Say ‘I Do’ in Our Secret Garden
The Gardens at HCP cannot wait to host your wedding in the magic and tranquility of our award-winning botanical Gardens.
As one of Equally Wed’s preferred vendors and the recipient of multiple Vancouver Island Wedding Awards, we are proud to offer a safe and accessible space for you to celebrate your love and commitment.
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 daytime ceremonies and receptions from 9am-5pm.
Questions? Interested in a site visit? Ready to start a contract? Contact HCP’s Event Coordinator at <[email protected]>.
We are so excited to turn your dream of an outdoor wedding into a reality.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What does ‘the Gathering Place’ and ‘the Pavilion’ refer to?
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.
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 20%.
What days of the week can I have my wedding?
Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
How far ahead can I book my wedding?
Wedding bookings open every January for the following year – for instance, bookings for 2024 weddings open January 2023. Email
Do I need to pay a fee to reserve a wedding date?
No, you may hold a date free of charge. HCP will hold the date for 8 weeks before prompting you to make a decision. 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 Event Coordinator at
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.
Can I have an evening reception?
No, weddings at HCP happen between the hours of 9am-5pm – perfect hours for wandering our 9-acres of demonstration Gardens and celebrating your love in the beauty of the daylight.
Do I have to choose between a daytime ceremony or a daytime reception, or can I have both?
You can have both! HCP can absolutely accommodate a daytime ceremony + reception, however everything must take place from 9am-5pm. The wedding package gives you access to the Gathering Place, the Gardens, and the Pavilion – whether you use this time to host a ceremony, reception, or both, is up to you. For those interested in both, we recommend a morning ceremony and lunchtime reception.
Does a 5:00pm ending mean that the wedding ends at 5:00pm, or that everyone must be off site by 5:00pm?
Everyone must be off site by 5:00pm. Guests should leave at 4:00pm so that 4:00-5:00pm can be used to clean up before departure.
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 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.
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?
Yes! The Pavilion is fully air conditioned.
Does the Pavilion have a kitchen?
Yes, the Pavilion has a commercial prep kitchen for you or your caterer’s use.
Does HCP provide catering?
No, all catering is done via third party. If desired, ask the Event Coordinator for a list of recommended caterers.
Do I have to hire a caterer, or can I bring my own food?
Feel free to bring your own food onsite.
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 from the Province of BC (this can be completed by either you or your caterer, if applicable). HCP must receive a copy of your SEP for you to serve alcohol on our premises. Alcohol consumption is limited to the Pavilion and the Pavilion’s brick patio. As weddings happen during HCP’s open hours of 9am-4pm, no drinking is permitted in the gardens.
Do I need to take all of my trash/recycling/compost off site by 5:00pm?
Yes! HCP does not have the capacity to handle garbage from events and weddings. All of your trash, recycling, and compost MUST be removed from the premises by 5:00pm – this includes the waste generated by catering and bartenders. We thank you for your understanding, and for helping us keep our Gardens lovely and pristine for all to enjoy.
Can I set-up my decorations the day before/pick up my decorations the next day?
No. All decorations must be set up and taken away the day of your wedding. For an additional $500, you may set up the day before your wedding, but this is subject to availability.
Can my guests enter and wander the Gardens without paying the admission fee?
Yes! Booking an event guarantees 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?
Anywhere in our beautiful gardens! Ask the Event Coordinator for photo spot recommendations.
What if it rains?
If it rains, HCP will provide clear plastic umbrellas for the couple, and miscellaneous umbrellas for guests. The Pavilion will also be available as a backup should the ceremony need to be moved indoors. 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.
Do I have to keep HCP’s gates shut at all times?
Yes! Please keep the gates shut at all times to prevent deer from entering the property. Deer in the Gardens would be very bad news, and we thank you for your diligence in keeping the gates shut.
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.
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.
Will there be an on-site supervisor for the duration of my wedding?
Yes, HCP’s Event Coordinator will be onsite for the entire duration of your wedding, to supervise the event and provide whatever assistance you require.
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. We recommended getting ready off property.
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).
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.
Is it my responsibility to communicate HCP’s policies to my guests?
Yes. You are responsible for adequately communicating HCP’s policies to your guests, and you will be held liable for the actions of your guests, including but not limited to: damage to the Gardens, allowing deer on property by leaving the gates open, smoking inside the gates, etc. If requested, HCP will send an email write-up of our house rules and policies which can be forwarded to all those attending.
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
