2025 Champagne + cake show at hatley castle park
We couldn’t ask for a more amazing venue to hold the champagne and cake show than Hatley Castle Park! This year, there are even more bubbles, cake, gowns, dancing, games, savouries, makeup, hair design, decor, tablescapes, flowers and photos!
The sun shone down on us, and excitement was high as everyone hurried to get ready for the guests’ arrival. Few wedding events capture the romance of Vancouver Island quite like the Champagne + Cake Show. The historic estate was transformed into an afternoon filled with inspiration, elegance, and community spirit.
Held on April 27, 2025, the show welcomed couples, wedding professionals, and curious guests to explore the castle and gardens while discovering some of the most creative talent in the local event industry. Guests wandered through rooms filled with flowers, fashion, music, and décor while sipping champagne and sampling decadent cakes and desserts—a fitting experience for an event dedicated to celebrating life’s sweetest moments. Guests picked up their goodie bag, which featured the West Coast Weddings Magazine and local magazines.
A Castle Setting for Wedding Dreams
Hatley Castle, with its ivy-covered walls, grand staircases, and sweeping views of ocean and gardens, provided a magical backdrop for the show. The historic venue, located at Royal Roads University, is already known as one of Vancouver Island’s most sought-after wedding locations, and the event gave visitors a chance to experience the space as a real wedding setting.
Throughout the castle and grounds, guests discovered ceremony setups in the gardens, elegant tablescapes, and design ideas that showcased the venue's versatility for celebrations of every style. The Italian Garden became a dreamy ceremony location for the day, while the patios and lawns invited visitors to soak up spring sunshine and ocean views. Cello music and singing allowed guests to relax between the rooms.
Fashion, Flowers and Festive Energy
One of the highlights of the show was bridal fashion displayed throughout the castle. Models descended the grand staircase wearing beautiful gowns, creating moments that felt like scenes from a romantic film. Photographers captured the excitement as couples watched the mini runway moments unfold around them.
Guests also enjoyed live hair and makeup demonstrations, floral installations, and creative décor displays designed by Vancouver Island’s talented event professionals. Tablescapes, invitations, photography displays, and planning experts gave couples countless ideas for bringing their own wedding visions to life.
For brides searching for “the one,” a gown sale by The Bride’s Closet offered the chance to try on dresses at significant discounts—turning the event into a true treasure hunt for wedding fashion.
Music, Food and Celebration
The Champagne + Cake Show is about more than just inspiration—it’s about experiencing a celebration. Guests sampled sweet cakes, savoury bites, coffee, and cocktails while enjoying live music and entertainment throughout the afternoon. Some couples even joined impromptu dance lessons, adding playful energy to the elegant setting. So many thanks to our cake sponsors and Truffles Catering.
From DJs spinning tunes to musicians performing live, the atmosphere felt like a wedding reception already in full swing. Vendors ranging from planners and photographers to décor designers and caterers mingled with guests, creating an interactive environment where couples could ask questions and connect with the experts who might help shape their future wedding day.
Supporting a Meaningful Cause
Beyond the beauty and creativity, the event also had a philanthropic purpose. The Champagne + Cake Show supports the BC Children’s Hospital Foundation, turning a joyful afternoon into an opportunity to give back to the community.
A Sweet Taste of West Coast Weddings
The 2025 Champagne + Cake Show proved once again that weddings on Vancouver Island are anything but ordinary. From elegant gowns and imaginative décor to champagne bubbles drifting through castle gardens, the event celebrated the creativity and passion of the local wedding community.
For engaged couples, it was more than just a show—it was a chance to step into a world of possibilities and imagine their own love story unfolding in one of the West Coast’s most enchanting venues.
And as the last glasses of champagne were raised and the final slices of cake enjoyed, one thing was clear: when weddings meet castles, champagne, and cake, magic is inevitable.
All photos by MEGAN MAUNDRELL PHOTOGRAPHY
