I was so honoured to be the Tofino elopement photographer for Tara & Stephen!! These two came all the way from Ontario to explore the area’s beautiful beaches, surf-able waves, and old-growth forests. They are avid explorers and were travelling all around the world before COVID forced them back home. Eloping in BC was their way of getting a destination feel to a home-country wedding.

On the a foggy day, a married couple walks hand in hand along chesterman beach in Tofino, BC

What is Tofino like in September?

This is such a unique time in the surfing town. Things are slowing down from the summer, so getting surf equipment is more accessible, but surfing is actually the best as the water is still relatively warm from the summer months, the waves are good, and there are fewer crowds.

Leading up to Tara & Stephen’s elopement day, it was tough to say what the weather would be like. They had scheduled two possible days to elope to get the best possible weather, and in the end, the weather looked better on the Sunday. These two had planned to fly with Atleo Air to a mountain top for photos, but because of the intense forest fire smoke coming up the coast from Washington, all flights were grounded for that day and the next. This news came halfway through the day and although they were really looking forward to the experience, it meant the day became more relaxed and free.

Stephen & Tara started things off by getting ready at the Airbnb Homestead. It’s located very close to town, looks right on the water, and even has its own hot tub. The place was so big, that they both got prepped for the day freely without seeing each other. Their first look took place on the lawn overlooking the ocean, and as part of their gifts to each other, Tara surprised Stephen with the announcement that they would be getting a dog!

After settling in on Toquin Park for their ceremony, and I managed to find them a small beach where they said their vows and signed the official documents. The whole time, not one person was within sight or sound of us, giving them complete privacy for their whole ceremony. Afterwards, to include their loved ones, they Facetimed their family to show off their rings and surroundings. We meandered back, taking advantage of the beautiful scenery for portraits, and then stopped by the house to do a couple of hair touch-ups.

When the news came that the helicopter flight wouldn’t be happening anymore due to poor visibility, it opened up the possibilities of the day. We stopped by Tacofino and while in line they called their friends to share the good news. After picking up the food, they enjoyed their takeaway dishes on Chesterman Beach with the view of the whole beach and crashing waves. They explored the beach, rocks, and had their first dance on the sand before heading to the forest to check out the Rainforest Loop. At the end of the day, Stephen & Tara ordered some fancy dishes to their place and enjoyed a soak in the hot tub together.

Tips for Eloping in Tofino:

Prepare for Rain:
The most variable aspect about eloping in Tofino is the weather! While summers in BC tend to be quite sunny, there is a reason why they call it a temperate rainforest! To mitigate the risk of weather, I recommend scheduling 2 dates for your elopement, and then picking a date a day or two beforehand based on the weather forecast! You’ll have to coordinate this with your elopement photographer and vendors, and it might cost a bit more, but it’s worth your while to have that peace of mind.
Have a Backup Plan:
While having two dates as options help your chances, if you’re not getting married during prime summer months, chances are it will rain at some point during your time there. This is where it’s great to be prepared. Have a plan for bad weather whether it be renting a large Airbnb big enough to have your celebrations, change your timeline to fit the forecast, bring umbrellas, or embrace it so that despite the circumstances, you can still enjoy the day and literally “dance in the rain”!
Add Some Awesome Activities:
There is no shortage of fun things to do in Tofino. If you’re looking at getting married there, you probably resonate with its lifestyle and all that it has to offer. For example, you could go surfing the morning of your wedding, ride bikes together on Long Beach beach, have a campfire on Chesterman Beach, hike up to Cox Bay Lookout, take a helicopter or floatplane to a gorgeous mountain top, dive into a delicious Tacofino burrito, or take a walk around the Rainforest loop! Whatever your style, there is something for you in this small town.
Choose Your Attire Carefully:
Nature is beautiful and it will suit you perfectly! However, it will get all over you. What does that mean? Likely you’ll be getting sand in your shoes and the bottom of your dress will get a bit dirty. But that’s ok! What you don’t want is attire that hinders your experience in the outdoors. Pick shoes and clothing that you’ll be able to move in. Can you take a big step onto a rock or walk easily in it? Will it fall apart easily or is it durable? These are great things to think about, but the most important part is to let go and enjoy the day; without worrying if your dress or pants get a little dirty.
Lines at Tacofino are Long:
This beloved Tofino permanent food truck has been so successful it has several restaurants and food trucks in Victoria and Vancouver. The original (as you may have guessed) started as a food truck in Tofino and serves surf-town-inspired food such as tacos and burritos. It’s a must-have when visiting and a great place for an elopement day snack! But make sure you plan ahead! During the summer months and during lunch and early afternoon, the line can be 1+ hours long so it might not be the quick stop you were hoping for. Find out how long the wait is in the days leading up to your elopement, and plan your timing carefully. Or if you have help, you can get someone to pick up your lunch for you!

Steps for planning an elopement in Tofino:

Pick a Date:
The time of year you decide to get married here will determine a lot of what is possible. Usually, weekdays are best because there are fewer people.
Reserve Your Lodging:
Things book up VERY quickly and the sooner you reserve, the more possibilities there are!
Pick a Ceremony Location:
Check if you need permits and if privacy is possible in that place.
Plan your Activities:
Whether you go on a floatplane, surf, kayak, or have a beach campfire; there are tons of possibilities.
Have the Best Day Ever!

Let's plan your tofino elopement!