

The beauty of eloping is that your day can be as simple or as full as your heart desires. Choosing to elope doesn’t have to involve a two-hour hike or a trip to the courthouse; it simply means you have the full day to do whatever makes you and your partner’s hearts sing. In BC, the only things you need to make your elopement official are your officiant or celebrant and two witnesses. Of course, I would also suggest hiring an elopement photographer if you would like to document your day. Everything else is up to you!

I literally cannot think of a better place to elope than Vancouver Island. Here, you get all of British Columbia’s most iconic landscapes, but with so much more room to breathe. You can choose from destinations like Tofino, where you can take your pick of wild, windswept beaches, or rugged spots like Strathcona Park, with mountain viewpoints that will take your breath away. If your idea of adventure involves the perfect croissant and a stroll through town rather than hiking boots, don’t worry, the island still has something for you. Victoria is filled with cozy coffee shops tucked along charming city streets and dozens of beautifully manicured parks that fill with colourful flowers in spring and summer.
With so many incredible backdrops to choose from for your Vancouver Island elopement, how do you choose the perfect one? My best advice is to dream up what a truly fun day looks like for you and your partner. Is it a day of hiking and exploring? Or is it a slow morning, spent enjoying brunch, followed by a cozy afternoon of board games? Once you have a vision of what kind of activities you would enjoy on your day, the “where” usually falls right into place!



Downtown Victoria is the perfect blend of historic charm and vibrant energy, and it has more top-rated dining and accommodation options than you can count. However, one of my favourite things about Victoria is that you’re never more than a short car ride away from the wilder side of Vancouver Island for incredible beach or forest elopement portraits.


Tofino and Ucluelet are a nature lover’s paradise, and the raw, scenic beaches and lush rainforests are absolutely teeming with wildlife. Keep your eyes peeled for bears, wolves, cougars, deer, sea lions, whales, and more. There are endless ways to get outside here, whether it’s a seaplane tour, kayaking, hiking, exploring tidepools, or trying your hand at surfing.
The dreamy accommodations here (many of which are pet-friendly) range from cozy forest cabins and glamping pods to luxury oceanfront resorts. If you are looking for a special place to elope, I suggest the Nami Project in Ucluelet. It’s tucked right up against the edge of the rainforest, and its 10-foot windows give you an unmatched view of the Pacific. It’s the perfect spot to cozy up with your favourite person and watch the waves roll in, while seabirds dance in the wind.
One of the most memorable Vancouver Island elopements I’ve captured was in Tofino. Maggie and Jake kept things simple by spending a week at this modern, Scandinavian-style Airbnb just steps away from Chesterman Beach. It will transport you away from all the worries of everyday life as you take in breathtaking sunsets and relax in the hot tub.




If you want a calm, laid-back location for your elopement, where you can wander the local farmers’ market and explore the rocky oceanfront cliffs, the Gulf Islands might just be calling you. There are tons of one-of-a-kind accommodations to choose from, like this charming cob home on Mayne Island, or this stunning ocean view home on the bluffs of Pender Island.

This part of the Island has similar vibes to Tofino and Ucluelet, but it’s even more wild and secluded. It’s not uncommon to find you are the only ones on the beach here, especially if you elope on a weekday. Jordan River and Port Renfrew have dozens of ethereal, winding boardwalks and trails that lead you through the rainforest and pop you out onto pristine beaches. It’s also the place to be if you want to chase waterfalls, and there are a few spots where waterfalls spill right onto the beach!
Since the area is much less developed than the other spots on the list, there are fewer dining options, and many establishments are only open seasonally. Personally, I’d recommend planning a summer elopement here when everything is open, but this could easily be the perfect excuse to hire a private chef for an intimate dinner at your Airbnb!


There is something magical about each and every season on Vancouver Island. In the winter, downtown Victoria is lit up like a Christmas card and filled with holiday cheer. Or if you head to Tofino, it’s officially storm season, you can get cozy and watch the waves crash in. Spring brings cherry blossoms, and Victoria is famous for being dusted in soft pink flower petals while the rest of Canada is still buried in snow. Summer on Vancouver Island is all about soaking up every second of glorious sun, and golden hour bathes the beaches in soft, perfect light. Then there’s fall, which is filled with its own kind of beauty. The bold colours of the changing leaves make it my favourite time of year to capture a forest wedding.

