Planning an elopement in Vancouver, British Columbia offers couples an unforgettable experience surrounded by breathtaking coastal landscapes and glacier mountain beauty. This elopement planning guide provides all the essential information you need from permits and marriage licenses to the best locations and activities – to help you plan a seamless and adventurous elopement in one of Many of British columbia’s most stunning destinations.

Why Vancouver, BC Is the Ultimate Elopement Destination for Adventure-Loving Couples?

Nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the majestic coast mountains, Vancouver, British Columbia is a city where nature and culture collide in the most spectacular way. With its lush rainforests, glacier-capped peaks, and endless ocean views, Vancouver is a dream come true for couples seeking an unforgettable elopement experience – whether you’re city lovers, outdoor adventurers, or a little bit of both.

Vancouver’s unique position on Canada’s west coast offers an unbeatable variety of landscapes. One moment, you can be sipping coffee in a chic downtown café – the next, hiking through alpine meadows or standing at the edge of a misty cliffside overlooking the ocean. The city is bordered by the sparkling waters of the Burrard Inlet and the vast Pacific, making coastal ceremonies a stunning option. Think golden hour on the beach, the sound of waves crashing in the background, and your vows carried by a salty breeze – the day can be built out the way you want it when your planning your vancouver elopement.

For mountain lovers, Vancouver is framed by glacier-fed ranges that offer jaw-dropping ceremony backdrops. Grouse Mountain, Cypress, and Mount Seymour are all within 30 minutes of downtown and offer a variety of settings—from easy-access viewpoints to secluded alpine trails for couples who want to earn their moment with a hike.

Whether you’re the kind of couple that loves a luxurious stay in a boutique hotel or prefers waking up in a tent overlooking a pristine lake, Vancouver delivers. The city is home to world-class accommodations, from five-star hotels and designer lofts to cozy mountain lodges and oceanfront Airbnbs. You’ll find it all no matter your vibe or budget.

Want a spontaneous city hall elopement followed by a food tour of Vancouver’s multicultural neighborhoods? Or maybe you’re dreaming of exchanging vows at the top of a peak after a sunrise hike? This city was made for you.

One of Vancouver’s best perks for eloping couples? Its proximity to even more breathtaking destinations!

Whistler – Just two hours north via the scenic Sea-to-Sky Highway, this iconic mountain town offers alpine lakes, dramatic mountain ridges, and luxury lodges for a truly elevated experience. Take a Helicopter ride up to the mountain top and let your vows be carried in the wind.

Pitt Meadows – Wide-open landscapes, rustic barns, and tranquil rivers make this a hidden gem for countryside elopements just outside the city.

Mount Cheam – For couples willing to hike, the summit of Mount Cheam delivers one of the Fraser Valley’s most awe-inspiring 360° views.

Vancouver Island – A short ferry ride or seaplane flight transports you to wild coastlines, old-growth forests, and artsy seaside towns like Tofino and Victoria. The best hidden gems can be found on Vancouver Island.

Beyond its natural beauty, Vancouver is a rich tapestry of cultures. From Indigenous art and history to authentic global cuisine – from Japanese izakayas and Persian bakeries to Cantonese dim sum and Italian trattorias – the city is a sensory journey in itself. This diversity brings warmth, depth, and authenticity to any celebration, allowing you to plan your Vancouver elopement experience that reflects your values, tastes, and stories.

How to Elope In Vancouver, British Columbia?

Planning to elope in Vancouver, British Columbia might be exactly what you’re looking for. With its rugged coastlines, misty mountains, and vibrant cultural heartbeat, Vancouver is one of Canada’s most iconic and diverse places to say “I do” Whether you’re locals or traveling from another province, this guide walks you through the legal steps, required permits, vendor considerations, and tips for eloping in Vancouver or nearby Provincial Parks.

There is always the option to elope symbolically without the legal bits, but if you are getting legally married in BC before anything else, you need a Marriage Licence. Here’s what you need to know:

Where to get a Marriage License:

Marriage licenses are very easy to get in Canada. The Marriage licences are available at a variety of locations that are super convenient and accessible. Wedding Licenses are only valid for 3 months from the time it’s issued. To get a license you will need to:

1. Apply in person in BC (you can’t apply online).
2. One person must be physically present to apply.
3. Government-issued photo ID for both parties (passport, driver’s license, etc.)
4. The $100 CAD fee (may vary slightly depending on the issuing location).

