Just when you thought eloping on Cortes Island couldn’t get any more exciting, Mother Nature loves to prove you wrong. That’s the thing about using nature as your wedding venue—you truly never know what surprises you might encounter along the way. Lisa and Hans chose this elopement location in BC for its remoteness, wild beauty, and sentimental meaning in their life, and, in return, the island gave a truly unforgettable day full of love, memories, and maybe even a little too much excitement.

Keep reading to read about our once-in-a-lifetime encounter, as well as some curated must-know information on how to elope on Cortes Island!

Is Cortes Island worth visiting for your elopement?

Cortes Island is a hidden gem in British Columbia, known by locals for its remote beauty, rugged wilderness, and tranquil atmosphere. With a population of only around 600 people, you feel like you’ve stepped into a sweet escape from nearby city life. When standing on the beach, you only hear the water gently lapping at the shore, maybe the occasional flap of a raven’s wings. If you’re after peaceful elopement vibes, Cortes Island is the place to be.

Here are a few reasons to choose Cortez Island for your elopement in BC:

You crave that classic British Columbia scenery without the usual tourist crowds. Let’s be honest, it’s hard to come by these days. I give endless tips and tricks on how to get married in epic locations and still have privacy on your day, but with this island, you truly don’t need them!

You’re a nature-loving couple who loves a blend of adventure and relaxation. Do you get giddy over wildlife sightings, stoked at the idea of a celebratory post-ceremony paddle in a kayak, or excited about a quiet picnic in the forest?? You can find it all, and more, right here.

You decided to trade the conventional bells and whistles of a wedding for something intimate and personalized. If you’re considering eloping on Cortes Island, you’re probably the type of couple who would rather let nature be your decor than book a fancy wedding venue. It’s a no-frills type of place (and we like it like that).

As for my couple Lisa and Hans, they checked all three boxes above, plus added their own meaningful bonus of sentimentality. It’s the place they visit every summer together, always staying in the same lake house, making countless memories as a couple.

I’m sure they expected their elopement would be some of the most special memories yet and oh boy, was their day something for the books!

Lisa and Hans’ Wild Wedding Day

Lisa and Hans decided they’d elope on Cortes Island, just the two of them. But not wanting to leave out friends and family, they planned a reception a few weeks later in Victoria. The best of both worlds, if you ask me! (And that meant I got to hang out with them not once, but twice!)

Their day started off on a sweet, sentimental note, getting ready at the same lake house they stay in for every vacation to the island. It was stunning scenery that set the tone for the day. After a first look, we met Barbara, their officiant, and hiked into the ceremony spot near Hanks Beach.

It was a super breathtaking spot, with views of the ocean meeting the mountains and the almost perfect spring weather made the water glitter under the April sun. The ocean was this stunning, clear turquoise, making it feel like we were in the Caribbean, not British Columbia. And thanks to some well-timed planning, the sunlight bathed them in the perfect golden glow throughout the ceremony. Honestly, the day couldn't have been more beautiful.

And the same goes for the ceremony! Barbara crafts these beautiful, personalized ceremonies, and also has expertise that involves loss and grief. As that was a big part of their lives and their relationship (both had lost parents), it was really important for them to incorporate that. It was beautifully done.

After the ceremony, we stopped for some photos at Manson’s Landing, with otherworldly rock formations and wildflowers in bloom. The remoteness of the island showed, as there was no traffic or any other people around, giving them complete privacy and freedom to frolic around scenic spots on the island. Finally, we headed to another spot familiar and dear to Lisa and Hans’ summers on the island, Smelt Bay. And this is where things get a little more wild.

We planned for a picnic and photos to soak up the last light of the day in the glow of golden hour. As the sun started to set, I spotted what I thought were some dogs trotting toward the beach. Turns out, they were not dogs—they were sea wolves.

Yes, actual sea wolves! These animals are unique to the coastal region, and there’s even a Netflix documentary about them. They were far enough away that I snapped a photo, but then they started running toward us.

