Planning a small wedding or elopement in Victoria, BC? You’re in luck — our beautiful west coast city is full of charming, intimate venues perfect for heartfelt “I do’s” surrounded by just your closest people. Whether you’re dreaming of a garden ceremony site, ocean views, or a heritage backdrop, Victoria has a wide variety of small ceremony spaces that celebrate love in all its simplicity.

As a Victoria-based wedding and elopement photographer, I’ve had the honour of capturing countless intimate celebrations across the island — and I’ve seen firsthand how a smaller setting can create a more personal, relaxed, and deeply connected wedding experience. If you’re looking for the perfect venue for your small wedding (guest list of under or around 40), here are a few local gems to consider.

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1. Abkhazi Garden

This romantic garden oasis near Downtown Victoria is perfect for couples who want an elegant and private feel. With its winding pathways, blooming flowers, and secluded spots for vows, Abkhazi Garden is ideal for ceremonies with under 40 guests. The garden’s natural beauty requires very little additional décor, and it’s especially gorgeous in spring and early summer. It’s a dream wedding location for candid, emotional outdoor ceremony photos.

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2. Finnerty Gardens at UVic

Nestled within the University of Victoria campus in Saanich, Finnerty Gardens is a hidden gem. With over 500 species of trees and shrubs, this spot offers a calm, woodland feel and is particularly beautiful during rhododendron season. It’s a peaceful, off-the-beaten-path choice for couples who want to exchange vows in an outdoor space with love ones.

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3. Beacon Hill Park

Beacon Hill Park offers a wide variety of backdrops — ocean, meadows, trees, and even a rose garden — all within one location. It’s perfect for elopements or very small weddings. The best part? It’s a public space, so if you’re keeping things simple and skipping permits or rentals, you can still have a beautiful wedding ceremony here (just be mindful of other park users!).

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4. The Chapel at St. Ann’s Academy

St. Ann’s Academy is a historic site with beautiful grounds and a stunning small chapel — the perfect mix of classic and intimate. The chapel has a timeless feel and can accommodate small groups in a sacred, peaceful space. Outside, the orchard and gardens make for dreamy wedding photos with heritage vibes.

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5. Hatley Castle Gardens

While the castle is a grand venue, the surrounding gardens offer private ceremony locations for smaller gatherings. The Italian garden or Croquet Lawn can be reserved for intimate elopements or micro-weddings, offering elegance without the full-scale event. Plus, the castle makes a striking backdrop for post-ceremony portraits. For more information about Hatley Castle weddings and photo sessions, click here!

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6. Sea Cider Farm & Ciderhouse (Tasting Room + Orchard)

Sea Cider is well-known for its large weddings, but did you know they also offer options for smaller ceremonies? You can book their tasting room and patio for elopements or intimate celebrations. The orchard, ocean views, and cozy indoor options make it a stunning location year-round for your wedding day.

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7. Inn at Laurel Point

For couples dreaming of an oceanfront ceremony with a modern, elegant vibe, Inn at Laurel Point is a fantastic option. Their waterfront terrace and indoor Harbour Room are perfect for small groups and offer sweeping views of the Inner Harbour. It’s a stress-free venue with everything you need on-site — and it makes for an easy transition into your reception or even a weekend staycation. For more information about pricing, visit this page here.

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8. Swans Pub & Hotel

Swans combines heritage charm with Downtown Victoria convenience. If you’re looking for a laid-back, cozy venue with character, their event spaces offer the perfect blend of vintage vibes and great hospitality. It’s ideal for couples who want an intimate ceremony followed by a fun, pub-style reception. Bonus: it’s walking distance to the Inner Harbour, perfect for post-ceremony portraits.

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​9. The Fairmont Empress Library

The Library at the Fairmont Empress in Victoria, BC, offers an intimate and elegant setting for small wedding ceremonies. Accommodating up to 30 guests for a seated banquet or 40 for a standing reception, this 784-square-foot room exudes historic charm with its original wood paneling, hardwood floors, and a working fireplace. Large windows provide stunning views of the Inner Harbour and the Parliament Buildings, creating a picturesque backdrop for your special day. While specific rental pricing for the Library isn’t publicly listed, wedding packages at the Fairmont Empress typically range from $160 to $195 per person, depending on the selected services and menu options. For the most accurate and up-to-date pricing, it’s recommended to contact the hotel’s event planning team directly.

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10. Your Own Backyard (or Airbnb!)

More and more couples are choosing to hold their ceremonies in meaningful or familiar spaces — like a family backyard or a beautiful rental property. There are some stunning Airbnbs in the Greater Victoria area with ocean views or forested spaces perfect for a small gathering. A private space can make your day feel truly personal and unique to your love story. Need an idea? Check out Owl Grove in Sooke.

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Small Ceremony, Big Impact

Whether you’re planning an elopement, a micro-wedding, or just want to keep things intimate and relaxed, Victoria offers no shortage of dreamy small ceremony spaces. Choosing a smaller venue allows you to focus on what matters most — your love, your people, and the moments you’ll remember forever.

As a wedding and elopement photographer based in Victoria, I specialize in documenting candid moments that bring you back to how it all felt. I’d be honoured to be part of your day — vendor bestie included. Looking for more extravagant venues that host elopements? Check out my blog about Stunning Vancouver Island Wedding Venues to read all about some additional options.

Planning your own intimate wedding in Victoria, BC?
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