Although the Okanagan might be known as wine country, there are some hidden gems that offer things different than a vineyard. If you love the Okanagan and you’re looking for a unique space to get married, especially for an intimate wedding, I can’t wait for you to explore these beautiful spots – from Kaleden to Penticton to Kelowna!
Here you’ll find some unique venues I love, listed from South to North!
Table of Contents
- Linden Gardens (Kaleden)
- God’s Mountain Estate (Penticton)
- Munson Mountain (Penticton)
- Skaha Lake Beach & Gazebo (Penticton)
- Sanctuary Gardens (West Kelowna)
- Hotel Eldorado (Kelowna)
- Rustic Reel (Kelowna)
Linden Gardens
A garden wedding! Linden Gardens is tucked away in a little town Kaleden. The 9 acres are covered in a beautiful garden with several spaces to choose for your ceremony or reception under the trees!
God’s Mountain Estate
I could cry. AHH, I love this place. God’s Mountain Estate is an incredible venue on the side of the mountain in Penticton overlooking Skaha Lake. The property feels like a little Grecian Villa, and is perfect for intimate weddings!! You’ll have access to several rooms, including a very cool roofless room, where you can stay the weekend and prepare the morning of. Plus, there’s a sweet pool that overlooks the lake, a spacious courtyard for your reception, and a winding driveway that runs alongside a massive traversable rock wall.
Munson Mountain
If you’ve ever driven to Penticton from Kelowna, you’ll see across the lake a large Hollywood style “PENTICTON” sign! Unlike the Hollywood sign, you can actually access this one and the beautiful park it rests on. Munson Mountain has a winding trail, first it will bring you to a Gazebo, and when you keep walking up the trail, you’ll find the sign, and if you go further, you’ll be greeted by 360 views. This park is a really beautiful spot specifically for an elopement or intimate wedding, and the Gazebo is very accessible and only 2 minutes from the parking lot.
* Disclaimer: some locations require a wedding permit, some do not, some locations may not offer a permit, some locations are first come first serve. I’m not saying you can get married anywhere, but I’m also not saying you can’t either 😉 Send me an email if you’re unsure about your ideal location. There is most often a work around.
Skaha Lake Beach & Gazebo
Another unexpected spot that you could get married — Skaha Lake Park is a busy and bustling place in the summer with volleyball, picnics and barbecues, children playing in the water, paddle boarders paddling, and ice cream lovers at Tickleberry’s! If you’re willing to have your family show up 3 hours early to reserve the gazebo, this is a fun place to get married! Maybe even get in a game of volleyball after your vows.
* Disclaimer: some locations require a wedding permit, some do not, some locations may not offer a permit, some locations are first come first serve. I’m not saying you can get married anywhere, but I’m also not saying you can’t either 😉 Send me an email if you’re unsure about your ideal location. There is most often a work around.
Sanctuary Gardens
Aptly named, Sanctuary Gardens in West Kelowna is really a beautifully lush and peaceful spot. Truly one of a kind in the Okanagan where you’ll be met with winding pathways, blooming flowers, and wide open fields. Sanctuary Gardens is romance in a place.
Hotel Eldorado
Hotel Eldorado is an classy and charming hotel right along the lake, a landmark in the Okanagan Valley since 1926! After your ceremony on the rooftop patio, you can go right into cocktail hour and enjoy the breeze and views right along the lake. For indoor receptions, the Eldorado offers a variety of elegant ballrooms or relaxed event spaces.
Rustic Reel
Nestled smack in the middle of the fast growing Brewery District, Rustic Reel’s Beer Hall is a beautiful blank canvas to host an intimate dinner party to celebrate your wedding! Your guests can explore the shops, restaurants, and attractions in Downtown Kelowna, including several other breweries and tasting rooms such as Motherlove Kombucha, Big Fat Lion Bakeshop and Born to Shake within walking distance, it’s the perfect spot for craft beer enthusiasts.
I hope you found this guide helpful! If you’re getting married at one of these spots and in need of a documentary film style photographer, I would love to hear from you!
