How to Plan a Whistler Elopement
If you’re considering a Whistler elopement, congratulations! You’ve picked one of the absolute best places to elope in BC! It’s a well-loved sanctuary for mountain fanatics and adventure enthusiasts, doubling as an incredible spot for intimate destination weddings. With world-class accommodation options, delicious dining, and endless corners of nature to explore, eloping in Whistler is sure to be a memorable way to start forever together!
As an elopement photographer well-versed in the region, I’ve compiled some helpful resources and information on how to elope in Whistler to make planning your day easy and stress-free. Let’s get into it!
1. Pick a date or season.
Overall, Whistler is a great destination no matter the season. Though, like most places in Canada, the peak times of the year to experience its natural beauty are summer and winter.
There’s no right or wrong time for your Whistler elopement, just the date or season that offers you the experience you’re looking for! Here’s a breakdown of each season and what it might bring.
Winter:
If you don’t mind the cold and are looking for that snowglobe wonderland vibe, winter might just be for you! You can expect some gloomy days with lots of precipitation, but Whistler has milder winters than other places in Canada, so you can still comfortably take advantage of incredible mountain views or catch an adrenaline rush from winter activities like skiing, snowmobiling, or dog-sledding.
If you’re dreaming of a white-capped mountain elopement, the snow-lover needs to see this winter Whistler wedding blog for more inspiration!
Unlike many destinations, winter is not a slow season for Whistler, as it’s an extremely popular ski town. So you’ll still need to book your accommodations, vendors, and excursions well in advance! You’ll also need snow tires to weather winter road conditions, so make sure that you discuss that with your rental car company.
Summer:
Without a doubt, summer is the most popular time to elope in Whistler! It’s a magical time – the snow melts away, the alpine opens up for adventure tourism, the lakes turn vibrant with picturesque turquoise waters and flowers cover the mountainside. If you’re chasing the most sunshine, July and August are the best times to plan your elopement!
But just because Whistler is a ski village doesn’t mean it isn’t busy in the summer months, too. Hikers and mountain bikers flock to the trails to explore. Make sure to avoid dates for events like CrankWorx and Gran Fondo, which are biking events that bring a slew of tourism to the area. Summer also brings a chance of trading sunny skies for socked-in smoke from wildfires in the interior, so always check the radar!
Fall:
Fall in Whistler is a bit like flipping a coin when it comes to the weather. Rains become more frequent, but if you get a clear day in autumn, it’s the best-case scenario in my opinion! The air turns crisp, the leaves start to change, and you can still access the alpine before winter limits access. A big plus is that there are far fewer crowds and shoulder-season often brings more affordable booking options. If you’re willing to risk a rainy day, the charm of fall in Whistler is worth it. Some places start to close or have limited hours (such as the mountain gondola starting in September, and a lot of stores temporarily close shop for periods of time after Canadian Thanksgiving).
Spring:
To be completely transparent, I personally don’t recommend springtime for your Whistler elopement, unless it’s a ski elopement in March or April. The lush greenery hasn’t returned after a long winter, the once-enchanting snow has become a slushy mess, and the lakes haven’t regained their iconic colours quite yet. There are nice days here and there, but the scenery hasn’t had time to bounce back to its peak vibrance.
So really, when is the best time to get married in Whistler? From my perspective, August is my top recommendation! With a high chance of sun, better sunset times, and a full range of adventure options to add a unique experience to your day – you can’t go wrong! Alternatively, the months I recommend the least would be April, early May, and November.
2. Book travel and accommodation.
First things first, book those flights! Unless you’re close enough to drive to Whistler, you’ll want to fly into Vancouver International Airport, pick up a rental car, and drive the two hours along the scenic Sea-to-Sky Highway to Whistler village.
Next up, choose your accommodation and lock them in! Whistler is a resort town with plenty of top-tier hotels to choose from, most of which are in one walkable, charming area. Here are my most frequently suggested resorts and why:
Nita Lake Lodge - My personal fav! It is technically in Creekside, south of the main village, and isn’t in the walkable area mentioned above, but its location right on the lake makes it a pretty dreamy spot!
