Outdoor Venue
| Maximum Capacity: 300
The use of the South Lawn is available to the public free of charge for personal use only. For special events, the rental fee begins at $1100. This fee permits the use of our private parking lot, permission to install chairs, sporting equipment, decorations, tents, portable facilities, etc. The fee does not include access to Craigdarroch Castle (which can be arranged for a fee if you’d like your guests to be able to visit) but it does allow for use of the Visitor Centre and its bathroom facilities.
The 78,000 square foot South Lawn has been recently regraded and an irrigation system was installed allowing for green grass throughout the summer, along with access to power and potable water. Close to downtown and with the Castle as a dramatic backdrop, the South Lawn is an ideal space for your special event.
All rentals (tents, portable facilities, extra power generators, tables, chairs, catering equipment, etc.) are handled through outside event rental contractors. We allow you to work with your own preferred provider or we can recommend vendors to you. Unlike interior events, there are no restrictions regarding staining foods and beverages (e.g. red wine, or tomato sauce.
Supported Layouts and Capacities
Reception
Capacity: 300 People
Features
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Atmosphere/Decor:
Surrounded by lush trees in the summer and looking directly at the castle, our south lawn makes any event seem like they are in their own little world.
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Special Features:
Power and water hookups throughout the space.
General Event Space
| Maximum Capacity: 300
As a designated National Historic Site, Craigdarroch Castle is an exceptional place to hold an event. As your guests arrive through the Porte-Cochere Entrance and enter the Main Hall, they immediately encounter the magnificent sweeping open oak staircase rising four floors to the Dance Hall. Lavish Victorian era furnishings and decor, exquisite stained glass, and detailed woodwork carved by artisans of days gone by....these all combine to create a warm and welcoming experience.
On the first floor, drinks and edibles in hand, your guests can wander into the Library, through the Drawing Room, into the Dining Room (except when Christmas decorations are installed), past the Smoking Room and the Breakfast Room. Through the Main Hall, guests then ascend the grand staircase, past the Alcove (and perhaps a musical trio) and up to the second floor. On the third floor, guests can view the huge Games Room with its impressive billiard table, an original bathroom, family rooms and servants’ quarters. From the Dance Hall on the fourth floor, they can view the snowcapped Olympic Mountains to the South, then climb to the Tower for a panoramic view of Victoria and the Straits of Juan de Fuca.
Craigdarroch Castle was built for entertaining. You can hire a small ensemble of musicians to suit your taste; jazz trios; strings; pianists; vocalists; or simply use an MP3 player. The Steinway pianos in both the Drawing Room and the Dance Hall are available for use by a professional pianist. Please note that we do not allow dancing because of potential damage to the Castle that is, in and of itself, an artifact. With the open staircase, the acoustics are wonderful and music can be heard all through the Castle.
Supported Layouts and Capacities
Reception
Capacity: 300 People
Features
-
Atmosphere/Decor:
A fairy tale castle, being restored to a classic Victorian style. Tucked away in one of Victoria's oldest neighborhoods, it truly is a unique space.
General Event Space
| Maximum Capacity: 35
Located in our new visitor centre, this multipurpose space is great for meetings, small wedding receptions, cocktail events, etc. A blank canvas to build your event!
Supported Layouts and Capacities
Banquet - 10 per
Capacity: 20 People
Chevron - 18"
Capacity: 35 People
Classroom - 30"
Capacity: 35 People
Conference
Capacity: 20 People