British Columbia Elopement Guide

British Columbia is a dream destination for couples looking for an unforgettable elopement experience. With its towering mountains, lush rainforests, pristine lakes, and dramatic coastlines, this Canadian province offers an endless variety of scenic and breathtaking locations to say your vows. Whether you’re seeking adventure in the wilderness or a serene coastal escape, British Columbia (BC) has it all. This guide will cover the top places to elope in British Columbia, legal requirements, and essential tips to make your BC elopement seamless and magical.

Are you ready to start planning? Team up with an elopement photographer who specializes in British Columbia weddings here. 

How to Elope in British Columbia

Photo by Film and Forest Photography

The couple we feature below planned a out of the country trip to elope. Instead of doing the paperwork in BC to have a legal ceremony, they did all their paperwork back at home and had a symbolic ceremony during their BC elopement. This is a good alternative for couples who don’t want to get overwhelmed with legal paperwork somewhere far away.

“Naturally, we put on our pseudo-officiant hat, grabbed a guide book from the lodge, and had a sweet little ceremony at the most epic of viewpoints!” [Afton]

If you are interested in eloping in BC, then here are a few things to keep in mind:

• If you want to legally get married in BC, then you can purchase your BC marriage license for about $100. Make sure to bring your passports! In order to have a legal wedding ceremony in BC, you also need two witnesses. Hiring a photographer pair solves that if you’re looking for an intimate elopement, or invite two intimate members of your family to come along.
• If you want a personalized wedding ceremony in British Columbia, then we highly recommend hiring an officiant. Marriage commissioners are a cheaper alternative, but there’s little room for ceremony personalization.

Best Time to Elope in British Columbia

• Spring (April-May): Blooming wildflowers, moderate temperatures, but potential for rain.
• Summer (June-August): Ideal weather, perfect for outdoor elopements in the mountains, forests, and coastlines.
• Fall (September-October): Beautiful autumn colors, fewer crowds, and cooler temperatures.
• Winter (November-March): Snowy landscapes for a winter wonderland elopement, but be prepared for colder temperatures and possible snowstorms.

Places to Elope in BC

If you’re considering eloping in British Columbia, Canada, then you need to keep in mind how many epic places there are to pick from in this area. We recommend teaming up with one of our awesome Wandering Weddings members specializing in the BC area. By hiring a photographer who specializes in the area, you can bounce ideas and prepare for an epic elopement.

“British Columbia is an incredibly diverse place, with everything from towering rocky mountains to lush rainforests and Pacific coastlines. Start your BC elopement planning by choosing what kind of landscape you want to experience first, then reach out to an elopement photographer from there!” [Afton] 

Here are some areas to consider:

The Canadian Rockies

Kristin and Justin eloped at Mt. Assiniboine Provincial Park. It is also the highest peak in the Southern Continental Ranges of the glorious Canadian Rockies. Eloping in BC allows you to elope somewhere epic as these two did. There are gorgeous cascading waterfalls, turquoise lakes, and tall snow-capped mountains to explore. Popular spots here include Banff, Jasper, and Canmore, Alberta. We love this BC location to elope because there is such a variety of views to enjoy. You can easily plan a hiking elopement like Kristin and Justin, or you can explore the dense evergreen forests together.

Great Bear Rainforest

If you’re looking for something remote and peaceful, then the Great Bear Rainforest is an awesome place to consider planning your romantic elopement in British Columbia. This protected wilderness is home to an abundance of marine life and gorgeous greenery.

Pacific Rim National Park Reserve

If you’re thinking about eloping near Vancouver, the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve is a stunning park consisting of beaches, trails, and islands. If you’re looking for a place to elope that can easily become a honeymoon destination, then this area is a great option.

Whistler

If you’re dreaming of a mountain elopement, Whistler is the perfect backdrop. Famous for its world-class ski resort, Whistler offers year-round beauty with alpine meadows, glaciers, and serene lakes. In winter, the snow-covered peaks create a magical winter wonderland, while summer brings lush greenery and wildflower-filled landscapes. Popular spots include Lost Lake, Rainbow Park, and scenic overlooks accessible via gondola rides.

Tofino

Located on Vancouver Island, Tofino is the ultimate elopement destination for couples who love the ocean. Known for its rugged coastline, sandy beaches, and temperate rainforests, Tofino offers stunning backdrops for intimate beach elopements. Cox Bay, Long Beach, and Chesterman Beach are popular locations for sunset ceremonies, and the nearby rainforests offer a lush, mystical atmosphere for more secluded elopements.

