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

Available from May 1, 2021 to October 10, 2021

With an outdoor wedding or event rental, your guests will have the opportunity to explore all 55 acres of VanDusen Garden while keeping a safe distance from others.

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

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

• |

• 

  The Great Lawn

  The Great Lawn can accommodate a variety of events from small intimate ceremonies to tented receptions.

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

  Event type	Rate
  Wedding ceremony	$2,050
  Wedding ceremony and reception	$3,995
  Special event	$2,675
  Special event - non-profit	$1,780
  Garden consumer show	$2,750
  Garden consumer show including the fairway	$5,580

  The Great Lawn wedding ceremony rental details

  • 120 person capacity included in rental package
  • 400 person maximum capacity. $6.75 + GST for any additional guests above 120 
    • Capacity may be limited based on current COVID-19 Provincial Health Orders
  • 4 hour rental + 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 allowed unless booked as a reception
  • Private gate entry for guests
  • Multiple power outlets available

  The Great Lawn additional ceremony costs

  Service	Rate
  Gate security (minimum 4 hours)	$37 + GST / hour
  SOCAN fee (required if music is played)	$10 (non-taxable)
  Event liaison if event over 8 hours	$45 + GST / hour
  Additional admissions over 120 people	$6.75 + GST / person

  The Great Lawn wedding ceremony and reception rental details

  • 120 person capacity included in rental package
  • 400 person maximum capacity. $6.75 + GST for any additional guests above 120 
    • Capacity may be limited based on current COVID-19 Provincial Health Orders
  • 8 hour rental + liaison time included (additional hours may be added)
  • It is the responsibility of the renter to arrange catering, tenting, and décor
  • All tenting must be weighted (staking is not permitted)
  • Multiple power outlets and water connections available at this site
  • No food or beverages allowed unless booked as a reception
  • Private gate entry for guests
  • Portable washroom trailers must be rented for receptions
  • Event planner required for all receptions

  The Great Lawn additional reception costs

  Service	Rate
  Gate security (minimum 4 hours)	$37 + GST / hour
  Event liaison if event over 8 hours	$45 + GST / hour
  Power, water access, and garbage bins	$625 + GST
  SOCAN fee (required if music is played)	$10 (non-taxable)
  Extra set up or move out day (staffing fees for gate security and event liaison will be charged in addition to this)	$1,997.50 + GST
  Additional admissions over 120	$6.74 + GST / person

• 

  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	$2,050

  Heron Lake wedding ceremony rental details

  • 120 person capacity included in rental package
  • If setting up a tent with any sidewalls, the maximum capacity is lowered to 60 people per the current Provincial Health Order.
    • Capacity may be limited based on current COVID-19 Provincial Health Orders
  • 4 hour rental + 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' x 40'

  Additional ceremony costs

  Service	Rate
  Gate security (minimum 4 hours)	$37 + GST / hour
  SOCAN fee (required if music is played)	$10 (non-taxable)
  Event liaison if event over 8 hours	$45 + GST / hour

• 

  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	$720

  Meadow Pond wedding ceremony rental details

  • Capacity is 30 people
    • Capacity may be limited based on current COVID-19 Provincial Health Orders
  • 2 hour rental + liaison time included
  • Time slots available:
    • 11am to 1pm
    • 1 to 3pm
    • 3 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

• |

• 

  Additional outdoor rental details

  • Booking confirmation - A $500 reservation fee for ceremonies and a $1,000 deposit for Great Lawn receptions is required to confirm the booking. A SOCAN fee of $10 is charged if music is played.
     
  • Set up and take down - Renters are responsible for set up and take down 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).
     
  • Timing - All reception events must finish by 10pm, and everything must be cleaned up and out no later than 11pm. 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. 
     
  • Catering - Renters that have booked the Great Lawn for a reception are welcome to use any caterer of their choice. There is power + water hookup available for caterers, but they must be prepared to create a portable kitchen area as there are no kitchen facilities available at the Lawn. Caterers must have plywood underneath all cooking equipment to avoid lawn damage. Discuss all COVID-19 food service guidelines with your caterer.
     
  • Liquor service - A special occasion license is required for any reception event at the Great Lawn serving alcohol. Additional security is also required during alcohol service (min. 4 hours). Alcohol is not permitted for a ceremony only booking.
     
  • 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 30-45 minute rehearsal may be booked depending on availability. Rehearsal requests outside of office hours (Monday to Friday, 9am- 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, Truffles Fine Foods café, and catering located on site. Shaughnessy Restaurant is also a short walk away at the northwest side of the parking lot.