Blissful Elopement at Hatley Castle and Rosemead House

One of my favourite compliments as a wedding photographer is receiving referrals. Rosita and Tyler reached out to me to photograph their Victoria elopement after I captured Rosita’s coworker’s wedding, and I couldn’t say yes fast enough.

The couple was drawn to a whimsical style that felt like stills pulled from a movie, and fittingly, their whole day ended up feeling like one. It was the quintessential Victoria spring day, complete with soft grey skies and bountiful greenery awakening in the gardens at Hatley Castle and Rosemead House. It’s easy to see just how much Rosita and Tyler adore each other, and how blissfully happy they were to say “I do.”

For couples who are eloping, I’m often more involved in the planning process than I would be for a larger celebration, and we started planning Rosita and Tyler’s day around six months out from their date. Not only did I organize their entire timeline, but I also shaped their elopement day vision. In my opinion, one of the best things about elopements is that you can design every part of the day around the couple: what they love, how they want to spend their time, and what feels exactly like them.

Hatley Castle Elopement

Hatley Castle is one of Victoria, BC’s most iconic wedding venues for good reason. It’s classic, historical, and romantic. I’ve captured many weddings here, and the venue’s expansive gardens, ocean views, and stunning historical architecture mean that you can find a variety of backdrops for photos without ever leaving.

Hatley Castle is well known for lavish weddings with up to 250 guests, but we got a little bit creative to make the venue work for Rosita and Tyler. They signed all the paperwork to make their nuptials official before their elopement day. They booked 1.5 hours on the grounds to share their personal vows and capture portraits. If you are hoping to do something similar, Hatley Castle’s photography page has all the details. 

Hatley Castle has a photo fee of $400 for 1.5 hours (more for legal ceremonies), and photoshoots can’t be confirmed until three weeks before the date. So going this route definitely requires some flexibility and a plan B. You can inquire earlier if you are planning a full wedding or elopement that includes a legal celebration.

First Look and Personal Vows at Hatley Castle

We made the most of Rosita and Tyler’s 1.5 hours at Hatley Castle and captured some fairytale moments. The couple chose to do a first look, and I really think that Tyler’s expression says it all. Both of them ended up crying happy tears, so sweet!

Immediately after their first look, Rosita and Tyler exchanged their personal vows. They both ended up emotional again, and Tyler swept Rosita off her feet for their first kiss. 

Hatley Castle Wedding Photos

After Rosita and Tyler’s first look and vows, we were left with a little over an hour for portraits at Hatley Castle. One of the most beautiful moments of the day was capturing Rosita and Tyler running in Hatley Castle’s field. The couple exuded pure joy. I climbed the castle’s stairs to get these overhead shots, as no drones are allowed at the venue.

Wedding Portraits at Rosemead House

We wrapped Rosita and Tyler’s photography coverage for the day with some more portraits at Rosemead House, which is a newer venue just outside Victoria in Esquimalt. Rosemead House is connected with Janevca Restaurant, Salt and Ivy Spa, and offers historic accommodations. 

I had the privilege of capturing Rosemead House’s second-ever wedding just last year. Since then, I have become a local to the neighbourhood and have photographed several celebrations and engagement sessions on the grounds. 

Rosemead House can accommodate celebrations from elopements up to 60 guests, although they are currently focusing on elopements and microweddings. It’s a beautiful choice for couples looking for a historical venue with a boutique feel near Victoria. Some of the venue’s furnishings were used in the Netflix show, The Crown. The surrounding gardens are beautifully manicured, and there is a lot of interesting architecture to use as backdrops for photos. The feel of it perfectly complements Hatley Castle.

Kind Words from the Couple

Taylor was everything we dreamed of and MORE! We couldn’t have been happier with our elopement photos. She captured our relationship perfectly and made the day so easy for us. Neither of us had ever had professional photos taken of us, and we were nervous about how they’d turn out. Once Taylor sent us our photos, we screamed and cried looking through them!! We are constantly living our wedding day over and over through our photos because of Taylor. Not only is she incredibly talented, but she is so kind and hilarious!! Thank you, Taylor, for making the best day of our lives so beautiful.

FAQs About Eloping in Victoria, BC

Do we need a marriage license to elope in Victoria?

Yes, to get legally married, you’ll need a BC marriage licence. A licence purchased anywhere in BC is valid across the whole province and is valid for three months from the date of issue.

Who can marry us?

Either a marriage commissioner, celebrant or religious official who is registered to perform marriages in BC. I can recommend officiants I love working with in Victoria, BC.

Do we need a witness if we are eloping? We want it just to be us.

Yes, in BC you need two witnesses. If I’m your photographer, I can act as one (and bring a second person along with me upon request)!

Where can we elope in Victoria, BC?

There are so many options for elopements here in Victoria, BC. Choose somewhere that feels like you; maybe a manicured garden, a wild beach, a mossy forest, or a quiet spot downtown? Some locations do require a permit for a ceremony or photos, which I can help you navigate.

Hatley Castle and Rosemead House Wedding Vendors:

Wedding location(s): Hatley Castle & Rosemead House (Victoria, BC)

Makeup Artist: Tamara Martin 

Dress Shop: Blush Bridal 

Dress Designer: Martina Liana

Victoria Elopement Photographer: Taylor Dawning Photography

Dreaming of planning your own elopement or wedding at Hatley Castle, Rosemead House, or elsewhere around Victoria? I would love to be a part of your day. Let’s talk!