Next thing you know, Hans is yelling, "Run!" and we’re all sprinting down the beach, wedding dress, camera gear, and all, trying to outrun these wolves. You see, I know what to do with a bear encounter. I even know what to do with a cougar even though I’ve never faced one. But wolves?! I had no idea. But already mid-run, what else can you do? Hans picked up a big stick and pounded it on the ground, trying to intimate the pack. Newspaper headlines flashed through my head and I was determined for that not to happen.

Luckily, after what felt like the longest minute of our lives, the wolves lost interest in teasing the silly humans on the beach and wandered off. It was wild—literally! Definitely not something I expected during a wedding shoot, but it made for one heck of a story.

A little shaken, but safe and sound, we managed to snap a few more photos near the car. They capped off the evening with a quiet first dance under the stars, string lights twinkling above them.

Cortes Island gave them the peaceful, meaningful celebration they wanted, and I left feeling incredibly lucky to have been part of it (and to have faced wolves and lived to tell the tale). So if you aren’t too spooked by the sea wolves (this encounter isn’t very common), I couldn’t recommend this elopement location enough. If you’re eloping in BC and want a quiet ceremony spot surrounded by nature, here’s some helpful info to help you plan a Cortes Island elopement!

How to elope on Cortes Island, BC: A Mini Guide

How to Get to Cortes Island

Getting to Cortez Island requires a bit of planning, but the journey is all part of the adventure. By far, the most common way is to take a combination of ferries. Here’s the step-by-step process:

Ferry from Vancouver to Vancouver Island (Nanaimo): First, take a ferry from Vancouver (Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal) to Nanaimo on Vancouver Island.
Ferry from Campbell River to Quadra Island: Once you reach Vancouver Island, drive about 1.5 hours to Campbell River and catch the ferry to Quadra Island.
Ferry from Quadra Island to Cortez Island: Once on Quadra Island, drive 10 minutes and catch the next ferry to Cortez Island.

Pro Tip: Make sure to plan your ferry trips in advance. Ferries can fill up quickly during the summer months, so reservations are highly recommended (not all ferries are reservable).

You can also access the island by plane, float plane, and more! The Cortes Island information page shares helpful links to airlines, etc.

Best Locations for Eloping on Cortes Island

Hank’s Beach:

If you’re dreaming of a beach elopement, Hank’s Beach offers a pristine setting with stunning views of the ocean and coastal wilderness. The beach is secluded and peaceful, making it ideal for a private ceremony.

Manson’s Landing:

Manson’s Landing Park offers a beautiful mix of sandy beaches of the lagoon below, tidal pools, and forested areas. It’s a great spot for couples who want the perfect blend of ocean views and forest surroundings. Plan your elopement during low tide for dramatic landscapes.

Gorge Harbour:

Gorge Harbour is a popular anchorage for boaters, and it could be the perfect spot if you want marina backdrops mixed with nature views in your photo gallery! It’s also a top-rated accommodation and the Gorge Harbour Resort has options for wedding packages.

Carrington Bay:

Carrington Bay is one of the island’s most scenic locations, featuring rocky shores, clear waters, and tranquil surroundings. This spot is perfect for couples who want a quiet, off-the-beaten-path location for their vows and want to incorporate some hiking into their day!

Experience Ideas for your Cortes Island Elopement

Savor Local Seafood: Cortes Island is known for its fresh seafood, particularly oysters and other shellfish, like clams, mussels, prawns, and more. They even have an annual seafood festival, SeaFeast, that’s held in May, as well as many local restaurants to add to your elopement itinerary. However keep in mind that many close in the off-season!

Explore by Kayak: Paddle along the coastline and discover hidden coves and wildlife. You could kayak at many of the elopement locations on the list above but also consider drifting over to Desolation Sound, the largest marine park in BC. In the summer, you can hop in for a swim while you gaze at snow-capped mountains, a truly unique experience for your adventure elopement.

