12 Incredible Adventure Elopement Locations In BC

British Columbia oozes adventure — around every corner is something breathtakingly beautiful just waiting to be discovered! That’s why I recommend adventure elopement locations in BC so highly! From the beauty of Vancouver, the romantic twists and turns of the Sea to Sky Highway, and pristine mountains, lakes, rivers and charming towns — the scenery is gorgeous and just perfect for exploring as you hike, ski, bike or swim. 

The weather is mild, the region is easily accessible from Vancouver Airport and there are plenty of unique elopement locations that are completely unlike anywhere else. With a BC wedding or elopement, you can plan plenty of fun activities for your guests beyond just the ceremony, such as whale watching, picnics, hikes or mountain biking — giving you ample opportunity to spend quality time together and enjoy the epic British Columbia scenery, creating once-in-a-lifetime memories. 

If you’re ready to pack your bags for a whirlwind trip of love, excitement, and plenty of fun, here are the 12 best adventure elopement locations in BC. 

1. E. C. Manning Provincial Park 

If you’re not sure where to elope in BC, Manning Provincial Park is an amazing and off-the-beaten-path destination. Imagine saying your vows in serene Alpine Meadows with rows of grand fir next to you, reflecting in the still lake. Located in the lovely Cascade Mountains, this is an ideal elopement destination for couples (and their friends) who want to switch off, unwind and immerse themselves in the hiking trails. 

A Manning Provincial Park elopement is a fantastic choice year-round, with unique features in each season. The area really sparkles in fall with vibrant autumn leaves that look incredible for your photography — and you can take it all in via the Paintbrush Nature Trail, a relatively easy and flat hike. In spring, Dry Ridge Trail offers incredible views of the lake and wildflowers which would be just dreamy for a bohemian, free-spirited couple. And on a warm summer afternoon, you’ll have birds chirping and colourful wildflowers swaying in the breeze … sounds like the most romantic wedding! 

2. Coquihalla Summit Recreation Area 

Not far from Manning is the Coquihalla Summit Recreation Area, an incredible place for hiking, camping and bird watching, with soaring granite peaks and lots of challenging hikes. You and your beloved could wake up early and say your vows under the soft pink sunrise before setting off on the region’s most well-known hike — Flatiron via Needle Peak Trail — offering soaring views of the mountains from above the treeline! 

It’s only a short drive from the town of Hope, so you could plan a celebration there after your hike at one of the family-owned restaurants. Or, stay at Coquihalla and sleep under the stars, toasting your first night as a married couple in blissful solitude!

3. Squamish 

You’ll come upon the town of Squamish about an hour after leaving Vancouver on the Sea to Sky Highway. It’s an impressive little mountain town that attracts plenty of hikers, mountain bikers and climbers each summer. 

In Squamish, you’ll find the Sea to Sky Gondola — easily one of the best places to elope in British Columbia. Your guests will ride the gondola to the summit, soaring to the top as the sound, town and roads become smaller and smaller as you look down. 

It’s perfect for a mountaintop elopement in BC and the photo ops here are unbelievable. The venue has a long suspension bridge that makes for such dramatic images and plenty of gorgeous places to take photos among the trees! 

Black Tusk Helicopter offers heli elopements in Squamish as another exciting option, and there are also plenty of other easily accessible parks where you can say your vows outdoors including Garibaldi Provincial Park, Tantalus Provincial Park, Stawamus Chief Provincial Park and Watersprite Lake. 

For something low-key, you could plan your elopement in one of the many gorgeous parks in the town, then celebrate with a picnic or book a private room at the Howe Sound Inn with plenty of local brews on tap. 

4. Whistler 

As an adventure elopement photographer in BC, I meet so many couples who plan to elope in Whistler — with good reason! This stunning Olympic town needs no introduction and is just as picture-perfect in summer as it is in winter. 

The well-planned village offers plenty of accommodation and dining for your guests, but you’re only steps away from the Blackcomb and Whistler chairlifts to whisk you away into the mountains. 

In addition to Whistler and Blackcomb, Rainbow Mountain and Marriage Lake are both great for outdoor elopements. Rainbow is a pristine Alpine lake with crystal clear blue water, towering pines, and snow-capped peaks in the distance — seriously delivering those quintessential Canadian views. 

Or, if you’re dreaming of a helicopter elopement in BC, a Whistler elopement is a perfect choice! With Blackcomb Helicopters offering heli wedding packages, you’ll fly away to a private mountain or glacial location to say your vows, take photos and toast to your love with champagne, of course! 

5. Tofino And Ucluelet 

On the west coast of Vancouver Island, you’ll find the stunning beachfront towns of Tofino and Ucluelet, known for surfing, old-growth forests and stunning sunsets. Tofino elopements are ideal for couples who want to escape the city and embrace everything the outdoors has to offer. 

You could say your vows on the beach, sand between your toes, before celebrating into the night in one of Tofino or Ucluelet’s charming restaurants — a low-key and romantic way to spend the day. 

For an incredible day out, you could also charter a Tofino whale-watching trip — an exciting way for you and your guests to get out on the water and discover Vancouver Island’s incredibly diverse marine life! Or, plan a group hike along the Pacific Rim, go kayaking or just stroll around the art galleries in the area. You and your guests can take in plenty of fun group activities!

6. Mystic Beach

Rugged, inspiring and irresistible — there’s nowhere in the world like Mystic Beach. Named one of the best beaches in the world, Vancouver Island’s Mystic Beach is incredibly romantic, like a fairy tale come to life. It’s accessible via the Juan de Fuca Marine Trail. 