Once you have all these major pieces in place you can literally to just go to the following locations and apply and buy your license. Many of the couples I have worked with have done the easiest route which is London Drugs. Probably because there is so many of these department store across the province. But here is a list of a few locations you can go to apply and purchase your license:

London Drugs

Service BC Locations across Lower Mainland

WestLand Insurance Locations across Lower Mainland

Resort Municipality of Whistler

For detailed locations on where to get a license you can hit up this link and search in your surrounding area in British Columbia to find a location near you. Locations near me.

Hire a Legal Officiant

To make it official, you need a registered marriage officiant or religious representative licensed in BC. For civil ceremonies, many officiants offer custom elopement packages and are happy to hike or travel with you.

You can find a list of licensed officiants through the Government of BC’s Vital Statistics site or my favourite team of people in the Vancouver and surrounding areas is the collection of officiants from Young Hip & Married.

After your ceremony an officiant will file your marriage license with Vital Statistics BC and your marriage license will get delivered to your door step in about 2-4 weeks.

Witnesses

In British Columbia it is required to have 2 witnesses to witness your wedding. They need to be people over the age of 19 that can sign the marriage license. In many cases the photographer can act as a witness, and if you are not planning to bring guests the officiant can also arrange to have an assistant.

Location & Permit Requirements

British Columbia is full of breathtaking public spaces, but some of them require advance planning and permits – Provincial Parks, City Parks and Crown land. Do You Need a Permit to Elope in a Provincial Park? Yes, if you’re planning:

A structured ceremony with setup (arches, seating, decor, etc.)

A commercial activity (e.g., hiring a photographer or videographer)

You’ll likely need a Special Use Permit issued by BC Parks.

If you are not hosting your elopement ceremony in a park and just wanting to go and take pictures at certain locations a special use permit is not required, but sometimes the photographer will require a commercial photography permit to take pictures.

Here is a list of popular parks near Vancouver and their rules:

Golden Ears Provincial Park (Maple Ridge): Permits are required for ceremonies with vendors or guests. Apply through BC Parks with details about your event.

Garibaldi Provincial Park (near Squamish): Hikes like Elfin Lakes or Garibaldi Lake are popular for adventurous elopements, but commercial photography requires a park use permit. No drones are allowed to be used in the Garibaldi Provincial Park or set up of structures.

Cypress & Mount Seymour (North Shore): These are both part of BC Parks and require similar permissions.

Lighthouse Park (West Vancouver): Technically a municipal park, it’s free to access, but professional photo sessions may require a permit through the District of West Vancouver.

📌 Tip: Always apply at least 4–6 weeks in advance and prepare to provide details like group size, location, and vendor list. If you hired an elopement photographer like me! This planning and applying for permits is apart of packages and the reason we do what we do. We always want the couple to be taken care of because an elopement photographer is the expert in this kind of planning.

Vendors to Consider for a Vancouver Elopement

Even small celebrations benefit from great vendors. When your planning your Vancouver elopement your day should be built up with the people you want there to witness your elopement – but also a dream team to make your day as stress free as possible. Isn’t that a part of why you opted out of a big wedding in the first place? Less stress, more adventure & connection!

Here’s who to consider:

• Photographer/Videographer – Choose someone local who knows the area well and can help with planning, lighting, and timelines. Many also act as informal guides! Elopement photographers serve as your elopement planners and coordinators, so make sure you find a team for your imagery that you can trust to help put your day together.
• Officiant – Many officiants specialize in adventure elopements and can personalize your vows.
• Florist – Vancouver is home to dozens of sustainable, locally sourced florists. Look for options offering travel-sized elopement bouquets.
• Hair & Makeup – Mobile stylists can meet you at your Airbnb or trailhead.
• Picnic or Private Chef – Consider a post-ceremony mountaintop picnic or an intimate dinner from a local chef. Or Vancouver has some of the best restaurants to hit up after for a fun night of food and cocktails!

What to Bring to your Elopement in Vancouver?

This is the money question isn’t it! But, what to bring to your elopement is going to be slightly dependant on the experience you are creating for your elopement day. Because again….Elopements are focused on an experience for you and your partner. What you have decided to do to ultimately create the best day for your marriage. An Elopement can be hiking up the mountains ( which most people think an elopement entails) OR hitting up cute boutiques, the art gallery and a luxury hotel for your day. You choose. But a couple of non-negotiable to bring would be the following:

1. Marriage License
2. Timeline of your day to review and share prior to your day
3. Weather appropriate clothing for the elopement. Vancouver experiences seasons so it is always recommended to get the information you need from your elopement photographer or coordinator to prepare for weather factors.

Best times to Elope in Vancouver British Columbia?