Charter a Sailboat: Explore the rest of the Discovery Islands from the water with a sailboat charter! While it’s not necessarily a budget-friendly option, adding a day trip or multiple days on a sailboat is the ultimate way to take in all of the beauty and nature of the area in total relaxation mode. No better way to kick off married life!

Star Gaze: End the night with a cozy campfire, your go-to beverage, and a sky full of stars. After-dark photography is one of my favorites, so I’ll bring along my lanterns for some photo fun after the sun goes down!

Best Time to Elope on Cortes Island

The best time to elope on Cortez Island is during the late spring, summer, or early fall (May through September). These months offer favourable weather, beautiful greenery, and calm seas for any water activities you might want to plan. Keep in mind that ferry reservations and accommodations fill up quickly in the summer, so it’s best to book in advance.

While the island is much less frequented by the tourism crowds, you might consider eloping in the shoulder season if you’re looking for nearly complete privacy even in public areas. Lisa and Hans got married in April, with insanely good weather and popular areas almost entirely to themselves.

Where to Stay

Cortez Island has a variety of accommodation options, from rustic cabins to charming island resorts. Some popular places to stay include:

Hollyhock Retreat Centre: This center doubles as eco-chic accommodations, with A-frames surrounded by the forest, bluff houses with ocean views, cabins tucked away in orchards, and tent camping with nearby amenities.

Gorge Harbour Marina Resort: This resort also doubles as a wedding venue, in case you’re wanting to have an intimate wedding with guests! There’s a lodge, glamping domes, and camping sites, so they truly have something for everyone.

Vacation Rentals and Airbnbs: There are plenty of vacation rental options, ranging from secluded cabins to waterfront homes, perfect for a romantic stay.

Smelt Bay Provincial Park: This is a campground perfect for tents and small RVs on the southern part of the island, surrounded by forests, and a perfect spot if you are steps away from endless options for cycling, fishing, swimming, and kayaking!

Tips for planning a Cortes Island Elopement

If you’re dreaming of a quiet, remote elopement away from the crowds, I highly recommend Cortes Island. But keep in mind a few things:

Make sure to plan your travel in advance. You’ll need to plan your ferry rides in advance. And check the schedule carefully—one day a week, some sailings are reserved for dangerous goods, so ferry options might be limited. Use the official BC Ferries website to plan and reserve your spot!

Bring everything you need with you. You will find a few small towns on the island, like Whaletown, Manson’s Landing, and Squirrel Cove. However, don’t expect to find more than a couple of small grocery stores, with basically no restaurants on the island. It’s best to bring everything you need with you so you aren’t scouring the island for what you need!

Know the protocol for wildlife encounters.
Seawolves aren’t the only predators on the island, bears and cougars call it home as well. Make sure you’re familiar with what to do in case you find yourself in too close for comfort contact with one!

But you might also see some less dangerous pals, like curious raccoons, the occasional mink, and plenty of deer. Along the shoreline, you’ll spot orcas surfacing, playful sea otters, and many water birds that call Cortes Island home. It’s a wildlife lovers endless paradise, so don’t forget to pack your binoculars alongside your champagne & bouquet!

Keep in mind the free-spirited vibe of the island. It’s a laid-back, bohemian paradise where nature and personal freedom are uniquely valued. The island has a relaxed, open-minded feel, and you might stumble upon unexpected quirks like a beach known for being clothing-optional. So, embrace the atmosphere if it’s your vibe, but do a little research before heading out to certain spots—especially if you're looking specifically for your elopement photos!

Think Cortes Island is the place for your elopement?

Choosing to elope in BC means you have unlimited options for top-notch views, unique experiences, and limitless variety as far as landscapes. Cortes Island gives you a taste of it all. If it’s calling your name, then consider me stoked to help you plan as both a wedding photographer and lover of everything BC has to offer. Tap the button below, tell me more about you, and let’s get to it!

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