a copy of your SEP for you to serve alcohol on our premises. HCP must receive the SEP two weeks prior to your event.
Alcohol consumption is limited to the Pavilion and the Pavilion's brick patio.
Can I set-up my decorations the day before/pick up my decorations the next day?
All decorations must be set up and taken away the day of your wedding. If you are interested in setting up your wedding in advance, please note that a service fee will apply. The fee is determined by your total amount at an hourly rate.
Can my guests enter and wander the Gardens without paying the admission fee?
Yes! Booking an event includes free access to the Gardens for you and all of your guests, for the duration of the wedding. Garden Maps are available at the front office.
Will I have exclusive access to the Gardens on my wedding day?
No. HCP is open to the public every day of the week from 9:00am-4:00pm. You will have exclusive access to the Pavilion and the Pavilion's brick patio. Visitors to the Gardens are always very respectful of weddings.
Where am I able to take wedding pictures?
You are welcome to take photos in the designated gathering area and pavilion. Should you wish to take photos within the garden itself, please note that there is an additional fee of $300, which will be added to your total amount.
General information:
- Price: $300 for a two-hour rental period during our regular operating hours from 9 am to 4 pm, Monday through Sunday.
- The volunteers are typically in the gardens on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday.
- We kindly ask that you please refrain from stepping into the flower beds as it may disturb the plants
What if it rains?
If it rains, the Pavilion will also be available as a backup if this is part of your wedding package. Please note that elopements do not include this option. In our experience, embrace the rain! Nothing says “perfect West Coast wedding” like a romantic drizzle.
Can I smoke or vape in the Gardens?
No, smoking and vaping is not permitted anywhere inside HCP's gates. You may smoke or vape in the parking lot.
Can I get ready for my wedding at HCP?
You can if you wish, however the Pavilion does not have proper setup for hair, makeup, and changing. It is recommended to consider preparing for the event off-site or utilize the gardens as a space for getting ready.
Where can I park?
Half of HCP's parking lot will be reserved for the wedding, with additional angle parking available along Quayle Road. Parking is limited, however, so we recommend carpooling or hiring a shuttle for large groups.
Can I have live music?
Yes, we welcome live music! Speakers or amplifiers on the Pavilion's patio must be set up facing Viaduct Flats (away from HCP's residential neighbours).
It is unsafe for me to drive home after the wedding - can I leave my car at HCP overnight?
Of course. Safety is of the utmost importance - if it is unsafe for anyone to drive home, they may leave their car in HCP's parking lot overnight. Any cars left overnight must be picked up by 9:00am the next day.
We're thrilled to have taken home several Vancouver Island Wedding Industry Awards:
- 2020 Special Edition: Macro to Micro
- 2019 Best Elopement Experience
- 2019 Best Unique Wedding Venue (finalist)
- 2018 Best Collaborative Styled Shoot
- 2018 Best Outdoor Ceremony Venue
- 2018 Best Unique Wedding Venue (finalist)
- 2017 Best Outdoor Ceremony Venue
- 2016 Best Outdoor Venue
Featured on:
For more inspiration, please visit @hcpgardens and @hcpweddings on Instagram - and be sure to check out the following galleries and videos of past weddings!
Justine & Owen, March 2021 (Elopement)
Shannon & Francois, April 2020 (Elopement)
Clay & Nita, February 2020 (Indoor Ceremony)
Wellesley & David, September 2019
Danielle & Jet, August 2019 (Elopement)
Erin & Steve, August 2019 (Ceremony Only) + Video
Rebecca & Brian, June 2019 (Elopement)
Laura & Keenan, September 2018
