How To Decide Where To Elope

One of the biggest decisions you’ll make during your elopement planning process is how to decide where to elope. Your location sets the tone for the entire day—it impacts your timeline, guest list, logistics, and overall vibe. Whether you’re dreaming of a Vancouver elopement, a quiet corner of Vancouver Island, or a stunning destination elopement across the globe, choosing the right spot takes intention and vision.

Living in the Pacific Northwest, we are incredibly lucky to be surrounded by natural beauty—towering mountains, lush forests, coastal beaches, waterfalls, and charming cities like Victoria and Vancouver. But with so many breathtaking backdrops to choose from, narrowing it down can feel overwhelming. And it’s about so much more than picking the first pretty place you see!

Here are some key steps to help you decide where to elope:

1. Define the Vibe You Want

To figure out where to elope, start by deciding how you want your day to feel. Do you want something adventurous, serene, moody, coastal, or wild?

Here’s a fun and effective way to start:

• Open Pinterest and create a board called “elopement inspo.”
• Start pinning any photo that speaks to you—whether it’s the scenery, mood, couple’s connection, or the editing style.
• Once you’ve saved about 20–30 images, go back and analyze them. What do they have in common? Are you drawn to foggy forests, open beaches, rocky cliffs, or mountain views?

Understanding the visual and emotional tone you’re aiming for is key to finding a location that aligns with your dream candid and timeless elopement.

2. Consider Who’s Coming With You

Your guest list—whether it’s just the two of you or a few loved ones—will influence where you can elope. Some popular Vancouver Island elopement spots or Vancouver elopement locations have guest limits, accessibility challenges, or permitting requirements.

• Inviting older family members? Make sure your location is easily accessible and comfortable.
• Bringing your dog? Be sure to check if the location is pet-friendly.
• Dreaming of a secluded beach or mountain top? Make sure it can realistically accommodate your group size and comfort level.

3. Think About What You Want to Do That Day

Elopements are more than just a ceremony—they’re an experience. So ask yourself:
What do we want to do on our elopement day?

Are you planning to:

• Hike through coastal rainforests?
• Watch the sunset on a cliffside?
• Explore a city like Victoria together before grabbing dinner downtown?

Knowing what kind of experience you want helps narrow your options. If your day includes multiple activities, you’ll want to choose a location that makes your timeline feel easy and natural—not rushed.

4. Start Exploring Your Options

Now that you’ve outlined your vibe, guest count, and ideal experience, it’s time to do some exploring! Here’s how to dive into the search for your perfect elopement location:

• Search national or provincial parks. If you’re looking at a Vancouver Island elopement, check out BC Parks or Parks Canada for scenic options and permit info.
• Read blogs by elopement photographers. As a Vancouver wedding photographer, I’ve written guides to some of the best local elopement spots. Many photographers share hidden gems in their blog posts.
• Browse Instagram. Look through location-based hashtags like #VancouverElopement or #VictoriaElopement, or search through photographers’ feeds to discover unique spots.
• Ask your photographer. (Seriously!) Your photographer is one of the best resources you have when planning a destination elopement or local Vancouver elopement. We’ve scouted tons of locations and know the ins and outs—especially when it comes to creating authentic, timeless elopements that reflect your love story.

It doesn’t have to feel overwhelming as you decide where to elope. With a little reflection and research, you’ll be well on your way to finding a location that truly feels like you. Whether that’s exchanging vows barefoot on a remote beach, saying “I do” in a forest glade, or climbing to a mountaintop together—it all starts with discovering your dream spot.

Need help finding your ideal location? I’d love to help you plan your candid, meaningful elopement here in Vancouver, Victoria, or anywhere your heart takes you.

Best Locations to Elope in Vancouver and Nearby

Stanley Park

Stanley Park is a lush, urban escape that offers a variety of stunning backdrops, from tranquil beaches to dense forests and scenic vistas. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful lakeside spot or a view of the city skyline, Stanley Park has something to offer for every couple’s elopement.

Whytecliff Park

Whytecliff Park, located in West Vancouver, is a picturesque coastal park with dramatic cliffs, rugged beaches, and sweeping ocean views. It’s an ideal location for couples who want a nature-filled, intimate ceremony with stunning views of the ocean and nearby islands.

Whistler

Whistler’s stunning mountain landscapes make it a dream location for adventurous couples. Whether you want to elope at the base of a snow-capped peak or on a scenic alpine trail, Whistler provides breathtaking backdrops year-round for a memorable elopement.

Van Dusen Gardens

This botanical garden in Vancouver is a serene oasis filled with vibrant flowers, lush greenery, and beautifully manicured gardens. If you dream of a romantic garden elopement, Van Dusen Gardens is a perfect spot, offering natural beauty and peaceful surroundings.

Capilano Suspension Bridge

For couples seeking adventure, Capilano Suspension Bridge offers dramatic views of towering trees, rushing rivers, and lush forests. The bridge itself provides a unique and exhilarating location to say your vows, making it an unforgettable experience.

Sea to Sky Gondola

The Sea to Sky Gondola offers a breathtaking ride with views of Howe Sound and the surrounding mountains. The gondola ride leads you to an awe-inspiring mountaintop, ideal for a stunning elopement ceremony in the sky surrounded by panoramic natural beauty.

Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge

Lynn Canyon is a hidden gem in North Vancouver. The Suspension Bridge here provides an exciting, forested setting with rushing waterfalls and deep canyons, offering a dramatic and adventurous backdrop for your elopement.

