How To Plan A Romantic Squamish Elopement or Engagement On A Sailboat

The mountains of Squamish are so stunning, but for something totally unique, think about eloping or planning your Squamish engagement shoot on a sailboat! Just a short drive from both Vancouver and Whistler, Squamish is a popular outdoor destination in summer, famous for its hiking, rock climbing, and gorgeous waterways and lakes. 

Chartering your own private sailboat on Howe Sound is so romantic, and it provides a unique perspective that you just can’t get from other Squamish attractions, like the Sea to Sky gondola. The privacy of your luxury sailboat is ideal for an intimate Squamish engagement session or elopement, especially if you’re up for a sunrise start. 

Here’s how to plan a Squamish elopement or engagement on a sailboat that you’ll absolutely love! 

Why You’ll Love A Sailboat Elopement In Squamish

Not many people consider sailboat sessions, which makes them totally unique! A sailing adventure is one of my favourite romantic Squamish elopement ideas, ideal for couples who love the water and are seeking privacy.

Your gorgeous boat will offer a perfect blend of luxury and adventure, surrounded by the epic mountains of British Columbia and the serene blue water everywhere you look. It’s particularly gorgeous for a sunrise elopement if you don’t mind an early start, since you’ll love the soft golden light as it rises from the mountains. 

And, as much as I love heli elopements, you’re less likely to experience weather cancellations with sailing, so no need for a backup plan. 

How To Book Your Sailboat Experience 

I work with Canadian Coastal Sailing and am always so impressed by their experience, customer service, and luxury sailing vessels. I’ll help you book everything as a package and I offer an exclusive discount by booking both the sailing and photography together! My sailing adventure packages start from three hours in length. 

They specialize in private charters, with a legal maximum of 12 guests (including vendors, such as myself). However, larger parties can charter a second vessel as an audience boat, still a super fun way to get everyone involved! Canadian Coastal Sailing elopements also get everyone to help out with putting up the sails and even sailing the boat, so it’s a really unique experience that your guests will love.                                                                                                                                                    

The sailing season runs from April through September, something to keep in mind if you’re planning a destination elopement in Squamish. This is the best time of year to be out on the water anyway, as the warm sunshine and long days are best enjoyed outside!

How To Make Your Squamish Sailboat Elopement Extra Special

There are so many ways you can add to your experience! It’s always popular to bring along some gourmet charcuterie boards and drinks, or I’m happy to give additional vendor recommendations that could add some extra sparkle to the day! 

You can also bring along your own playlist, ensuring you can enjoy your favourite tunes as you sail, or even a musician to play for you after you say your vows — it’s all up to you, so feel free to customise your sailing adventure to create something you’ll treasure forever. 

The Canadian Coastal Sailing crew are always phenomenal and go above and beyond to ensure your day is unlike any other, so if there’s anything they can do, let them know. 

After your sailing, there are so many amazing restaurants and venues in Squamish, so plan to celebrate into the afternoon, extending the fun into an all-day adventure! Or, if you’re planning a private sailing elopement, I can recommend some great venues where you can meet friends and family afterwards for a celebratory lunch or reception. 

Your Stunning Sailboat Engagement Photos

Whether we’re photographing your stunning elopement or taking Squamish engagement photos, we can maximize the lighting by being on the water at sunrise — Howe Sound is just so magical and peaceful at this time, and on clear days, you’ll get amazing views of the Chief, a popular nearby hike. Or, as an alternative, a private sunset sail can be ultra-romantic too, especially if you’re not a morning person! 

Howe Sound, with its sheltered bays and fjord views, provides such dramatic light that’s constantly changing, allowing us to create gorgeous and romantic shots onboard, treasured reminders of your beautiful adventure. 

With an extended photo shoot package, we can also continue shooting once we’re back on land, and I’m glad to suggest some secluded spots where we can make more memories for you to look back on!

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If you’re searching for a Squamish photographer for engagements and elopements, I can’t wait to hear from you! Let’s connect and we can start planning your unforgettable sailing adventure.