5 Beautiful Places to Elope Outdoors in Vancouver, BC
Are you planning to elope in or around Vancouver? Are you looking for the perfect outdoor non-wedding “venue”? You are in the right place, my friend.
As a wedding and elopement photographer, I’ve seen my fair share of venues and elopement spots. And, with the times driving more and more couples to elope, I figured it was time to dish!
Keep reading for my top 5 favourite places to elope outdoors in the Vancouver area! Especially if your dream wedding day involves hiking and being in nature, you’ll love these options.
My Top 5 Favourite Outdoor Elopement Venues in Vancouver
In no particular order, here are the 5 spots I think you would LOVE!
#1 Joffre Lakes
Joffre Lakes is a truly stunning elopement location. It looks like it’s straight out of National Geographic or a storybook, but in reality it’s just north of Whistler!
Joffre is made up of 3 lakes in total, all surrounded by stunning peaks that you can hike (or, I should say, that we can hike) on your elopement day! It can be busy during the summer, but honestly, it’s worth it. I promise that solitude, peace, and quiet aren’t impossible to find-- even in ‘peak’ times. (See what I did there? Just a little mountain humour for ya.)
Looking for the best possible elopement experience? I recommend camping at Top Lake (lake #3) and getting up early for a sunrise elopement. *Magical!*
Hiking Options
If you’re dreaming of an elopement day that starts and ends with a hike but Joffre isn’t for you, there are tons of other options in the area.
Feeling adventurous? We can take the chairlift to the top of Peak on Whistler and you’ll feel like you’re on top of the world!
Want to keep it chill? Let’s just stroll around Lost Lake and take advantage of the many photo opportunities the trails provide us.
#2 Squamish & Howe Sound
Watersprite Lake is a DREAM location for me. The photos I’ve seen look gorgeous and also, I just really like the name!
Watersprite Lake’s biggest flex is its beautiful turquoise water surrounded by mountains and forests. The far-reaching views you get are also unbelievable, especially considering the hike difficulty is only intermediate.
But, if Watersprite isn’t the one, no stress! There are plenty of other options in the area, like:
Squamish River
#3 The North Shore
If you’re not in the mood to drive anywhere on your wedding day, that’s okay! We have some great full-day elopement options on our local Vancouver shores.
During Covid, many beaches, parks and trails are limiting the amount of day passes available, making it tough to plan an elopement. But, there are quite a few spots off the beaten path that are super secluded and lovely.
My favourite places to go for private ceremonies with a view are:
The Pop Up Village on Cypress Mountain
Quarry Rock in Deep Cove
Dog mountain on Mount Seymour
#4 Lighthouse Park
Okay, I LOVE Lighthouse Park! It’s the perfect option for a half-day elopement package or as one of our portrait locations because it offers:
Incredible water views
Tons of easy and beginner trails
Short hikes with easy-access views (You can access the lighthouse in under 10 minutes if you want to!)
Mature Douglas Fir and Red Cedar trees (Great for adding drama to photos!)
If you’re looking for something quiet and secluded, I’d recommend a sunrise session. Because of its proximity to the city, Lighthouse Park stays busier until sunset.
#5 Jericho Beach
Jericho Beach is fantastic for wedding and elopement ceremonies and photography because it’s wide enough to be able to find a quiet, private spot. And, because of its location, Jericho has tons of open beaches. Bad views aren’t a thing here!
When the tide is out, there’s even more beach to walk. Plus, I found the perfect, secret, hidden trail, so if you want, we can sneak some forest vibes into your gallery!
Another perk: Jericho is close to a park! It’s great for wedding-day activities or if you’d like to have an intimate group of family and friends come with you.
Major PNW Elopement Inspo
Interested in the idea of eloping outside in the BC area, but need a little help picturing the whole thing? I’ve got you covered! Click the links below for some elopement inspo:
Jen and Craig’s Jericho Beach Elopement
Aki & Andy’s Whistler Engagement
Are you guys planning on eloping?
And, if so, do you need an outdoorsy, adventurous, game-for-whatever-you-have-in-mind, co-conspirator/photographer? Because if you are, I just might be your girl!
Check out my elopement page for more information, or skip all that and just contact me to set up a free consultation. I’d love to hear about the elopement you’re dreaming up!