While it’s true that British Columbia offers a long list of top-notch elopement locations, if you’re looking for a laid-back beach setting with endless adventure and stunning views, you’ve hit the jackpot when you plan to elope in Tofino, BC. If you’re looking for some insider guidance on how the best tips and tricks for the area, who better to turn to than an experienced elopement photographer? I’ve got you covered with everything you know about when to go, where to stay, and what to do.

1. Pick a date or season.

While you’re probably already dreaming up the details of eloping in Tofino, the best thing to do is start by choosing your date. The area has plenty to offer no matter the season, but every time of year brings different pros and cons. If you have a date in mind that is significant, you’ll want to know what you’re getting into and, if you don’t have any preference, these details might sway your choice!

Let’s start here: are you bothered more by rain or crowds? It is a bit tricky to get one without the other, but there’s beauty in both. Better weather in the summer months will draw in plenty of crowds while the winter months often bring a stormy vibe to the area. Here’s a breakdown of the seasons that might help you decide which is for you.

Summer - Summer in Tofino is generally warm, but not the intense heat you might find in other coastal destinations. A great time to go to enjoy rain-free skies and all of the activities that come with summer at the beach! Tourist season ramps up in July and August, bringing in more people and more cost when it comes to booking accommodations. I’d avoid weekends to skip major crowds! For locals, August does have the nickname of Fogust, so consider this your warning that while the sun will likely be shining, visibility is sometimes an issue!

Winter - Again, the weather in Tofino is a bit more mild, so it could be a great option if you’re running from the freezing temperatures that the rest of British Columbia experiences during these months! It will, however, almost certainly be wet. But this isn’t a bad thing! Many couples love the moody, mystical look this brings to their photos. If that’s you, winter could be a great option and will be a bit cheaper overall!

Spring - While the weather is still a bit touch and go, the days are longer than the winter months! The sun does tend to peek out more though, so if you’re lucky you might be able to get great weather with much more privacy than the summer months.

Fall - Autumn is the season for surfing! Tofino is a surfer's little dreamland and could make for a super fun elopement getaway for the right couple. Days start to get shorter, but early fall could be a great option to sneak in before the winter rains really kick in!

So which season is best for eloping in Tofino? The answer is really up to you to decide! But personally, my favourite time for weddings in the area would fall sometime in the months of June or September. June brings long days, which makes lighting and timing a bit trickier, so if I had to pick a top recommendation, September takes the trophy!

2. Choose an experienced elopement photographer

You might be thinking, “well she’s a little biased!” and maybe I am, but my top tip for anyone planning an elopement in BC is to start with finding an elopement photographer who has experience with the region and understands your vision. Here’s why!

We can help you decide which date/season is right for you (if you haven’t chosen one yet)!
You’ll get insight into the best locations and options for your ceremony, photo locations, and things to do in the area.
Oftentimes, local photographers have worked with other vendors in the past, meaning we can give personal recommendations for florals, food, videographers, tourism companies, accommodations, and more.
Elopement photographers book out well in advance, especially in peak season, so if you find one you click with, booking sooner is better! (Don’t let this deter you from last-minute elopement inquiries though, it doesn’t hurt to reach out!)
Most photographers, myself included, help with planning the timeline of your day, which can be very helpful when you start to book other vendors, activities, and more.

So while you don’t have to book an elopement photographer first thing, it’s something I’d recommend if your heart is set on a particular date or if you’re looking for some helpful tips from someone who has first-hand experience with weddings in Tofino!

An elopement couple walks hand in hand along a beach with lanterns in their other hand, stars can be seen in the sky at dusk in Tofino, BC

3. Book travel and accommodation

It’s no secret that travel and accommodations account for most of the expenses when budgeting a destination wedding or elopement! It’s best to do your research, make a plan (and maybe a backup plan you love just as much), and start to book early.

