Winter is a romantic season that many find perfect for a marriage proposal. The holidays highlight the importance of loving relationships with people close to us. It’s natural to look across the table at your partner during a large family meal and realize you never want to be without them. This is probably why Christmas Eve and Christmas Day are the first and second most popular days to propose on the calendar. Number three is New Year’s Day.
If you received a winter proposal, you may feel like you have all the time in the world before your summer wedding, but it will be here before you know it. And, since many others got engaged at the same time as you, you will all by vying to reserve the same venues. The early bride get the venue, so it’s best to get planning immediately. To help you in this endeavor, we have gathered information about Vancouver’s most beloved places to exchange vows.
The Grant House
If you have your heart set on an outdoor venue, The Grant House could be perfect. Built in 1849 as the residence of a commanding officer, the Grant House is a focal point of Officers Row. You can actually see some of the original logs used in construction throughout the building. Nowadays it is a restaurant that offers the East Lawn, East Veranda, and Patio as a venue that accommodates up to 250 people. They can accommodate smaller parties inside.
The Grant House can create culinary magic for weddings that range from casual (with cocktails and hors-d’oeuvres) to formal (with a sit-down meal and wine pairings). People who choose this venue work with an on-site, executive chef and an event coordinator to make sure things are exactly as the happy couple wishes. The gorgeous grounds make for exceptional photos of the guests and wedding party.
Hilton Vancouver Washington
Located in downtown, the Hilton is a truly gorgeous hotel with a staff of on-site wedding consultants. They have over 35 years of experience in planning special days, and they can assist you in creating the unique event of your dreams.
If you choose the Hilton, they can provide you with up to 30,000 square feet of flexible event space, including two ballrooms for both the ceremony and reception. They have catering menus that feature Northwest regional cuisine and also handle custom orders. They have an audio-visual team that can run music and slideshows throughout your ceremony and reception.
Historic Slocum House
If you have been to Esther Short Park, you have seen the Slocum House. It’s right on the southwest corner, and it is the last remaining building from the days when that section of downtown was all residential. Built by Charles W. Slocum in 1867, the two-story Victorian is now used as an event space. It offers views of the romantic views of the park, as well as high ceilings, wooden floors and fabulous natural lighting.
There are multiple event spaces to choose from, and some of them can be combined to make a larger space. The Slocum Ballroom accommodates 65 people for a standing reception and 40 for a seated dinner. If combined with the Hidden Parlor, the space will work for 85 standing. Should you choose the Historic Slocum House, you will also have access to a small prep kitchen and veranda.
Clark County Historical Museum
Located in a 1909 Carnegie Building, the Clark County Historical Museum is one of the only examples of Beaux-Arts architecture in the city, which lends a visual appeal you won’t easily find anywhere else. Fortunately, modernization projects have ensured that it is also an accommodating space. It’s both intimate and inviting, as well as a unique historical gem.
You can choose between two rental spaces: The Brick Room Gallery and The East Gallery. Both provide access to a staging area and non-commercial refrigeration, though there is no oven or stove. The Brick Room Gallery has an open floor plan with exposed brick walls and a recycled, open beam ceiling. The East Gallery is the larger of the two spaces and it provides an unobstructed, 360-degree view of the current exhibit at the museum.
Firstenburg Community Center
The Firstenburg Community Center is a lovely space, with fir paneling and bamboo floors that give it a distinctly modern Pacific Northwest vibe. It’s a space that can adjust to a variety of wedding sizes, with the maximum being 200 people. Plus, they supply the tables (which they will set up and take down), chairs, audio-visual equipment, wireless microphones, patio chairs and podium.
The event space at the Community Center includes a commercial kitchen, an outdoor patio, a hallway and the south lobby area. If you would like to rent a wedding lounge and groom’s room, those are available as well.
