Especially if you're thinking about eloping in British Columbia!

There are so many amazing places to elope in the United States, I know! I’ve photographed couples in Washington, Oregon, California, Hawaii, and more. But if you’ve been scrolling through the same few locations on every blog or want to explore somewhere new for your adventure elopement, why not add Canada to the list?

I know what you’re thinking… “Canada?” But as a dual citizen, an avid traveller, and an elopement photographer who has photographed couples all over the globe, I can confidently say eloping in Canada comes with some pretty incredible perks for Americans!

So let’s talk budgets, views, legalities, and adventures—and by the end, you can tell me if I’ve convinced you that eloping in Canada is the way to go!

An elopement couple walks down a path through the alpine meadows of manning park at sunset with trees and mountains in the background

Why Eloping in Canada is the Perfect Plan for Americans

Disclaimer: I want to say that I’m a Vancouver elopement photographer and most of my information is skewed to Western Canada, in British Columbia and Alberta. I absolutely travel across the country for elopements, but the closer to my backyard you get, the more local knowledge I have to offer!

1. The Exchange Rate Gets More Bang for Your Buck

Because of the U.S.–Canadian dollar exchange rate, your money gets a built-in bonus here, usually around a 25% “discount” on every dollar spent. So everything from lodging to vendors to food suddenly becomes a lot more affordable.

Want a luxury hotel that’s outside your budget at home? It might be totally doable here. Hiring a Canadian photographer (it’s me, hi)? Even with travel, you might still come out ahead.

2. Fewer Permits, Less Red Tape, More Go With the Flow

Is it easier to elope in Canada than in the United States? In my experience, yes. Especially if you are eloping in the outdoors!

In the U.S., national parks, state parks, and even public land can require multiple permits (for example, one for your ceremony, one for photography, one for each location). I had that experience in both Joshua Tree and Hawaii! I’ve heard from fellow photographers that some busier national parks, like Rocky Mountain National Park in CO, have even started limiting the number of approved wedding permits due to capacity reasons. Totally understandable, but also a little bit of a lottery play for couples!

In contrast, Canada seems to be way more chill when it comes to paperwork. I’ve photographed 150+ weddings, a large part of them in the Canadian outdoors, and have only applied for permits a handful of times, even for national and provincial parks. The only time I’ve encountered it was in Banff National Park, the most visited of them all, and it was simply signing a paper saying you respected their terms. Quick, easy, and most of all free!

3. It’s International Without the Travel Stress

Is it complicated for Americans to elope in Canada? Not at all. That’s not always the case for a lot of other elopement locations around the globe.

If you want that destination wedding feel but don’t want to navigate foreign languages, complicated paperwork, or unfamiliar systems, Canada hits the sweet spot.

No visa required for U.S. citizens
No special travel documentation (just your passport)
Infrastructure you’re already used to (credit cards, U.S. plug types, Google Maps, etc.)
English-speaking vendors and venues that regularly serve American couples

Oh, did I mention little to no jet lag? That’s a huge bonus in my opinion.

It’s easy to plan, easy to travel, and easy to feel comfortable here while you still get the experience of visiting somewhere new and going on plenty of adventures. And because it’s not necessarily a “hot spot” for American international elopements (yet), it feels unique to the go-to destinations that you might see friends and family choosing.

If you’re into the outdoors, hiking, skiing, and adventures in any way, Canada should definitely be on your list. Which leads me to…

4. Canada’s Elopement Locations Offer Incredible Views with overall fewer crowds

Where are the best places to elope in Canada? Let me show you!!

Remember, as a Vancouver-based elopement photographer, most of my top choices are a little biased to the west (but I’m not too shy to say they’re objectively some of the best). British Columbia and Alberta are packed with internationally known scenery that makes for stunning mountain elopements, adventure elopements, beach elopements…you name it, we’ve got it!

Turquoise lakes and glacier views around Banff National Park and Canmore
Misty beaches and coastal rainforests in Tofino or Cape Scott Park
Wildflowers and cozy camping in Manning Park
Winter wonderland snow globe vibes in Golden
Alpine peaks and mountain towns like Whistler, Squamish, & Pemberton
Off-the-beaten-path gems around Cortes Island or Vancouver Island

And honestly? The list could go on and on. But these are just some of the most popular places to elope in Western Canada; there are endless little pockets of nature to explore. Especially if you’ve got a local to guide you to them! Plus, the BC elopement destinations offer a lot of privacy, despite their popularity with tourists; something that can be tricky with a lot of US hot spots.

