Deciding to have a destination wedding doesn’t mean having to grab your passport and convince friends and family the give up a week to join you at an overseas location they may have no interest in visiting. For an inclusive wedding locale—one with stunning scenery, romantic hotels and conveniently found right in your own backyard—look no further than the Thompson Okanagan.
Located in the southern interior of British Columbia, and composed of the communities of Kamloops, Vernon, Kelowna, Penticton and Osoyoos, the region is blessed with amazing weather, welcoming residents and perfect businesses to compliment your LGBTQ2S+ nuptials. Here is a look at some of the wedding venues, places to stay and local vendors to help make your special day amazing.
KAMLOOPS
Nestled in the northern end of the Thompson Okanagan, Kamloops is known for its picturesque landscape of ponderosa pines and sagebrush along the curving Thompson River. That enchanting western desert feel is on full display at Rancho Burro, a wedding venue that is home to traditional adobe-style architecture set against rugged hills and serene Kamloops Lake. It has several indoor and outdoor options that offer perfect wedding backdrops. Also in the area is Lac Le Jeune Resort, located south of Kamloops. This slice of rustic charm, found next to a forest and lake, features several versatile venues, so couples can customize their dream wedding—from intimate to lively. It is also home to 21 inviting guest rooms and six quaint cabins.
When it comes to places for you and your guests to stay in Kamloops, there is no shortage of options. Recently renovated, Delta Hotels by Marriott Kamloops is located downtown with spacious rooms, a state-of-the-art fitness center featuring a 24-hour gym, and a heated rooftop pool with cabana seating—the perfect spot for your friends and family to gather pre- or post-ceremony. Also in the community is the Sandman Signature Kamloops Hotel, which is home to 202 premium rooms, including 100 suites. Found downtown, among its amenities are an indoor pool, hot tub and modern fitness centre.
To help make your day special stand out, order your flowers and table settings from Woodstock Floral Co., which specializes in luxury floral designs for weddings and other events, and let planners Elm & Peony Events take care of all the little details so you can focus on the day ahead. Photographer Kaeli & Co. specializes in capturing untraditional, laid-back couples who want to showcase their genuine connection in their pictures, while 11.11 Socials can create amazing social media content, capturing all the moments from your nuptials.
VERNON
A natural paradise surrounded by lakes and forests, vineyards and recreation areas, Vernon is an oasis in the interior of British Columbia that is the perfect spot to tie the knot with relaxed style. The Rise Resort and the Edge Restaurant and Bar is perched more than 300 metres above Okanagan Lake and has dedicated wedding teams to make sure every element of your day is perfect—from the ceremony to the reception. Mackie Lake House, a local heritage site, also specializes in weddings. Its grounds on the shores of Kalamalka Lake include breathtaking views, lush gardens and timeless charm, with the options of beach to barn I-dos
Before and after your ceremony, your wedding party can stay at Sparkling Hill Resort, a luxury four-Diamond property that features open-concept guest rooms and penthouses, an on-site spa to unwind at, and three unique dining experiences. Or opt for the intimacy of staying at a private accommodation with Outback Lakeside Vacation Homes. It offers a collection of designer homes, villas and cabins on Okanagan Lake perfect for families, newlyweds and wedding groups.
To set the mood on the special day, Vernon Flower Spot offers a wide selection of wedding bouquets, ceremony flowers and centerpieces—and can match the special colours on your day—while Sue Cairnie Ceremonies is known for officiating queer ceremonies that honour a couple’s personality and beliefs. After the vows are exchanged, Two Sparrows Pizza Food can bring a wood-fired, mobile pizza oven to your wedding location to make customized pies for your guests. And, have Selina Photography capture it all, from day-of preparations to the reception afterward.
KELOWNA
For LGBTQ2S+ wedding inspiration in Kelowna, a city known for its sunny weather and welcoming mix of vibrant downtown and active outdoor scene, start at 50th Parallel Winery. The estate’s wedding team understands how to help create lasting memories, with several venues available, such as its The Infinity Event Pad, Winery Tank Hall, Crush Pad and new Event Centre and Gravity Lounge.
