Event valet parking for weddings and parties

Park guests' cars at weddings, galas and private events on weekends, with a small team you book job by job.

Startup costC$2k to C$8k
Monthly revenueC$1k to C$5k
Time needed8+ h/week
First incomeWeeks
  • C$2k-8k
  • Side hustle
  • Out and about

Estimates for a small start in Canada, not guarantees.

What it is

A small team that greets guests, parks and returns their cars at events held at halls, farms, private homes and venues with limited parking. You supply the signs, key control and trained drivers.

Your first three steps

  1. Ask insurers for quotes on garage liability or garage keepers cover, and price a basic kit of vests, signs, cones and a key box
  2. Contact local wedding planners, venues and caterers to offer a trial event at a reduced rate
  3. Write a simple quote template and damage-handling procedure, then recruit two or three drivers with clean driving records
Who pays

Couples planning weddings, event planners, venues, charities running galas and hosts of large private parties.

How it makes money

A quoted fee per event, usually based on the number of attendants and hours worked, sometimes a flat fee per car. Some hosts also allow guest tips.

Skills that help
  • Safe, confident driving, including automatic and manual cars
  • Friendly, professional manner with guests
  • Organising people and traffic flow
  • Recruiting and scheduling reliable part-time attendants
Watch out for
  • Standard auto or commercial general liability policies may not cover customers' cars in your care, so check the exact insurance you need
  • Check with your municipality about permits for using the street, loading zones or private lots
  • Damage claims and disputes, so photograph cars on arrival and keep a key log
  • Check your provincial WCB or WSIB rules before paying staff
  • Winter weather, icy surfaces and short wedding seasons mean uneven income

Deep research report · Canada

Everything you need to start: event valet parking for weddings and parties

Researched with live web search for Canada: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.

  • Startup costs with real prices
  • Licences, registration and rules
  • Pricing: what others charge
  • Break-even example
  • Finding your first customers
  • 30-day launch plan
  • Risks and how to reduce them
Ready in about 2 minutes · one-off payment, tax included

See a full sample report

Questions people ask

How much does it cost to start a valet parking business?

Startup costs are estimated at typically around $2,000 to $8,000, depending on signage, key control equipment, uniforms, insurance and how many attendants you set up with.

How much can an event valet parking business earn?

Estimated monthly revenue is typically around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on how many events you book and your fees. The estimate assumes from about 8 hours a week, and income can be uneven by season.

What insurance and permits should I check for valet parking in Canada?

Check the exact insurance you need, as standard auto or commercial general liability policies may not cover customers' cars in your care. Check municipal permits for streets, loading zones or private lots, and WCB or WSIB rules before paying staff.

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