Bride and groom exchanging rings during their Vancouver elopement. — *Photography by* *Unspoken Photography*.

Dreaming of an adventurous BC elopement? Once you’ve ruled out the big wedding (good call), you’re likely stuck between two paths: plan everything yourself or go all-in with a done-for-you elopement package. DIY means you have complete control. All-inclusive means you don’t have to worry about a thing. Each has its appeal, but which direction is right for you?

Why Couples Consider DIY Elopement Planning

DIY elopements can be appealing for couples who want hands-on creative control and the satisfaction of planning their day from scratch. Maybe you’re crafty, resourceful, and already have ideas for your hair, makeup, flowers, or even your officiant. DIY can also feel like a budget-friendly option since you can prioritize what matters most to you.

If that’s where you’re starting, I’ve created a FREE Ultimate Elopement Planning Guide to help you get organized.

DIY Elopement Planning: Pros & Cons
Pros	Cons
Total Creative Control	Major time investment
Budget Flexibility	Risk of Missing Details (permits, hidden fees, overrun locations, etc.)
Feels Personal and Hands-on	Can be more expensive than expected
	YOU end up being the go-to person and problem solver on your day

But here’s the truth: DIY wedding planning is time-consuming. Beyond choosing the venue and vendors, you’ll face layers of logistics like necessary permits, hidden fees, unknown variables, and knowing which “Instagram-famous” spots are actually overrun by tourists (and which secret gems are worth the hike).

Without a planner, couples often spend 10x the time for half the peace of mind. From knowing about the best spots to elope in Vancouver to helping you navigate family concerns about eloping with compassion and clarity, having an expert in your corner means you’re fully covered both logistically and emotionally. Without an experienced planner, couples can feel stretched thin, especially when unexpected challenges pop up.

Couple eloping in West Vancouver with all inclusive Canadian elopement package. — *Photography by* *Unspoken Photography*.

The Benefits of Booking an All-Inclusive Elopement Package in BC

“All-inclusive” sounds great in theory, but you might worry it means giving up control. With Sea to Sky Elopements, you don’t have to choose. Our packages are fully customizable, so you get the stress-free experience you're after AND a day that feels 100% like you. That means you can let your creativity sing and design a day that feels like you while leaving the logistics, coordination, and stress to us. You have a professional in your corner (Hi, I’m Jocelyn!) who’s handled hundreds of weddings, taking care of the moving parts while you focus on what really matters.

The endless calls and emails with vendors? I handle them.
Timeline stress and last-minute pivots? Covered.
Coordinating an entire team of creatives who understand the unique flow of an elopement? Done.

You get to design the vision. I make it happen.

And you’re not just hiring me. You’re gaining an entire Sea to Sky team: photographers, videographers, an officiant, a florist, hair and makeup artists. Professionals who together share one mission: making your wedding day peaceful, personal, and unforgettable. Collectively, we’ve been part of more than 2,000 weddings across BC, so you’re in very experienced (and very enthusiastic) hands.

Jocelyn assisting with a Sea to Sky Elopement. — *Photography by* *Unspoken Photography*.

Why Sea to Sky Elopement Packages Hit Different

Planning & Coordination — I’m with you from your first email through the day of your “I do,” ensuring you feel supported and calm the whole way!

Built-in Vendor Team — You have access to a whole team of professionals who work well together. Photography, florals, officiant, hair & makeup… all included. Everyone is vetted, professional, and already knows how to work together seamlessly.

Local Knowledge — From the best sunrise ceremony spots in Squamish to hidden forest trails in Golden Ears to exactly which shoes you’ll want for a helicopter landing, I’ve got you covered.

Customization — Packages start at $5,845 CAD (+GST) and include everything you need for an incredible elopement. But if you’d rather do your own makeup, have a florist in the family, or want a best friend to officiate? Totally fine. Every package is flexible, so it fits your vision, your priorities, and your budget.

Bride and groom kissing during their Vancouver elopement at Golden Ears Provincial Park. — *Photography by* *Unspoken Photography*.

Do Elopement Packages Save Money?

Think DIY is cheaper? Not always. By the time you price out vendors, rentals, travel, and last-minute fixes, most DIY couples spend more...AND still feel overwhelmed. When you start adding up the cost of booking vendors individually, handling rentals, or covering hidden fees, it’s often more expensive (not to mention stressful).

My elopement packages typically cost less than what most couples spend on just a venue deposit. Plus, with an elopement or microwedding, you’re already allocating your funds toward “extravagances” you actually want. Instead of sinking money into a huge guest list, you’re investing directly in the elements that matter most to you, like breathtaking photography, gorgeous flowers, professional hair and makeup, and a stress-free planning experience.

**Want Freedom and Support? You Don’t Have to Choose.**

At the end of the day, your elopement should feel like you. DIY offers freedom, but it can be exhausting. All-inclusive packages offer support, but sometimes couples fear losing their personal touch. With Sea to Sky Elopements, you get both:

Your vision, your way.
My expertise and coordination make it all happen smoothly.

Together, we’ll create a day that feels extraordinary, authentic, and full of heart — whether that’s a barefoot beach ceremony, a mountaintop helicopter landing, or a sunrise forest elopement.

Still unsure? Here are 7 Reasons why you should hire a wedding planner for your elopement or micro-wedding.

Ready to Plan Your Peaceful, Wildly Personal BC Elopement?

If you’re looking for a BC elopement planner who specializes in intimate, adventurous, nature-filled weddings, I’d love to help bring your vision to life. Whether you want full control, full support...or both, I’m here to help you make it happen. Reach out here for ideas, timelines, and availability.