Vancouver Island is a dream destination for couples seeking an intimate, nature-filled elopement. With its diverse landscapes—from rugged coastlines and sandy beaches to lush forests and alpine lakes—it offers some of the best places to elope on Vancouver Island, with countless breathtaking spots to say “I do.”

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Ucluelet & Tofino: Coastal Charm

These neighboring towns on the island’s west coast are renowned for their dramatic coastlines, sandy beaches, and lush rainforests. Tofino is popular for its surf-ready beaches and vibrant community, while Ucluelet offers a quieter, more secluded experience.

Best Ceremony Spots in Tofino & Ucluelet

Long Beach (Pacific Rim National Park)
Vast sandy shoreline stretching for kilometers, perfect for sunset vows and moody west coast photos. It’s one of the most iconic spots for elopements on Vancouver Island.

Cox Bay Beach
Enclosed by lush cliffs and forests, this beach offers a cozy, natural amphitheater feel. Great for catching epic waves, sunset light, and quiet moments by the firepits at nearby resorts.

Tofino Sand Dunes
A lesser-known gem with golden rolling dunes and winding paths that catch the warmest light at golden hour. Ideal for couples looking for something a little off the beaten path.

Florencia Bay
Secluded and peaceful, surrounded by forest with limited access, which makes it feel like a private paradise for intimate elopements.

Chesterman Beach (North & South)
A local favorite for a reason. The North end offers tide pools and dramatic rocks, while the South side gives you wide open sand and a long view of the coastline—great for barefoot ceremonies and post-vow beach walks.

Tonquin Beach Trail & Lookout
A short forested hike brings you to cliffside viewpoints and a quiet cove with dramatic rocks and crashing waves below. A magical mix of rainforest and ocean views.

MacKenzie Beach
More sheltered than some of the wilder beaches, MacKenzie is calm, intimate, and ideal for cozy ceremonies. Nearby accommodations and easy access make it perfect for low-key elopements.

Wickaninnish Beach
Located near the iconic Wickaninnish Inn, this expansive beach offers moody vibes, driftwood, and a blend of wild and refined—perfect for couples wanting both elegance and nature.

Ucluelet’s Big Beach
Tucked away near town, this beach has a mix of forest trails, driftwood, and a dramatic rocky shoreline. It’s great for couples who want easy access but still want a private, natural feel.

Wild Pacific Trail (Ucluelet)
Not a beach, but worth including—this coastal rainforest trail has ocean views, cliffs, and moss-covered trees. Several lookouts and benches make sweet ceremony spots for a small group or just the two of you.

Considerations:

• Tofino can be busy, especially in summer; consider a sunrise or weekday ceremony for more privacy.
• Weather is unpredictable—rain and mist add a dreamy, moody aesthetic, but pack layers.
• Be mindful of Indigenous land ownership in some areas and check for necessary permissions.​

Best Accommodations:

• Wickaninnish Inn – Luxury oceanfront resort.
• Pacific Sands Beach Resort – Cozy beachside cabins.
• Middle Beach Lodge – Treehouses in the woods.
  
• Black Rock – Ucluelet waterfront Resort.

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Strathcona Provincial Park: Alpine Adventure

For couples seeking a mountain elopement, Strathcona Provincial Park offers remote alpine lakes, rugged peaks, and breathtaking 360-degree views. It’s ideal for adventurous couples looking for untouched landscapes and year-round beauty.​

Highlights:

• Myra Falls: A stunning, multi-tiered waterfall with turquoise pools.
• Cream Lake: Surrounded by dramatic peaks, perfect for a mid-October fall elopement.
• Forbidden Plateau: A peaceful alpine area with stunning views, lush meadows, and endless hiking trails.​

Considerations:

• Many trails require advanced hiking skills; comfortable footwear and weather-appropriate gear are crucial.
• Fall offers golden larches and crisp mountain air, but expect snow at higher elevations well into June.
• Being a wilderness area, ensure you pack out everything you bring in.​

Best Accommodations:

• Strathcona Park Lodge – Rustic cabins with lake views.
• Airbnb Log Cabin – Cabin viewing Campbell Lake

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Helicopter Elopements: Elevated Experiences

For a truly unique and private ceremony, consider a helicopter elopement. Departing from areas like Campbell River, you can reach remote, untouched locations that are otherwise inaccessible. This option offers unparalleled privacy and stunning aerial views of Vancouver Island’s diverse landscapes.

Considerations:

• Weather conditions can affect flight schedules; flexibility is key.
• Ensure you work with experienced pilots familiar with the region.​

Resources: 49 North Helicopters – Specializes in mountain elopements. Grizzly Helicopters – Offers remote and custom flight options. Atleo Air – Perfect for secluded coastal and island elopements.

