E + D’s Squamish Elopement with Mountain Views, Personal Vows, & a Beach Picnic

LGBTQ couple eloping on a Squamish mountain.

Photography by Unspoken Photography.

Want to plan an intimate elopement in Squamish? You’re in the right place. As an experienced Sea to Sky planner, I help couples like E + D bring their dream day to life with epic views, thoughtful touches, and moments they’ll never forget.

Picture this: Two brides hiking up a mountain trail in casual clothes, wedding dresses tucked safely away, flowers peeking out of a backpack. The wind is strong, the views are stronger, and love is everywhere. That’s how E + D said “I do.”

I’m still floating from this one! E + D’s Squamish elopement was full of heart, beauty, laughter, and just enough wind to remind us we were exactly where we were meant to be. These two flew in from Ontario to say their vows surrounded by mountains, trees, and the powerful spirit of the West Coast. And wow, did Squamish show up for them!

The Love Story

E and D met online, and even though they were living far apart at the time, the connection was instant. E couldn’t stop thinking about D’s beautiful smile. D was drawn in by E’s gorgeous eyes, her confidence, and how deeply she cares for the people around her.

Over time, and a lot of long-distance chats, they fell in love with each other’s intelligence, kindness, humour, and adventurous spirits. These two are truly well matched, and now love exploring the world side-by-side.

They considered a more traditional wedding, but realized that what they really wanted was something quiet, meaningful, and just for the two of them. So they reached out to us, and we helped them create an unforgettable day in the mountains. (They’ll be celebrating with friends and family later this summer at a dinner back home!)

LGBTQ couple eloping in Squamish, gazing into each other’s eyes.

Photography by Unspoken Photography.

Day of the Elopement

Their day began in Vancouver at the Pan Pacific Hotel, where they got ready. I had our hair and makeup team meet them there to help them each look and feel their absolute best. I picked up their florals from Floralista in Fort Langley (flawless, as always), as well as their post-ceremony picnic box from Graze Wilder, and headed up to Squamish to meet the rest of the team.

Squamish is an English adaptation of the Indigenous word Sḵwx̱wú7mesh, meaning Mother of the Wind. And it more than lived up to its name that day! It was a breezy wedding, and I like to think of that wind as the town’s way of blessing their marriage.

Once our photo and video team (shoutout to Sarah and Beka!) and our lovely officiant were in place, E and D arrived with huge smiles and excitement in the air. They hiked wearing casual clothes, with E’s dress in hand and the bouquet tucked sweetly in their backpack. (It was so adorable, we made sure to get a few shots of it before the flowers came out!)

At the top, we popped up our little portable changing tent so they could get dressed. I helped E put on the earrings that D had gifted her the night before. Then it was time for their first look! They stood back-to-back, holding hands, and then turned around to see each other all dressed up. It was magic.

LGBT couple eloping at Shannon Falls with Squamish mountain views.

Photography by Unspoken Photography.

Saying "I Do" in the Sky

Their ceremony took place with Shannon Falls visible in the background. It was a breathtaking spot that felt sacred, powerful, and entirely theirs. This hidden gem is one of our most-requested secret hike locations, and it’s one we reserve exclusively for Sea to Sky couples. It was originally shared with me by our incredible Squamish officiant, and I’ve since locked it into the Sea to Sky location vault library.

Being from out of province, E + D chose this spot based on the custom location guide I created for them. When they saw it in person for the first time, they told me it was even more epic than they imagined, which is exactly what I love to hear!

E, originally from Quebec, wrote her vows in English for D. In return, D shared half of hers in French for E. Cue all the tears. These personal touches always get me.

After the ceremony, Sarah and I signed as their witnesses (which we’re always happy to do if you’re planning an ultra-intimate day). Then we did some more portraits, including a quick stop on the hike down to capture some shots with the iconic Stawamus Chief towering in the background. The views were unreal! It felt like every corner of Squamish was showing off for them.

One of the most important parts of my job is monitoring the weather and making game-time decisions to ensure the light, timing, and energy all align. Although we had rain the day before and wildfires in Squamish in the weeks leading up, this day all came together just right.

Couple kissing during a picnic elopement in Squamish near the beach.

Photography by Unspoken Photography.

A Private Picnic, a Song, and So Much Love

Once we were back at the vehicles, we drove to Oliver’s Landing to capture a few more photos down by the beach and jetty. A lovely couple even invited us onto their private dock for a unique photo angle (thank you, lovely strangers!!), and wow, those shots turned out so beautifully.

Finally, we led E + D to their private picnic setup on the beach. It was an airy type of romance with champagne, charcuterie, cozy blankets and pillows, music, and sunshine. There, we captured a few more special moments, including their champagne pop, and then left them to enjoy their time together.

I later found out that E surprised D by singing “Stand By Me” during their picnic. Just the two of them. No audience. Just love. I just know that perfect moment will stay with them for the rest of their lives! 

An Elopement That Was So Them

E + D’s wedding is proof that you don’t need a huge guest list or a grand ballroom to make magic happen. All you need is a setting that speaks to your soul, and a partner who feels like home.

I’m so thankful that E + D invited us into their special day. Their love is intentional, joyful, and inspiring, and I feel so lucky to have witnessed this chapter of it. Here’s to windblown vows, songs on the beach, and the start of forever. 


Inspired by the magic of E + D’s Squamish elopement? If you're dreaming of a mountain wedding that feels personal, stress-free, and unforgettable, I’d love to help bring it to life. From custom location guides and vendor coordination to weather backup plans, I handle all the details so your day feels effortless!  



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