The Ultimate Guide to Eloping in British Columbia

Everything You Need to Know to Plan a Magical, Intimate, and Wildly You Elopement in BC. Eloping in British Columbia offers gorgeous scenery and unforgettable experiences for couples.

Where Will You Elope?

Eloping in British Columbia is about more than just picking a stunning location—although BC definitely has plenty of those. This is about creating a day that feels like you. One that’s relaxed, meaningful, and rooted in connection.

Whether you’re hiking to a mountain peak at sunrise, slow dancing on a beach at sunset, or cozying up in a cabin with the ocean crashing outside—your elopement in BC should be full of joy, intention, and zero pressure. This guide will walk you through everything from where to elope to how to legally get married, with some extra insight from someone who knows this province well (hey, it’s me!).

Let’s plan something unforgettable.

Why You Should Elope in British Columbia

British Columbia is a dream for couples wanting an intimate, meaningful wedding day. Why? Because you can elope pretty much anywhere here and have it look straight out of a movie. Rainforests, coastal cliffs, turquoise lakes, misty mountains, deserts, vineyards—you name it, BC has it.

Whether you’re craving salty air or alpine air, this province is filled with raw, wild beauty. And the best part? You get to slow down and soak in every moment of your elopement instead of rushing through a timeline filled with expectations.

Eloping in BC means choosing presence over pressure and making space to breathe, be yourselves, and celebrate the hell out of your love in a way that actually feels like you.

The Magic of Eloping in BC

There are so many reasons couples are choosing to ditch tradition and elope in British Columbia:

• Scenery That Feels Like a Fairytale – From glacier-fed lakes and lush rainforests to surf towns and desert vineyards, BC has it all. And most of it feels untouched and wildly romantic.
• Year-Round Beauty – Whether it’s spring wildflowers, summer sunshine, fall colours, or a snowy mountain winter wonderland, you can elope here any time of year. The seasons shift gently here—no polar vortexes or intense heat waves.
• Adventurous Options – Surfing in Tofino, canoeing on Emerald Lake, taking a floatplane over the coast, hiking into an alpine meadow or even having a post-vow beach bonfire… BC is built for adventure and totally customizable experiences.
• Privacy + Freedom – Want to say your vows just the two of you, or with a handful of your favourite humans? You get to design the experience that fits your story.

How to Elope in BC – Step-by-Step

Eloping should feel effortless, not overwhelming. Here’s how to bring it to life:

1. Start With Your Vision

Close your eyes and picture your dream day. What do you see? Mountains? Ocean? A forest path? Are you barefoot on the beach or bundled up in the snow? Are you alone or with your best people?

Once you know what you want your day to feel like, we can start making it real.

2. Choose Your Photographer

That’s me! I’m a BC-born, Alberta-based elopement photographer who knows this province like the back of my hand. I don’t just take photos—I help you plan every detail, from permits to timelines to which beach has the softest light at sunset.

3. Pick Your Spot

BC is massive, so I help my couples narrow it down based on the vibe they want, the season, the scenery, and the logistics (like travel, guests, and accessibility).

4. Handle the Legal Stuff

Here’s what you need to legally elope in BC:

• A Marriage Licence (good for 3 months, available in-person only from a BC licensing office)
• A Marriage Commissioner or Officiant licensed in BC
• Two Witnesses (don’t worry—I am happy to be one if needed!)

FAQs: What Couples Always Ask Me About Eloping in BC

How much does it cost to elope in British Columbia?
It totally depends on the experience you want. Most couples I work with spend between $5,000–$15,000, depending on what’s included (travel, vendors, coverage, etc.).

Can we invite a few people to our elopement?
Absolutely! Whether it’s just the two of you or your closest circle of family and friends, I can help you plan a micro-wedding that still feels intentional and intimate.

Do we need permits to elope?
Some locations (especially in national and provincial parks) require permits for ceremonies or photography. I’ll guide you through that and handle most of the research for you.

Do you help with finding vendors or planning activities?
Yes! I have a vetted list of local florists, hair & makeup artists, officiants, and fun activity ideas for every type of elopement day.

Where to Elope in British Columbia: My Top Picks

Tofino & Ucluelet

Moody, magical, and full of salty air. Think windswept beaches, misty rainforests, and cozy surf cabins. A true Pacific Northwest dream.

Whistler

Epic mountain views, alpine lakes, gondola rides, and tons of privacy. Eloping in the winter? Whistler is a snowy dream. Summer? Total paradise.

Emerald Lake

Turquoise waters, jaw-dropping peaks, and a cozy lodge tucked in the trees. You can paddle, snowshoe, or just explore the trails—this is a magical, all-season spot.

Kelowna & the Okanagan

Perfect for a warm-weather, winery elopement. Sip wine in the sun, take a boat ride on the lake, or hike through rolling hills with orchard views.

Sunshine Coast

Remote and romantic. The Sunshine Coast is full of secret beaches, ferry rides, and hidden trails. Feels like a world away, but it’s just a short trip from Vancouver.

More locations coming soon—I keep a private location list just for my booked couples with lots of hidden gems

BC Elopement Packages

Want to elope without the stress of planning everything yourself? That’s exactly why I created my British Columbia elopement packages. You get a full day that’s deeply intentional and full of connection—without the pressure.

Here’s what I include:

• Photography coverage with guidance every step of the way
• A fully customized elopement guide + questionnaire
• Location scouting + permit assistance
• Activity ideas based on your vibe (think: hot tubs, picnics, forest hikes, kayaking, gondola rides, and more)
• Timeline creation tailored to your day
• Unlimited consults, planning help, and a secure online portal with everything in one place

Your experience should be as fun to plan as it is to live. That’s what I’m here for. Want to see my elopement packages? Check them out –> HERE

Let’s Plan Your Wild & Soulful Elopement in BC

If you’re craving a stress-free, magical, totally authentic day surrounded by breathtaking views—this is your sign.

British Columbia is full of places that feel like they were made just for the two of you. And I’d be honoured to help you find the perfect one and capture every beautiful, unscripted moment along the way.

Let’s make some magic together.