Many couples travel from distant cities, provinces and even far away countries to tie the knot with us here in Vancouver. Eloping under the trees of Stanley Park, on the sandy shores of English Bay or on a snow-capped mountain in Whistler calls couples from all over the globe. We’re so proud to be an elopement destination hot spot and to call Vancouver home.
If you’ve decided on Vancouver for your elopement – congratulations! You’ve picked not only one of the most beautiful cities in the world but also one with so much to do.
So once your vows are said and you’re officially newlyweds, here’s everything you need to have an amazing Vancouver getaway. Welcome to our guide to Vancouver for eloping couples!
Above & feature photo by Erica Miller Photography
First things first: How to elope in Vancouver
Before you plan the rest of your vacation in Vancouver, let’s not forget why you’re really here: to get married!
Get started by booking your Vancouver elopement ceremony. Our Intimate Elopement & Photography package is perfect for out of town-ers because it includes your wedding officiant and wedding photographer. All you have to do is show up!
Get to know our Vancouver officiants and find out how to get your BC marriage licence so your elopement is legal. You’ll also need to decide where in Vancouver you want to elope. We’ve got lots of suggestions for places in the city, off the beaten path and even some that are perfect for a rainy day!
Need help with any of your elopement plans? Get in touch! We’ve helped thousands of couples tie the knot and would love to guide you through your special day too.
Vancouver restaurant recommendations
After tying the knot, you’ll likely want to celebrate with an awesome meal in a romantic atmosphere. Check out some of our favourite Vancouver eateries below! We’ve even included the neighbourhood or popular elopement spot nearby to these restaurants and noted which ones are best for our friends with dietary restrictions.
- The Teahouse in Stanley Park (Stanley Park)
- Shaughnessy Restaurant (Van Dusen Botanical Gardens)
- Seasons in the Park (Bloedel Conservatory or Queen Elizabeth Park)
- Tap & Barrell (Granville Island)
- The Beach House (Dundarve Park, West Vancouver)
- Brix & Mortar (Yaletown)
- Provence Marinaside (Yaletown)
- Cioppino’s (Yaletown)
- Water St. Cafe (Gastown)
- Miku (Gastown)
- Black & Blue (Downtown)
- Maenam (Kitsilano)
- AnnaLena (Kitsilano)
- Folke (Kitsilano, vegan)
- Vij’s (Fairview)
- Nuba (multiple locations; vegetarian options)
- Heirloom Vegetarian (South Granville; vegetarian)
- The Acorn (Main St; vegetarian)
For our gluten-free newlyweds, indulge in some GF sweetness at Cartems Donuterie (multiple locations), Aphrodite’s Organic Café & Pie Shop (Kitsilano), and Lemonade Gluten Free Bakery (Cambie). Many of the vegetarian restaurants above also offer GF options.
Photo by Emily Nicole Photos
Your guide to Vancouver must-see areas & attractions
It’s not a real visit to Vancouver unless you’ve ticked some of these must-sees off of your Vancouver bucket list. Enjoy exploring these gorgeous spots in Canada’s playground.
- Granville Island
- Gastown
- Stanley Park
- The Seawall
- Capilano Suspension Bridge
- Vancouver Aquarium
- Beaches: English Bay, Kitsilano Beach, Jericho Beach, etc.
- Queen Elizabeth Park
- Canada Place (don’t miss the Olympic torches!)
- Shopping on Granville and Robson streets
- Lynn Valley
- Yaletown
- Commercial Drive
If you’re in town during hockey season, it’s always fun to see a Canucks game at Rogers Arena. Or if the Canucks aren’t playing, check out one of our other local teams or see if a concert is in town!
Photo by Erica Miller Photography
Events in Vancouver by season
Depending on when you plan to elope in Vancouver, check out what’s happening in the city while you’re here.
Winter events in Vancouver (December – February)
If you’re in Vancouver over the winter holidays there are plenty of things to see and do like the Vancouver Christmas Market, Festival of Lights, Canyon Lights and much more.
In January, get ready to eat with Dine Out Vancouver and the Hot Chocolate Festival. Into February, we have the International Wine Festival, the PuSH International Performing Arts Festival and annual Lunar New Year celebrations. You could even elope on Valentine’s Day in Vancouver!
Spring events in Vancouver (March – May)
March is the perfect time for newlyweds looking to laugh as Vancouver hosts the JFL NorthWest Comedy Fest.
In April, you’ll enjoy the stunning pink streets with our annual Cherry Blossom Festival. And in May, it’s time for the arts with the Vancouver Opera Festival. If you’ve brought the kiddos along, check out the International Children’s Fest in May as well.
Summer events in Vancouver (June – August)
Summer is a busy time in Vancouver with lots going on that our newly eloped couples can take part in. In June we celebrate the International Jazz Festival, Vancouver Craft Beer Week, Car Free Day and Italian Day.
In July, we light up the sky with the Celebration of Light and get artsy with Bard on the Beach, Theatre Under the Stars, open air movies in Stanley Park and the Van Folk Music Fest. Lastly, we finish off summer with awesome events like Pride, the PNE, and the last few weeks of the night markets in August.
Fall events in Vancouver (September – November)
Fall is the perfect time to come to Vancouver for art lovers. In September, you can enjoy the Vancouver International Film Festival and the Skookum Music Festival.
In October there’s the Van Fringe Fest and Van Writers Fest. And in November, you can enjoy the Eastside Culture Crawl and Fan Expo.
Photo by Emily Nicole Photos
Day trips from Vancouver
If you have a bit more time in Vancouver, why not take a day trip and check out more of the Pacific Northwest? Here are some of our favourite places that you can head to for the day or a few days!
- North Shore Mountains like Grouse, Seymour and Cypress
- Whistler
- Vancouver Island with cities such as Tofino, Victoria andNanaimo
- Sunshine Coast
- Deep Cove
- Okanagan
- Harrison Hot Springs
- Steveston
- Bowen Island
- Golden Ears
- Squamish
- Salt Spring Island
- Garibaldi Provincial Park
- Gulf Islands
- Seattle and surrounding islands
Now that you’ve got your guide to Vancouver, don’t forget to finalize your Vancouver elopement plans. Check out our Vancouver elopement packages and meet our team, then get in touch to book your elopement!
Riana Ang-Canning has been working with Young Hip & Married since 2017. She is a professional content writer with experience in travel, lifestyle and weddings. Riana not only writes Young Hip & Married blog posts but is also involved with the company's internal communications, social media, copywriting and more. She knows YHM, and the wedding world, inside and out!
