How to Plan an Elopement the Sea to Sky Way
Planning your elopement should feel like a breath of fresh mountain air, not a checklist headache. Here’s how to make it magical, start to finish
So you’re thinking about eloping in BC? You're in the exact right place if you want to plan something magical. Whether you're dreaming of misty forests, rugged mountaintops, or serene coastlines, this guide walks you through every step of planning a wedding that feels like you. From choosing a location to handling legal paperwork to creating a timeline that breathes, it’s all here.
Let’s be honest: If you’ve been daydreaming about ditching the big wedding and planning something more meaningful (and less overwhelming), eloping might be exactly what you need.
Photography by Chelsea Abram Photography.
Why Eloping in BC Just Makes Sense
Eloping used to mean sneaking away for a secret ceremony. These days? It means running toward something: toward a day that's meaningful, intentional, and wildly YOU.
Elopements are for the rebels, the romantics, the dreamers, the doers. They let you say no to outdated traditions and yes to celebrating your love, your way.
At Sea to Sky Elopements, we define elopement like this:
Eloping is ditching the noise and being your ridiculously authentic selves. It's owning your unique love story and kicking off your marriage in a way that’s intentional and meaningful to you.
If you’re thinking, “YES, I want that!” but also, “HOW do I even start planning?”, don’t worry… We’ve got you.
“We knew a big wedding wasn’t for us, but we had no clue where to start…”
Step One: Define Your Dream Elopement
Most couples start with what they don’t want (big guest lists, strict timelines, family drama)... let’s talk about what do you want, instead.
Start here:
How private do we want this to be?
Are we open to having guests?
What kind of experience do we want to remember?
You don’t need all the answers right away. That’s part of our job.
Step Two: Choose Your Location & Date
This is where the magic begins. Your elopement location sets the tone for everything. Lucky for you, BC has no shortage of jaw-dropping backdrops:
Popular BC Elopement Spots:
Coastal Vibes: Whytecliff Park, Tofino, Sunshine Coast
Mountain Magic: Whistler, Squamish, heli-access only peaks
Forest & Lake Whispers: Golden Ears, Joffre Lakes, private forested lookouts
Need help narrowing it down? We’ve shared our top five favourite elopement spots across BC. We know the views, the lighting, the privacy, and the paperwork. And we help with all of it.
Photography by Janessa Alicia Studios.
Step Three: Book Vendors & Permits
Even a "simple" elopement has some moving parts. Here are the essentials:
Officiant (to make it legal!)
Photographer (to capture the magic)
Hair & Makeup (we’ll help you look your best)
Florals (for those dreamy touches)
Any required permits (we'll guide you through it)
And a planner (to make sure everything goes off without a hitch!)
When you book with Sea to Sky Elopements, you are getting access to an entire team of creative, reliable, heart-driven professionals who care deeply about your day. Want to swap for some of your own favourite vendors? Cool. Want to add a private chef, picnic, or boat ride? Even better. We'll create a day that fits you.
Photography by Chelsea Abram Photography.
Step Four: Personalize Your Day
A stress-free elopement doesn’t mean it has to be boring. From sunrise to sunset, we’ll help you plan a day that flows naturally and feels unforgettable.
You might want:
A slow morning together
A hike or helicopter ride to your ceremony spot
Champagne and charcuterie after your vows
A sunset photo session
Our elopement planning guide includes timeline templates, packing lists, and creative ideas to make the day truly yours. And we’re here to help you with all the details, from what shoes to wear to knowing the rules on where you can and can’t have your ceremony.
Photography by Unspoken Photography.
Step Five: Get Legally Married in BC
It’s easier than you think! To make it official in BC, you need:
A marriage license (we’ll show you how!)
An officiant (we have one!)
Two witnesses (our team can help!)
Pro tip: You can also do the paperwork on a different day and keep your elopement 100% intimate.
Photography by Unspoken Photography.
Step Six: Soak It All In
This is the fun part. You’ve done the planning. Now it’s time to be fully present, breathe deep, and take in the beauty of your day.
The best elopement memories come from moments that aren’t rushed, that feel deeply personal, and that reflect exactly who you are.
After the vows? Maybe you celebrate with a cozy dinner, a stargazing hike, or just the quiet joy of being married.
Photography by Chelsea Abram Photography.
Real Options. Real Love.
Ocean Elopements: Let the tides slow you down. Picture a peaceful shoreline, gentle waves, and nothing to rush for. Just you two, and the horizon. If that sounds like your kind of magic, check out N + M’s breathtaking sunrise elopement at a secret West Vancouver spot.
Earth Elopements: Deeply grounded, intimate, and soul-soothing. Walk through ancient forests, exchange vows by a still lake, and soak up the kind of quiet that stays with you. K + N’s intimate elopement in Blaauw Eco Forest is a perfect example.
Helicopter Elopements: Get married where no one else can. Take off into the alpine air and land in a place that feels like another world, because your love story deserves nothing less. If you’re keen on an adventurous, once-in-a-lifetime experience, read W + M’s helicopter elopement to get inspired!
Photography by Mad Magic Co.
Customization is the Name of the Game
Want to swap out services? Bring your own vendors? Add extra photo coverage or adventure time? Let’s make it happen.
This is your love story, we’re just here to help you share it.
Ready to Make it Real?
Planning your BC elopement doesn’t have to be overwhelming.
With over 150+ couples married under our belt, Sea to Sky Elopements is here to make your day seamless, magical, and unforgettable. Whether you’re halfway there or just starting to explore the idea, we’ll walk beside you every step of the way.
You bring the love. We’ll bring the expertise.
Need more help? Check out our FAQ blog or download the full Elopement Planning Guide to get started.
Now let’s turn that “Maybe we should elope?” into a “We did it!
