Eloping on Vancouver Island
Eloping on Vancouver Island is becoming more popular, and it’s easy to see why. Vancouver Island, located in British Columbia, Canada, is not only a stunning vacation spot but also a desirable place to live. Known for its outdoor beauty, it’s perfect for adventure-lovers. With a mild climate, you can enjoy nature year round- and if you’re hoping to see snow, the mountains have you covered. The island boasts 3,400 km of coastline with both rugged and sandy terrain, towering mountains, lush forests, waterfalls, and pristine lakes- everything that makes the West Coast so special. If you’re looking for a nature-filled elopement, Vancouver Island could be the perfect place for you. In the following article, I will describe eight unique Vancouver Island elopement ideas.
1. Port Renfrew’s Ancient Trees, Rugged Coastline, and Hidden Waterfalls
Port Renfrew, lovingly referred to as Canada’s Tall Tree Capital, is a charming community on the southern tip of Vancouver Island’s west coast. Just a 1.5-hour drive from the vibrant city of Victoria, it feels worlds away from the hustle and bustle of urban life. With a population of just 262 (as of the 2021 census), Port Renfrew may be small, but it attracts plenty of visitors eager to connect with nature. The town sits between two world-renowned coastal trails: the Juan de Fuca Marine Trail and the legendary 75 km West Coast Trail. Needless to say, there is no shortage of beautiful beaches to explore!
Visitors can choose from a range of West Coast-inspired rental cabins, many featuring hot tubs and breathtaking views of the wild beauty that defines the area. While there are a few restaurants and a pub, fine dining options are limited. However, what Port Renfrew may lack in dining, it more than makes up for in natural beauty. In addition to its stunning coastline, the area is home to a treasure trove of ancient, old-growth forests. Many trails that lead to the beaches also pass through these forests, giving you easy access to both settings for your elopement. Alternatively, you can hop in an AWD vehicle and take a scenic drive along logging roads to spots like Avatar Grove or Eden Grove. Port Renfrew even offers an easy-to-follow map highlighting five of the largest trees in Canada. Take a look at their map, here: https://ancientforestalliance.org/ancient-forests/port-renfrew-big-trees-map/
Beaches, the ocean, towering trees, and vibrant forest life—what more could you ask for? Well, how about waterfalls! Port Renfrew is home to three stunning waterfalls, all popular elopement destinations. Hidden Waterfall at Sombrio Beach is nestled in a mossy crevasse carved by the waterfall over decades and is relatively easy to access. Sandcut Beach is the easiest to reach, with a powerful waterfall cascading directly onto the beach. Finally, Mystic Beach requires a 2 km hike along the Juan de Fuca Marine Trail to reach its stunning waterfall. Catching either Mystic or Sandcut at sunset simply compounds the beauty! However, if choosing Hidden Waterfall, arrive well before sunset to maximize the light, and be sure to finish with some sunset beach lounging. Port Renfrew is an ideal Vancouver Island elopement destination for those who seek the wild. With rugged West Coast beaches, incredible sunsets, ancient forests and endless hiking trails- this is an adventure seekers paradise.
Popular Port Renfrew Elopement Destinations

2. The Alpine Splendor of Strathcona Provincial Park
Strathcona Provincial Park is a must-visit gem in British Columbia—it’s actually the province’s first-ever provincial park, established in 1911. Spanning over 250,000 hectares, this vast wild reserve covers a remarkable 14% of Vancouver Island’s land area. What’s interesting is that, despite its size, only two small areas, Herbert Inlet and Shelter Inlet, actually meets the ocean! Located right in the heart of Vancouver Island, Strathcona offers a stunning mix of mountains, rivers, and lakes, making it a true alpine wonderland for adventurers. Short, easy trails of just 200 meters can lead you to beautiful views, or you could hike for days on end. Eloping in Strathcona Park is is for the lovers of alpine, pristine wilderness, and those who seek something off-the-beaten track.
Mount Washington and Stratchona Park Lodge Elopement Venues
Strathcona Provincial Park offers two fantastic venues for eloping: Mount Washington Alpine Resort and Strathcona Park Lodge. Both are situated next to stunning areas of the park, offering accommodation and dining options, making your elopement smooth and memorable.
