Congratulations on your engagement! As a professional photographer, I get a lot of opportunities to work in stunning venues and often am looking up all the incredible wedding venues in the Okanagan area to envision how I would photograph my couple’s weddings at each location. Planning a wedding can be an exciting but overwhelming experience, and choosing the right venue is an important first step. If you’re looking for a wedding photographer in the Okanagan, you’re in luck we would love to be considered as we are a husband and wife photo and video team – the region has a range of beautiful venues that are perfect for capturing your special day. Here are some of the best venues in the Okanagan for your wedding, along with some tips on what to book first after getting engaged.

1. The Old Vines Restaurant at Quails’ Gate: This stunning venue is located in the heart of Kelowna and offers breathtaking views of Okanagan Lake and the surrounding vineyards. The restaurant can accommodate weddings of up to 120 guests, and its elegant dining room and outdoor patio make it the perfect setting for a romantic and intimate ceremony and reception.
2. The Cove Lakeside Resort: This luxurious resort is located in the heart of Kelowna and offers a range of beautiful event spaces, including the stunning Lakeside Ballroom and the romantic Lakeside Terrace. The resort can accommodate weddings of all sizes, and its experienced staff will help you plan every detail of your special day.
3. The Thompson Hotel and Conference Centre: This modern hotel is located in the heart of Kamloops and offers a range of elegant event spaces, including the stunning Grand Ballroom and the versatile Summit Room. The hotel can accommodate weddings of all sizes, and its experienced staff will help you plan every detail of your special day.
4. The Manteo Resort: This beautiful resort is located on the shores of Okanagan Lake, just outside of Kelowna. The Manteo Resort offers stunning views of the water and the surrounding mountains, and its spacious event spaces are perfect for both indoor and outdoor ceremonies and receptions.
5. The Summerhill Pyramid Winery: This unique venue is located in Kelowna and offers a range of beautiful outdoor settings for your ceremony and reception. From the stunning pyramid to the tranquil gardens, the Summerhill Pyramid Winery is the perfect setting for a memorable and unique wedding.
6. The Manteo Resort: This beautiful resort is located on the shores of Okanagan Lake, just outside of Kelowna. The Manteo Resort offers stunning views of the water and the surrounding mountains, and its spacious event spaces are perfect for both indoor and outdoor ceremonies and receptions.
7. The Delta Hotels by Marriott Grand Okanagan Resort: This luxurious hotel is located in the heart of Kelowna and offers a range of elegant event spaces, including the stunning Grand Ballroom and the romantic Okanagan Terrace. The hotel can accommodate weddings of all sizes, and its experienced staff will help you plan every detail of your special day.
8. Sunset Ranch: The Sunset Ranch is an ideal location for your Wedding Ceremony and Reception! Their ceremony site is beautiful, the food is amazing and the service is outstanding! With views of Sunset Ranch Golf Course and the Okanagan Valley, they are sure to be impressed.
9. Cedar Creek: Throughout your winery wedding, CedarCreek Estate provides impeccable set-up, expert recommendations, and polished service. The elegant venues look out over sparkling Lake Okanagan with lush vineyards and rolling hills as your backdrop. Here, your union will unfold into an unforgettable, cherished day for you and your guests. 
10. Hotel Eldorado: Framed by stunning architecture and unparalleled mountain and lake views, we welcome you to Kelowna’s finest full-service waterfront resort. Beautifully located on the shores of Okanagan Lake, Eldorado Resort features two hotels connected by a picturesque boardwalk and world-class marina. The resort provides the highest standard of comfort, minutes from downtown, hiking, orchards and wineries. Experience the romance and nostalgia Hotel Eldorado, a boutique hotel dating back to 1926, where timeless elegance and warmth are infused with the luxury and hospitality of today.
11. The Harvest Golf Club: With a beautiful garden surrounded by orchards and water features, a charming yet elegant dining room, seating for up to 160 guests, sweeping views of the Okanagan, impressive in-house catering and professional event staff, there is no better place to say “I do”.
12. Liquidy Wines: Celebrate with Okanagan wine, modern style, lush vineyards, and postcard-worthy views at our avant-garde winery wedding venue with elegant dining and a private Loft suite. Liquidity Wines stunning venues are filled with all the beauty and style you dream about.
13. 50th Parallel Estate: this venue in Lake Country overlooks the Okanagan lake at a beautiful modern Vineyard with stunning views every way you look. The venue offers amazing catering options as well.

Here are 10 tips on what to do after getting engaged to help you get started:

1. Set a budget: Before you start planning your wedding, it’s important to have a clear idea of how much you’re willing to spend. This will help you make informed decisions about your venue, photographer, and other vendors, and ensure that you don’t overspend.
2. Choose your date: Once you have a budget in place, it’s time to choose a date for your wedding. This will help you determine which venues are available on your chosen date, and give you a timeline for planning the rest of your wedding.
3. Book your venue: After you’ve chosen a date, the next step is to book your venue. This is one of the most important decisions you’ll make, so take your time and visit a few different venues to find the one that’s right for you.
4. Hire a photographer: Once you’ve booked your venue, the next step is to hire a photographer. Your photographer will capture all of the special moments of your wedding, so it’s important to choose someone who has experience shooting weddings and whose style you love. Let me know if you would be interested in chatting more about our packages.
5. Hire a videographer: In addition to a photographer, consider hiring a videographer to capture the sights and sounds of your special day. A professional videographer can help you create a beautiful and unique video that you can watch and relive for years to come. It can be a beautiful way to capture memories to share with your grandchildren someday. We offer photo, and video package deals as well!
6. Plan your ceremony and reception: After you’ve booked your venue, it’s time to start planning the details of your ceremony and reception. This includes choosing your officiant, music, floral arrangements, and more. Be sure to take your time and consult with your venue and vendors to create a wedding that reflects your personal style and vision.
7. Choose your wedding party: Another important step in the planning process is choosing your wedding party. This includes your maid of honour, best man, bridesmaids, and groomsmen. Be sure to choose people who are important to you and who will support you throughout the planning process and on your special day.
8. Register for gifts: After you’ve set a date and booked a venue, it’s time to start thinking about your wedding registry. This is a list of gifts that you would like to receive from your guests, and it can include items for your home, honeymoon, and more. Be sure to register at a variety of stores to give your guests a range of options.
9. Send out save-the-date cards: Once you have a firm date and venue for your wedding, it’s time to send out save-the-date cards. This is a brief note that lets your guests know the date of your wedding and provides them with enough time to make travel arrangements and plan for the event.
10. Plan your honeymoon: After all the excitement of your wedding, you’ll want to relax and unwind on your honeymoon. Be sure to start planning your honeymoon early to ensure that you have the destination and accommodations that you want. Whether you’re looking for a romantic beach getaway or an adventure in a far-off land, your honeymoon is a special time to celebrate your love and start your new life together.