How to Elope in BC: Full BC Elopement Guide

the towering peaks of Yoho National Park are framed by lush green forested hills

Where is BC, aka British Columbia?
Why Elope in BC?
5 Beautiful BC Elopement Locations
Best Time of Year to Get Married in BC
How to Get Legally Married in BC
BC Elopement Photographer

Heather laughs with their hands on their hips and the blue sky behind them.

Hi folks, I’m Heather! I’m a BC elopement photographer documenting honest, candid photos on film for folks who value presence and connection on their elopement day. I love to help my couples plan their adventure with everything from location guides to vendor recommendations, so you can focus on what’s important: your best adventure yet.

If you’re considering eloping in the spectacular landscapes of Canada, I’m guessing that BC has made its way onto your list of potential locations. My first priority as an elopement photographer is to care for you, serve you, and support you in creating the adventure of your dreams—so I’ve taken the time to curate this BC elopement guide to help you plan a day that so deeply reflects you (while I take care of the boring stuff).

From a list of the most stunning locations to a simple breakdown of the legal process, you’ll leave this guide feeling confident in your ability to plan a once-in-a-lifetime experience amidst these breathtaking mountain peaks, rainforests and moody beaches. The best part? I’ll be right there with you to bring it all to life, every step of the way.

Where is BC, aka British Columbia?

map of canada, showing the western provinces of bc and alberta

BC is Canada’s westernmost province, bordering the American states of Washington, Idaho, and Montana to the south and Alaska to the northwest, the Canadian territory of Yukon to the north, Alberta (and Banff National Park) to the east, and the pacific ocean to the west. BC is an incredibly vast province, with landscapes ranging through multiple mountain ranges from the Rocky Mountains in the east to the Coast Mountains in the west, rainforests, beaches, alpine wildflower meadows, and the classic moody pacific northwest vibes. This province truly has it all!

Why Elope in BC?

Banff National Park in Alberta is often the number one destination in the area for tourists and eloping couples alike, and for good reason—its iconic glacial lakes, snow-capped mountain peaks, and lush forests would take anybody’s breath away—but the overwhelming crowds and regulations can make for a pretty disappointing experience.

British Columbia, on the other hand, has landscapes to rival any mountain lake in Banff, far fewer crowds, better weather, and lusher forests. Banff is incredibly dry, on the semi-arid side of the Rocky Mountains, and when you cross the border into BC, things immediately become more vibrant.

There is something else, too. When you leave Alberta and enter BC, the pace slows down. People are friendlier. People seem less stressed. The BC vibe is chill and lighthearted in a way I have never felt in Alberta, and it is such a great atmosphere!

5 Incredible BC Elopement Locations

There are endless incredible locations to explore in BC, from the mountains to the rainforests to the beaches of the pacific coast. Here are 5 of my absolute favourite locations for your BC elopement, with a wide variety of landscapes, activities and amenities:

early morning light on a golden beach in Tofino, with surfers in the waves and a forest in the distance. — *image sourced from google*

1. Tofino, Vancouver Island

Tofino is an iconic surfing destination on Vancouver Island with long sandy beaches, rugged rocky shores, rolling pacific surf, and MOOD for days. With classic Pacific Northwest fog and lush rainforests, this is your classic Canadian PNW destination. Tofino has a real artsy surf town vibe, with lots of incredible local artisan shops and restaurants, funky eco accomodations, and plenty of moody nature to explore, so if that is your vibe, then a Tofino elopement adventure might be perfect for you!

Tofino is ideal for couples who want something emotional, raw, and deeply connected to nature. This is a destination all about embracing the wild — it’s about ocean wind in your hair, the sound of waves, and saying your vows with sand underfoot or ancient trees all around you.

Snow-capped Mount Begbie peeks through the trees in Mount Revelstoke National Park

2. Revelstoke

Revy is all about adventure. At a quieter crossroads of mountain ranges in the Columbia-Shushwap region, Revelstoke is a major hub for mountain biking, rock climbing, alpine backpacking, kayaking, skiing, and any other adventure you can dream up, so if any of those sound like your dream elopement activities than a Revelstoke elopement would be perfect for you!

