Why Elope in Squamish

There’s something undeniably special about Squamish - Sḵwx̱wú7mesh in the First Nations language.

Take it from me - I spent several years traveling full-time, exploring hundreds of towns and cities across more than 60 countries. Yet, this little mountain town, just an hour north of Vancouver, completely stopped me in my tracks.

I could talk about its breathtaking beauty all day, but what truly sets Squamish apart is how it feels. There’s an energy here. It’s wild, peaceful, and deeply grounding, all at the same time. I think that makes it the perfect place to start your next chapter!

So, why is a Squamish Elopement a beautiful way to get married?

1. Mountain Views

Squamish isn’t called the Adventure Capital of BC for nothing - it’s a paradise for those who love the outdoors. From the rugged expanse of Howe Sound to the towering presence of The Chief, this town is framed by alpine peaks, lush forests, and dreamy lakes. The result? An unforgettable backdrop for your Squamish elopement and potential for a variety of jaw-dropping wedding photos.

2. Accessible Yet Secluded

As a rock climber and hiker, one of the things I love most about Squamish is how effortlessly you can step into the outdoors - it’s all right there, at our fingertips. That same notion applies to Squamish Elopements! The photo you see above was a mere ten minute walk from the car!

It’s also really accessible from Vancouver, the closest major city. It’s just an hour from Vancouver, offering the feeling of a remote wilderness escape without the long, exhausting journey.

Whistler is another hour north and another well-known as a destination - if you're from outside Canada, you’ve likely heard of Vancouver and Whistler, while Squamish remains a bit more under the radar in comparison.

3. Adventurous Elopements for adventurous couples

If you want to do something out of the ordinary—like a rock climbing wedding, a hiking elopement, or even a helicopter ceremony—Squamish is the perfect place to make it happen. Your elopement should reflect who you are as a couple, so if you love camping, let’s set up a cozy lakeside ceremony under the stars. Prefer paddleboarding at sunrise? We can make that part of your day. However you adventure together, we can weave it into an elopement that feels authentic, meaningful, and completely you.

4. Diverse locations

Whether you want to say ‘I do’ on a mountaintop, beside a glacier-fed lake, in an old-growth forest, or with the ocean as your backdrop, Squamish has it all. There are some locations I’ve taken couples to, where they can get photos with the Howe Sound, Forest, and Chief, all within footsteps of each other. And no one says you have to stick to one adventure! I’ve had couples get a helicopter in the morning, and a boat ride in the afternoon.

5. Exchange Rate Perks

If you're traveling from the U.S., UK, or Europe, the exchange rate will likely work in your favor (at least it does so at the time of writing)! This means your Squamish Elopement is even more affordable.

My Squamish elopement packages are already designed for couples who want an incredible experience without the high costs of a traditional wedding, and with the added bonus of a favorable exchange rate, you might find your elopement is even more budget-friendly than expected.

6. Talented Local Vendors

From florists to photographers, Squamish is home to expert vendors who specialize in crafting intimate, breathtaking elopements. Before working as an officiant and elopement planner, I was a local wedding venue manager, and then a wedding planner, too. This means, over the years, I’ve gotten to know all of the vendors well, understand how they operate, and can handpick the vendors that best suit your vision.

When to Elope in Squamish

See this beautiful photo - this was taken in JANUARY! While it’s undeniable that a winter wedding is statistically more likely to see raindrops, you can still get incredible photo on overcast or soggier days!

If you’re wondering what month to elope in Squamish in, I’d suggest May through to October, better yet in July through September. Regardless, I’ve had sunny ceremonies in every month of the year - and wet ones, in August! So you can’t quite pick it.