*Photography by* *Unspoken Photography*.

Sarah and Edwin flew all the way from Ontario to get married here in British Columbia, and I am still smiling about their day. They wanted something quiet, beautiful, and just for them; saying their vows by the water while the sun dropped low over the lake.

I LOVE creating this kind of day. So grab a coffee (or a matcha if you’re like me), get comfortable, and let me tell you all about it.

How Sarah and Edwin met

Sarah and Edwin met in 2020, right in the middle of the pandemic. They matched on Hinge and had their first date at a park, where they shared gelato. Sarah remembers thinking Edwin was outgoing and full of ambition. Edwin remembers thinking Sarah was thoughtful and genuine, the kind of person who knew what she wanted out of life.

They were both goal driven and both looking for something real. That first date told them they were on the same page, and they have been building their life together ever since.

The two of them balance each other in the best way. Sarah is the planner. She is careful, organized, and always three steps ahead. Edwin is the doer. He is spontaneous, goofy, and up for anything. Sarah keeps them grounded, and Edwin helps her try things she never would have on her own. Watching them together, you can see how well it works.

Why they chose to elope

Sarah is not one for the spotlight. A big traditional wedding with all eyes on her felt like a lot, and the planning stress that comes with it did too. Eloping gave them exactly the day they wanted; Intimate, relaxed, and focused on the one thing that actually mattered, which was marrying each other.

They also wanted an adventure. Neither of them had been to Vancouver before, and exploring more of Canada has been on their bucket list for years. Getting married in BC let them check off a dream and start their marriage somewhere brand new.

Why they picked Golden Ears Provincial Park

When couples travel across the country to elope, choosing the right locations matters even more. I got to know Sarah and Edwin through my planning questionnaires, and one thing was clear; they wanted to be surrounded by nature. Something peaceful and something dramatic, all in one day.

So we planned for two spots inside Golden Ears Provincial Park near Maple Ridge, about an hour from Vancouver.

First was in the forest. This spot is calm, green, and tucked away, which made it the perfect place for their portraits before the ceremony.

Then came the lake for the ceremony. Sarah told me from the very start that she wanted to say her vows near the water, and this spot was absolutely perfect for it. Waves were lapping inches from their feet while they exchanged vows with the mountains watching, and a big open sky. It was the exact feeling they were after.

Portraits in the forest

Sarah and Edwin arrived at the forest right on time, a little early even, which I always love. Here is something sweet about these two. They had never been professionally photographed before. Edwin joked that they were about as stiff as the sticks on the forest floor. So the first thing we did was help them relax. A few laughs, a little guidance, and within minutes they forgot the camera was even there.

We started with some portraits in the trees. Sarah does not love being the center of attention, and Edwin later told me how much he loved watching her shine in those quiet moments. That is the magic of an elopement. It is just the two of you without an audience, taking it all in.

After an elopement ceremony at Alouette Lake North Beach in British Columbia. — *Photography by* *Unspoken Photography*.

The ceremony by the lake

From the woods we drove out to the lake and made our way down to the beach. We picked up their officiant, Angela and walked down to the water together.

Their ceremony was just the two of them, myself and their photographer (also Sarah) as witnesses. They read personal vows they had written for each other, and it was so tender. Waves lapped against the shore the whole time, which made everything feel calm and dreamy. When I asked them afterward if they had noticed the water, they said no. They were so wrapped up in the moment that the rest of the world had faded away. Sarah did not expect to cry, and then she did. Love it when that happens!

Golden hour, a rising moon, and a few surprise guests

Sarah wore a stunning cathedral length veil, and we had so much fun with it! It had a bit of a mind of its own in the breeze, and every time it flew out I tucked it right back in. Her hair held perfectly through all of it.

After the ceremony we walked out to the spit, a stretch of land that only appears when the water is low. We took photos as the moon rose over the lake, and then a whole flock of geese flew past. I joked that they were the wedding guests, arriving right on time.

Then we wandered over to the canyon, where a group of people were paddleboarding and cliff jumping. When they realized what was happening, they started cheering and shouting congratulations across the water. Sarah and Edwin got a whole crowd of happy strangers celebrating them, which was such a fun surprise.

