Vancouver is opening bookings for "micro-weddings"

May 8 2020, 8:51 pm

The City of Vancouver has announced that it will be offering outdoor “micro-weddings” starting this summer.

Helena Gutteridge Plaza, an outdoor venue located on the north side of Vancouver City Hall, will be made available for these micro-weddings. The plaza is one of Vancouver’s newest public spaces and is currently a five- to 10-year temporary space that will be re-evaluated for a larger plan at a later date.

helena gutteridge plaza

Vancouver’s Helena Gutteridge Plaza, located on the north side of City Hall. (City of Vancouver)

Initially, the plan was to launch weddings at City Hall, with the option to hold ceremonies in Council Chambers or outside on the plaza.

“The City wanted to provide an option for those who may have had to change their wedding plans due to the pandemic.”

The first ceremony has been scheduled for June 19, 2020. The plaza will be used for weddings every Friday until September 4 and eight 30-minute time slots are being made available on each date.

Monday, July 2, has also been marked off and reserved for LGBTQ2+ weddings to commemorate Pride week in Vancouver.

The ceremonies are meant to be short and safe for couples, officiants, and witnesses. As such, receptions and large gatherings will not be permitted.

Couples will need to bring their own officiant, marriage licence, photographer, and decorations.

Oh, and there’s also no available washrooms at City Hall, so couples will have to consider that, too.

Five people, including the couple, officiant, and witnesses, are required as the minimum number to hold a ceremony. Five additional guests can be added with permission from the officiant, allowing for a maximum of 10 guests per ceremony.

People will not be allowed to come in vehicles and watch from afar, and physical distancing decals will be placed on the ground to ensure safe distancing.

Decorations must be provided by those booking the event. They will need to be zero-waste; they cannot be attached in any way, and no litter can be thrown outside City Hall.

The booking cost is $85 (plus GST) and more information can be found online.

Vincent PlanaVincent Plana

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