a step by step guide

How to elope in BC

Step 1 - determine the vibe

Harling Point in Victoria, BC

More couples are opting to elope at Airbnbs in BC - they’re completely private and cheaper than traditional wedding venues. Plus, it’s a built-in honeymoon!

Check out my favourite Airbnbs here (on the Gulf Islands, Vancouver Island, Okanagan Valley, Sunshine Coast, Squamish, Whistler, etc…)

Tip: When looking for an Airbnb, consider where you would hold the ceremony. There needs to be enough room for everyone to stand and ideally, that classic BC mountain view in the background.

Step 2 - select a date

Take into consideration the weather in BC

From November-March/April, the weather in Northern British Columbia (Whistler, Pemberton, Prince George, Kamloops) is snowy and the weather in southern cities (Vancouver, Victoria, Nanaimo, Squamish, Chilliwack, etc..) is often cloudy/rainy. Snow is becoming more common in Southern BC around January/February/March.

At the end of March / early April, the pink cherry blossom trees are blooming in Vancouver / other major BC cities. Unfortunately rain is unpredictable during this time.

May-September is BC’s summer! Expect sun, 20-30 degree celsius weather, and occasional rain

August is BC’s driest month + wildfires are common. The grass starts yellowing in BC around this time.

BC a has a wide range of stunning landscapes to choose from!

To start narrowing it down, ask yourself what kind of location feels truest to you and your partner:

on a mountain

in the forest

beside the ocean

Does having a mountain view matter to you?

Do you want to hike to your wedding ceremony?

Take a helicopter?

The key to the perfect elopement spot is finding somewhere quiet - these are some of my favourite, relatively private locations

Some starting points for wedding inspiration:

Create a wedding Pinterest board
Check out wedding magazine websites like Rocky Mountain Bride and Anti Bride
Follow wedding photographers on social media (like Instagram)

Looking for simple city hall elopement in Vancouver? Read more about it here.

Peacock Hill Park in Victoria, BC

(me at) Pitt River Dike Scenic Point in Pitt Meadows

in prairies/meadows

Whytecliff Park in West Vancouver

Green Timbers Forest in Surrey

Same vibe as Pacific Spirit Park in Vancouver

Cape Roger Curtis Lighthouse Park on Bowen Island

Step 3 - book your vendors + apply for permits

Step 4 - figure out the details

Step 5 - get your marriage license

To summarize

This is how to plan your BC elopement, step by step:

1. Pick a location

2. Pick a date

3. Book a marriage commissioner

4. Book a photographer

If you love wedding photos that feel natural, nostalgic, and lived-in, we might be a good fit!

You can check out more of my film photography here or inquire with me here.

5. Apply for permits, if necessary

6. Find 2 witnesses

7. Find your wedding outfits

8. Make a timeline for your elopement day

9. Pick up your marriage license

There are 3 things you need to become legal married in BC

A marriage license (~$100)
A marriage commissioner to officiate the wedding (~$89-150)
Two witnesses over the age of 19 (can not be you, your partner, or your commissioner)

hey, I’m Emily!

let’s chat!

a film photographer

inquire with me here

based in Vancouver, BC

+ available for travel

I believe that simple doesn’t mean sterile + minimalist doesn’t mean beige. life is colourful, beautiful, warm, and sometimes messy—and that should be reflected in your photos.