When you Google places to elope or mountain elopement location in British Columbia, I’m almost certain Nelson won’t pop up in your search. But this old mining town tucked into southeast BC serves as a paradise for outdoor lovers, ski enthusiasts, and a charming display of history-filled buildings. After reading about Orea and Nick’s mountain elopement, I think you’ll agree this quaint and quiet paradise is a sweet spot to elope in BC!

A couple in wedding attire sprays champagne at gibson lake on their elopement day in nelson, bc

Possibilities for a mountain elopement are endless in Nelson, British Columbia!

It’s true, you’ll have to be willing to take the path less traveled to visit this lakeside town with stunning mountain views and a bustling local community. Though just a few hours from popular destinations like Banff, you’ll find the drive pleasant, scenic, and rather easy. And the best part? The further you drive, the crowds melt away, and you’re left able to truly soak up the beauty around you.

Settled on the shores of the west arm of Kootenay Lake, the town is built into the side of the Selkirk Mountains, giving the properties incredible views of the surrounding valley. On the outskirts of the town itself, you’ll meet incredible hiking locations like Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park. The Whitewater Ski Resort rivals go-to skier hang outs like Whistler, Revelstoke, and Golden, but with fewer tourists, giving it a quintessential, cozy BC mountain town vibe through and through.

If you haven’t caught on yet, I highly suggest a visit to Nelson, whether you’re planning a mountain elopement or not! Nick and Orea’s day was my first time visiting and I wish I had more time to explore the area. It’s one of the most beautiful elopement locations I’ve photographed and as an elopement photographer in BC, that’s saying something!

A look into Nick and Orea’s Nelson, BC mountain elopement day

There’s a reason Nick and Orea picked this gem of a town for their elopement! Nick was born and raised right in Nelson and now he owns a local restaurant there, so as a couple, they are deeply involved in the local community. Choosing a place with sentimental value for your elopement always adds a layer of magic to the day! But even if you’ve never set foot in Nelson before, it doesn’t take long to see why this town is so special.

There are endless options for outdoor lovers and a client favourite is always a helicopter tour. But in British Columbia we are always at the mercy of the weather, which can be a bit unreliable and infamously cloudy. When rain and lack of visibility come into play, helicopters aren’t able to fly. And when it came to Nick and Orea’s idea for a helicopter elopement, the weather unfortunately had other plans.

The good news is that we always have a back up plan. Not just any plan b though, a plan b that brings you just as much excitement as plan a! For Nick and Orea, the back up plan landed on Gibson Lake, a dreamy spot in West Kootenay with stunning mountain views, crystal clear waters, and evergreen forests. By no means is Gibson Lake just a plan b and once you see their photos for yourself, you’ll understand what I mean! Out of every magical location I’ve photographed in BC, this one moved right up into my most loved.

Their day started at Nick’s aunt’s home right on the shores of a lake. Orea spent a chill morning getting ready with her girls, while Nick went off to the ceremony location and changed into his suit at the lake with the help of his dad. They chose not to do a first look and the first time they saw each other was when Orea walked down toward Nick standing under a stunning arch dripping in florals, and all in front of 25 of their closest family and friends. And beyond the arch, a lake with a surface like glass, cloudy skies parting just enough to gawk at the mountains, and the perfect lighting a photographer could ask for.

Dry eyes were rare as these two promised forever together in one of the most incredible corners of the mountains I’ve seen. Toasts were made and the whole crew snacked on an impressive charcuterie board before seeing off the couple for some time on their own.

What I loved most about their day is the ease and relaxation Nick and Orea incorporated. As we left the ceremony to take more photos, we had no real plans other than to walk along and soak in the natural oasis around us. They stopped to stare at the mountains, say hi to some little frog friends, eat blueberries straight from the bush, and even jump on a rock or two. They truly took in the beauty and love that filled their day – which too often flies by.

Why Nelson, British Columbia is the perfect place for your mountain elopement

It’s a stunning mountain town off the beaten path! While it’s not as easy to get to as some towns, Nelson offers a retreat from the bustling crowds that take over places like Whistler, Revelstoke, or Golden. The drive there alone boasts plenty of scenic views while crossing through climates, and seasonal fruit stands line the roadside. If historic, charming mountain towns are your thing – Nelson is perfect for your elopement location.
Adventure is around every corner! If you want to incorporate the outdoors into your day, there are plenty of options in Nelson. Helicopter tours and ski resorts offer adrenaline junkies fun, while nature lovers can explore hiking routes of all levels. Looking for trails accessible by car? There are plenty here with great views!
If you do opt for a helicopter elopement, make sure to have a back up plan you love just as much. Gibson Lake was the perfect back-up, but the area is littered with incredible locations.
Bringing guests along? No problem! Gibson Lake was incredible because you can just drive up to the location. Keep in mind that helicopters can’t fit many people, so they often aren’t the best option for an elopement with more than 2-3 guests.
Nelson has a bustling local business scene. Cute cafes and historic buildings line the streets of this old mining town, giving it the charm you’d want in a mountain retreat. Not a fast food place in sight!
For more ideas on where to plan your mountain elopement, you can check out my blog post on the best places to elope in BC!