Our beautiful growing town leaves for some imagination when it comes to the perfect wedding venue. I will give you a list of the following buildings and outdoor locations I have shot at before.
-Buildings
The Taylor Hall
These photos were taken on a phone in 2016 actually at our own wedding. We had over 400 guests and the Taylor Hall was the only venue with enough space. However, I would consider it the worst for looks. They have old yellow walls, and floors, tall but empty ugly ceiling and just truly unflattering colours. We spent 3 days prior to the wedding, hanging fabric from the ceiling and creating our own DIY Chandelier out of Christmas lights and wagon wheels. We rented from Rustle https://systemssoundsource.com/, to have lights on the walls to distract from the colours and a sheer white backdrop for the head table so our photographs would look clean and professional without the yellow walls. http://www.districtoftaylor.com/district-office/contact/facility-contact-information/ Their website and booking can be slow and confusing but this is how you would contact them.
Evangel Chapel is one of the most common locations for Receptions in Fort St John. They have a rustic meets industrial-style space for receptions with two large garage doors that can open to allow the entryway to be part of the space. They have a large coffee bar and fire seating area to make for a comfortable feel. https://www.evangelfsj.com/
Charlie Lake Church
The Charlie Lake church is a gorgeous small log church with plenty of picturesque spaces. The only downfall is there are two isles and truly no space for a reception.
You can dress this small hall up as much or as little as you would like, they often have chandeliers and tool already hanging from the ceiling so it is less set up for you. However I believe it is a 150 person limit.
-Outdoor
Peace Island Park Pavilion
This beautiful Pavilion can be spiced up or kept simple. It is located right beside the river and campground, which is perfect for those wanting to party the night away with all the guests who can camp at the location of the venue. The building is open and in summer I have found if you are having your reception here you will likely get a lot of bugs joining the serving line for a snack. https://energeticcity.ca/2020/07/30/pavilion-at-peace-island-park-set-to-reopen-starting-august-1/
We’ve shot a few weddings here where they take advantage of the space all day long! Tons of space for formal wedding photos after the ceremony and lots of versatility for changing up the reception and ceremony style.
Beatton Provincial Park‘
Beatton Park is a Provincial Campground in Charlie Lake, they have a large gazebo available however I have only used the location for Wedding Portraits and Bridal Party Lunches. https://bcparks.ca/explore/parkpgs/beatton/
Klassens Property
This is a work in progress, since 2018 I have been using this prestinly landscaped yard for bridal portraits. The large wooded trails, the flower filled gardens and landscape everywhere you look. They have put in an outdoor kitchen with a pizza oven large enough to cook a turkey. As well as 3 hand made seating areas, an outdoor grill, large fire pit and a field that could fit hundreds for a reception or ceremony. This location is only available via contacting me, Tyra E Photography and Film.
Here are a few more photos of the property taken on my phone. It is about a 3 min walk from Charlie Lake and a gorgeous view of it from the wrap-around deck.
Farm
This breathtaking boho wedding took place just outside of Fort St John on their families field in Charlie Lake. A VERY popular choice for people is to create their own venue by using some of the endless land they own or that people they know own. It is simple enough to put together a small dance floor and either bring in tents or hope for a clear evening and dance the night away under the stars.
One thing I will forever love about Fort St. John is its never ending natural beauty surrounding it on every side. This couple asked if they could use their uncles property in Cecil Lake overlooking the valley for their ceremony and reception.
Backyard
If you have the land, use it!! The groom’s family has a beautiful piece of land a few minutes from the Fort St John Airport and overlooking the valley. They have ponds and fields, flower gardens and vine arches, their property is what dream venues are made of! If this location interests you, they are working on making it into a venue and you can let me know if you’re interested and I will contact the family. They also rent out tents for warm receptions in the early spring and late fall.
How do our couples do it! I have to say, we are constantly surprised when we show up to photograph and film and wedding and we see what gorgeous designs they have created in their own backyard for their intimate weddings. This couple also live 10 min out of Fort St John in Charlie Lake area.