Fairmont Chateau Whistler - Sitting at the base of Blackcomb Mountain, this is a great option for all-in-one convenience of great rooms, food, and amenities!
Four Seasons Whistler - For a classy yet homey feel, this is your spot! Like the Fairmont, it’s super central, but still tucked away from the bustling apres-ski party scene!
If you’re not a resort person or you’re looking for an Airbnb rental for a larger group, you’ll likely need to search just outside of the main village. You can snoop on my favourite Airbnbs in the area in this blog!
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 start to book early if possible!
3. Choose an elopement photographer.
You’ll want someone there to capture all of the memories you’re making in Whistler! Disclaimer: I’m an elopement photographer, so I might be biased for this one. But I truly cannot stress enough how important it is to hire someone who knows the area well. The weather can be a little weird in the mountains, the lighting scenarios aren’t typical, and some of the best spots won’t be found by a quick Google search.
I offer insider guidance and knowledge for my booked clients, including how to choose the right season for you, where to stay, and which locations offer what you’re looking to experience! If you’re set on eloping in Whistler, no time is too early to reach out to book photography. In fact, it’ll likely make your planning process much easier! (You can contact me right here when you’re ready.)
4. Pick your location or add some adventure.
Whistler lets you experience all of the beauty British Columbia has to offer, right in one place! You don’t have to go on a wild adventure, though adding an excursion to your day will help you get those epic views from above the alpine! No worries if hiking isn’t your thing, there are plenty of options for every experience level (and every budget, too)!
Take to the skies with a helicopter tour!
Blackcomb Helicopters are the best of the best! Offering mountaintop elopement ceremony packages in high-up locations, like Ipsoot Ice Field, will knock your wool socks right off! I’m lucky enough to partner with them with specific helicopter elopement photography packages, making capturing the joy of your day (and the adrenaline rush) the easiest addition to your Whistler elopement!
Keep in mind: Helicopters fly by sight and are extremely weather dependent, so get some expert advice about your date and always create a Plan B you love just as much! I share plenty of helpful information in this blog about helicopter tours, take a look!
Explore the peaks at sunset with a 4x4 tour!
These jeep sightseeing explorations of Blackcomb Mountain are quickly becoming my favourite addition to adventure elopements in Whistler! With exclusive access to private trail systems, you’ll get the unique opportunity to see the mountain range during sunset while spotting wildlife and making pitstops at scenic overlooks. Plus, it’s a great option if you’re worried about weather with helis or you want to bring loved ones along! I highly recommend Canadian Wilderness Adventures and also happen to have elopement packages with them as well. Want to get a feel for the experience? Browse this 4x4 elopement blog!
Sit back and take it all in on a gondola ride!
Glide your way to the top of the mountain with the Peak 2 Peak Gondola, the most affordable and flexible option for elevated adventure! It’s probably the best option for including friends and family, plus there is a range of hiking options at the top from scenic walks to backcountry hikes. Tickets run around $90 CAD a person and there’s no permit required for a ceremony! I wouldn’t recommend this option during winter, as it’s packed with skiers and make sure to look into its hours of operation for your date, as hours vary based on the time of year and it’s closed in the shoulder season.
Pro Tip: You can also use this as a Plan B for helicopter elopements in the case of bad visibility conditions! But it surely holds its own as a great Plan A option as well, take a look at this Whistler Gondola elopement for proof!
Once you choose your adventure, you can get a feel for the photo locations and other options to add personalized experiences to your day! Not into hiking or heights? No problem! You don’t have to chase alpine views to dive into the beauty of Whistler. Plan a picnic by Green Lake, relax at the spa, or try some beers at Coast Mountain Brewing!