Conversely, Mount Revelstoke National Park also boasts one of the most accessible mountain top locations in BC – the Meadows in the Sky Parkway! During the summer season, this parkway allows you to drive to the top of the mountain, with parking a short 1 km trail from the summit, with multiple hiking options from there for your dreamy Revelstoke elopement!

Revy is also one of the most charming mountain towns in BC with a thriving arts scene, great local cafes and restaurants, and a warm and welcoming mountain-loving community.

Revelstoke is perfect for couples who want intimate off-the-beaten-path backcountry adventures and a deeply immersive, nature-connected elopement — less about crowds and polished resorts, more about you, the mountains, and that big wild feeling. It’s beautiful, unhurried, and it will take root in your heart just like it has in mine.

Takakkaw Falls in Yoho National Park cascade down the rock face and into a glacier blue river winding through lush green brush.

3. Yoho National Park

Yoho is actually in the Rocky Mountains just across the BC border from Banff National Park, and holds some absolutely incredible hikes with fewer crowds than on the Banff side! From the iconic Emerald Lake and Takakkaw Falls to the incredible backcountry adventures of Lake O’Hara, Yoho would make an incredible alternative to a Banff elopement if you are on the fence!

Yoho National Park is the perfect elopement location for couples who have their hearts set on the Rocky Mountains and turquoise lakes of Banff National Park, but want a calmer experience and more private setting for their elopement adventure!

The rocky Watersprite Lake in BC in the foreground with an alpine summit in the background — *image sourced from google*

4. Squamish

Nestled between Vancouver and Whistler where the coastal rainforest meets towering granite mountains and glacier-fed rivers, Squamish is one of the most famous rock climbing destinations in Canada, with world famous crags to add a little adventure into your elopement plans! If you’re not climbers, there is no worry – Squamish has plenty of hiking, paddling, and other adventures to keep you busy, and heli elopement opportunities or the Sea to Sky Gondola for those who want a more gentle adventure!

Just an hour outside Vancouver, Squamish is for couples who love the outdoors — but don’t want to sacrifice ease. Whether you want to stand barefoot by a river or say your vows on a mountaintop after a helicopter ride, it’s a flexible and stunning place to elope.

historic brick buildings in Fernie, BC at dusk with a snowy mountain in the background

5. Fernie

Fernie is located near the Alberta border in the southeast corner of BC, nestled in the Kootenay region along the Crowsnest Pass. This charming mountain town boasts one of BC’s best microbreweries, a great creative community, and a more off-the-beaten-path vibe than many parts of BC near the bigger hubs of Vancouver or Banff.

Fernie is perfect for couples who want an unhurried, heart-centered, nature-connected elopement. It’s wild enough to feel like you’re far from everything — but has just enough infrastructure and creativity to make your day seamless and personal. Whether you’re exchanging vows by a lake, under the trees, or on top of a mountain, Fernie makes it unforgettable.

Best Time of Year to Get Married in BC

One of the most important parts of planning your BC elopement is choosing the right date, second only to settling on a beautiful location that you adore. Because BC is such a vast province of different landscapes and climate zones, there are certain times of year that allow for more accessibility than others, especially in the mountains. To ensure you feel confident picking a time of year for your adventure elopement, I’ve got a quick breakdown of the best times to elope in BC for you below—but don’t worry about it too much, as this is something I’ll happily help you with as your photographer 🙂

spring: best time to elope to avoid the crowds in more popular destinations like Whistler, Squamish, Yoho and Banff.
summer: best time to elope if you are heading into the alpine! wildflowers in bloom, alpine lakes to swim in, and some of the best of the best hiking BC has to offer.
autumn: best time to elope in Tofino and Vancouver Island for optimal waves!
winter: best time for ski elopements!

How to Legally Get Married in BC

Eloping in British Columbia is relatively straightforward, and the legal process is the same as for any wedding in the province — whether it’s in front of 100 people or just the two of you. Here’s a step-by-step guide to the legal process of eloping in BC: