VENUE SPOTLIGHT: UBC BOATHOUSE

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John M.S. Lecky UBC Boathouse is a unique floating structure perched along the picturesque shores of the Fraser River. As one of Savoury City Catering’s favourite event facilities in the Lower Mainland, this on-the-water venue in Richmond offers a true West Coast backdrop with its spacious, contemporary design and scenic views of the surrounding North Shore mountains.

A unique locale for weddings and private events, the two-storey waterfront property offers flexible floorplans that can be rearranged to accommodate anywhere from 20 to 150 guests for seated functions and up to 185 guests for stand-up cocktail receptions.

The venue’s distinct waterfront setting is echoed in its interior design, which features natural wood carvings and sophisticated nautical accents on display throughout the space. While on-site, guests have access to numerous indoor and covered outdoor spaces – including a waterfront dock, an intimate fireside lounge and hidden alcoves – that can be used for getting ready, the ceremony, cocktail hour, and bridal party photos.

Many couples choose to host their ceremony and cocktail hour on the expansive lower deck overlooking the water before moving indoors for dinner. The venue’s bright and airy main dining room boasts floor-to-ceiling glass windows that fill the space with ample natural light and reveal stunning sunset views over the historic Fraser River. The event hall’s simple and minimalist design allows the surrounding coastal scenery to take centre stage, and the space can easily be dressed up with floral arrangements, event signage, and personalized decorative touches.

As a preferred vendor, Savoury City has had the privilege of working with the organized and passionate staff at UBC Boathouse on dozens of wedding and special events over the years. Professional on-site wedding and event coordinators support clients throughout every step of the planning process, taking care of all the details – including furniture rentals, audio visual equipment, and on-site set up and tear downs – to ensure your big day runs smoothly. And with no on-site catering at the facility, clients are permitted to bring in their own preferred event catering and bar teams – giving you much more freedom when it comes to designing custom food and drink menus for your big day.

“The amazing team onsite at UBC Boathouse goes above and beyond to make sure every event runs smoothly,” says Savoury City Owner Donna Wadsworth. “And because of the flexibility of the space, guests can go from an on-the-water wedding ceremony and cocktail reception, to the upstairs space, where there’s a light-filled room that can be transformed into the most magical dinner and dancing venue, all surrounded by water, mountains, and sparkly lights. It's the most theatrical space imaginable, and allows for simple and classic, to over-the-top elaborate tented and frocked out reception spaces. It's a blank canvas essentially, that can be made into magic.”

UBC Boathouse is located at 7277 River Road in Richmond, B.C. The convenient venue is within walking distance of the Canada Line Skytrain station and offers free parking along River Road, making it an easy and accessible spot for locals and out-of-town guests.

For more information about weddings and private events at John M.S. Lecky UBC Boathouse, visit ubcboathouse.com.

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