6. Book an officiant and start planning logistics!
You do need to have a government-registered officiant to get legally married in Whistler, so self-solemnizing or having a friend perform your ceremony isn’t an option (legally speaking of course)! But because Whistler is a popular spot to elope, you’ve got some incredible options for ceremony officiants.
If you’re religious, you might opt for a pastor or religious leader to perform your ceremony or if you’re non-religious, it’s easy to find a marriage commissioner or celebrant! A government marriage commissioner generally sticks to a straightforward, traditional script while celebrants (people who have made officiating their job) often bring more of your story into a personalized ceremony. It just depends on what you prefer. You can search for marriage commissioners here! And as far as celebrants go, I always have a list of amazing people I’ve worked with for my booked clients.
As long as they’re registered with the Vital Statistics Agency, any of these options work. While I recommend hiring an officiant for the added guidance and structure to your ceremony, you can also skip the legalities and have a symbolic ceremony if you’d like! Some couples choose to get legally married at home and do this, having a friend perform a ceremony or exchanging vows just the two of them in Whistler. Regardless, I encourage couples to plan some type of ceremony for their day, as it creates that special, memorable moment for them.
7. Select your other vendors!
The Sea to Sky, and Whistler in particular, has the BEST wedding and elopement vendors around. Many vendors will travel from Vancouver, Squamish, and other towns in the area, giving you seemingly endless options for videographers, florals, hair & makeup, catering, and whatever else you might need.
Speaking of catering, you can’t go wrong with the food scene in Whistler. Hire a private chef to cook a post-elopement meal, dine out at some incredible restaurants specializing in seasonal cuisine, or commission Picnic Whistler for a super yummy charcuterie option (they pack to-go snacks to take on adventures or will create a whole dreamy setup to munch on while you relax after saying I Do)!
After booking, I hand over a list of tried-and-true vendor referrals for everything you might need during your elopement. You’ll have the best team bringing your vision to life, no question!
Bonus Tip: Select a Whistler Wedding Venue!
While most elopements don’t require a wedding venue, some couples opt for a more traditional set up for their ceremony before running off into the mountains to explore. Booking a venue is an excellent option if you’re inviting loved ones or worried about weather for an outdoor ceremony. There are plenty of heavenly options in the area, but here are some of my top recs!
Audain Art Museum - Because of its modern architecture and insanely good natural light, this is my go-to for a Whistler elopement with a unique backdrop. Sneak a peek at this winter wedding at the museum to see just how gorgeous this venue is!
Nita Lake Lodge - With a lakeside patio perfect for an intimate gathering, you really can’t go wrong with this lodge for rooms, food, or ceremonies!
Fairmont Chateau Whistler - Their rooftop chapel is the coziest spot for winter elopements, but they have incredible outdoor ceremony and reception locations, too!
Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre - The wooden-beamed ceilings give you a natural, mountain feel even indoors. Their views are Blackcomb Mountain are sweet, too!
Of course, you don’t need to book a wedding venue. For most couples, a ceremony in the iconic wilderness of Whistler is enough!
And so now…
It’s that easy!
And just like that, you’re planning your Whistler elopement with confidence and without a worry. Or at least that’s how I hope you feel after reading this! If you’re still itching for more details, I share more logistics and legalities of eloping in BC in general over on my blog post How to Elope in BC! Plus, you can always reach out directly to me for more help as you plan your big day!
In the meantime, you’ll get more quick facts and helpful info below, where I share my answers to the most common questions I get from couples!
FAQs for Planning an Elopement in Whistler, BC
How do I get to Whistler if I don’t live in BC?
There is no airport in Whistler, so you’ll need to fly into Vancouver International Airport (YVR) and then rent a car. Whistler is about a two-hour drive from Vancouver, but the scenery along the Sea To Sky Highway is stunning, so it’s less of a chore and more of a treat, in my opinion! For those who live in BC or somewhere nearby like Washington State, you can always drive to Whistler!
Is it expensive to elope in Whistler?
