How to Elope on Vancouver Island: A Soulful Step-by-Step Guide to Your Dream Day
Written with love by Ember – Intuitive Elopement Photographer & West Coast Daydreamer
Introduction: So You Want to Elope on Vancouver Island?
If you're wondering how to elope on Vancouver Island, you're in the right place — and I’m already SO excited for you.
Eloping doesn’t mean “less than.”
It means more you.
More freedom. More intention. More room to breathe and just be in love.
Whether you’re imagining barefoot vows by the ocean, exchanging rings under an ancient cedar, or a quiet picnic on a mountaintop — Vancouver Island is the perfect canvas for a wedding day that’s as wild and wonderful as your love story.
I’m Ember, an intuitive elopement photographer based on the island, and I’ve helped couples like you create meaningful, magical days in nature’s most stunning places. This guide is here to walk you through it all — clearly, gently, and with lots of space for creativity.
Step 1: Dream First, Plan Second
Before we get into logistics, just pause for a moment and breathe into this:
✨ What does your ideal day feel like?
Do you want to hike at sunrise, hand in hand?
Say your vows on the beach with salty wind in your hair?
Soak in a hot tub after a forest ceremony with your dog curled up beside you?
Let go of what you think a wedding should be. This is your moment to dream wildly and give yourself permission to do something beautifully outside the box.
Step 2: Pick the Perfect Time of Year
Vancouver Island is stunning year-round, but each season brings its own vibe:
Spring: Wildflowers, waterfalls, and quiet beaches
Summer: Golden light, long evenings, and warm weather
Fall: Fiery foliage, cozy cabins, and misty magic
Winter: Moody forests, dramatic coastal skies, and the ultimate cozy elopement vibes
Pro tip: Consider weekdays or shoulder seasons (like late September or early June) for more privacy and epic light.
Step 3: Choose Your Officiant (and Know the Legal Bits)
In BC, your officiant must be legally authorized. That means they need to be registered with the Vital Statistics Agency.
Here’s what you can do:
Hire a licensed officiant (I know a few incredible humans who are all about co-creating ceremonies that feel like you)
Make it symbolic: Do the legal paperwork at a registry and have a friend lead a heartfelt ceremony in nature
Whichever way you go, the words, rituals, and energy can still be completely yours.
Step 4: Get Your Marriage Licence in BC
Here’s what you need to know:
Apply in person at any marriage licence issuer (there are lots on Vancouver Island — Nanaimo, Victoria, Courtenay, etc.)
You both need government-issued ID
It costs $100 and is valid for 3 months
You don’t need to be a BC resident to apply — yay for destination elopements!
Step 5: Find Your Elopement Dream Team
You don’t need a giant vendor list — but having a few key people who get your vision? Game-changing.
✨ A few dream vendors to consider:
Elopement Photographer (hi, hello, this is me 🥰)
Hair & Makeup Artist who travels
Florist specializing in elopement bouquets
Picnic stylist or private chef
Tiny, meaningful accommodations (forest cabins, oceanside A-frames, cozy Airbnbs)
I have a curated list of incredible local creatives I’d love to share with you.
Step 6: Choose Your Location (And Fall in Love All Over Again)
This is the fun part — and also one of the biggest reasons couples choose to elope here.
✨ Top Places to Elope on Vancouver Island:
Tofino & Ucluelet: Driftwood beaches, surfy vibes, and rainforest magic
Jordan River/Sooke: Remote coastal cliffs + tucked-away trails
Cumberland & Comox Valley: Mountain views, mossy forests, waterfalls
Cathedral Grove: Majestic old-growth trees that take your breath away
Mystery Lake, Mount Washington: Hike-in alpine elopements in summer
Pachena Bay & Bamfield: For the truly adventurous at heart (and boat-access-only beauty)
🌿 I help my couples location scout based on your vibe, accessibility needs, and connection to place.
Step 7: Bring the Little Things That Make it Yours
This is where the magic lives.
Think:
- A handwritten letter to read before your vows
- A custom playlist to dance to under the trees
- A thermos of hot chai, a bottle of bubbly, or a picnic you packed together
- A bundle of herbs from your garden or a stone from your first date
This is your story. Don’t be afraid to write it your way.
Bonus Step: Don’t Overthink It — Just Begin
Sometimes the hardest part is saying “yes” to doing it differently.
But I promise — once you lean into what feels right for you, everything else flows from there.
A Gentle Invitation
If you’re feeling that flutter of excitement and a tiny bit of “oh my gosh, can we really do this?” — the answer is yes.
And I’d love to help.
As a local Vancouver Island elopement photographer, I’m more than just a gal with a camera. I’m here to help guide your day, calm your nerves, and create space for presence, joy, and connection.
If you’re ready to start dreaming, I’m just a message away.
Let’s make your elopement unforgettable — in all the ways that matter most to you.
Want to chat about your dream day?
Contact me here or find me on Instagram @melanieorrphotography