5. Helicopter Adventures are Everywhere and Easier to Plan

While this applies to all adventure elopements, there’s one type of elopement that almost always comes up for a couple looking for an epic wedding day—helicopter elopements.

In most parts of the U.S., helicopter elopements won’t look like the photos you see on my blog. You can fly over a scenic area, but you usually can’t land to explore and take photos, especially in national parks.

But in places like Whistler, Tofino, and Revelstoke? Heli elopements are super common. Companies like Blackcomb Helicopters offer curated packages specifically for elopements, offering landing options like glaciers and alpine lakes. Plus, they’re pros at working with experienced vendors (who are used to planning around the weather).

You can land on mountaintops, glaciers, or alpine meadows, say your vows, pop champagne, and take photos on peaks only accessible by air so it’s completely private. I’ve been a part of plenty of heli elopements in my time, and somehow they still “wow” me every single time!

But it’s not just helicopters. 4x4 alpine tours, gondola rides, floatplane excursions, kayaking on turquoise lakes, rainforest trails to waterfalls—all of these are easy to plan in Canada (especially in BC), and most don’t require special permits or complicated logistics.

So, if you're looking for the best location for an adventure elopement, dare I say Canada is hands down less of a hassle with more options for you than the United States.

A lesbian couple exits a red helicopter that has just landed on a glacier, holding hands and raising them in the air to cheer, in Squamish, BC

FAQs for Americans Eloping in Canada

Can Americans legally get married in Canada?

Yes! There are no residency requirements. You’ll just need to apply for a marriage license in the province where you’re eloping. If you’re eloping in British Columbia, you can find the marriage license information here! For any other province, just do a quick Google for the correct government website!

Do I need a visa to elope in Canada?

Nope, just a valid passport. U.S. citizens can stay in Canada for up to 180 days without a visa.

Is a Canadian marriage recognized in the U.S.?

Yes, as long as your marriage is legally valid in Canada, it will be recognized in the U.S. The only requirement is being over the age of 18!

What are the rules for an elopement in Canada?

I have a whole blog on how to elope in BC here, and the requirements are typically similar in every province. A quick answer is that you’ll need: a marriage license, an officiant who is authorized to perform ceremonies in the province, and two witnesses (your photographer can be one of them)!

A far away image of a couple walking hand in hand down a gravel road among the rocks and mountains of Whistler Mountain

Want more help planning your elopement in Canada? Start here!

Over the years, I’ve written tons of helpful blogs with my top elopement locations, small venues, adventure elopement ideas, and how-tos! Specifically for British Columbia, but I’ve photographed couples all over Canada and love helping them plan a day their way!

→ How Much Does It Cost to Elope in BC?
Get a real breakdown of vendor costs, travel tips, and ideas for your budget.

→ How to Book A Helicopter Elopement or Adventure Photos
This one is specifically for Whistler, but gives tips you can use for any location!

→ Best Places to Elope in BC
12 of my favourite spots for scenic ceremonies in British Columbia!

→ Best Airbnbs for BC Elopements
Unique places to stay and charming spots for ceremonies, all in one place!

→ Best Small Wedding Venues in BC
If you’re bringing a few loved ones, these spots are perfect for small ceremonies!

→ How to Elope in BC: The Complete Step-by-Step Guide
Legal details, permits, locations, vendors—all your burning questions answered!

Curious what an elopement in Canada could look like for you?

I work with U.S. based couples all the time to plan and photograph adventure elopements across Canada! Every couples vision for the day is different, but I’ll be bold enough to say that Canada has something to offer you no matter what that vision looks like!

Whether you’re looking to touch down on a glacier in a helicopter elopement, relax on the coast for a beach wedding, or hike up to a turquoise lake with a picnic in tow, I’m here to spill everything I know about eloping in Canada and exploring like a local!

Let's Plan Your Elopement in Canada!