Elopements can vary greatly in cost, depending on what you choose to include in your day. Because of that, I’ve created an elopement cost calculator that you can use to estimate your needed budget based on what you’re dreaming up! This can be used specifically for Whistler elopements as well. Check it out!
But in general, eloping doesn’t require booking a venue or catering for a guest list which means it can be a much more affordable option compared to traditional weddings! However, it’s no secret that Whistler is a well-known resort destination, and therefore, accommodations will likely be your biggest expense, followed by optional excursions like helicopter tours. Of course, bringing guests along could add a hefty price tag to your overall cost though, so that is something to consider!
Do I need a Permit to get married in Whistler?
Generally, no you don’t need a permit to get married in Whistler! There are some exceptions though, specifically if you’re looking to reserve a space just for you and your guests, like The Stone Circle ceremony space.
Can I get married in Whistler without a ceremony?
You cannot get legally married in Whistler without a ceremony. If you’re looking to avoid the paperwork, some couples choose to have a symbolic ceremony and complete the necessary legalities in their home state or province. Regardless of what you choose, a ceremony is often the most cherished part of your day and it’s worth it to have at least some type of ceremony to make it memorable, whether it be reading vows, exchanging rings, or something else!
Can I bring my family along?
Of course! Whistler has so much to offer for your elopement day, why not share it with your closest loved ones? When bringing along family or guests, don’t forget to consider your budget (are you paying for their accommodations? meals?) and accessibility for certain excursions. Here’s some great inspo and info for a Whistler elopement with family from Raelyn and Daniel’s wedding day!
Do I need to hike to elope on a mountaintop in Whistler?
Definitely not! And that’s why Whistler is one of the places to elope in BC. If you’re looking for those epic alpine views without working up a sweat, take a peek at my blog on 4 Ways to Elope on a Mountain without Hiking! All four are possible when eloping in Whistler.
Can I bring my dog with me on my elopement in Whistler?
Yes, you can bring your dog along for your Whistler elopement! The village is rather dog-friendly, including popular resorts like Nita Lake Lodge, Fairmont Whistler, and the Four Seasons. However, it can get tricky when it comes to bringing them along for the adventure (helicopter, 4x4 or gondola), as all companies don’t allow dogs. But you can bring them along for part of the day for photos and let them rest while you explore!
We are eloping just the two of us, who can be our witnesses for the legal ceremony?
In general, anyone can be a witness as long as they’re over 18 years old! With adventures, you can have a photographer, heli pilot, or videographer sign the papers. Officiants often offer the option to bring along witnesses at an extra charge. But if nothing else, you snag someone walking by! You’ll make a hiker’s day!
Where do I get the marriage license?
You can purchase a marriage licence at the Municipal Hall during office hours, Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Keep this in mind if you’re getting married on the weekend!) The application process and preparation of the license take approximately 30 minutes and cost $100 CAD! You can find all the information you need on marriage licenses on the official government website.
Can a friend marry me in Whistler?
Unfortunately, no. British Columbia requires an officiant to be registered with the government and is fairly strict on who can legally perform ceremonies. The best option is to hire a celebrant or a government marriage commissioner! (I’m happy to provide recommendations for this when the time comes!)
So what do you say? Let’s make your Whistler elopement official!
Even after countless weddings in Whistler, I just can’t get enough! Helping couples choose their adventures and plan a day that feels entirely true to them is what I love to do – just as much as I love capturing how it all unfolds.
If you’re sold on Whistler for your destination elopement and are searching for a photographer, I’d love to see if I’m the right one for you! You can get all information on my packages and pricing here and when you’re ready, fill out this contact form so we can schedule a chat!
And just because I love it so much, here’s some more inspiration for you as you plan your elopement in Whistler!
3 Tips for Planning Your Elopement Wedding
The Best Place to Watch the Sunset in Whistler
Ready to start booking your Whistler elopement?
Adventure is waiting for you, let’s start planning!
Follow along on Instagram to see more couples live their dream adventure! @CANDICE.MARIE.PHOTOGRAPHY
