If you’ve considered a Whistler elopement, you probably know how much this ski town has to offer. And when it comes to curbing the craving for an adventure wedding - it’s got it all. But did you know that you can have a private view from Blackcomb Mountain via a 4x4x Jeep and watch the sun set over the western mountains? Well, you’re about to see what an action-packed day Monica & Brandon experienced together on their elopement with Canadian Wilderness Adventures.

Monica and Brandon really said let’s capture all of the magic and put it into one action-packed Whistler elopement. Their whirlwind of a day started with epic views of Whistler from above with Blackcomb Helicopters, a snack break lakeside picnic set up by the charcuterie royal themselves at Picnic Whistler, and ended with watching the sunset in the alpine with a Canadian Wilderness Adventures jeep tour.

There wasn’t a single second where these two didn’t absolutely soak up the beauty of British Columbia. If you’re reading this and considering eloping in BC, you’ll want to take some notes. Because as an elopement photographer, I can honestly say I wouldn’t have planned a single thing about this day differently. If you love adventure and thrive jumping from one to the next, consider Monica and Brandon your inspiration.

These two are from Ontario, so for their elopement they knew they wanted to come explore the west. Luckily their family friends own a sweet little cabin nestled into the forest, complete with 70s nostalgia and the stunning simplicity of a mountain home. The forecast called for a bluebird day and we all knew it was going to be a gorgeous day, which as a local, let me tell you, that is a treat!

A clear day meant the helicopter was a go! If you’ve read about planning a helicopter tour for your Whistler elopement, you know that there is always a chance weather will change your plans. So it was such a relief to know we could fly no matter what as they started their elopement day!

The heli whisked us away to Rainbow Mountain, one of the stunning ceremony options offered by Blackcomb Helicopters. Monica and Brandon were so lucky to get to this spot, as access closed shortly for the season after their elopement due to the fast snow melt. Reverend Tracy prepared such a sweet ceremony and they toasted to forever with a bottle of champagne right there on the mountain top!

After a quick heli flight back to the valley, with adrenaline running through their veins and excitement from just promising forever together, it was such a treat to show up to a beautifully prepared picnic spread set up on the shores of Green Lake. The pros over at Picnic Whistler prove that charcuterie is actually an art form because these are anything but your average picnics. They even have vegan and vegetarian options too! (And trust me, they are all delicious.)

But just when you thought the fun might be over, Monica and Brandon said, “nope, let’s keep going!” And gosh, I am SO happy they love adventure as much as they do because the next leg of their full-day Whistler elopement was the caramel swirl and cherry on top of a perfect day.

Refuelled and recharged from the picnic at the lake, we met up with Canadian Wilderness Adventures for a 4x4 jeep excursion back into the alpine. The experts over at Canadian Wilderness also offer dogsledding, snowshoeing, ATVs, and canoeing – an outdoor lover’s dream!

You might be shocked to hear this, but I might love 4x4 jeep elopements even more than helicopter elopements. (I’ll share more about why in the tips at the bottom of the blog, so keep reading!)

Canadian Wilderness Adventures has exclusive access to mountain roads that are gated to the public, making it worth every penny for breathtaking views away from the crowds. Monica and Brandon’s elopement proved no different, as we spotted bears charmingly munching on blueberries and squirrely marmots dancing around the mountainside.

DID YOU KNOW: Whistler is actually named after these little creatures. Whistler Mountain was originally settled with the name London Mountain, however, it was renamed after the piercing whistling sound made by the marmots living in the rocks on the mountain.

Bet you didn’t think you’d get a Whistler history lesson in this blog, but here we are! Okay, back to the elopement day….

To end an absolutely thrilling, insanely beautiful day, Monica and Brandon watched the sunset from Blackcomb Mountain before heading back to the valley. The views are indescribable, but luckily the photos speak for themselves!

I couldn’t let these two newlyweds run off without a fun after-dark photo moment though! When I saw them driving their parent’s convertible, I knew I wanted to incorporate the headlights into a fun, creative shot for their gallery. So we ended the night with that and we were so glad we did! After receiving their sneak peeks, Monica said that even with all of the incredible views from their day, those after-dark shots were her favourites. And I have to agree!!

And even though they eloped in Whistler just the two of them, Monica and Brandon threw a celebration with their friends and family a few days later in Vancouver. Let them be proof that you really can have the intimate elopement experience you crave and include the people you love!

Remember those hot takes I promised you earlier in the blog? You’re probably dying to know why I might be so bold to say I love a 4x4 jeep excursion more than a helicopter tour for your adventure elopement. Here’s why!

5 Reasons to Book a 4x4 Adventure for your Whistler Elopement

Sunsets are dreamy! When eloping in Whistler on a helicopter tour, the timing doesn’t work out to view the sunset from the alpine. But with 4x4s, you can stay longer and enjoy! Plus the early sunset in the valley is nothing compared to the mountaintop.
Weather worries don’t add stress to your day. Helicopter elopements only happen in perfect weather conditions and BC is known to have a rainy day or two of clouds and overcast. 4x4 elopements are still an incredible experience even if the weather isn’t optimal, plus your tour won’t be cancelled!
If heights and flying aren’t your thing, that is 100% okay. You don’t sacrifice any scenic views by summiting the mountain by 4x4 rather than by helicopter. I promise!
Helicopter tours are very schedule-driven. You don’t get as much time in the mountains as you might like, for things like ceremonies, picnics, toasts, or sunsets. 4x4s are flexible in time and how much exploring you can do!
If budget is a factor, 4x4s are an incredible Whistler elopement adventure that truly gives you more bang for your buck. If you have a couple of guests coming along, you’d likely have to rent two helis or cut guest lists, but not with a jeep!

As a BC elopement photographer and avid outdoor lover, I truly couldn’t have planned a better day myself. Frolicking from one adventure to the next might not be everyone’s dream wedding day, but if it is your dream wedding day, I’d love to capture it all! Tell me all about your plans by filling out my contact form . Let’s plan an epic day!!!