While you can elope year-round, Vancouver’s weather and tourist seasons play a big role:

Best Seasons: Mid Spring – End of October (May – October) offers the most comfortable weather. Vancouver is categorized as a rain forest so we get wet here in Vancouver. So if you are planning an outdoor experience rain can be apart of your day, but to avoid the mud and access to most unbelievable locations this is my recommendation. Fall is my bias favourite because it still gets you those sunny days but our landscape is misty and beautiful and crisp, I just love it!

Busy Months: June/July  and August ; if you want to avoid tons of travel traffic and bigger crowds in the core of Vancouver Summer is the busier months. We are a port city and lots of cruise ships come to the city and tourist travelling to the coast to enjoy our unique opportunities. The Coast is so beautiful in the summer, it’s absolutely wild! The water, the sunsets the energy! The crowds do make it worth it.

Winter Wonderland: End November-February you can find snow in our mountains and in the Fraser Valley. We don’t typically get a lot of snow but there definitely is snow in our mountains. So if you are dreaming of the white capped mountains as your elopement backdrop and a rustic winter lodge, winter is your time. But the helicopter companies do only fly weather pending and land in safe accessible locations so this is something to consider. Spring is still an ideal season to do snow capped mountain elopements and the likely hood of any weather disruptions are lower. Our Mountains typically still have snow until mid July.

If you don’t have a set date in mind, I can always help plan out the best time for a Vancouver  elopement!

What are fun things to do for your Vancouver elopement?

The difference between a great day and an unforgettable experience comes down to, deeply personal moments – not just beautiful portraits.

Vancouver has every style of experience – from luxury to the simple pleasures. Some things to consider is what makes you and your partner happy. The ideas are endless!

Finding a photographer for your Vancouver Elopement

Let’s be real – eloping is one of the most personal, freeing, and unforgettable ways to celebrate your love. Whether you’re standing on a mountaintop at sunrise or sharing vows by the ocean under low-hanging clouds, one thing is for sure: the moments fly by. That’s why finding the right photographer is one of the most important decisions you’ll make for your elopement day.

Now, I may be a little biased (okay, very biased!), but your photographer isn’t just there to take beautiful pictures. We’re part visual storyteller, part location scout, part logistics coordinator, and – sometimes – your unofficial backpack sherpa and hype squad.

We are more than just photos:  Especially for elopements, where there might not be a planner, bridal party, or big guest list, we’re often right by your side the entire time. So it’s crucial you feel at ease with whoever you choose – you’ll want someone who feels like a friend, someone you can be fully yourselves around.

The right photographer can help with:

Location Scouting – From well-known spots to hidden gems, we’ll help you find places that match your vision and vibe.

Timeline Planning – Light, weather, accessibility, and seasonality all matter. A seasoned photographer knows how to build a flow that maximizes all of it.

Vendor Recommendations – We’ve worked with florists, officiants, stylists, and chefs – ask us for our go-to dream team.

Emotional Support – Whether it’s nerves, wardrobe malfunctions, or unexpected rain, we’ve seen it all and we’ve got you.

Hands-On Help – From adjusting your veil on a windy peak to carrying your water bottle on the trail, we’re there for the practical stuff, too.

What to Look For in Your Elopement Photographer?

When choosing someone to document your day, connection is everything. Browse their portfolio, sure -but also read their captions, check their blog, peek at behind-the-scenes on social media. Does their energy feel like a good fit for yours? Can you imagine being around them on one of the most intimate, emotional days of your life?

Also, make sure they:

Know the area well, especially if you’re eloping in the mountains or a coastal zone where terrain and weather can change fast.

Are legally allowed to work in the parks or protected areas you want to elope in (hello, permit knowledge!).

Have backup plans and gear – because we live on the West Coast, and weather is wild sometimes.

If you are considering planning your elopement in Vancouver, Reach out!

I’m Tatiana – You’re Vancouver-based Elopement Photographer.
Planning a non-traditional wedding? Perfect, I’m not your traditional wedding photographer!
I am here to support you to craft your deeply meaningful elopement that centers what you value most. Real connection, intentional storytelling and space to experience your day fully and freely. 

With over a decade behind the lens and a lifetime of exploring the wild corners of British Columbia, I bring more than photography to your day. I bring location-scouting, timeline-planning and elopement specific planning expertise. so you can focus on what really matters – each other. 
Whether it’s cliff’s in Squamish, misty forest on Vancouver Island, or a red-eye flight to your dream destination – you’ve got a photographer who’s in it with you.

Come check out my page for more details