What to Expect When You Get Married in Whistler: A Firsthand Experience
Real Weddings: Jasmine and Dylan’s Whistler Elopement
When Jasmine and Dylan first reached out to me, they had their hearts set on saying “I do” at Shannon Falls with portraits at the top of the Sea to Sky Gondola. It was the perfect plan for a couple who loved nature and adventure, but things didn't go quite as planned as we got closer to their wedding day. Instead, what unfolded was an elopement that ended up being even more magical than any of us could have imagined.
Photos by Janessa Pires Photography.
The Original Plan: A Sea to Sky Dream
Jasmine and Dylan booked me when they were still living in the Lower Mainland, and Shannon Falls was their ideal ceremony spot. If you’ve never been, it’s a stunning park with a towering waterfall just off Highway 99. It’s easy to get to and offers that perfect balance of convenience and natural beauty.
After the ceremony, we planned to head up the Sea to Sky Gondola for portraits at the summit.
Pro Tip: You don’t have to host your ceremony at the top to take advantage of the view. If you book a media pass (about $250), you can still have your photos taken there without paying the hefty ceremony fee, which can cost around $1,500 for just 15 minutes of privacy at one of their lookouts. However, it's important to note that media passes can only be booked two weeks in advance.
In preparation for this elopement, I made sure to confirm with the gondola more than a year in advance. However, because of the gondola’s 2-week policy, it was only a tentative booking and we were just loosely holding this date and time. So, closer to the date, I followed up to confirm. Unfortunately, I was informed of another booking for a full wedding at the top of the gondola. Since the gondola only allows one bride at the summit at a time for maximum privacy, we were suddenly left without a key part of the plan. This is the risk you take when booking a media pass.
Photos by Janessa Pires Photography.
A Change in Plans
When I called Jasmine and Dylan to share the news, I could hear the disappointment in their voices. But as we talked through other options, I could also tell they trusted me to figure it out. At this point, they had moved to Pender Harbour on the Sunshine Coast.
That’s when we started exploring locations closer to Whistler, and one spot immediately came to my mind: Alexander Falls. It’s a breathtaking waterfall in the Callaghan Valley, just south of Whistler. When they went to check it out a couple of months before their wedding, they fell in love with it, and it quickly became our new ceremony spot. Now we just needed a plan for portraits!
Photos by Janessa Pires Photography.
Portraits in the Forest at Cal-Cheak
After the ceremony at Alexander Falls, we took a short drive down a dirt road to Cal-Cheak Recreation Site for their portraits. This spot is such a hidden gem. It’s tucked away in the forest, with a cute little suspension bridge and trails that lead to a wide-open riverbank. The whole area feels like a fairytale—peaceful, secluded, and so photogenic.
There wasn’t another soul around that day, which made it even more special. Jasmine and Dylan were able to share quiet, intimate moments without any distractions. I could tell it was exactly the kind of vibe they’d been hoping for.
Photos by Janessa Pires Photography.
A Beautiful, Peaceful Elopement
Despite the initial challenges, Jasmine and Dylan’s elopement turned out to be absolutely perfect. The day was relaxed, filled with laughter, and completely private. Standing there with them, surrounded by the towering trees and the sound of the river, I couldn’t help but feel grateful for how everything worked out.
Takeaways for Future Elopements
Be Flexible: Things don’t always go according to plan, but sometimes unexpected detours lead to even better experiences.
Scout Ahead: If possible, visit your locations in advance to make sure they’re a good fit.
Check Venue Policies: Booking media passes or securing exclusive access early can save a lot of stress, but keep an eye on the status of your booking. Even the most professionally run venues can make mistakes from time to time.
Seek Hidden Gems: Spots like Alexander Falls and Cal-Cheak offer stunning scenery without the crowds.
Looking Back
Jasmine and Dylan’s Whistler elopement reminded me why I love what I do. It is incredibly rewarding to help couples navigate challenges and then to see everything come together in such a beautiful way. If you’re planning an elopement and want help finding the perfect spot—or if you just want to avoid the stress of last-minute changes—I’d love to help you create a day that’s as unique as your love story.
Let’s make your dream elopement a reality. Contact me today!
