Where to Take Wedding Photos in Parksville | a Parksville Wedding Photographers Insight

Where to Take Wedding Photos in Parksville: a Guide to Stunning Locations Within a 15 Minute Drive

Parksville, a stunning coastal town on Vancouver Island, is an idyllic destination for couples looking to capture their wedding memories. With its scenic beaches, lush forests, and charming surroundings, it offers a variety of beautiful backdrops for wedding photos. There are plenty of wedding venues in the area that accommodate the ceremony and reception, but couples often choose to travel off-site for additional wedding photos. So, if you’re planning your big day and wondering where to take wedding photos in Parksville, we’ve got you covered with some of the most picturesque spots that are within a 5-15 minute drive from most Parksville wedding venues.

1. Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park

Rathtrevor Beach is an 857 acre park located in the heart of Parksville with easy access and great versatility. Old growth Douglas Fir forest, grassy meadows, sandy beach, driftwood and pebbly shorelines make this park the largest and most diverse option for taking wedding photos. Sunsets are especially beautiful here.

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2. Little Mountain

Little Mountain is a well-loved gem in the Parksville community, and is fairly unknown to the world! This small mountain (literally, it’s just a wee 250 meters high!) has an easy access summit with views overlooking the forested Errington community and the iconic mountains beyond. You can drive to the summit, which makes this an ideal option for wedding photos. Although you can not see the ocean, if you’re fond of forest and mountains, this is a must. There is also no better spot to view sunset, in my opinion.

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3. Englishman River Estuary

I love suggesting this spot to couples getting married in Parksville. It is within a 5-minute drive of many of the popular wedding venues in Parksville, and you’ll hardly ever see a person here! The Maple and Douglas Fir Forest is all shades of green, with a healthy fern floor and quaint walking trails throughout. In the summer months, always be prepared with bug spray here- the one downside to this spot.

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4. Madrona Point

Madrona Point is just within the 15 minute time limit for where to take wedding photos in Parksville. Spending time driving to an off-site location might be worth it for the right setting, and Madrona Point is worthy of consideration. The land is oriented to reveal an incredible view of the sun setting behind Mount Arrowsmith and Little Mountain, and boasts some really fun rock formations unlike any other beach spot!

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5. Milner Gardens

Milner Gardens is located in Qualicum Beach, situated on a 70 acre oceanside property, 10 of which make up the impressive garden alone! This setting is also a popular wedding venue and prior paid arrangements must be made in order to take wedding photos here. If florals are something that delight you, taking photos during April and May are truly unlike anywhere else. With over 500 species of Rhododendron grown since the 1950’s, you are surrounded by walls of flowers.

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6. Heritage Forest

The Heritage Forest in Qualicum Beach is a community treasure. Saved from development by the neighborhood in 2004, volunteers raised $1,250,000 to preserve the 50 acres of old growth Douglas Fir forest forever! Walking trails throughout the park are pleasant and beautiful, and it also protects a creek and meadow- and not to mention thousands of trees! If you’re a tree lover, or environmental advocate, this setting may be of interest. Learn more here: https://heritageforest.ca/

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7. Little Qualicum Cheeseworks

Little Qualicum Cheeseworks is a unique destination in Parksville for wedding photos. This setting gives off major farm vibes, as you can well imagine! There are cows in the milk pen and stalls, bunnies, goats, tractors and other working-farm equipment. Logistically, visiting here can only be done during visiting hours, and you might want to wear gum boots.

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8. Silver Meadows Farm

Sticking with the farm theme here, Silver Meadows Farm is another wonderful farm-like option for taking wedding photos in Parksville! This farm does not have any farm animals, but does have a corn field, tractors, and a beautiful pond with views of Mount Arrowsmith in the distance. The sunset here is very lovely.

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9. French Creek Marina

French Creek Marina will be of interest to all the boat lovers out there. Set in French Creek on the outskirts of Parksville, this marina is always in a flurry of activity- between fishermen launching their boats, to the seagulls picking up scraps, there is always nautical goodness happening here.

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Three More Wedding Photo Settings Just a Few Minutes Further

The nine settings above are intended to be within a 5-15 minutes drive of downtown Parksville. Here are three more settings just a few minutes further, and might be well worth the distance for their incredible beauty!

1. Oak Leaf Park (Es-hw Sme~nts)

Oak Leaf Park is a 3-acre coastal paradise in Nanoose Bay. This is one of my personal favorite locations for taking wedding photos because of its easy access and stunning beauty. There are multiple small beaches to explore here, some with rocky outcrops and others with dark pebbly stones. The grassy cliffside is extremely beautiful, especially in the summer months when the grass had yellowed, creating a warm contrast against the blue skies and ocean. The cherry on top of all of this, is the beautiful Maple and Oak forest!

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2. Beachcomber Park

Beachcomber Park is another Nanoose Bay gem. There are numerous Arbutus trees here, including the largest I’ve ever come across! There are three distinct beaches at this site as well, including both pebbly and conglomerate rock. If you’re a sucker for watching the sun set behind the horizon line, you’ll love witnessing the last rays of sunlight dip behind the mountains. This setting also has the best view of Parksville’s iconic landmark mountains; Mount Arrowsmith, Mount Cokely, Mount Moriarty and Little Mountain.

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3. Moorecroft Park

Moorecroft Park is also in Nanoose Bay- it’s no wonder Nanoose’s community slogan is, “Nurtured by Nature.” This park is fairly large and includes meadows, Arbutus trees, multiple beaches, and fern-filled forest trails. This space has a lot of photo-taking possibilities, but does require a little bit more walking than most of the other suggestions in this list. If you’re up for a little stroll on your wedding day to capture a variety of wedding photos, this might be the spot for you!

To see more photo samples, visit: https://www.deveephotography.net/parksville-and-surrounding-communities-photoshoot-locations/