Squamish BC was once a stop over town where you’d break for gas on the way to your actual destination in the next resort village. But as a Vancouver elopement photographer, I can assure you that these days Squamish is one of the best places to elope in BC if you’re looking for stunning views no matter the season and accessible adventure away from the crowds. Keep reading for why Squamish should be at the top of your list for elopement locations!

A Squamish BC Elopement Experience for the Books

Before we can dive into all the things to love about Squamish as an elopement destination, I wanted to share a real elopement that might inspire your wedding planning. (Keep reading to see their beautiful elopement photos!)

Courtney and Paul knew a traditional wedding wasn’t their thing, so in search of something a little more them, they started searching for an elopement destination in the mountains, inspired by their shared love of trail running and adventure in nature. Squamish checked off all of their boxes!

They didn’t go through the usual elopement planning process, as they contacted me just one week before their ceremony date! Courtney shared that she was pregnant (YAY!), but wanted wedding photos before she started showing. By some busy season miracle, I had a rare opening in my July schedule and was able to fit them in. Kismet if you ask me! And after a bit of stick shock shopping for photographers, Courtney and Paul decided to move forward with booking even though my package was out of their original budget. Truthfully, here are photographers and experiences for all budgets and plans, it all comes down to what is a priority to you and your partner! They decided the experience of their day was worth the investment – what a HUGE honour for them to choose me for that!

Resource Alert! (I feel so passionate about accessible elopements and budgets for all couples, so if you’re curious about this topic, go read more over on my blog How Much Does It Cost to Elope in BC!)

It was an intimate, sweet, love-filled day with a couple of close friends as witnesses and officiant, plus their pup, Logan. With the help of No Limits Helicopters, they explored Squamish from the sky with the perfect weather imaginable.

To top off such an incredible experience with a lovely couple, one of their wedding photos was actually an award-winning photo for Junebug Weddings! Just as Courtney and Paul kissed after ‘I Dos,’ their dog, who had sat patiently during the entire ceremony, popped up with excitement and started running around the newlyweds. It was totally candid and the most special moment ever! I used a compilation of several images to capture the pure joy of the moment. Check out my favourite memory from their Squamish elopement!!

Four reasons to choose Squamish BC as your elopement destination

1. Squamish is only an hour or so drive from Vancouver. Whether you’re from the area and looking for a little mountain getaway or you’re travelling to BC for your elopement, you’ll appreciate this relatively short and absolutely stunning drive along the Sea to Sky Highway.

For any mountain elopement destination, you should expect some driving time from the city. After a bit of research, you might find that there are closer mountain spots less than an hours drive, like North Shore or Golden Ears. But for just a bit longer travel time, you can get wildly epic views with the intimate privacy Squamish has to offer, making it one of my top choices for best places to elope in BC with less crowds, magical views, and accessible elopement activities for all adventure levels.

2. Why choose just one view? Squamish has them all. It’s no secret that visitors flock to western Canada for their otherworldly mountainscapes. But the beauty of Squamish doesn’t stop at the peaks, with grassy valley fields, springtime wildflower blooms, a variety of forests, and even ocean views. The variety of Squamish is unmatched compared to other popular elopement spots in BC, like Tofino where people go for forests & beaches or Whistler where the mountains and lakes are the main attraction. In just one day, you can be exchanging vows on a snowy mountain peak in the morning and by afternoon having a first dance in front of a field of lupins. How cool is that?!

3. There’s adventure around every corner. And for all comfort levels, too! Hiking, helicopters, paddle boards, off-roading, gondolas, and more. Here are just a few of my favourite adventure elopement activities in Squamish!

Hiking! My personal top recommendation is The Chief. It makes for some seriously epic photos, here’s proof! But there are hikes for all experience levels! Check out what All Trails recommends if hiking is your thing and of course, I’m always happen to help plan your adventure!

Helicopters! If you love Courtney and Paul’s elopement, then a heli tour might be for you! No matter the year, you can get those quintessential snowy peaks without harsh cold. Black Tusk Helicopters and No Limits Helicopters offer a variety of tours!
Float planes! A fun and quirky alternative to helicopters, you can rent a float plane to explore the region! I personally haven’t photographed a float plane elopement, so do you want to be my first?
Boat / water activity rentals! A no brainer for this elopement destination in the summertime. You can’t go wrong with a kayak or paddle board.
Sea to Sky Gondola! Sea to Sky Gondola! For an activity for all experience levels and accessibility needs, the gondola offers a leisurely adventure for your elopement day! Plus you get insane views without the work of a hike or price of a heli.
Off-roading. I’ve been myself and loved every second of it! And I may or may not know a very private waterfall and beach area that would be perfect for a couple who is looking for an off-the-beaten-path ceremony spot.

The only thing Squamish doesn’t have that other popular spots in the region do is skiing. Though I’ve heard some hushed plans about how that might change sometime soon.
4. The weather is more mild than other parts of the region. Because Squamish is at sea level, the town doesn’t get as much snow or cold weather as its counterparts such as Whistler. Why does that matter? It means you can elope in Squamish pretty much any time throughout the year! Every season brings something unique and special, so you can’t go wrong. You’ll never guess what time of the year is my go-to for Squamish elopements…

SPRING! While summer is gorgeous of course, springtime in the region brings vibrant greens in the grassy valleys, The Chief and the gondola are free of snow, the crowds are generally low in number, and the lupins are in full bloom. I’ve got one billion ideas for elopement in the end of May or beginning of June and an insider scoop on the best locations for your day. Here’s a teaser of what is possible!

Bonus Reason: If you have a dog and want to include them in your day, Squamish is great for that! There aren’t many restrictions on pets in natural areas, plus No Limits Heli even encourages you to bring them along!

Is Squamish BC the right elopement destination for you?!

If you love lots of outdoor activities, scenic natural areas, off-the beaten-path vibes, and are coming from Vancouver – I couldn’t think of a better place to elope than Squamish.

No matter the season, no matter your plans, whether it’s just the two of you or your closest loved ones, there’s an elopement location for you somewhere in these green valleys, mystical beaches, whimsical forest trails, or snow-capped mountains.

Now that you’ve found your perfect elopement destination, let’s start planning your day together!