Eloping in BC is relatively straightforward. First things first, you’ll need to obtain your marriage license, which is the official document you’ll sign at your wedding. You can grab one from any London Drugs location. A marriage license is only valid for 90 days in BC, so be sure to obtain it within a three-month window of your date.
In BC, you’re required to have at least two witnesses sign your paperwork. Some couples may wish to invite a small number of guests, but if you prefer to keep your Vancouver Island elopement more private, you can ask your wedding vendors (like me!) to sign, and I will happily bring along a second witness if you would like. Keep in mind, eloping doesn’t mean you can’t include your loved ones in your day. I’ve seen some couples ask their friends and family to write them letters to open on their elopement day and schedule FaceTime calls to celebrate!
One last thing, many spots on Vancouver Island do require a permit for an elopement ceremony. It’s always best to do a little research on your chosen location. For example, if you have your heart set on a city park, have a look at the City of Victoria’s wedding guidelines.




As a Vancouver Island elopement photographer, I love sharing my favourite spots! If you’re still not sure where you’d like to elope or what you’d like to do on your day, I am happy to provide location scouting and elopement day planning.
If you’re wondering what it’s like to work with me, here are some kind words from one of my past couples:
“My husband and I had the absolute pleasure of working with Taylor to capture our intimate wedding in Sooke, BC. When searching for a wedding photographer, we sought images that were complementary to the occasion. The beauty of Taylor’s work was immediately evident as she was able to capture every couple’s love candidly while simultaneously adding artistic flair. Her lighting choices and posing style captivated us, and from our initial meeting, we knew she was the one meant to capture such a special moment for us. She brought the most calming energy to our wedding day and delivered the most beautiful gift of photos we will forever treasure. We hope to have Taylor capture more photos for us as our story continues to evolve. If you have the opportunity to work with Taylor, it will be the best decision you make!”
SITE CREDITS
PRIVACY POLICY
© TAYLOR DAWNING PHOTOGRAPHY
Taylor from Taylor Dawning Photography is a Vancouver Island wedding photographer specializing in dreamy, emotive wedding and elopement photography. She captures heartfelt, cinematic imagery with soft, natural tones — making every moment feel genuine, romantic, and full of movement.
Based on Vancouver Island, she serves couples in Victoria, Tofino, and all across the West Coast, as well as destinations worldwide. Offering a warm, personalized experience, Taylor is dedicated to creating intentional, story-driven images that feel true to who you are.
SITE CREDITS
PRIVACY POLICY
© TAYLOR DAWNING PHOTOGRAPHY
Taylor from Taylor Dawning Photography is a Vancouver Island wedding photographer specializing in dreamy, emotive wedding and elopement photography. She captures heartfelt, cinematic imagery with soft, natural tones — making every moment feel genuine, romantic, and full of movement.
Based on Vancouver Island, she serves couples in Victoria, Tofino, and all across the West Coast, as well as destinations worldwide. Offering a warm, personalized experience, Taylor is dedicated to creating intentional, story-driven images that feel true to who you are.
SITE CREDITS
PRIVACY POLICY
© TAYLOR DAWNING PHOTOGRAPHY
Taylor from Taylor Dawning Photography is a Vancouver Island wedding photographer specializing in dreamy, emotive wedding and elopement photography. She captures heartfelt, cinematic imagery with soft, natural tones — making every moment feel genuine, romantic, and full of movement.
Based on Vancouver Island, she serves couples in Victoria, Tofino, and all across the West Coast, as well as destinations worldwide. Offering a warm, personalized experience, Taylor is dedicated to creating intentional, story-driven images that feel true to who you are.
SITE CREDITS
PRIVACY POLICY
© TAYLOR DAWNING PHOTOGRAPHY
Taylor from Taylor Dawning Photography is a Vancouver Island wedding photographer specializing in dreamy, emotive wedding and elopement photography. She captures heartfelt, cinematic imagery with soft, natural tones — making every moment feel genuine, romantic, and full of movement.
Based on Vancouver Island, she serves couples in Victoria, Tofino, and all across the West Coast, as well as destinations worldwide. Offering a warm, personalized experience, Taylor is dedicated to creating intentional, story-driven images that feel true to who you are.