Or, with such stunning weather, hold your wedding in the great outdoors for a truly unique experience. Knox Mountain Park, found just north of downtown on Okanagan Lake, features sweeping vistas and two pavilions that can be booked for ceremonies with a maximum of 30 people. Bertram Creek Regional Park is bookable only in the months of April, May, September or October has a lakeside amphitheatre where up-to 75 guests can celebrate with you.
The Unitarian Fellowship of Kelowna officiates at weddings for either opposite- or same-sex couples, and its ceremonies can take place at a variety of indoor and outdoor locations or at its church on Bertram Street. As well, Joels View Photography commonly snaps LGBTQ2S+ wedding ceremonies in the Okanagan region, capturing the intimacy and love of this important life moment.
While in Kelowna, opt to stay at the romantic Outside Inn at Niche Wine Co., which offers a small collection of luxury, modern-designed cabins nestled next to its vineyard and working farm, or stay right on Okanagan Lake with Delta Hotels by Marriott Grand Okanagan Resort. Its waterfront setting includes 260 stylish guestrooms in two towers and 60 vacation homes and condominiums.
PENTICTON
Tucked between two serene lakes in the southern Okanagan Valley, Penticton is surrounded by sandy beaches, vineyards and orchards, and rolling mountains. Painted Rock Estate Winery, located on Skaha Lake, is just minutes from downtown and provides spaces for a variety of LGBTQ2S+ weddings, from intimate ceremonies in its tasting room to outdoor receptions and farm-to-table dinners. Or, for a venue as unique as your love, there is The S.S. Sicamous, a landlocked stern paddle-wheeler boat that operates as a heritage site and event space that exudes bygone charm and elegance.
During your stay in Penticton check into The Balcomo, a cozy, design-forward retreat made for connection and romance. You and your partner can share quiet moments lounging poolside, sitting in the welcoming courtyard or relaxing at the onsite Wellness Centre with amenities that include cold plunge pool, sauna and hot tub. There is also the Penticton Lakeside Resort & Conference Centre, an all-season escape that features spacious guest rooms with sweeping lake or mountain views and numerous outdoor and indoor amenities—including a floating sauna.
Penticton is also home to several service providers who can ensure your day is special. Let I Do Weddings & Events help plan your celebration and take care of all the details, have Enchanted Florist & Design Co. design your floral arrangements, and get ceremony ready at Beauty and the Blade, which offers skin and brow treatments. For the I-dos, officiant Sondra Richardson can help celebrate the moment for your guests, and DJ Splendid Bastard spin and play the perfect soundtrack to a night of dancing.
OSOYOOS
The southernmost community in the Thompson Okanagan region, Osoyoos is surrounded by natural beauty, from desert landscapes and rolling vineyards to its stunning Osoyoos Lake and mountain views—all ideal backdrops for a memorable wedding ceremony. Watermark Beach Resort, located on Osoyoos Lake, hosts ceremonies and receptions at its indoor and outdoor event spaces and offers full wedding services. Osoyoos Golf Club also has flexible indoor and outdoor spaces and an event team that can help you plan and arrange your gathering.
Operating throughout the south Okanagan, Polka Dot Door Floral Boutique is known for creating customized bouquets and ceremony decor that is tailored to the theme or feel of your nuptials, whether it’s a large or intimate event. To capture it all, local Osoyoos wedding photographer Yinet Gomez is lauded for her images that honour authentic moments and reflect the atmosphere and emotions of your special day.
Last, for a romance-filled experience pre- and post-wedding, stay at Spirit Ridge Resort, a luxurious accommodation that includes Indigenous-inspired culinary offerings, wine experiences at on-site Nk’Mip Cellars and spa amenities. Or try the intimate, lakeside Walnut Beach Resort, a boutique property that is home to spacious suites, outdoor pool and hot tub, and private licensed beach.
For more ideas on how you can celebrate your LGBTQ2S+ wedding in the Thompson Okanagan region, visit travellingout.ca.