Kitsilano Beach

Kitsilano Beach, or “Kits Beach,” is a relaxed and charming beach with views of the Vancouver skyline and mountains. It’s perfect for a laid-back elopement, offering a picturesque and tranquil location to exchange vows by the ocean.

Bloedel Conservatory

Located in Queen Elizabeth Park, the Bloedel Conservatory is a tropical haven with lush plants, flowers, and birds. If you’re dreaming of an indoor tropical elopement, this conservatory offers an intimate and vibrant setting that feels both exotic and serene.

Best Locations to Elope in Victoria and Vancouver Island

Tofino

With its rugged coastlines, sandy beaches, and crashing waves, Tofino offers an unforgettable backdrop for couples seeking a wild and scenic elopement. Whether you choose to elope on the beach or amidst Tofino’s stunning rainforests, this destination offers incredible beauty and natural wonder.

Cathedral Grove

Cathedral Grove in MacMillan Provincial Park is home to ancient, towering trees that will leave you in awe. Getting married under these majestic giants is a magical experience, offering a serene and timeless setting for your elopement.

Downtown Victoria

Victoria’s historic downtown is full of charm, from the stunning architecture of the BC Legislature to the tranquil Inner Harbour. This picturesque setting combines classic beauty and city elegance, perfect for couples who want an intimate yet sophisticated elopement in the heart of the city.

Campbell River

Campbell River, known for its beautiful coastal views and lush forests, offers a peaceful and scenic setting for elopements. Whether you want a beachside ceremony or one with stunning mountain views, this charming town provides an abundance of nature and tranquility.

Gulf Islands

The Gulf Islands, scattered between Vancouver and Vancouver Island, are perfect for couples seeking a peaceful, secluded elopement. With scenic beaches, quiet forests, and cozy small-town charm, the Gulf Islands offer a serene and intimate atmosphere for a unique elopement experience.

Strathcona Park Lodge

Strathcona Park Lodge on Vancouver Island provides a stunning wilderness setting with access to mountain views, lakes, and forests. For couples looking to immerse themselves in nature, this spot offers a beautiful backdrop for an adventurous and peaceful elopement.

East Sooke Park

East Sooke Park is a hidden gem with coastal cliffs, lush forests, and stunning ocean views. This beautiful, off-the-beaten-path park offers a secluded and peaceful setting for couples who want an intimate ceremony surrounded by nature’s beauty.

Rathtrevor Beach

Located in Parksville, Rathtrevor Beach offers expansive sandy beaches with views of the ocean and distant mountains. The quiet beauty of this location, with its gentle waves and serene atmosphere, makes it a perfect choice for couples wanting a relaxed and romantic beach elopement.

Still have questions about eloping, or how to decide where to elope? Here are some answers.

What is the downside of elopement?
While elopements are intimate and intentional, one downside can be missing the presence of family and friends. If you’re someone who values big group celebrations, eloping might feel too quiet or low-key. Some couples also feel pressure or guilt from loved ones who wish they could be part of the day.

How to plan an elopement timeline?
Start by choosing your location and ceremony time (golden hour is always a fave for dreamy lighting!). Then, work backward—include time for getting ready, a first look, travel, the ceremony, portraits, and any activities you want to include like a picnic, hike, or champagne toast. A good elopement photographer will help you plan a timeline that’s relaxed, meaningful, and fits your vision.

Do you walk down the aisle when you elope?
You totally can if you want to! Elopements are customizable, so whether you want a traditional aisle moment or something more organic—like walking into a forest clearing together—it’s completely up to you.

Where is the best place in the world to elope?
The best place to elope depends on your vibe. For couples craving stunning nature, Vancouver Island elopements offer beaches, forests, and rugged coastlines. Dreamy city-meets-nature elopement? Try Vancouver. Want something wild and romantic? Tofino or a Victoria elopement might be perfect. Or you can plan a destination elopement anywhere in the world—from Iceland to Italy!

Do you tell people before you elope?
It’s totally your call. Some couples tell close family or friends beforehand, others keep it private and surprise everyone after. There’s no wrong way to do it—it depends on your relationship with your loved ones and how much you want to include them in the journey.

What is the best time of day to elope?
Golden hour—shortly after sunrise or before sunset—is often the best time to elope for soft, flattering light and a romantic atmosphere. It’s also typically quieter at popular locations. But ultimately, the best time is when it feels most magical for you.

How far in advance should you book an elopement?
Ideally, 3–12 months in advance, especially if you want to elope in a popular spot like Vancouver, Victoria, or a national park. This gives you time to book your vendors, secure permits, and plan travel. That said, elopements are flexible, and last-minute bookings are sometimes possible!

Do you have a party after you elope?
Many couples choose to host a post-elopement celebration—whether it’s a backyard BBQ, a fancy dinner, or a full-on reception later in the year. It’s a great way to celebrate with your people without compromising the intimacy of your actual elopement day

Do you still get presents if you elope?
Yes! If you share your elopement plans with loved ones, they’ll often still want to give you gifts. Some couples create a small registry or simply accept heartfelt cards and well-wishes. Just because you’re skipping the big wedding doesn’t mean people won’t want to celebrate you.

More resources

Not sure yet if you want to elope? My blog “Should I Elope?” will help you determine if an elopement is right for you!

Planning your elopement is feeling overwhelming? My blog Elopement Planning in 5 Steps breaks down the elopement planning process into bite size pieces.