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Englishman River Falls & Little Mountain: Forested Serenity

Located near Parksville, Englishman River Falls Provincial Park offers lush forests and cascading waterfalls, creating a serene backdrop for your vows. Nearby, Little Mountain provides panoramic views without the need for a strenuous hike, making it accessible yet breathtaking.​

Considerations:

• These locations are relatively easy to access, making them suitable for couples seeking natural beauty without extensive travel or hiking.
• As with all natural settings, be prepared for varying weather conditions and ensure you leave no trace.​

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Gulf Islands: Island Intimacy

While technically separate from Vancouver Island, the Gulf Islands—such as Salt Spring and Pender—offer unique, intimate settings for elopements. Each island has its own charm, with diverse scenery ranging from rocky shorelines to serene forests.​

Best Ceremony Spots on the Gulf Islands

Roesland (Pender Island)
Nestled in the Gulf Islands National Park Reserve, Roesland offers calm waterfront views, mossy forest trails, and the serenity of nature. Perfect for a private, oceanside ceremony.

Mortimer Spit (North Pender Island)
A long sandy spit surrounded by calm turquoise water. Great for low-tide ceremonies, soft evening light, and beachy barefoot vibes.

Mount Norman (South Pender Island)
For couples who want a short hike and a big payoff—panoramic views of the Southern Gulf Islands make for an epic ceremony backdrop.

Salt Spring Island
A haven for artists and nature lovers alike. With beaches, forests, and even lavender farms, there’s no shortage of gorgeous ceremony locations.

Ruckle Provincial Park (Salt Spring Island)
One of the most beloved parks in the region, offering dramatic bluffs, rocky shores, and old-growth forests. Ideal for those who want a wild and natural setting.

Mount Maxwell (Salt Spring Island)
A scenic mountain lookout with breathtaking views of the surrounding Gulf Islands. Great for couples wanting a mountaintop moment with easy access.

Galiano Island
Known for its stunning sandstone cliffs, arbutus trees, and quiet beaches. Great for elopements with an artsy, laid-back feel.

• Bodega Ridge – Rugged cliffs and expansive ocean views with a nearby lodge for staying overnight.
• Pebble Beach Reserve – A hidden gem with smooth stone beaches and peaceful shoreline vibes.

Mayne Island
Small but mighty, with heritage charm and quiet coves. Perfect for couples looking to slow down and connect deeply with their surroundings.

• Georgina Point Heritage Park – Home to a picturesque lighthouse and ocean views.
• Dinner Bay Park – Gardens, picnic areas, and shoreline access all in one.

Gabriola Island
Easy to reach from Nanaimo and full of coastal character. From sandy bays to forested trails, it offers variety and privacy.

• Sandwell Provincial Park – Quiet and uncrowded with sweeping coastal views.
• Malaspina Galleries – Unique sandstone formations and a one-of-a-kind natural ceremony spot.

Considerations:

• Ferry schedules and accommodations should be planned in advance, especially during peak seasons.
• Embrace the laid-back island lifestyle and consider incorporating local elements into your ceremony.​

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Port Renfrew: Rugged Coastlines & Ancient Forests

If you’re dreaming of a moody, raw, and deeply nature-connected elopement, Port Renfrew delivers in every way. Nestled on the southwest edge of Vancouver Island, this tiny coastal village is surrounded by dramatic ocean views, lush rainforests, and towering old-growth trees. It’s a haven for adventurous couples who want to immerse themselves in the wild and get off the beaten path.

Best Locations:

• Botanical Beach – Home to incredible tide pools, jagged shoreline, and striking textures. A favorite for elopements at low tide.
• Sombrio Beach – Reachable via a short hike through the forest, this rugged beach is famous for its hidden waterfall and moody West Coast vibe.
• Avatar Grove – A short drive inland takes you to this awe-inspiring forest of ancient cedar and fir trees—perfect for a ceremony surrounded by giants.

Things to Consider:

Port Renfrew feels like a remote, coastal sanctuary. The roads can be winding and rough in places, especially in winter, so a high-clearance or AWD vehicle is a good idea. Cell service is limited, and amenities are few, but that’s part of the charm—it’s quiet, wild, and perfect for unplugging. Always check tide times if you’re planning anything on the beach, especially at Botanical or Sombrio. Spring through early fall offers the most reliable weather, but this area is beautiful year-round for couples who embrace the elements.

Best Accommodations:

• Wild Renfrew Seaside Cottages – Cozy oceanfront retreat.
• Soule Creek Lodge – Unique yurts with stunning views

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Final Thoughts

Vancouver Island offers a plethora of stunning locations for couples seeking an elopement immersed in nature. Whether you’re drawn to the rugged coastlines of Tofino and Ucluelet, the alpine beauty of Strathcona Provincial Park, or the serene forests near Parksville, there’s a perfect spot waiting for you. Remember to consider accessibility, weather, and any necessary permissions when planning your elopement.​

If you need assistance in planning your Vancouver Island elopement or have questions about specific locations, feel free to reach out. I’m here to help make your special day as magical as the island itself.