We’ve learned a lot about great elopement locations in Vancouver during the ten years we’ve been wedding photographers. And today I happily share them with you! All these locations are outdoors because we love Vancouver’s epic nature! But of course there are many indoor options, that’s for another post. 😉 Most of these locations don’t belong to a venue, but a couple of them do and some require permits. It’s always best to do a bit of research about your chosen spot!

While this post is all about where to elope in Vancouver, if you want to know more about the legalities and practical side of elopements, you can find that information in our post about how to elope in Vancouver. And of course this list of locations is a only a starting point, because you can get married pretty much anywhere! Don’t hesitate to ask about custom suggestions or unique places that aren’t mentioned below.

The furthest locations in this post are an hour drive away from downtown Vancouver. Enjoy!

1. Downtown Vancouver elopement locations

1.1 Stanley Park

If you’re familiar with Vancouver, you’re probably not surprised to see Stanley Park as our number one elopement location. The park is so close to downtown that it’s often very convenient for travellers or people with limited transportation options to get to the park.

We truly love the diverse nature: lush rainforest, beaches, pine trees and even a rose garden with seasonal cherry blossoms. Check out our page with Stanley Park photo posts to get inspired!

1.2 Sunset Beach

Sunset Beach is a beautiful (somewhat small) beach that you can literally walk to when staying in Yaletown. It can however be extremely busy in Summer. In the less busy seasons this is an amazing option! Or you could go for sunrise? 😉 It’s also great place to combine your beach photos with some city vibes. And dogs are welcome off-leash.

2. Other Vancouver beach locations

2.1 Kitsilano

Kitsilano (or Kits as the locals say), has a unique view point where the city is very close, but you still get to enjoy the beach and the mountains. It also features a beautiful (and accessible) small marina for those of you with a thing for boasts! 🙂

2.2 Jericho Beach and Spanish Banks

Both Jericho Beach and Spanish Banks are amazing elopement locations in Vancouver! They feature the beautiful North Shore mountains in the background behind the ocean and offer a view of the city skyline in the background. The main difference between the two is that Jericho Beach is closer to downtown and therefore usually a bit busier. It has a large forest area with willow trees and other deciduous trees. And with a closer view of downtown. Spanish Banks on the other hand has locations with access to Pacific Spirit Park, so the forest looks more like the rain forest with ferns. There are also a couple of large willow trees.

3. UBC elopement locations

3.1 Acadia Beach

Acadia Beach is a hidden gem, with it’s pebble beach and the amazing views of the mountains. The beach is curved around a corner of UBC, with a part of it facing the North Shore and the other part facing towards Vancouver Island. Keep in mind that the second part is adjacent to Wreck Beach, where clothing is optional. So unless you’re ok with a streaker at your elopement ceremony, stick to the North facing part. 😉 The tides also strongly impact how much beach there is, so keep an eye on them here when planning! During high tide there’s hardly any beach left.

3.2 Wreck Beach

“Wait, didn’t you just say clothes are optional?” I sure did, but I’m keeping Wreck Beach on this list because in my opinion it’s one of the most beautiful beaches in Vancouver. It’s wild and it sports a variety of diverse backgrounds, with on one hand the mountains, but also the open skies above the ocean, long grasses and an impressive rock pier. Be prepared to walk down a lot of stairs to reach this hippie approved beach. And definitely be ok with that streaker. 😉

3.3 Pacific Spirit Regional Park

This is a huge forest with several elopement locations that have a very Pacific North West vibe. Think tall evergreens and lots of ferns. The convenience of this forest is that you can park and walk to some great spots within minutes. No actual hiking required.

3.4 UBC Botanical Garden

UBC Botanical Garden has gorgeous trees, beautiful flowers throughout different seasons, a fun tree walk high off the ground, an underground tunnel, an amphitheatre and much more. It’s a photogenic location with many different options within walking distance. Not to mention a lush arbour that can be rented for ceremonies.