For couples who love the ocean and natural beauty, a Mystic Beach sunrise elopement would be inspiring and heartwarming, but getting there early also lets us take photos before the crowds arrive. 

With a cascading waterfall from the cliffs above, a charming rope swing and lots of overhangs and caverns, Mystic is great for adventure elopement photography in BC, especially if you love bold, dramatic landscapes. 

7. Gambier Island 

For Sunshine Coast weddings, Gambier Island seriously delivers — it’s in the stunning Howe Sound and is a small but scenic retreat that attracts swimmers, boaters and artists in the summer months. 

Camp Fircom is a great wedding venue for up to 50 guests on the island, with a gorgeous timber reception venue and several outdoor locations to say your vows. For a destination wedding, you and your guests could stay for the weekend, with ample opportunities to kayak, swim and hike, with packages including a wedding consultant. 

Another top option is Whispering Creek Retreat — a seasonal glamping retreat, a rustic and slow-paced destination that’s cosy, connected to the land and ideal for an outdoor elopement with a small group. 

Or, there are plenty of places on the island where you can find some space to yourself and say your vows in private!

8. Glacier National Park 

A few days in Canada’s Glacier National Park is one of the best adventure elopement ideas in BC for couples who appreciate epic natural beauty. It’s rich in wildlife spotting opportunities, with sparkling Alpine lakes, hidden away on hiking trails, ancient cedars and awe-inspiring mountains as far as the eye can see! 

You can explore Iceberg Lake Trail, camp under the stars or rent a cabin within the park for a private celebration after saying your vows. 

9. Pemberton

The town of Pemberton, north of Whistler, may not be as well known as other mountain towns, but the view here rivals some of Canada’s best. Think soaring, jagged mountains, covered in snow — the whole region is gorgeous, but the icing on the cake has to be Joffre Lakes Provincial Park. 

Joffre Lakes has those gorgeous, turquoise green waters like Moraine Lake, but smaller and with far fewer crowds. It’s serene, idyllic and I couldn’t imagine a more Canadian locale for your incredible wedding photos! That being said, it’s not exactly a hidden secret so we should definitely plan to arrive early for wedding photos. 

Note that, to protect this delicate environment, everyone (even day hikers) needs to reserve a free permit in advance from BC Parks. 

If you have guests and are planning a reception, Pemberton weddings are easy! The town has several hotels and a few lovely venues nestled in the wild countryside (just a short drive away) including Drumkeeran House and North Arm Farm. 

10. Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park

The views from Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park are unique, with rounded granite mountains jutting above the lake below. It’s wonderfully surreal and wouldn’t look out of place in Iceland, but this beloved park is within BC, right near the border with Alberta. 

If you’re dreaming of a Canadian Alpine wedding, Mount Assiniboine is an incredible choice as it’s not as well known as some of British Columbia’s other parks, making for a new and fresh experience for both you and your guests — not to mention the incredible unique wedding photos we can take here!

And if you’re really keen on a honeymoon like no other, experienced hikers can reach the mountain’s summit in around 1-2 days. What an incredible achievement that would be in celebration of your marriage! 

11. Yoho National Park 

A Yoho National Park elopement is another of my top recommendations for couples looking for that picture-perfect Canadian scenery. In eastern British Columbia, you and your guests can enjoy this natural playground, complete with a sparkling emerald lake, towering mountains, clearly reflected in the water, and sky-high spruce and fir, which give the air that sweet, natural smell that we love so much.

Lake O’Hara is one of Canada’s best Alpine lakes, complete with docks for summer swimming. Perhaps the best hike in the park is the Iceline Summit, a 15km day trek that takes in some of the most scenic areas of the park. 

Takakkaw Falls offers an incredibly dramatic backdrop for romantic couples photography while those who love water sports can get an adrenaline fix by white water rafting down Kicking Horse river or taking a leisurely canoe across Emerald Lake.

Speaking of Emerald Lake – Canadian Rocky Mountain Resorts have 24 beautifully cosy cabins, complete with open fireplaces. To make things EXTRA breezy for couples they offer an all-inclusive elopement package featuring:

• Two nights’ accommodation
• 1 three-course a-la-carte dinner for two
• 2 breakfasts for two
• Flowers (bouquet & boutonniere)
• Wedding cake
• Bottle of sparkling wine
• Fruit & cheese or chocolate plate
• In-room gift

12. Haida Gwaii

There’s nowhere in Canada quite like Haida Gwaii, an exceptional archipelago of islands just off the west coast. It’s a place of great cultural importance but also incredible biodiversity, so it’s a very esteemed place to many. 

It’s also remote, rugged and wild, so it appeals to couples who want to completely embrace the natural world for their wedding. From peaceful forests to the haunting beauty of desolate, sweeping beaches, you have plenty of options for both an outdoor ceremony and your Haida Gwaii wedding photography. It’s truly relaxing, scenic and a wonderful place where you can unplug and completely focus on quality time with your partner and loved ones. 

There are guesthouses and lodges on the island, but they book out very quickly so you’ll want to plan well in advance for a destination wedding on the islands. 

***

If you’re ready to start planning your British Columbia elopement adventure, I can’t wait to hear from you! I’m more than a little passionate about our gorgeous province and can recommend a few locations or secret spots that would suit exactly what you’re looking for. 

I also love the thrill of discovering a new place and scouting out incredible wedding shoot locations with fresh eyes, so wherever you plan on eloping, you can guarantee that I’m up for an adventure and would love to join you! If you have any questions or ideas about your wedding photography for your adventure elopement, let’s grab a coffee and get started!