Blaylock Mansion, A Historic Gem Overlooking Kootenay Lake
Blaylock Mansion is one of those places that just makes your heart skip a beat. Perched above Kootenay Lake, just outside Nelson, BC, this historic estate is a stunning blend of elegance and adventure. With its manicured terraced gardens, a vintage swimming pool, and plenty of rooms for guests to stay the whole weekend, it’s a dream spot for couples who want a wedding that feels both luxurious and intimate.
The mansion itself is a piece of history. Built in 1934 by Selwyn G. Blaylock, a pioneering metallurgist and former president of the Consolidated Mining & Smelting Company, this Tudor-style estate was originally designed as a lavish summer retreat. Designed by the same architectural firm behind the iconic Banff Springs Hotel, Blaylock Mansion is a masterpiece of stonework, wrought iron gates, and breathtaking arboretum-style gardens. It even played a role in top-secret wartime operations, making it a venue with a truly unique story.
Why Blaylock Mansion Stands Out
There’s something truly magical about this venue. Maybe it’s the way the gardens lead your eye straight to the lake and the towering peaks beyond, or how it feels completely secluded while still being only 5 km from Nelson’s vibrant downtown. The ceremony locations—yes, there are multiple!—give you options for how you want to frame your day, and no matter where you stand, the view is breathtaking.
Beyond the scenery, the biggest draw of Blaylock is the experience. Weddings here aren’t just about one day—they’re about spending an entire weekend with the people who matter most. You can wake up with your best friends, sip coffee while looking out over the water, and dance under the stars, all in one place. The estate’s historic charm, combined with its private arboretum filled with rare trees and cascading waterfalls, makes for an unparalleled atmosphere.
Who Will Love This Venue?
Blaylock Mansion is perfect for couples who want an adventurous yet refined wedding. If you love the idea of an intimate, all-in-one destination where your guests can relax and truly connect, this is it. It’s also ideal for those who want a wedding that embraces the natural beauty of BC without sacrificing elegance.
Your guests will love how easy it is to get around, with plenty of parking and quick access to Nelson’s hotels and restaurants. And with so many different corners of the property to explore, no one will be bored—whether they’re lounging by the pool, wandering the gardens, or soaking in the views. For those who want a fully immersive experience, Blaylock offers a full weekend wedding option, including rehearsal dinners, a bridal suite larger than most homes, and exclusive use of the mansion’s seven beautifully appointed rooms.
A Photographer’s Dream Venue
From a photography perspective, Blaylock Mansion is a goldmine. There are endless spots for portraits, from the grand gardens to tucked-away greenhouses and vintage-inspired nooks. The lighting is incredible year-round, and even if the weather shifts, there are covered areas that make for stunning, moody shots.
One of my favorite things about shooting here is that everyone stays in one place. That means more candid moments, more genuine connections, and more opportunities to capture the real essence of the day. In the fall, when the trees turn fiery shades of orange and red, it’s even more breathtaking.
A Real Wedding at Blaylock Mansion
Jesuina & Kevin’s Rain-Kissed Celebration
Jesuina and Kevin wanted their wedding to feel like a full experience—not just an event but a weekend of love and adventure. With their closest people staying on-site, their wedding at Blaylock was personal, intimate, and full of spontaneous joy.
One of my favorite moments? Their first look. They intentionally carved out time together before the ceremony, soaking in the excitement before the whirlwind of the day began. Then, just as their ceremony was about to start, the skies opened up. But instead of stress, there was laughter, umbrellas, and an added layer of romance. When the rain cleared just in time for golden hour, it was pure magic.
The details of their wedding were thoughtful and deeply personal—custom décor that shared fun facts about them, a signature watermelon martini (because why not?), and their dog, Pumori, playing a starring role in the festivities. It was a perfect example of how Blaylock Mansion lets couples create a wedding that truly reflects them.
Final Thoughts
Blaylock Mansion is more than just a wedding venue—it’s an experience. It’s about waking up to mountain views, dancing under twinkle lights, and celebrating in a place that feels both grand and deeply personal. If you’re looking for a wedding that’s equal parts adventure and elegance, this is the spot. Visit Blaylock Mansion to learn more.
Pro tip: If you're planning your wedding here, have your closest guests stay on-site and book a shuttle for the rest.
Written by Canadian Wedding Photographer Bobbi Barbarich
About the Photographer
Bobbi Barbarich is an internationally recognized, multi-award-winning documentary wedding and family photographer based in British Columbia. With a background that spans from studying Nutrition and Metabolism to discovering her passion for photography through National Geographic magazines, Bobbi brings a unique blend of curiosity, authenticity, and human connection to her work. Her documentary approach embraces the raw, unscripted moments of a wedding day, creating images that feel honest, energetic, and deeply personal. As a photography mentor and business coach, she encourages creatives to embrace their quirks, stay present, and let curiosity guide their storytelling.