3.5 Nitobe Memorial Garden

This Japanese garden in the heart of UBC has an incredible serene vibe. The bridge and the lanterns only add the nature feeling. Keep in mind that this is a popular location for wedding photos in the weekend. We recommend considering this spot for weekday elopements because it is not a large garden. You can contact the UBC wedding services here, to find out what is needed. (hint: you have to scroll down quite a bit to get to the Nitobe part, lol)

4. North Vancouver elopement locations

4.1 Cleveland Dam

Cleveland Dam is always stunning! And one of the few places with such an accessible “mountain backdrop”. You can reserve a part of the field to ensure you’re not surrounded by excited visitors when speaking your wedding vows. 😉 Or head into the Capilano Park forest first to find a more private spot and come back to Cleveland Dam for a just a couple of photos. Something to consider about Cleveland Dam, is that the views are occasionally very foggy! Clouds can come in very quickly.

4.2 Grouse Mountain

Grouse Mountain is the place to be if you want an easily accessible mountain top experience and a great option for fine dining afterwards. More of the mountain is accessible with the ski lift (also in Summer!) and offers more way more “epic” views than at the base level! Best to plan some extra time for it if you’d like that and talk with the venue coordinator beforehand. Other fun photo features in winter are the lights tunnel and the lights walk.

4.3 Mount Seymour

Mount Seymour is in my opinion an elopement location for the more adventurous (aka hiking) couple. There are amazing views, but you need to hike to get to them. Any views from the parking lot are fairly restricted, including with a lot of “ski lift items” in the background. But if you’re willing to hike, the views are so worth it!

4.5 Lynn Canyon

Lynn Canyon is one of our favourite elopement locations in North Vancouver. With it’s rustic suspension bridge (closed during Covid-19), green water pool, mossy forests and fields of ferns it has so much to offer. We’re certainly not the only ones loving Lynn Canyon, because the number of visitors increases every year. Ask us about more secluded options in a similar environment.

4.6 Deep Cove

Deep Cove and in particular Cates Park is a gorgeous location for your elopement. Cates Park offers a lot more privacy on it’s little beaches, versus the Deep Cove beach, which always has visitors for the marina and local stores.

5. West Vancouver elopement locations

5.1 Lighthouse Park

Within a 5 minute walk from the parking lot you’re in the middle of a lush green forest. Or within 10-15 minutes, you’re standing on an epic rock overlooking the ocean. This park is aways an experience and offers unique views on the lighthouse and the ocean. Enjoy some of our photos in Lighthouse Park here.

5.2 Whytecliff Park

Whytecliff Park is one of those parks that you see in photos of people from all over the world. It’s iconic islet and the beautiful pebble beach speak to the imagination. And of course the ocean views! In Summer this location gets swamped, but you can reserve a private ceremony spot with West Vancouver parks. 🙂

5.3 Cypress Mountain

Cypress Mountain requires you to drive up first, but there are a couple of beautiful locations that are more easily accessible than for example on Seymour Mountain. Keep in mind that the “best mountain views” most often include a bit of hiking!

6. Sea To Sky and Squamish elopement locations

6.1 Furry Creek

The Sea To Sky area offers beautiful views and so does Furry Creek! The vast Howe Sound Inlet and the ever-present mountains are epic in any weather condition. And check out the Furry Creek Golf course for a private waterfall ceremony location, a beautiful large rock surface and more impressive nature features.

6.2. Porteau Cove

This location would be extra fun to combine with a night of camping! Often people from Vancouver drive out this way if they like to admire the stars (and if you’re very lucky the Northern lights). The parking lot is right next to the beach, which has a different look on both sides and there’s a lot of space to move around. Sturdy shoes required!

6.3. Squamish: Sea To Sky Gondola

When publishing this post, the Sea To Sky Gondola is closed after a recent act of vandalism. Luckily they’re working very hard to re-open and are planning to do so by Summer 2021. It’s a location with jaw dropping views and a convenient one at that, no hiking, so you can bring your less mobile guests. 🙂 Definitely make a reservation for you private ceremony in this location, you can find their 2021 packages info here.

