The Best Elopement
Locations Near Vancouver
The Best Places to Elope Near Vancouver, BC (From a Local Wedding Photographer!)
Hey friends! I’m Amanda Coldicutt, a Vancouver wedding and elopement photographer, and today I’m spilling the tea on the most stunning spots to elope near Vancouver, BC. Whether you're dreaming of mountains, forests, oceans, or something wildly unique—this area has it all.
If you're planning an intimate “just us” kind of day and want some epic backdrops for your vows (and your photos!), keep reading. Here are my favorite places to elope near Vancouver, from someone who's been lucky enough to shoot love stories in each one.
Golden Ears Provincial Park – Maple Ridge
For couples who love forest vibes and dramatic mountain backdrops, Golden Ears is pure magic. From towering trees to tranquil lakes, it’s a versatile location with tons of spots for your vows and photos.
Best time to elope here? Late spring through early fall, when the roads are clear and the trails are lush.
📍 About 1.5 hours from Vancouver
Jones Lake (Wahleach Lake) – Hope, BC
Okay, if you’ve been dreaming of a mountain-meets-lake vibe that looks straight out of a postcard, Jones Lake is calling your name. Nestled in the mountains just outside Hope, this remote alpine lake is surrounded by rugged peaks and dense forests. It’s especially magical at sunrise or sunset, when the light hits the mountains just right.
📷 Photographer’s note: This spot feels like your own private escape, but it’s remote—4x4 is recommended, and there's no cell service. Totally worth it for adventurous couples who want seclusion and epic views!
Flood Hope Falls – Hope, BC
For a forest elopement with fairytale vibes, Flood Hope Falls is a hidden little gem that never disappoints. It’s a short hike to the falls (less than 10 minutes!), and you’re greeted with a stunning cascade tucked into mossy trees and rocks. It’s peaceful, romantic, and super photogenic—especially in the spring or fall.
💧 Why I love it: It’s easy to access, yet feels super intimate. Add a picnic or a short vow exchange here, then head somewhere nearby for sunset portraits!
📍 Just over 2 hours from Vancouver
Porteau Cove – Along the Sea to Sky Highway
Want mountains and ocean in your elopement photos? Porteau Cove is a small but mighty waterfront location that looks straight out of a movie. It’s a popular diving site, but also a stunning place to say your vows right on the shore.
Pro tip: Bring a cozy blanket for a cute beach picnic post-ceremony.
📍 45 minutes from Vancouver
Lynn Canyon Park – North Vancouver
Waterfalls, suspension bridges, and mossy forests? Yes please. Lynn Canyon is a dreamy elopement location, especially for couples looking for a more private, whimsical vibe.
Bonus: No permit required (as of this writing), and it’s usually quieter than the Capilano Suspension Bridge.
Whytecliff Park – West Vancouver
Craving an oceanside elopement? Whytecliff Park offers rugged cliffs, pebbly beaches, and panoramic ocean views. On a clear day, you can even see Vancouver Island in the distance.
Photographer tip: Time your ceremony around golden hour for the dreamiest light—and fewer crowds!
📍 30 minutes from downtown Vancouver
Pitt Lake – Misty Mountains + Moody Vibes
Pitt Lake is an underrated gem in Maple Ridge that delivers all the epic PNW feels—think still waters, misty peaks, and wide-open space. It's especially stunning at sunrise or on a cloudy day (hello, moody romance!).
🌲 Why I love it: Super accessible, rarely crowded, and the mountain reflections on the water? Unreal.
📍 1 hour from Vancouver
Gibsons – Laid-Back Seaside Charm
Tucked on the Sunshine Coast, Gibsons is a coastal town full of charm, character, and killer views. Eloping here means oceanside cliffs, boats bobbing in the harbor, and maybe even a craft beer after your vows.
💡 Photographer tip: Combine forest and ocean in one shoot—there are tons of quiet trails and beach spots all within minutes of town.
📍 About 2 hours from Vancouver (ferry from Horseshoe Bay)
Alouette Lake – Golden Ears Park
Another gem inside Golden Ears, Alouette Lake is perfect for couples wanting lakefront serenity surrounded by peaks. Think paddleboards, canoes, or even a dip in the water post-ceremony!
Best for: Summer elopements, and couples who don’t mind a little adventure.
📍 1.5 hours from Vancouver
Bowen Island – A Cozy, Coastal Getaway
Just a 20-minute ferry ride from Horseshoe Bay, Bowen Island feels like stepping into a peaceful little world of its own. Think forested trails, quiet beaches, cozy cabins, and mountain views.
📷 Photographer’s pick: Snug Cove or Cape Roger Curtis at sunset = magic. Add in a post-vow picnic or paddleboard session for a perfect, laid-back elopement day.
📍 30–60 minutes from Vancouver (including ferry)
Sea to Sky Gondola – Squamish, BC
If you want jaw-dropping mountain views without a grueling hike, this is the spot. The Sea to Sky Gondola whisks you up to a scenic platform overlooking the Howe Sound fjord, the Tantalus Range, and beyond.
Why I love it: Easy access + next-level views = perfect combo. There are also a few quiet trails for more secluded vow spots! Note, this does require passes and permits.
📍 Approx. 1 hour from Vancouver
Eloping near Vancouver gives you access to literally everything—from sea to sky (literally!). Whether you’re dreaming of a mountaintop moment, a quiet forest ceremony, or a sunset beach elopement, there's a perfect spot out there for you.
If you're thinking about eloping and want a photographer who knows all the secret spots, hidden gems, and how to make your day totally stress-free, I’d love to chat! Let’s make some magic together. ✨
📷 Ready to start planning your elopement adventure? Contact me here.
📍 Follow along on Instagram for more elopement inspo: @westcoastwedco
elope near Vancouver, BC elopement photographer, best places to elope Vancouver, Vancouver elopement locations, Sea to Sky elopement, forest elopement BC, mountain elopement Vancouver