For those of us who were born and raised in Vancouver, getting married here might seem like a no-brainer. (Unless you're a wedding photographer with a love of travel and warm weather, like me!). Your family is here, your friends are here, and chances are you met your one true love here, too. 

So it might feel all too easy to resign yourself to spending your Vancouver wedding night here, too—in the bed you sleep in each night. And sure, I mean, that works.  But could we make that idea just a little more exciting? I say yes!

Your Night Deserves To Be Planned, Too!

Your wedding night is one of the things that's easy to forget about when you’re planning your wedding or elopement. Especially if you already live with your partner, it’s super easy to think “Meh, we’ll just go home at the end of our wedding day,” and leave it at that. I mean, one less thing to pack for, plan for and worry about.

And you know what, there’s nothing wrong with that. If you’ve already made 18,000 wedding decisions or your budget is super tight, do what makes you happy! Call it a night and watch Netflix. As an introvert, I get it. Power to ya!

But just because your address won't be changing, doesn't mean your full day and night shouldn't be as special as possible! If you have some budget and even a little planning energy left in the tank, I would encourage you to think about how you could make your night super memorable Because a special place to spend your first night as a married couple might be an amazing way to end your day!

The Best Places To Spend Your Vancouver Wedding Night

#1 On The Water

We live in a port city and the views are pretty spectacular. Especially if you live inland or in the Fraser Valley and you don’t see the water each day, enjoying a night in an ocean-view room and watching the sunset together might be a special—and uber-romantic—treat.

There are a few ways to book a water-front wedding night:

1. Book A Houseboat on Airbnb. How fun would this be?! A West Vancouver houseboat cuts your travel down way down compared to going somewhere like the island or the sunshine coast, but it still gives you those to-die-for views and ultimate solitude.

2. Book An Ocean-View Hotel Room. The Seaside Hotel in North Van feels a little tucked away compared to downtown but offers gorgeous views and lots of upscale dining options close by.

#2 Under The Stars

…in a tiny home or camper!

This option is awesome if you're opting for a half-day elopement or if you're choosing to whisk yourselves away early in the day to enjoy your first hours as a married couple. Just a short ferry ride or car ride away, you’ll feel like you're transported to a totally different place—but still, be home in under 3 hours. 

If this option speaks to your soul, check out these local tiny home and camper rentals on Airbnb!

#3 In A Luxury Downtown Hotel

Want to class it up a little? Why not splurge on a luxury downtown hotel! Order room service, sip mimosas, book a couples’ massage, get cozy in comfy bed linens and pillows, and sleep like a baby knowing don’t have to do a single load of laundry, was one dish, or clean up after yourself in any way.

I recommend checking out these three stunning hotels:

• The Fairmont Waterfront

• The Rosewood Georgia

• The Shangri-la

Tips for Spending The Night At Home

I know weddings can be expensive, so if you’re opting to go back home at the end of your big day, I get it! But there are still so many things you can do to up the romance vibes. 

#1 Plan A Special Dinner

Is there anything less romantic than the “What should we have for dinner tonight?” conversation? I think not! 😂 And that’s exactly why I love the idea of planning for an in-home dinner, a living room picnic, or a special meal of some kind. It makes your day feel extra special but without the huge hit to your budget. 

#2 Set The Scene

Have a friend or family member set the scene in your home for you while you’re out saying your I do’s! Or, have them sneak in mission-impossible style (or let them come in through the door if you’re normal like that!) during the photos portion of your day. Think rose petals, champagne, fairy lights…whatever you can imagine! This keeps things fun and gives you an exciting surprise to look forward to at the end of your day.

You Plan The Night. I’ll Help You Plan The Day!

Getting married in BC? Download my ultimate guide to planning your small wedding or adventure elopement! It’s full of tips and advice for how to plan an intentional, intimate, personalized wedding day that is just SO you!