T + J’s Sunrise Elopement at Golden Ears Provincial Park
Photo by Unspoken Photography.
Planning a nature-filled elopement in BC? You’re in the right forest. We help couples skip the banquet hall and say “hell yes” to mountains, mist, and meaning. T and J’s Golden Ears Provincial Park elopement is the perfect example of how we turn forest hideaways and mountain-backed beaches into unforgettable wedding experiences.
T & J didn’t know where they wanted to elope, but they knew exactly how they wanted it to feel. They dreamed of a day that felt both cozy and magical in the forest, and dramatic and sweeping by the water. To help them narrow it down, I created a full location guide with several stunning options to explore.
Over a few months of date-night scouting adventures (what a fun lead-up to their elopement!!), they visited the guide spots and ultimately landed on Golden Ears Provincial Park (my very first recommendation for them). They landed on Spirea Nature Trail for its moody forest energy, and North Beach for that mountain-meets-water magic. If you’re dreaming of a forest + beach elopement in BC, this combo nails it. A perfect balance of quiet intimacy and epic scale.
Planning an Intimate Elopement in Golden Ears Provincial Park
Planning with T & J was a reminder of why communication is so key. We had some bumps along the way that we quickly turned into big wins.
I played matchmaker with T&J and their officiant to make sure they were paired with someone they truly connected with. You want the person marrying you to feel like the right fit. Once we found the right fit, they were so happy with the pairing. Then, when their florals arrived, while totally beautiful, they felt something wasn't quite as they had envisioned. Totally fair! Inspiration photos don’t always translate exactly in real life, and that’s okay! Because they spoke up, I was able to send Alice out with more blooms, and she adjusted them on the spot. Later, T texted me: “These are better than my inspo, lol.” That’s the magic of speaking up and having a team that’s all in. Honestly, I love it when couples are bold enough to share what’s not working, because it gives me the chance to make it perfect for them.
For their timeline, I built two options: sunrise and sunset. After sitting with both options for a few days, T & J decided to go for sunrise. And let me tell you… Sunrise elopements are stealing the show this year and for good reason. You get quiet trails, golden light, and the whole day to soak in that “just married” magic. I feel like a trendsetter!
Want my location guide? It’s free—grab it here or drop “GUIDE” in my DMs and I’ll send it your way.
Photo by Unspoken Photography.
Spirea Nature Trail Elopement: A Magical Forest First Look
On September 8th, T was up at 1:45 am (yes, you read that right!) for hair and makeup with Hanna. By 5 am, she was looking radiant. Meanwhile, J woke up a little later to pack the car.
Since they wanted a first look but were getting ready at the same house, we got creative. We talked about this ahead of time on our timeline chat so that they were prepared for this plan! J covered his eyes in the car while T snuck into the backseat, bouquet in hand and jacket pulled over her dress. It was super cute and very them.
When we arrived at Spirea Nature Trail, J slipped on his coat, and I pinned on his boutonniere. They also incorporated the sweetest detail: two tiny, ornately framed photos of their cats. It was the perfect way to include their fur family, who (being indoor cats) couldn’t easily join us in the woods. From there, J headed into the forest with Sarah, our photographer, to get into position for the first look, while I helped T with her veil and dress. For privacy, Sarah and I backed way up with her zoom lens so that their first look was just theirs. J’s reaction when he saw T? Absolutely speechless.
After soaking in their first look, we wandered the forest for portraits. T was a vision in the moody early morning with her gorgeous dress and decadently long veil. With lanterns, filtered light, tall trees, everything felt like stepping into a fairytale.
Then, it was time for the main event.
Photo by Unspoken Photography.
North Beach Ceremony: A Golden Ears Elopement by the Water
We drove over to North Beach, where their officiant, Valerie, met us. Since the campground was still open for the season, we could park closer to the end trail, which was a lifesaver since we were running a bit behind. We hiked out to a quiet corner of the beach and found the perfect rock for T and J to stand on. The water was flat calm, reflecting the soft morning light. It couldn’t have been more cinematic.
Their ceremony was intimate and emotional. They read their vows, exchanged rings, and signed the registry with Sarah and me as their witnesses (one of my favourite parts of the job). Valerie left after that, and we lingered for more portraits: veil shots, lakeside embraces, and plenty of laughter.
To end the morning, I set up a little picnic for them against a log overlooking the lake. Just the two of them, PB&J sandwiches in hand, soaking in the fact that they were now officially married. It was so perfectly unfussy, intimate, and full of heart.
Photo by Unspoken Photography.
Why Sunrise Elopements in BC Are So Special
There’s something magical about starting your wedding day in the stillness of dawn. You say your vows as the world wakes up, then spend the rest of the day basking in “just married” joy. For T & J, it set the tone for an unhurried, deeply meaningful celebration. And honestly? I’m all in on our emerging sunrise elopement trend. More of this, please!
Looking for a BC elopement planner who specializes in intimate forest, beach, and mountain elopements?Sea to Sky Elopements handles every detail! I have the planning, photography, florals, officiant, hair & makeup, and even the backup plans all covered so that you can simply enjoy the day.
