What do I need to elope on Vancouver Island?

First of all, what is an elopement?

Elopements have become a way to have your wedding in a fuss-free, no-stress way with fewer moving parts and things to consider than a full wedding with guests. Elopements often only involve the wedding couple, a couple of witnesses, the officiant and sometimes the photographer (and video occasionally as well). People usually “run away” to a destination that is whimsical and picturesque, often off the beaten path.

Vancouver Island and Victoria, BC are both quite popular elopement and destination wedding locations, both in British Columbia and the Pacific Northwest. It’s an accessible location with tons of beautiful backdrops that make photos dreamy and planning a breeze. Our couples have come from all over, some local and some from as far as China, Germany and Australia to elope on Vancouver Island.

The easiest way to elope on Vancouver Island is to book an elopement package (here!) that includes the essentials for you both to get married. You simply show up dressed as you wish, write some personal vows if you’d like (optional), bring some rings (also optional) and voila. Witnesses can be provided (I can be a witness, so you’d only need one additional anyway) so you don’t have to bring anyone if you don’t want to. This makes for an intimate and romantic way to tie the knot without worrying about a bunch of details, vendors, etc.

Once you are on Vancouver Island you can obtain your marriage license, and that is the only paperwork you need to bring on the wedding day. Everything else to make it legal is handled by your officiant during the ceremony. ID is only required to pick up your marriage license, which can be obtained from London Drugs or Service BC locations (the cost for this is currently $100)

Everything else is optional and you can really tailor the experience to you as a couple. Most couples choose to bring florals, order them through a local florist or book an elopement package that has them included (along with some other things, like bubbly!), but some forgo this altogether or create their own florals when they arrive on Vancouver Island.

When couples book one of our elopement packages, I provide a detailed guide for travel planning, locations, preparations and guide you the whole way. It makes for a really laid back, authentic and simple experience that takes the edge off of wedding planning.

Looking to elope in Victoria or on Vancouver Island? I’d love to chat and see if we’d be a good fit! Check out my packages under Pricing and I’d love to help plan your dream elopement!

Here are a few memorable elopements we’ve been a part of!