Mount Washington is home to Paradise Meadows, a beautiful and relatively easy trail network featuring lakes, boardwalks, alpine forests, and sweeping views of distant peaks. And if you’re lucky, you might even encounter the friendly, food-loving Whiskey Jack birds, who enjoy landing on your outstretched hand!
Strathcona Park Lodge, located on Upper Campbell Lake, serves as the perfect base camp for exploring the park’s many trails. For a truly picturesque elopement, consider Myra Falls, a stunning waterfall that cascades down sandstone rock shelves into Buttle Lake. The views here are nothing short of breathtaking and the rocks appear like marble in some areas!
If You Really Want to Hike!
Strathcona Provincial Park has plenty of easy-access spots, making it a great choice if you want to invite guests and a marriage commissioner. But for some of the park’s most breathtaking views, you’ll need to hike multiple kilometers to reach them. While this adds a sense of adventure, it can also mean that a marriage commissioner might not be able to join you on the trail.
If you’re set on exchanging vows in a remote, epic location, couples often opt to have the official legal ceremony elsewhere and then hold their own personal ceremony in the wild. This way, you can still celebrate your love surrounded by the stunning beauty of Strathcona’s landscapes.
Popular Stratchona Park Elopement Destinations
- Mount Washington including Raven Lodge and Paradise Meadows
- Strachona Park Lodge
- Myra Falls
- Lupine Falls



3. Feeling Wild and Fine-Dined in Ucluelet and Tofino
When you think of Vancouver Island elopement ideas, Tofino and Ucluelet probably come to mind. These coastal towns have earned a global reputation for their natural beauty. Nestled along the rugged West Coast of Vancouver Island, they feel wonderfully remote and disconnected from city life. Yet, despite their laid-back vibe, both towns offer all the amenities you need to plan a truly unforgettable elopement experience. With a wide range of restaurants and accommodation options, you can easily choose the perfect vibe for your wedding day.
Spending an intimate ceremony on one the expansive beaches and coming back in for an exceptional dining experience, it’s no surprise that Tofino and Ucluelet are the most popular Vancouver Island elopement destinations. Ucluelet’s Black Rock Oceanfront Resort has a beautiful indoor ceremony space in case of the-oh-so-common rainy weather- this space overlooks a surge channel that seems just out of arms reach! And this is just the tip of the iceberg, with dozens of restaurants, lodges, Airbnb’s and unique accommodation to host an adventurous Vancouver Island elopement. Most of these are within walking distance of the beaches, which all receive incredible sunset views.
Popular Ucluelet and Tofino Elopement Destinations
4. A Night to Remember in Victoria, BC’s Seaside Capital
Victoria, the capital city of British Columbia, is located at the southern tip of Vancouver Island and is home to a large portion of the island’s population. Known for its mild climate- often the first to welcome cherry blossoms in spring- the city offers a blend of natural beauty and urban charm.
Victoria is famous for its lush gardens, including the renowned Butchart Gardens, and its relaxing seaside vibe. Whether you’re looking for elegance and fine dining, a romantic horse-drawn carriage ride, or a vibrant nightlife scene, you’ll find it all here, just steps from nature. The downtown area is rich in stunning architecture, with many buildings over 100 years old, offering both beautiful photo opportunities and a glimpse into Victoria’s history. For a truly romantic setting, Hatley Castle is hard to beat. Built in 1906, this 40-room mansion exudes elegance and charm, making it an ideal venue for a wedding or elopement. For history enthusiasts, Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse, a National Historic Site of Canada, offers a unique and scenic location for wedding ceremonies. There’s truly something for everybody here in Victoria.
Popular Victoria Elopement Destinations
5. An Easy Elopement Experience in Parksville
Eloping in Parksville is easy. The hardest part about eloping in Parksville is deciding which beautiful setting you’d like to have your ceremony, which delicious restaurant you’d like to eat your meal, and what cozy accommodation you’d like to stay in that night. Most people eloping in Parksville choose an outdoor ceremony setting in one of the regions many beautiful parks. Exchanging vows among the ancient trees of Cathedral Grove, standing barefoot on the sandy beach of Rathtrevor Beach, or watching the sunset on top of Little Mountain. There is a perfect setting for everybody.
