There are few views more spectacular for a mountain elopement than at the top of the Whistler Gondola. Blackcomb Mountain to one side and the peaks of Whistler to the other, it’s simply a breathtaking spot to say your I Dos.

When Nat and Mat reached out to me, my books were nearly full for August weddings. It’s one of the busiest times of the year not only for Vancouver wedding photographers, but the beautiful parks and natural areas in the area. Summer in the alpine is short in British Columbia, but locals and tourists take full advantage!

But even with a bustling schedule, there was something about these two that convinced me to make space and shoot their elopement. It’s the highest compliment when a couple seems so excited to work with you specifically! So we made it work and it was truly such a special day.

And when you see their images, you’ll be shocked to know that a Whistler Gondola elopement was actually Plan B. Yep, those stunning views (which might have been even better than the original views planned) were actually a last-minute switch due to weather. Nat and Mat originally planned a Whistler helicopter elopement.

And if you’ve read into planning a heli elopement, you know that a plan B is a must! You won’t know until the day of if the weather and visibility are optimal enough to fly. So when we got the call before their ceremony that the helicopter tour was a no-go, we were a little bummed, but still prepared to make the best of the day!

Their elopement started riverside, surrounded by forest, with boisterous white water creating the perfect amount of noise for complete privacy. It was like they were in their own little bubble to exchange their private vows, even as I photographed them, I could only hear a word here and there. After their vows, a few kayakers were making their way down the river, cheering them on and waving congratulations. A very classic Whistler wedding moment!!

After their private vows, their families wandered in for the ceremony. You could see the absolute joy on each of their faces. It was important to Nat and Mat for their families to be there and see the beauty of Whistler with them, as they were from Ontario and had never visited BC before.

Because the plans changed from the helicopter to the Whistler Gondola, that meant that all of their family members could join them on their adventure into the alpine - a silver lining for sure!

So Nat, Mat, their families, and I, all took the trip into the peaks along with some champagne and cake. They explored the views, we took some seriously epic photos, and their families got to see Whistler from above. Dare I say, the views that day were even more spectacular than what they would have gotten from the heli landing.

See, Plan B doesn’t always have to be a disappointment! Mat and Nat’s Whistler Gondola wedding is proof of that.

Insider info for your Whistler Gondola wedding or elopement:

If you want an elopement or wedding in Whistler with stunning views, but want to invite guests, the Gondola is an excellent choice over helicopters. With helis, often only 2 extras can come along in a single ride, while you can bring as many as you want up the Gondola (and for cheaper too!)

There are NO fees or permits for having a ceremony up the gondola. That being said, it means you can’t reserve a spot, so it can get crowded. Be respectful of others and as always, follow Leave No Trace guidelines!

The Whistler Gondola is a great option if you’re worried about weather. If Plan Bs stress you out, this might be a great fit for you! Most of the time, even in less than ideal conditions, you aren’t socked in and have good views of the mountains in the alpine.

Looking for a small hike to add to your Whistler wedding day experience? You have options from 20 minute walks to 1.5 hour hikes, all within the stunning alpine. You really can’t beat it!

Be wary of their hours! The main criticism of planning a Whistler Gondola wedding is that they have weird, limited hours during the seasons. It generally opens the third weekend in May and in September it’s only open on weekends. Make sure to check it out for the time period you are interested in!
Go on a Friday! They have extended hours on the weekends, but Saturday and Sunday are often super busy. Fridays are perfect because they are open until 8pm. Depending on the season, that means you might even catch a dreamy sunset!
For a full mountaintop experience, set aside time to go on the Peak to Peak and explore both Blackcomb and Whistler mountains! If you must choose one, Blackcomb is better in the spring. And Whistler is better in the summer! Winters…well are very cold and I personally wouldn’t recommend due to the ski season.
Be aware of snow. Until probably mid-July, there will be a ton of snow on the mountaintop. Don’t plan a June wedding and expect no snow – you’ll be trudging through it.
August is the best month for a Whistler Gondola wedding or elopement. Hands down. Early September is a close second.
BONUS: DID YOU KNOW that Whistler Mountain offers even more than what is shown in these pictures? For a couple of years the Peak Express lift to the Top of the World Summit (where the Cloudraker Sky Bridge is) was closed because of COVID, but it has resumed function during the summer! On sunny days, I would 100% recommend going to the very top as you’ll get 360 venues! On cloudy days when the peak is covered (like it was for Nat & Mat), it’s not worth the trip. However, be prepared for the steep but well-maintained trail from the Roundhouse Lodge to the bottom of the Peak Express lift which takes about 10 minutes each way to complete. This is not recommended for people who aren’t used to hiking and have improper footwear so plan accordingly if you’re planning to have guests. This isn’t the best spot to bring grandma along.

Check out this video of Mat & Nat’s day on Tiktok!

@candicemariephoto Getting married in the outdoors means having a back up plan (or maybe even two)! #helielopement #heliwedding #whistler #whistlerwedding #alpine #outdoors #helicopter #mountainwedding #bcwedding #elopementphotographer #weddingtok #weddingtips ♬ we found love x counting stars by darcy stokes - darcy stokes