Everything You Need to Know About Planning Your Vancouver Island Elopement
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!
How to Pick the Perfect Spot to Elope on Vancouver Island
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!
The Best Locations for an Elopement on Vancouver Island
Downtown Victoria:
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:
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.
Gulf Islands
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.
Jordan River and Port Renfrew:
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!
Choosing the Best Time of Year to Elope on Vancouver Island
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.
What You Need to Know About Eloping on Vancouver Island
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.
My Top 4 Tips to Elope on Vancouver Island
- Be Prepared for West Coast Weather
The West Coast is famous for its unpredictable weather, so be sure to have a plan for rain on your elopement day. Pack plenty of layers and a jacket; it can even be chilly in the summer! I also come fully prepared for any weather the Island can throw at us, with gear and protection from the weather, including clear umbrellas. In true West Coast fashion, you can also just fully embrace the rain, The Notebook style! - Make Reservations for the Ferry:
Any BC local knows that ferry reservations are a must. You’ll need to ensure you arrive within your specific check-in window for them to honour your reservation. Reservations aren’t an option on some Gulf Island routes, so I recommend showing up at least 1-1.5 hours in advance and taking an earlier sailing than you need to just to give yourself a bit of a buffer. - Stay Toasty Warm During your Elopement
If you’re freezing and miserable, it will show in your photos. One of my favourite tips for couples planning an outdoor elopement is to come prepared with these stick-on body warmers from Amazon. They stick discreetly against your skin, under your clothes, and will help you stay warm for up to 12 hours! I always have some of these in my wedding kit! - Plan a Fun Celebration for After
Since you’re not tied to a traditional reception, you get to celebrate however sounds most fun to you! I’ve seen couples do everything from a sunset picnic on the beach, or a private first dance on their Airbnb back deck, to something more high-energy like kayaking, a helicopter tour, or even karaoke at a local bar! There are no rules. If it makes you happy, then make it happen!
What it’s Like to Have Me as Your Vancouver Island Elopement Photographer
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!”
Ready to start planning your wedding at a Victoria wedding venue with an ocean view? Let’s talk.
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