6.4 Squamish Estuary and Spit

With the iconic Chief in the background, this location is nothing but impressive. Keep in mind that because this is a very open area, it’s usually windy out here. (also the reason why the nearby Howe Sound inlet is frequented by kiteboarders) So this is maybe not for your if you don’t like flowing hair. 😉 The nature is diverse and gorgeous, though. Timing changes the light a lot in this environment, with the mountain shade moving quickly. So chat with your photographer about the best time to go!

6.5. Sunwolf in Squamish

The beautiful green Cheakamus River is accessible for everyone, but you could up your elopement experience by renting one of the gorgeous cabin’s at Sunwolf and have an amazing meal at Fergie’s! (We tried it, it’s great!)

6.6 Cheekye Ranch in Squamish

Right across the street from Sunwolf is the Cheekye Ranch. While having access to the same river, the ranch also has an epic mountain backdrop with arch for ceremonies. And you could visit with their horses, or take it to the next level and go for a horseback ride! If you’d want to spend the night, check out their cool yurts here! There’s even a beautiful forested spot with ferns on the property!

6.7 Squamish forests + parks

I know, this is a rather general area, BUT there are so many forested areas that are not too far of a drive. I’d feel bad not mentioning that are MANY more options in Squamish. Too many to start listing. 😉

7. Burnaby elopement locations

7.1 Barnet Marine Park

This park offers both a beautiful beach with mountain views, as well as some interesting structures and a forested area. The parking lot can fill up quickly in Summer, as people swim here too. But that said, with a bit of planning this location has so much potential and it’s surprisingly close to the city!

7.2 Deer Lake Park

When people think about Deer Lake Park, they generally think of the lake. (understandable, lol) But, other than the lake there are some phenomenal trees in this park and beautiful grassy areas. Of course if you like manicured gardens, there is a portion of the park with gorgeous flowers, which gets (you guessed it) busy in Summer.

7.3 Burnaby Mountain

Burnaby Mountain has open views at the top with Vancouver in the background and unique artwork. But maybe more surprising is the extensive trail network that has more untamed forest.

8. Buntzen Lake

Buntzen Lake is in Anmore, which is close to Coquitlam. Coquitlam probably deserves it’s own section here, with lots of stunning hikes and the magnificent Belcarra Regional Park, but so far we don’t have photos to share. (We’ll happily go scout for you if you bring us along for your elopement in that area! 😉

Back to Buntzen Lake… is it ever stunning out there. Every time we visit there’s something new to discover. It’s even amazing in the fog. Of course the lake is THE main place of focus, but I can’t forget about the forest, which is so lush and large.

Recent parking changes (going in effect on June 27th 2022) might make this location less accessible in Summer. While the parking is free, reservation is required and might make it more stressful to know if you’ll be able to get access. Check out the BC Hydro site for more info.

9. Pitt Lake

Another one of the epic lakes that are so close to Vancouver is Pitt Lake! This location mostly features the lake and the mountains. There’s no forest (not that you need one 😉 ). For the extra adventurous couples, you can paddle up the river in a canoe and hike to the beautiful widgeon falls.

10. Golden Ears Park

Golden Ears Park is HUGE. So when choosing to elope in this park, you’ll have a couple of choices to make as to which location you prefer. This park features the enormous Alouette Lake, unique forests (plural, because they look different in different areas) and a green river. Oh, and waterfalls. 😉

Keep in mind that in the busy summer months of 2021, the park had a day pass system in place for parking. They haven’t announced it yet for 2022, but it’s possible they’ll reintroduce it. You can find more up to date info on the Golden Ears Park website here.

11. Other elopement locations to think about

I figured 30 is a lot to get you started, haha, but here are a few areas to consider if you haven’t found what you’re looking for yet!

For open horizons and a vast beach, Richmond’s Iona Beach Regional Park is breathtaking. Especially around sunset! Keep in mind that it can be windy and bring sturdy shoes, because mud is always expected there. Exactly the same story for Boundary Bay Regional Park in Delta.

Last but not least, finding a location for your elopement can be a fun couple activity! You could just find the “green spots” aka parks on google maps in areas that you’d like to explore and pick one or two to visit on your day off! Of course if that feels too stressful, you can ask your photographer for recommendations.

Best of luck and feel free to reach out to us about our elopement photography services!

PS: Have you considered a helicopter elopement?