Right on the UBC campus sits one of Vancouver’s most breathtaking wedding venues. It feels natural and open the moment you walk in. Tall trees. Fresh air. Layers of green everywhere you look.
If you want a space that feels calm and surrounded by nature, this garden is worth a visit. It gives you the feeling of being tucked away, even though you’re still in the city.
The Botanical Garden feels alive. It’s lush, peaceful, and always changing with the seasons. With forests, flowers, and endless greenery, it’s a place that feels beautiful without even trying.
Updated for 2026:
Includes the latest UBC Botanical Garden wedding rates and venue details
Why UBC Botanical Garden Works for Weddings
UBC Botanical Garden is perfect for couples who want a relaxed outdoor setting without leaving the city. It’s not a ballroom or a hotel. It’s nature with structure and care.
You might love it if you value connection, simplicity, and good light. The layout makes it easy to keep everything close together so you can have your ceremony, portraits, and reception all in one place. The staff are kind and professional. They know how to run events smoothly and let you move at your own pace.
If you want your wedding to look like it came straight out of a magazine, this is the spot. The ceremony area feels like you’re saying your vows deep in a forest. It’s calm, romantic, and full of life.
The reception space is completely unique in Vancouver with string lights, lush greenery, and that open-air garden feeling that makes everything feel intimate and warm. It’s more of a blank slate, so you’ll need to bring in your own décor and catering. But if you’re up for a little extra planning, it’s absolutely worth it.
Ceremony & Reception Spaces Cost
Contemporary Lawn and Arbour
- Private, romantic, and covered in vines. Perfect for big outdoor dinners.
- Capacity: 250 guests
- Rates: $2000 (9am–2pm), $3200 (4pm–Midnight), $5000 (Full day)
Roseline Sturdy Amphitheatre
- Surrounded by tall trees with amazing natural acoustics.
- Capacity: 225 guests
- Rate: $1400 (2-hour ceremony only)
Reception Centre
- Indoor-outdoor mix with views toward the ocean. Great for mid-sized guest lists.
- Capacity: 100 guests
- Rates: $1750 (9am–2pm), $2800 (4pm–Midnight), $4000 (Full day)
Nitobe Memorial Garden
- Peaceful, reflective, and best for smaller, more intimate moments.
- Capacity: 25 guests
- Rate: $1400 (ceremony only)
Booking Info:
Location: 6804 SW Marine Drive, Vancouver, BC
Contact: 604-822-4208 | garden.bookings@ubc.ca
Website: botanicalgarden.ubc.ca
Discounts:
- 5% for UBC alumni, faculty, staff, and students
- 25% off when booking multiple venues
- 40% off from October to April
Pricing information is based on the official UBC Botanical Garden 2025–2026 Wedding Pamphlet. Please visit their official website for the most up-to-date and complete details on venue rates and availability.
Planning Tips
A few simple choices make a big difference at UBC Botanical Garden.
- Book early, especially for summer weekends, since prime dates go fast. Working with vendors who already know the venue helps the day flow smoothly and saves time during setup.
- Keep décor minimal. The garden already has so much character that you don’t need to overstyle it. Let the space shine on its own.
- Plan a timeline that gives you soft, natural light for portraits. Late afternoon is usually best. Always have a rain plan ready, like tents or covered areas, just in case.
- Remind guests it’s an outdoor day. Encourage them to wear comfortable shoes and bring what they need for the weather, such as sunscreen, light layers, or umbrellas.
- Little things go a long way. Add water stations, fans, bug spray, or snacks to keep everyone comfortable.
- Before booking, visit the garden in person. Seeing it in different seasons helps you imagine how your day will feel and where the light falls.
- UBC Botanical Garden is easy to personalize without needing to do much. Keep it simple and let the surroundings tell your story.
Best Time of Year
UBC Botanical Garden changes with the seasons, and each one offers something different.
From late April through early June, the garden is full of new growth. Cherry blossoms bloom along parts of the UBC campus, and inside the garden you’ll find magnolia and rhododendron flowers starting to open. The colors are soft and fresh. It’s a beautiful time if you like a gentle spring look in your photos.
July and August bring full summer greens. The leaves are dense, the light is warm, and everything feels alive. This is the most popular time for outdoor weddings here because the weather is steady and days are long.
By September and October, the garden shifts again. Some trees turn golden or deep red. The light becomes softer and more directional. It’s a calm, romantic look that works beautifully for portraits.
If you want that golden light for your ceremony, plan it for late afternoon. The way the sun filters through the trees at that hour gives a clean, even glow that works well in every season.
Rain can happen any time in Vancouver, but the garden photographs well in all conditions. On cloudy days, the colors stay balanced and rich, and the greenery looks even more vibrant.
If you’re planning your wedding at UBC Botanical Garden and want photos that feel real and full of emotion, I’d love to be part of your day.
Reach out below and let’s chat about your wedding.
