The Elopement Vendors You Actually Need (and When to Book Them)

Your elopement vendors are the people who help turn your vision into reality. You can have the most epic Vancouver elopement or dreamy Victoria wedding planned to perfection, but if you don’t have the right vendors by your side, the day may not unfold the way you imagined.

Whether you’re planning a local ceremony or a destination elopement, choosing the right vendors makes all the difference. Some vendors are absolute must-haves, while others are optional depending on your vibe. Here’s a guide to help you figure out who you really need, when to book them, and how to build a team that supports your candid, fun, and uniquely you celebration.

Essential Elopement Vendors

Photographer

A great photographer is the most essential vendor for your elopement. And not just any photographer — someone who gets you, your vision, and knows how to capture the candid, authentic, and timeless moments that matter most.

As a Vancouver photographer and Victoria photographer, I often help couples with the entire elopement planning process — including choosing the perfect location, creating a timeline, and offering local recommendations. That’s why many couples choose their photographer before even setting a date!

When to book:
Ideally 12–24 months in advance, especially if you’ve had your eye on a specific Vancouver or Victoria wedding photographer. But don’t worry — last-minute elopements can work too (more on that below).

Officiant

Unless you’re having a symbolic ceremony, you’ll need an officiant to legally marry you. If your ceremony location is remote (like a mountain hike or beachside on Vancouver Island), make sure your officiant is comfortable getting there.

When to book:
At least 12–18 months out, especially if you have a specific date or location in mind.

Nice-to-Have Elopement Vendors

These vendors aren’t mandatory, but they can elevate your experience and help create a more relaxed, luxurious, or personalized day.

Hair & Makeup Artist

Unless you’re a low-key glam expert, hiring a hair and makeup artist is a game changer. You deserve to feel your best while wandering through the forest in your wedding attire, right?

When to book:
6–12 months out.

🌸 Florist

Florals add personality, color, and story to your day — and they photograph beautifully (hello, bouquet flat-lays and candid detail shots!).

When to book:
6–8 months out.

🍽 Catering or Private Chef

Whether you’re dreaming of a private picnic, a chef-curated meal, or a post-ceremony sweet treat, food is an easy way to make your elopement feel special — especially if you’re bringing a few guests along.

When to book:
6–12 months out.

🎥 Videographer

Photos capture the still moments. Video lets you relive the laughter, the tears, and the vows in real time. If you’re already investing in a Vancouver or Victoria wedding photographer, adding videography is a great way to fully document the day.

When to book:
12–24 months in advance, especially for popular videographers.

What If You’re Planning a Last-Minute Elopement?

Take a deep breath — it’s all good. While booking early gives you more options, elopements are meant to be flexible. You can absolutely plan a beautiful, meaningful day on a short timeline. There are amazing elopement vendors in Vancouver, Victoria, and on Vancouver Island who are used to jumping in last minute.

If you’re eloping spontaneously or planning a destination elopement and feel behind, reach out to vendors whose work you love — many are happy to work with short timelines if they’re available.

Whether you’re dreaming of a candid wedding ceremony in the Vancouver mountains, a timeless elopement on the beaches of Vancouver Island, or something totally unique in the city or beyond, your elopement vendors are the people who bring it all to life.

The most important thing? Hire vendors who align with your vision, understand your priorities, and make you feel at ease. Your elopement should feel authentic, fun, and totally you — and the right team will make that happen.

Have other questions related to elopement vendors?

How do you set up an elopement?

Setting up an elopement starts with deciding what kind of experience you want — just the two of you or a few guests, local or destination. Once you have a vision, secure key elopement vendors: a Vancouver or Victoria photographer, officiant, and possibly a planner. Then choose a date, location, and any meaningful activities you want to include (like hiking, a picnic, or a helicopter ride). From there, plan your timeline, get permits if needed, and prep your vows and attire. A good elopement photographer can help guide you through this process!

What should I pack for an elopement?

Pack based on your location, activities, and season — especially for a Vancouver Island elopement or destination elopement. Essentials include:

• Vows
• Marriage license
• Rings
• Wedding attire & accessories
• Comfortable shoes
• Layers (weather can shift!)
• Makeup touch-up kit
• Snacks & water
• Any elopement activity gear (hiking shoes, picnic blanket, etc.)
• Photo props (letters, keepsakes, etc.)

Your elopement photographer can help you plan a personalized packing list!

Do you make a registry if you elope?

You can! Even if you’re eloping, loved ones often want to celebrate with a gift. Creating a small elopement registry or honeymoon fund is perfectly acceptable — just be sure to communicate it with kindness and no expectations. Include the link on an elopement announcement card, wedding website, or post-elopement celebration invite.

What to put on an elopement card

Elopement cards can be sweet and simple. Some ideas:

• “We tied the knot — just the two of us!”
• “We eloped! And it was everything we dreamed of.”
• “Love wins — we said yes in a place that felt just right.” You can include a photo, date, location (especially for destination elopements), and a short message. Your candid wedding photographer can help you choose a beautiful image to include.

What is the downside of elopement?

The biggest potential downside is that some loved ones may feel left out. You also might miss out on traditional elements like a big party or walking down the aisle with a parent. But if you plan intentionally and work with great elopement vendors, you can still have a meaningful, beautiful, and unforgettable experience — one that’s authentic and stress-free.

What to get someone as an elopement gift

Thoughtful elopement gifts include:

• A keepsake photo frame or album
• A custom vow book
• Personalized champagne flutes
• A local experience or activity for their honeymoon
• A gift card to a restaurant or spa where they eloped You could also gift a session with a Vancouver or Victoria photographer for post-elopement portraits!

What is the etiquette for elopement gifts?

There’s no formal obligation to give a gift after someone elopes, but it’s always a kind gesture. If you’re close to the couple, a small, personal gift is a lovely way to celebrate their new chapter. If they have a registry or honeymoon fund, that’s a great place to start.

What do you get for people who just got engaged

Engagement gifts can be fun, romantic, or practical. Popular ideas include:

• A bottle of champagne
• Ring dish or jewelry box
• A personalized ornament or keepsake
• A gift card to their favorite date night spot
• A cute “Just Engaged” photo session with a candid photographer

What is a normal engagement gift?

A normal engagement gift typically ranges from $25 to $100, depending on your relationship. It might be a small home item, a book on marriage, a bottle of wine, or something personalized with their names or engagement date. You can also contribute to their engagement photos or help them book a Vancouver photographer for a romantic session.

How much cash should I give for an engagement gift?

There’s no set amount, but $50 to $100 is a generous and common range for cash engagement gifts — especially for close friends or family. If you’re less close, $25 to $50 is thoughtful and appropriate.

Do you give a gift when a couple gets engaged?

It’s not required, but it’s a sweet gesture — especially if you’re attending an engagement party. Even a small gift or handwritten card shows you care. If you’re unsure what to give, a bottle of champagne or a small gift from their elopement registry (if they have one) is always appreciated.

other elopement resources

Planning an entire elopement can be an overwhelming and stressful process. I have so many other resources that can help you plan your perfect day.

Not sure what to do on your elopement day? My blog on Elopement Activities can help you find an activity you’re stoked about.

Not sure if you even want to elope? My blog Should I Elope will help you figure out what your ideal wedding day looks like and if an elopement is for you.