Choosing to elope? First of all, cheers 🍻 for making that badass call. I love that you said “Hard pass!'' to all the wedding expectations and did what was right for you. Now, whaddya say we find you the perfect, off-the-beaten-path outdoor wedding venue to match your vibe as a couple? 

In this post, I’m sharing the 3 hidden-gem elopement locations in Vancouver I really love to photograph. I think you’ll be super into them, too!

The Hidden Perks of Eloping

Choosing to elope can be difficult for some couples. Will the family be upset? Will you have to compromise on all your fav traditions? Will you be truly solo or have a few ride-or-dies with you?

It’s a lot to consider! But, once you lock in those bigger decisions—once you decide on eloping or having an intimate wedding—you have SO many more doors open for you.

Think about it: You can choose to elope anywhere, anytime. You can have whoever the eff you want there with you—and literally, no one you don’t. And, you have the pick of the litter on venues, with no guest list-related minimums. All the choices that open up to you when you elope give you that much-needed flexibility—and especially when it comes to elopement wedding venues, they can also give you major cost savings.

3 Vancouver Elopement Venues That Are Total Hidden-Gems

These are 3 of the best elopement locations as well as my favourite places to photograph elopements and intimate weddings:

Elopement Venue #1: Jericho Beach

Jericho Beach is a total stunner for outdoor ceremonies. Not only do you have unreal water views and an actual beach, but there are also super-cute and lesser-known spots that are perfect for elopement photos. There’s a hidden trail that makes you feel like you’re inside a fairytale forest, a cute little wooden bridge that’s perfect for lovey-dovey shots, and, there are wild mountain views that make for unreal photo backdrops. Also, I love Jericho for its location!

At Jericho Beach, you’re right in the city, so it’s easy to whip over to your favourite Vancouver restaurant or brewery either before or after, to round out your day.

Elopement Venue #2: Stanley Park

Is Stanley Park really a hidden gem? Maybe not. (Let’s debate that later, over brews 😂 ) BUT it’s so big that there are definitely hidden-gem-esque slices of privacy and beauty where you can have your perfect elopement day moment.

I love that Stanley Park fits the bill for so many different elopement-day dreams. It’s got forest, ocean, and city views. You can catch some truly epic sunrises and sunsets. And just like Jericho Beach, the location is 👌🏽 It’s super easy to get downtown to a celebratory dinner with family and friends or a spiffy hotel stay for the two of you! If you’re eloping in Vancouver, definitely consider (or reconsider) Stanley Park.

Elopement Venue #3: Sun Yat Sen Garden

Sun Yat Sen Classical Chinese Garden most def gets hidden-gem status. At least as far as Vancouver elopement locations go! It’s easy to miss but SO beautiful inside. And, I love that it has tons of privacy, with literal and plant-based walls all around the different garden sections. It’s in the city—right in the heart of Chinatown, actually—but you’d never know it once you get inside.

For extra oomph, check out Sun Yat Sen garden for a fall elopement, because the colours in autumn are unlike anything else!

Pro Tip: Grab My Vancouver Elopement Guide

Even when you keep things small and stick to an intimate wedding or elopement, there’s a ton of planning to do when looking for elopement venues in Vancouver. As an elopement photographer and Vancouver native, I’ve seen first-hand what makes and breaks the perfect PNW elopement day. So let me help you plan the perfect outdoor wedding ceremony!

Luckily, you do not have to plan your elopement blind! I’ve put all of my elopement experience and insights together into a free, downloadable elopement planning PDF, to help you focus on what really matters and skip right over what doesn’t. The guide covers what to wear, what to pack, how to plan your timeline, what photos you’ll want and need, how to fill the day and SO much more stuff that you won’t want to miss.

Enter your deets below and I’ll send you the elopement guide right away!