Mayne Island Community Centre

On a Gulf Island, a wedding tends to slow down to the pace of the place, and the Mayne Island Community Centre gives that unhurried feeling a bright, welcoming home.

The centre sits on five acres of meadow backing onto the forest, with a rural West Coast character, a community garden behind the building and ample parking.

Inside, the Main Room is 1,220 square feet with high ceilings, wood beams and large skylights. It seats around 60 to 70 guests at tables, and a large glass power door opens directly to the outdoors.

In the warmer months, normally May to October, a marquee tent is set up on the side deck, adding another 1,200 square feet. Together the two spaces offer about 2,400 square feet and can host weddings and private functions for up to approximately 110 guests, with plenty of room for music and dancing.

A commercial-grade kitchen with a gas stove and grill connects to the Main Room through a pass-through window. The centre also provides round and rectangular tables, tablecloths, chairs, place settings, wine glasses, champagne flutes, votives and warming trays for a fully catered event of around 100 people.

Private functions are booked as a weekend rental, with exclusive use of the centre from Friday evening to Sunday early afternoon, which leaves time to decorate and settle in. The décor can be whatever the couple imagines.

The booking agent is in touch with local service providers who can help with caterers, flowers, officiants and accommodation, which is a real help for couples planning from off the island.

For couples who want a relaxed island celebration where family can cook, dance and linger among meadow and forest, the Mayne Island Community Centre offers a warm and flexible place to gather.