Edwin, this part is for you

Edwin kept us laughing all evening. He had a whole collection of phrases we had never heard before. At one point I asked them to take their rings off for a photo, and Edwin said he felt like a glizzy. Sarah (photographer) and I had no idea what that meant. Turns out it is slang for a hot dog. I told him his lines were going to end up in the blog, and every time he said something funny after that he would grin and say, “that is going in the blog.” So Edwin, here it is!

The best marriage advice from the day

Before we wrapped up, Sarah and Edwin asked us for marriage advice. Between photographer Sarah and I, we have quite a few years of marriage under our belts, so we were happy to share. Here is what we told them.

Keep a conversation about how you feel, not about what the other person did. When your partner shares a hard feeling, your first response can simply be, “what is happening for you right now?” Always assume positive intent. And sometimes it is not fifty fifty. Some days you only have ten percent to give, so you ask your partner to carry the extra forty. You keep talking, and you keep showing up as a team.

Oh, and separate blankets. Trust me on that one.

Watching two people fall even more in love

What made this day so special was the trust. Sarah and Edwin handed us their whole day and let us guide them through it. They were glowing. We were glowing. Edwin, who told us he has the memory of a goldfish, said he would never forget this day. He called us magicians. Sarah said she was so glad they found us.

We felt exactly the same about them. Some couples just fill your heart, and these two did. They came to BC hoping for something beautiful, and they left with even more than they pictured. They told me the nature here is unmatched, and that the whole trip felt worth it because of this day. I could not agree more.

Sarah and Edwin, thank you for trusting us with your day, and for letting us be part of the very start of your marriage. It was an honour.

Dreaming of your own BC elopement?

If you are picturing a quiet, beautiful elopement somewhere in British Columbia, I would love to help. Whether you live nearby or you are flying in from across the country like Sarah and Edwin, I plan every detail so you can simply show up and be present. Reach out and tell me about the day you are dreaming of, and we can start planning something that feels completely like you.

Frequently Asked Questions About Eloping in BC

Can you elope at Alouette Lake in British Columbia?

Yes. Alouette Lake sits inside Golden Ears Provincial Park near Maple Ridge, about an hour from Vancouver. Its beaches, forest, and mountain views make it a beautiful spot for a small ceremony. Because it is a provincial park, there are a few rules and permits to consider, and I take care of those details for my couples.

Where is Spirea Nature Trail?

Spirea Nature Trail is a short, easy trail inside Golden Ears Provincial Park. It winds through calm forest and marsh, which makes it a lovely and private place for a first look or for photos in the trees.

Can you get married in BC if you live in another province or country?

Yes. You do not need to be a BC resident or a Canadian citizen to get married here. Couples travel from all over to elope in British Columbia, just like Sarah and Edwin did from Ontario. You will need a BC marriage license, which any couple can get once you arrive.

How do you get a marriage license in BC?

You can buy a BC marriage license from a licensed issuer, including some London Drugs locations. It costs one hundred dollars and is valid for three months. You do not need an appointment or witnesses to buy it, though you will need two witnesses present at your ceremony to sign the registry.

What is the best time of day to elope for photos?

The light is softest and most flattering around sunrise and sunset. Sarah and Edwin chose a sunset ceremony, which gave us golden light on the lake and a calm, romantic feeling as the day wound down.

Is Golden Ears Provincial Park a good place to elope?

Yes. Golden Ears offers forest trails, a large lake, and mountain views all in one park, and it sits close to Vancouver. That mix makes it a favourite for couples who want a nature filled elopement without traveling far from the city.

Do you need a planner to elope in BC?

You do not need one, and having one changes the whole experience. A planner handles your locations, timeline, vendors, permits, and all the small logistics, so you get to be fully present on your wedding day. That is the heart of what I do at Sea to Sky Elopements.

How much does it cost to elope in BC?

The cost depends on your locations, your vendors, and the kind of experience you want. My all inclusive packages bring your planning, photography, and key details together into one simple price, so you always know what to expect. Reach out and I will walk you through the options.

An Ontario Couple Who Traveled to BC to Elope: Sarah and Edwin at Golden Ears Provincial Park