If choosing is not something you want to do, consider Tigh-Na-Mara Resort. This highly-sought after wedding venue does all the planning for you. Their cliffside gazebo overlooking the ocean is the perfect setting for a wedding ceremony. You can stay at their charming cozy cabins, and dine in their fine restaurants. You may choose to enjoy a spa date, or walk the beach at sunrise. Everything is within walking distance. What really sets Tigh-Na-Mara Resort apart is their easy wedding and elopement checklist. Here, you may simply check off which vendors you’d like to hire: wedding officiant? Cake? Florals? Photographer? Dinner? Selecting from their trusted and reputable local vendors can’t get any easier.
6. Scenic Helicopter Elopements in Campbell River
Known as the “Salmon Capital of Canada,” Campbell River is the perfect spot for couples seeking a unique and breathtaking helicopter elopement experience. Located on Vancouver Island, this charming town is surrounded by stunning nature—ocean, lakes, mountains, and the Gulf Islands. It’s not uncommon to spot sea birds soaring overhead as you explore the area.
Thanks to its proximity to some of Vancouver Island’s most scenic mountain peaks, Campbell River has become a popular destination for couples choosing a helicopter elopement. 49 Helicopters North is a trusted local company offering several elopement packages. Their packages include photography, videography, and even wedding officiants, making your big day effortless. With their extensive knowledge of the area, they can also help you choose the best times for those perfect golden hour photos. Take a look at their website here: https://49northhelicopters.com/heli-love/ And when you land back down, Campbell River has plenty of wonderful accommodation and dining options to complete your day.
Custom Helicopter Elopements
While 49 Helicopters North leads the way in helicopter elopements in Campbell River, they aren’t the only option on Vancouver Island. Other helicopter companies, like West Coast Helicopters , Ascent Helicopters, and Alteo Air, also offer charter services for elopements.
West Coast Helicopters has bases in Nanaimo, Campbell River, and Port McNeill, offering a variety of stunning peaks and remote beaches to explore. Alteo Air, based in Tofino, regularly arranges helicopter elopements as well.
If you go with these companies, they’ll help you choose the perfect locations and dates for your adventure. However, you’ll need to take care of other details, like booking a photographer and officiant.
Vancouver Island Helicopter Charter Companies
7. Remote and Rugged Northern Vancouver Island
While this stat is from 2008, it’s likely still similar today—only about 4% of Vancouver Island’s population lives north of Campbell River. The other 96% reside within Campbell River and south of the town. Located roughly at the halfway point of the island, Campbell River acts as a gateway to Northern Vancouver Island, which is home to a number of small communities, some with populations as small as 130 people!
With its vast landscapes and low population density, Northern Vancouver Island is a haven of natural beauty. The region is home to unique wonders, making it an ideal destination for couples seeking an adventurous and remote elopement. One of the most popular spots is San Josef Bay. Just a short 2-km walk to the beach, the trail is stroller-friendly, and even allows for easy access with a buggy. The expansive sandy beach and stunning sea stacks are a favorite among visitors and make for a breathtaking elopement backdrop.
Popular North Island Elopement Destinations

8. Gulf Island Quirk and Quietude
The Gulf Islands are a group of islands within the Strait of Georgia, nestled in between Vancouver Island and the mainland. There are 225 islands in total, most of them uninhabited. Many can be reached by car ferry, or passenger-only ferry, but the majority require your own means of getting there. If you’re attracted to the laid-back vibe of Vancouver Island, you’ll find it goes even deeper on the Gulf Islands. Quirk and charm are easily experienced in these communities, who have a thriving arts and peaceful-living culture.
The Gulf Islands serve as an ideal elopement destination for their secluded charm, wild beauty, proximity to the ocean at all times, and quality services available.
If you’re thinking about eloping on Vancouver Island, feel free to reach out and I can suggest some curated ideas!
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