The I Do Booth is bringing pop-up weddings to the Victoria Pride Festival in 2026. Created by Fêtes by Linda, this joyful grassroots initiative gives 2SLGBTQIA+ couples an accessible and affirming way to legally marry or renew their vows during Pride.
Weddings can often be expensive and complicated to plan. The goal of The I Do Booth is to remove those barriers and create a space where couples can celebrate their love simply, proudly, and surrounded by community.
Couples who participate will take part in a short wedding ceremony at Pride, complete with a licensed officiant, fabulous drag queen flower girls, professional photography, and celebratory touches like décor, florals, and a bubbly toast.
This project is not designed to generate profit. Instead, it’s about giving back to the community and creating meaningful moments of connection and celebration. To make this possible, we are partnering with local businesses, vendors, and sponsors who believe in inclusion, accessibility, and queer joy!
the "i-do" booth
pop up weddings at the victoria pride festival on july 12, 2026
Getting married at Pride? Yes, really.
- Apply for a ceremony slot: Once registration opens, couples will be able to apply for a ceremony time during Pride.
- Secure your marriage licence: Couples planning to legally marry will need to obtain a valid British Columbia marriage licence before their ceremony.
- Pay the administrative fee: Couples will pay a $300 administrative fee, which helps cover coordination and logistics for the event.
- Arrive ready to celebrate: Come to Pride with your marriage licence and your favourite people and say "I Do"!
Linda Newcomb is the founder of Fêtes by Linda, a wedding and event planning company rooted in the belief that celebrations should be as unique and meaningful as the people at the centre of them. A proud first-generation Canadian with Nigerian roots, Linda brings her cultural perspective, attention to detail, and commitment to inclusivity to every event she plans. Weddings hold a special place in her heart, and she’s passionate about creating space for couples who don’t always see themselves reflected in traditional wedding culture.
planner: linda newcomb
Vendors
photographer: danielle lindenlaub
Danielle is a Vancouver Island–based wedding photographer whose work centers around real moments, celebration, and connection. With a documentary approach, she focuses on capturing the candid interactions, fleeting glances, and joyful energy that make each wedding feel uniquely personal. Danielle is a proud supporter of the LGBTQIA+ community and believes deeply in celebrating love in all its forms.
Cecilia brings warmth, authenticity and stickers to each ceremony. Also known on social media as Vancouver Island Wedding Lady, Cecilia is a licenced officiant with All Seasons Weddings, with several hundred weddings of all flavours in her repertoire. Her focus in the ceremony is to speak to the couple directly, not speak about them as if the experience is being done to them. “If we laugh, and we cry, and we say the wonderful words, then it is a successful ceremony!”
Twenty-tree years ago on July 8, 2003, LGBTQIA+ couples were finally able to legally marry in BC; Cecilia and her wife will celebrate their 22nd anniversary this year (if they remember!).
Officiant: cecilia penner
Who can get married at The I Do Booth?
Will the ceremonies be legally recognized?
How much does it cost to participate?
what will the day look like?
The I Do Booth is open to 2SLGBTQIA+ couples who would like to legally marry or renew their vows in a joyful and inclusive Pride setting.
Yes. Ceremonies will be performed by a licensed officiant. Couples who wish to be legally married will need to obtain a valid British Columbia marriage licence before the ceremony.
Our goal is to keep the experience as accessible as possible. Couples will be responsible for obtaining their marriage licence and paying a small administration fee of $300. All other elements are covered through sponsorship and community support!
Each ceremony will be 30 minutes, followed by 30 minutes of photos and a chance to toast and celebrate with your guests! We are hoping to have 5 couples get married throughout the day so we want to make sure there is time for change over and breaks for the vendors.
Frequently asked Questions
Can friends or family attend?
Yes! Pride is a community celebration and couples are welcome to bring up to 8 loved ones to witness their moment.
How can businesses support The I Do Booth?
Local businesses can support the event through monetary sponsorship or in-kind contributions such as products, services, or rentals. Sponsors will receive recognition through event signage, social media promotion, and media outreach.
How can I become a sponsor?
You can view our sponsorship opportunities in the sponsorship booklet and contact us directly to discuss how you’d like to contribute.
please let us know if you have any accessibility requests and if you have a preference for a morning, afternoon or evening ceremony.
How Did yOu Hear About us?
Estimated Guest CoUNT
MArriage or vow renewal?
Ages
Phone number
Email Address
You & your partner's names
Please remember this is a public space, and there may be other people watching. Your guests will have a great view of you getting married and will be able to comfortably sit and watch.