Booking Travel to Tofino for your Elopement

If you’re traveling to British Columbia from other parts of Canada or internationally, I’d highly recommend, if possible, to plan to spend a week in the area and fly into Vancouver, rent a car, and take the ferry over to the island. There’s so much to see! But if you’re on a tight schedule, you can fly directly to the island to Victoria or Nanaimo airports, rent a car, and drive to Tofino from there. If you happen to live in BC, you can take one of the ferries to Nanaimo and travel to Tofino from there – easy peasy!

Pro-tips: You will want to book the ferry in advance, as they fill up very quickly. If the Horseshoe Bay-Departure Bay ferry route is full, try Tsawwassen to Duke Point as it is often forgotten about and will be a little less busy. Just remember that even though they both go to Nanaimo, they are completely different ports so remember that when you make the return trip. And when driving, make sure to check the road conditions of Highway 4! In the past, there have been closures for wildfires, construction, and more.

Find the right accommodation for you (plus my personal recommendations)!

Great AirBnbs are easy to come by in Tofino! If you’re looking for a cabin atmosphere, this area might have some of my favourites. Check out this blog post and skip to the Best Airbnbs in Tofino section for some cozy, cute rental options.

When it comes to hotels, there’s something for everyone! The best, in my opinion, give you great locations within walking distance from the ocean. I’ll share a list of some epic accommodations below and why I’d recommend them to my couples!

Middle Beach Lodge - This is where I stay every time I visit Tofino. It’s a great value, with cabins right along the water, and two beach access points.

Wickaninnish Inn - For a more upscale feel, this is a sweet spot on Chesterman Beach with a private ceremony location in an old-growth forest (the best & easiest option if you want a forest rather than a beach wedding)!

Pacific Sands - This beachfront property is nestled on a popular surfing beach (Cox Bay) and has insane views for sunset.

Long Beach Lodge - A more budget-friendly option also on Cox Bay with boutique vibes and, of course, beach access.

Crystal Cove - This is a cabin and RV beach resort with a rustic feel on Mackenzie Beach, a perfect place if a log cabin is your thing!

Black Rock Resort - While it is 30 minutes from Tofino, this resort deserves a place on the list if you prefer to cut a bit of cost by venturing out of the center and like the look of cliffed, rocky beaches over sand.

An ocean facing view of Black Rock Resort in Ucluelet, BC

4. Choose your ceremony location

You might already have a few locations sticking out in your mind if you’ve looked into potential accommodations! But if you haven’t, a particular spot may inspire where you choose to stay. For a quick list and breakdown of the go-to beaches in Tofino, check out this blog post by Tourism Tofino! (This includes Main Beach, Long Beach, Cox Bay, Chesterman, and Mackenzie.)

The good news is that you can get married on any public beach for free! This does mean you’ll be sharing your ceremony location with the public, so keep in mind that privacy may be limited and minimal decor is allowed.
I do leave my full list of specific suggestions and top locations for booked clients. So if you’re looking for an elopement photographer who loves to help scout the best spots for you, definitely reach out and we can find the perfect place for you!

5. Select your vendors

Just because you’re planning an elopement, doesn’t mean that you can’t include your favourite bits and pieces of a more traditional wedding. Couples still choose to book hair and make-up artists, florists, food and desserts, and more.

Vendor options local to the Tofino area might be more limited than other elopement destinations in BC, but it’s still a wedding hotspot with so much to offer. My clients receive a full list of vendor recommendations for anything they might need!
One vendor you will need to book for a legal wedding ceremony in Tofino is an officiant! You must use a registered officiant. If you’re religious, you can likely use your religious leader or you can choose a non-religious marriage commissioner, which you can search for here. There are also individuals or companies who have registered officiants who specialize in providing personalized ceremonies, which could be a great option! Overall, it’s about finding the right person for you.

5. Search for your adventure

While Tonfio is a great place to chill out, relax, and simply take in the breathtaking nature around you, it’s also bustling with options for adrenaline junkies, nature enthusiasts, and explorers.

Into surfing? Cox Bay, Long Beach, and Chesterman Beach are great places to rent a board and catch some waves!

Love wildlife? Tofino Whale Centre has incredible tours for whale watching, bird lovers, bear scouting, and more.

