Make your event memorable with a beautiful outdoor venue at VanDusen Botanical Garden

Available from May 1 to October 8, 2023

With an outdoor wedding or event rental, your guests will have the opportunity to explore all 55 acres of VanDusen Botanical Garden.

Celebrate your event in one of three serene outdoor locations at the garden. 

We are currently accepting 2023 and 2024 booking requests. For 2025 inquiries, please reach out to our team for availability. 2025 Booking requests will be accepted starting in early 2024. 

Information icon Contact the VanDusen Rentals department for additional details if you are planning an outdoor special event or consumer shows.

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  The Great Lawn

  The Great Lawn is a beautiful wedding venue in the heart of the garden. There are various ceremony background options at this lush site and is sure to delight any nature lover.

  All rates subject to GST. Rates are subject to change.

  Event type	Rate
  Wedding ceremony	$2,155

  The Great Lawn wedding ceremony rental details

  • 120 person capacity included in the rental package
  • 200 person maximum capacity. $6.75 for each guest above 120
  • 4 hour rental and liaison time included (additional hours may be added)
  • It is the responsibility of the renter to arrange tent, chairs, and décor
  • No food or beverages permitted
  • Private gate entry for guests
  • Multiple power outlets available

  Additional costs

  Service	Rate
  Gate security (minimum 4 hours)	$38.10 + GST per hour
  SOCAN fee (required if music is played)	$10 (non-taxable)
  Event liaison if event over 8 hours	$46.40 + GST per hour
  Additional admissions over 120 people	$6.75 + GST per person

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  Heron Lake

  Heron Lake offers a lovely mix of garden and lake views. Our large willow tree overlooking the Lake makes this the perfect backdrop for a stunning wedding ceremony.

  All rates subject to GST. Rates are subject to change.

  Event type	Rate
  Wedding ceremony	$2,155

  Heron Lake wedding ceremony rental details

  • 120 person capacity included in rental package
  • 4 hour rental and liaison time included (additional hours may be added)
  • It is the responsibility of the renter to arrange chairs, tenting, and décor within the rental time frame
  • One power outlet available
  • No food or beverages allowed at this location
  • Guest entry through Visitor Centre, separate gate 6 entry for vendors and bridal party
  • Maximum tent size 20 feet × 40 feet

  Additional costs

  Service	Rate
  Gate security (minimum 4 hours)	$38.10 + GST per hour
  SOCAN fee (required if music is played)	$10 (non-taxable)
  Event liaison if event over 8 hours	$46.40 + GST per hour

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  Meadow Pond

  Meadow Pond is a beautiful stand up wedding ceremony location and is the perfect spot for small intimate wedding ceremonies or elopements.

  All rates subject to GST. Rates are subject to change.

  Event type	Rate
  Wedding ceremony	$755

  Meadow Pond wedding ceremony rental details

  • Capacity is 30 people
  • 2 hour rental and liaison time included
  • Time slots:
    • 11am to 1pm
    • 1pm to 3pm
    • 3pm to 5pm
  • No food or beverages allowed at this location
  • This is a stand up ceremony area only; no tenting, chairs, or décor are permitted
  • One small signing table and a few chairs for guests who require them are permitted
  • No power outlets available
  • Private gate entry for guests
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  Indoor booking combination

  For all outdoor ceremony events that wish to add an indoor hall option for their reception, we offer special discounted rates. For Heron Lake or Great Lawn events, we offer 40% off of the indoor hall rental portion when booking a full day.

  This is a great option to ensure you have rain back-up during your ceremony, and ample time for reception set-up as well. For Heron Lake or Great Lawn events that book an indoor hall for a partial day booking (8am to 4pm, or 5pm to midnight only), we offer a 25% discount on the hall fee.

  For Meadow Pond events we offer a 10% discount on all hall rental options.

  On weekends (Saturday and Sunday) only from April to October, if you would like to rent the Visitor Centre Halls, you must book all three rooms combined (BMO Great Hall, Peggy Gunn Woodland Hall A and B).

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  Additional outdoor rental details

  Booking confirmation - A minimum of one month advance booking is required. A $500 reservation fee is required to confirm the booking. This amount is non-refundable in the event of a cancellation. Full payment is due 2 months in advance of the scheduled booking and no refunds are provided for events cancelled within 60 days of the scheduled booking

  Setup and takedown - Renters are responsible for setup and takedown within their booking time frame. All garbage must be placed into the provided receptacles on-site or taken off-site by the renter. No dumping of garbage waste or other materials in garden beds (additional charges will apply if any refuse is found in the beds)

  Tenting - Any tenting over 20 feet × 30 feet (60m²) must have a building permit from City of Vancouver Planning and Development Services.

  Timing - The earliest site access is at 7am for set up. Should a move in or move out day be required, additional rental and staffing fees will apply. 

  Music - A $10 SOCAN fee is charged if music is played.

  Liability insurance - All events require liability insurance with the “City of Vancouver and its Board of Parks & Recreation” named as additional insured. If alcohol is being served, $5 million in liability coverage is required. If alcohol is not being served, $2 million in liability coverage is required. 

  Staffing - Liaison and security staff are required for the full duration of the event including set up, event, and take down. For all reception events, an event planner is required due to the complexities of outdoor receptions. 

  Drone and animal policy - Drone photography and videography is not permitted on site. Ensure that your photographer is aware prior to your event. Pets are not permitted. Working guide and service dogs are welcome.

  Wedding rehearsals - For booked events that would like to arrange a rehearsal, further discussion is required with the VanDusen rental department. A 30 to 45-minute rehearsal may be booked depending on availability. Rehearsal requests outside of office hours (Monday to Friday, 9am to 3:30pm) cannot be accommodated at this time.

  Site amenities - Our unique garden setting is wheelchair accessible and has ample free parking. We also have a lovely Garden Shop, and the Garden Café/Truffles Fine Foods catering located on-site. Shaughnessy Restaurant is also a short walk away at the northwest side of the parking lot.