Vancouver

Vancouver is a versatile option for couples who want to combine city and nature. You can elope in the heart of the city’s Stanley Park, with views of the harbor and mountains in the distance, or head up to nearby Grouse Mountain for a panoramic elopement overlooking the city and coastline. Vancouver is ideal for couples looking for accessibility without compromising on stunning natural scenery.

Okanagan Valley

For couples who love vineyards and lakeside vistas, the Okanagan Valley is a fantastic option. With its warm, dry climate and rolling hills, this wine country region offers beautiful vineyard elopement settings. Kelowna, Penticton, and Osoyoos have scenic vineyards, picturesque lakeside locations, and even desert-like landscapes in certain areas.

Vancouver Island

In addition to Tofino, Vancouver Island offers a wide range of elopement options. The island’s east side, including towns like Parksville, Nanaimo, and Victoria, offers picturesque ocean views, charming gardens, and historic venues. If you venture inland, you’ll find more forested areas perfect for nature-loving couples.

Yoho National Park

Yoho National Park, located in the Canadian Rockies, is an excellent choice for adventurous couples who want to elope surrounded by dramatic mountain peaks and turquoise lakes. Emerald Lake is a particularly popular spot, with its iconic green waters providing a picture-perfect backdrop for a lakeside ceremony. The park also offers waterfalls, hiking trails, and quiet, secluded areas for a private elopement.

Advice When Eloping in British Columbia

Afton has captured multiple elopements in BC, so we thought it would be helpful to ask for any advice for couples considering eloping in BC.

• When packing, be prepared for all weather conditions! Even in summer, British Columbia’s weather is as wild as the landscape, so bringing multiple layers like a down jacket and a rain shell is key to staying warm during your elopement.
• Bear spray (and knowing how to use it) is essential no matter where you are in the province!
•  Always check multiple weather sources!

“The general weather forecast for this elopement in British Columbia was looking cloudy. However, diving deeper into the weather graphs we knew there was going to be a break in cloud coverage the first evening we were there. Using that information, we were able to pick the best time for their hiking elopement of the three days at Mt. Assiniboine Provincial Park. Sure enough, we had the most unreal sun rays break through the clouds mid-elopement that you can see in the photos!” [Afton]

British Columbia Elopement at the Canadian Rockies

Kristin and Justin planned this adventurous elopement in BC’s Rockies because they wanted to elope somewhere with stunning views but off the beaten path. While spots like Moraine Lake and Banff see multiple tourists, there are equally beautiful areas to explore that are more remote, according to Afton Flynn, from Film and Forest Photography.

Kristin and Justin planned a 3-day backcountry elopement at Assiniboine Lodge in British Columbia’s Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park. Our team loves all the moments during this special elopement, and we think it’s the perfect inspiration for couples looking for an equally thrilling elopement experience.

“We were looking for something that suited our non-traditional styles. We both love the outdoors and the mountains, and we wanted to incorporate this into our elopement.” [Kristin and Justin]

Elopement Adventure Details

This couple took a helicopter to the base of the lodge, originally built in 1928. There, the two got ready and hiked to a picturesque viewpoint overlooking Mt. Assiniboine, Sunburst Peak, and Cerulean Lake.

There was no one around as the two experienced their first look on their wedding day. How amazing is that?

“The helicopter ride into Assiniboine Provincial Park was Kristin’s first time ever in a helicopter, and it was so fun to be there with her! As adventure elopement photographers, we get to share incredible experiences with couples, and many of these adventures are firsts for a lot of people. Whether it be a first helicopter ride, first sunrise hike, or even first time seeing snow, it fills us with joy to help create these memories.” [Afton]

Moments We Love About This Elopement in BC

We love how these two were able to enjoy the wedding traditions they loved while still breaking tradition by not only eloping somewhere amazing but also extending their experience to multiple days.

Kristin and Justin woke up to enjoy the sunrise, hiked together, and enjoyed their final day fishing together.

“It’s not often you get to spend three days together with a couple on their elopement, but the experiences, deep conversations, and memories we shared with them are irreplaceable. It was a refreshing reminder just how similar we all are on this great big planet, whether you’re from the USA, Canada, or beyond.” [Afton]

Other Vendors Involved

Hair | Botega Hair Salon

Florals | Willow Flower Co.

Accommodation | Assiniboine Lodge

Helicopter Service | Alpine Helicopters

Photos of This British Columbia Elopement at Mt Assiniboine