Craving an excursion? Atleo Air offers seaplane and helicopter tours, as well as adventures for fishing, hot springs, and hiking.

There’s truly so much to do in this coastal community, so feel free to take your interests to Google and find the right adventure option for you! If you’re looking for something specific, I’d be happy to help.

And boom, that’s how to elope in Tofino, BC!

There you have it, the steps to plan an epic elopement in one of the most laid-back, well-loved beach locations in British Columbia. Feeling stoked, but still looking for more information? I share more details about the logistics and legalities of eloping in BC in general over on my blog post How to Elope in BC!

In the meantime, you’ll find more planning tips and tricks below, where I share my answers to the most common questions I get from couples!

FAQs for Planning an Elopement in Tofino

How do I get to Tofino?

If you’re coming from Alberta, Washington State, or Oregon, you can easily drive. If you’re coming from outside of British Columbia and not within driving distance, you’ll want to fly in and then get a rental car. You can choose between flying into Vancouver, Victoria, or Nanaimo Airport on Vancouver Island. If you choose to fly into Vancouver, you’ll need to take the ferry, which I recommend to be booked in advance, especially in the summer months. Don’t forget to check road conditions before your trip so you can plan ahead if any issues pop up. Drivebc.ca is my go-to website for updates!

Is it expensive to elope in Tofino?

In general, no! But of course, the overall cost depends on many factors – time of year, type of accommodation, how many guests you invite, hiring vendors, and more. Accommodations will be the largest expense, as the area is a hot spot for vacation and travel, especially in high season. To minimize accommodation costs, you can book in off off-season or book in advance! Many resorts offer early bird pricing which is worth looking into. Traditionally, venues account for a large portion of the budget, but Tofino is perfect for getting married on the beach for free! If you’re wondering how much it costs to elope in Tofino, you can use my elopement cost calculator to estimate your budget!

Do I need a permit to get married in Tofino?

Nope! You can get married right on the iconic beaches of Vancouver Island with no permit or fee required. Keep in mind that this means it’s also a public space, which means other visitors may be around and you cannot set up any large decor for the ceremony. You can check out the rules for a Tofino beach elopement here! However, if you are looking for a ceremony in the forest, it gets a bit more tricky and I’d recommend booking through the Wickaninnish Inn for their stunning private ceremony site situated in the old-growth rainforest to avoid permit issues.

Can I get married in Tofino without a ceremony?

The short answer is, legally, no. You can choose to have a symbolic ceremony without worrying about the paperwork or get married in your home state/province. However, it is not super difficult to work out the legalities and there are plenty of local officiants to choose from who perform beautiful ceremonies!

Can I bring my family or guests along for my Tofino elopement?

Of course! It’s a great place to enjoy with family and friends as a celebratory getaway. Just consider whether you’ll be taking care of their food, accommodation, and other costs when creating your budget.

Can I bring my dog to Tofino?

Generally, Tofino is super dog-friendly. The beaches allow dogs and are a pup’s paradise. Check with your accommodation to see whether they allow dogs as some do require a pet deposit.

Do we need witnesses to elope in Tofino?

Yes, you’ll need two witnesses for an official ceremony in BC. Anyone over the age of 19 can do this! You can choose someone special to you, use your photographer or videographer, or ask your officiant if they have someone who can come along to sign. Don’t want to organize any of those options? No worries! We’ll find two people on the beach and make their day by asking them to witness your ceremony!

Where do I get my marriage license?

The closest place to get your marriage license to get married in Tofino would be in Ucluelet. You can also pick it up in Vancouver if it’s easier for you or any issuer listed on the official government website. Follow this link to see what documents you need and to find an issuer that is most convenient for you. The cost will be $100 CAD and plan ahead because the hours for these offices are often a bit limited.

Can a friend marry me in Tofino?

Not legally. You can choose to do a symbolic ceremony and get officially married elsewhere if you’d like your friend to perform the ceremony. As a wedding photographer who has witnessed countless ceremonies, I do find hiring a professional officiant often adds so much to your ceremony. I happily give recommendations to my clients if they need them!