10 Best Places to Elope in British Columbia
Mountains, glaciers, and lakes (oh my) are just a few of the many different sceneries you can find in British Columbia. Whether you’re an avid outdoor enthusiast or someone who just loves the beautiful scenery, there are numerous elopement locations for you. Below are the 15 best places to elope in British Columbia.
Whistler
Whistler is one of the best places to elope in British Columbia, no matter the season you get married. Whistler is mainly known for its lively skiing and snowboarding resorts. In the summer, multiple hiking trails are accessible leading to stunning mountaintops and turquoise lakes. Whistler is especially perfect if you’re considering getting married on a mountaintop. What’s more epic than having a helicopter elopement on the top of a mountain! I have an entire planning resource dedicated to eloping in Whistler, so be sure to check that out here.
Squamish
Squamish is another little mountain town located north of Vancouver. Like Whistler, Squamish is well known for its epic helicopter tours to mountaintops. It’s also very famous for its Sea to Sky Gondola which will take you up to the overlook of the snowy peaks and the Howe Sound. And because I love Squamish so much, I’ve putting together a Guide to Eloping in Squamish.
Fraser Valley
Within the Fraser Valley, you can find Chilliwack Lake, a stunning lake that’s accessible almost year-round! If you’re up for an epic hike, Mount Cheam is it. Whether you decide to elope at the base of the mountain or hike the 4km to the top, you’ll be blown away! Be sure to check out this Mount Cheam hiking elopement for inspiration!
And in Hope, you’ll find one of my favourite venues, the American Creek Lodge. It’s where my husband & I had our elopement and it’s seriously even more stunning in person. If you want the most dreamy venue for an intimate wedding with your closest family & friends, and a stunning mountain backdrop, this is the place for you too!
Above two photos taken on our elopement by our incredible photographers, The McLachlans.
Yoho National Park
Yoho National Park is arguably one of the most jaw-dropping places you can elope at in British Columbia. It’s most famous for its jagged peaks, emerald lakes, and multiple waterfalls. Yoho National Park also has a variety of hiking trails, many of which are rated easy and could be completed by any couple! It’s also right on the border of Banff National Park, meaning you could see these two beauties in the same day. One of my favourite locations in the park is Emerald Lake. It’s backed with gorgeous mountains and pines.
Pro tip: Be sure to check out the Emerald Lake Lodge if you’re wanting to stay directly on the lake!
Kelowna + Vernon (Okanagan)
Okanagan, commonly referred to as Okanagan Valley, is known for its fruit orchards and wineries. The nearby areas around the area are also known for their numerous ski resorts. Whether you’re looking to go to a wine tasting or hit the slopes, the Okanagan area is a great place to check out!
Vancouver Island
Vancouver Island is home to British Columbia’s capital, Victoria. A short ferry ride will take you to one of the most diverse places in BC. With beaches, cities, and forested areas to explore, Vancouver Island makes for one heck of an elopement location. Plus, the island has multiple different activities from whale watching to fine dining. Some of the must-see spots include Jordan River, Tofino, Victoria, and Ucluelet, all of which have stunning beaches, beautiful forests, and off-grid Airbnbs.
Manning Park
Manning Park is absolutely magical. The 2.5 hour drive from Vancouver is definitely worth it – there is just so much to see & explore. One of the best spots to elope in this area is Cascade Lookout, a drive-up elopement location near the Manning Park Resort, a rustic lodge out in the mountains.
Manning Park has some incredible hiking trails during the summer months due to the amount of wildflowers that blossom along the trails. If you’re looking for stunning hiking trails, this is the place for you!
Pro tip: The wildflower trails open up in early summer – July to September are the best times to plan your Manning Park elopement!
Pemberton
If you’re looking for a true intimate experience, Pemberton is the town for you. With a population of only around 2,000, Pemberton is the perfect mountain village. Some of my favorite locations nearby include Joffre Lakes which is a popular lake that attracts thousands of visitors each year. The 6.8 mile roundtrip hiking trail allows you to see three different lakes, all of which are backed by beautiful mountain ranges and pines. Note that this location is extremely busy. To avoid the crowds, consider a weekday elopement or sunrise experience.
Within Pemberton, you can also find North Arm Farm, a charming u-pick farm offering pastries, pies, and more! Such a fun activity for any elopement!
Bowen Island
A short 20-minute ferry ride from Vancouver will take you to Bowen Island where you can find various hiking trails and outdoor activities. Whether you’re an avid fisher or love to cycle, Bowen Island has something for everyone. There are also tons of shopping, restaurant, and lodging options.
Vancouver
If you’re dreaming a city elopement, downtown Vancouver would an absolutely perfect location. Known for the surrounding mountains, multiple parks, and downtown activities, Vancouver is a great city location and one of the best places to elope in British Columbia.
British Columbia Elopement Packages
I’m Indy, a photographer based in British Columbia who helps couples plan outdoor elopements around the British Columbia area.
All packages include the following:
- Starting at 4 hours of photography coverage
- 80+ page elopement planning guide
- Customized location suggestions + unique activity ideas
- Unlimited planning assistance
- Personalized timeline for your day
- High-resolution digital photos
- Private online gallery to view, download, print, and share your images
- Travel fees within 200km in British Columbia included
- Starting at $3400
And if you’re looking for more elopement ideas, check out my Lake Louise Elopement Guide and Ultimate BC Elopement Guide.
