“Once in a while, right in the middle of an ordinary life, love gives us a fairy tale….” – Unknown
One of my favourite things about my job as wedding photographer is scoping out new venues.
I’ve grown up in the Maple Ridge area, so I’ve spent many lazy days at Whonnock Lake.
North of the Fraser River along Dewdney Trunk Road, Whonnock was named after the pink salmon that make their way up the creek.
This quiet muskeg lake is known for its natural beauty. Whonnock Lake is home to a small sandy beach, picnic facilities and a gorgeous wooden dock.
And with the Whonnock Lake Centre situated on the banks offering both outdoor and indoor ceremony options, this private paradise always felt like the perfect place to hold a lakeside wedding!
Lakeside Gardens
Your wedding ceremony nestled in the forest features plenty of space to celebrate with your loved ones.
The garden overlooks the beauty of the lake and the surrounding woods. It features mature trees, lush grass and a rhododendron garden, so you will feel close to nature as you exchange your vows.
Through the archway draped in ivy you’ll find a brick patio. With the banquet hall windows to one side and garden beds and trees to the other, it’s the perfect spot for guests to mingle between the ceremony and the reception!
Take a break from dancing to catch some fresh air on the patio, under fairy lights and the evening sounds of the lakeside forest.
The Rustic Banquet Hall
Inside, a character-filled banquet and reception hall features natural light from the floor-to-ceiling cathedral windows and skylights, with views of the lake.
Rustic wooden beams create an open and welcoming atmosphere. Best of all, you can decorate them to bring your dream vision to life.
Imagine twinkling lights draped over the beams, casting a magical glow as you and all your loved ones dance the night away!
Enough tables and chairs for 160 people are provided, so all you need to do is have fun decorating! The chairs are standard banquet size, so planning for beautiful table and chair coverings will be easy.
Plan your decorations, fairy lights, or dreamy fabric to drape to your hearts content. Bring a sound system if you’re playing your wedding day playlist. Or, you can bring in live music!
The venue has a bridal room available with separate hallway and door to the patio to your big entrance. There is also a full commercial kitchen for caterers with a separate caterers entrance, as well as a bar with a door to the brick patio space!
Whonnock Lake Wedding Photos
Your guests settle in to mingle on the brick patio. Meanwhile, you and your love sneak out to the beach to capture the perfect rustic lakeside wedding photos.
A long wooden dock leads you through the green lake grasses and lily pads to the edge of the water. Together you reflect on your love for each other while the frogs play and the loons call in the distance.
This dock creates a beautiful moment away from your guests. I’m a huge fan of intimate moments away together, and this dock is perfect.
The quiet forest air carries the music playing in the reception hall, which you can hear from the woods. The water glitters as you sway in each others arms.
Planning your Rustic Lakeside Wedding
You’ll have access to set up and get ready at 8:00 am, and can celebrate until midnight for a 1:00 am close. You will need to have everything cleared out by then, but there is a caretaker available for any questions.
The Venue has 19 parking stalls available which you might want to use for your vendors. There are 2 large parking lots near the beach, so there is plenty of parking for large weddings.
The building is shared with the Ridge Canoe & Kayak Club, but they are notified whenever an event is taking place.
They also use the dock, but don’t worry – you’ll have plenty of opportunity to get those perfect Lakeside photos!
Create a Magical Whonnock Lake Wedding
This Maple Ridge wedding venue feels like home. The perfect backdrop for you to celebrate your love story!
The Whonnock Lake Centre has a virtual tour on their YouTube channel with all the information you need for your Whonnock Lake Wedding, or head to their website for more information.
Are you looking for your perfect rustic Maple Ridge wedding venue? Then let’s talk about Whonnock Lake Weddings, and don’t forget to check out Woodlot 0007 and Deep Roots Family Farm.
If you’re looking for a West Coast Wedding Photographer for your intimate or large wedding celebration, I’m your girl! Contact me today and let’s create something magical… something you will treasure forever.
