Choosing the Right Spot for a Micro Wedding or Elopement
Have you considered having a micro wedding or elopement in Vancouver? This city has so many beautiful places that don’t require a big budget or a long guest list, and each one creates a completely different feeling.
This guide walks you through some of the best ceremony and elopement locations around Vancouver that don’t break the bank. I share my personal thoughts on each location, along with cost, capacity, and a few important things to know before you choose where to get married.
Hi, I’m Tommy. I’m a wedding photographer who loves helping couples uncover what really matters to them. I create simple, helpful resources like this to make planning feel easier and less overwhelming. Whether it’s a beach with open sky, a quiet forest, or a spot with views of downtown Vancouver, these places prove you don’t need something big to make your wedding day meaningful.
These are some of my favourite locations I’ve photographed at and genuinely enjoyed. I’ve documented ceremonies and elopements at many of these spots and can share what to expect, what works well, and what makes each location special.
Quick Venue Overview
Here’s a simple overview of each location, the overall vibe, and typical permit cost. Tap any location to jump down to the full section, where I go a little deeper into what it feels like and what to expect.
| Location | Vibe | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Spanish Banks West Extension ↓ | Scenic and relaxed | ~$268 |
| Jericho Beach Park ↓ | Breezy and photo friendly | ~$268 |
| Queen Elizabeth Park ↓ | Lush and romantic | ~$299 |
| Stanley Park ↓ | Classic and private | ~$299 |
| Pacific Spirit Regional Park ↓ | Peaceful and natural | ~$98 |
| Cleveland Dam Field ↓ | Stunning and versatile | ~$100 |
All pricing is based on current permit estimates and can change depending on season and availability. Always check with the city or park directly for the most up to date details.
These costs reflect venue permits only. When planning your overall budget, remember to account for other key parts of the day such as an officiant, photography, and videography if you’re including video. You’ll also want to factor in attire, florals, rentals, and any simple décor like an arbor.
Locations like these are a great way to keep costs down while still creating something meaningful, especially if you’re planning an intimate wedding or elopement with the people you love most.
Spanish Banks West Extension
Tommy’s Thoughts on This Location
Spanish Banks West Extension sits on the western edge of Vancouver near UBC. You’re on a well-maintained sandy beach with wide, open views of the ocean and the North Shore mountains. It feels calm, open, and very West Coast. Simple in the best way.
This location is ideal if you love the idea of getting married by the water on a warm, sunny day with your closest people around you. It’s also a great option if you’re bringing your dog, as the area is very dog friendly and close to off-leash zones.
There’s plenty of space for photos after the ceremony. Family portraits are easy to do here, parking is nearby, and there are places close by to eat food if you want to keep things relaxed and casual. If beach, mountains, and water are what you’re drawn to, this spot fits beautifully.
Cost
Approx. $207 for a 1-hour permit and $61 application fee
Capacity
Up to 80 people permitted
Parking
West Extension parking lot
Good to Know
No bathrooms or power nearby
Wind can be strong some days
Best with minimal setup
Back to Quick Venue Overview ↑
Jericho Beach Park
Tommy’s Thoughts on This Location
Jericho Beach Park is a specialty park that offers a mix of beach, greenery, and city views. You get the ocean in front of you, the North Shore mountains in the distance, and one of the best views of the downtown Vancouver skyline. It feels similar to Spanish Banks, but with a slightly more urban energy.
This location still gives you a beach wedding feel, but it’s less private. There are two permitted ceremony areas here. Jericho Beach Centre and Jericho Lookout. Weddings can happen at both locations at the same time, so it can feel busier, especially on weekends. That said, the views are incredible, and the setting still feels scenic and open.
Jericho is great if you want beach vibes with more greenery around you. There are grassy areas, forested paths nearby, and even kayaks close by if that fits your lifestyle. Jericho Pond and the small bridge nearby are also beautiful spots for photos, making this a very diverse location for portraits.
If you’re drawn to beach scenery, greenery, and truly epic downtown skyline views, this is a strong option. Just be mindful that it’s a popular park and crowds are part of the experience.
Cost
Approx. $207 for a 1-hour permit and $61 application fee
Capacity
Up to 80 people permitted
Parking
Jericho Sailing Centre parking lot
Good to Know
Weddings may happen simultaneously at nearby sites
Acoustic music only
Foot traffic is common on warm days
Back to Quick Venue Overview ↑
Queen Elizabeth Park
Tommy’s Thoughts on This Location
Queen Elizabeth Park is one of Vancouver’s most beautifully maintained premium parks. It feels romantic and elevated, with landscaped gardens, a picturesque pond, and views that make everything feel intentional and refined without being over the top.
What I love most about this park is the variety. You’re close to the Bloedel Conservatory, the Quarry Gardens, and several other scenic spots that work incredibly well for photos. It’s easy to move from one area to another and get a lot of visual diversity without traveling far.
If you’re planning a smaller, budget-friendly ceremony and want to follow it with a beautiful dinner, Seasons in the Park is right there. It’s on the higher end, but the food and views make it a great option for celebrating after.
One of the standout reasons to choose Queen Elizabeth Park is cherry blossom season. This park has some of the most diverse cherry blossoms in the city, including light pink, white, and dark pink varieties. They typically bloom from late March to early May, making this an especially meaningful choice if you love springtime ceremonies.
Cost
Approx. $238 for a 1-hour permit and $61 application fee
Capacity
Up to 120 people permitted
Parking
Street parking along park roadways
Good to Know
No tents allowed
Very popular in peak season
Weekdays are quieter
Back to Quick Venue Overview ↑
Stanley Park
Tommy’s Thoughts on This Location
Stanley Park offers some of the most iconic ceremony locations in Vancouver. Ocean views, forest paths, mountain backdrops, and that classic West Coast feeling all in one place. It’s ideal if you want your elopement or micro wedding to feel connected to nature while still being right in the city.
What makes Stanley Park special is the variety. You can choose a setting that feels coastal, beachy, or garden-forward depending on the experience you want to create, without needing to leave the park.
Cost
Approx. $238 for a 1-hour permit
$61 application fee
Good to Know
No amplified sound allowed
Popular park with regular foot traffic
Sunset light can be beautiful, especially near the water
Back to Quick Venue Overview ↑
Ferguson Point
Ferguson Point offers beautiful open views of the water, the city, and the North Shore mountains. It’s a wide, open grassy area right beside the Stanley Park Teahouse, which makes it a great alternative if you love the idea of dining there without the higher upfront cost of hosting your wedding at the Teahouse itself.
This location does not have sandy beach vibes, which is actually a plus for many couples. No sand in your shoes, dresses, or suits. It does tend to be busier on weekends, with activity from the Teahouse and the possibility of other weddings happening nearby, so that’s something to keep in mind. Still, it’s a strong choice if you want water views, convenience, and an easy transition into a beautiful dinner afterward.
Capacity
Up to 100 people permitted
Parking
Third Beach parking lot
Back to Quick Venue Overview ↑
Third Beach
Third Beach has the most true beach-wedding feel in Stanley Park. Sand under your feet, water stretching out in front of you, and unobstructed views that feel very West Coast. It’s more secluded since it sits at the end of the beach, which helps it feel a little more private than other park locations.
The ceremony window here is shorter, and there may still be people on the beach, especially on weekends, so weekdays are always a better option. That said, if you’ve always dreamed of a beach wedding, this is one of the strongest choices in the city. In my opinion, it feels more like a real beach ceremony than Spanish Banks or Jericho.
It’s also still relatively close to the Stanley Park Teahouse, making dinner there a possibility afterward if that’s part of your plan.
Capacity
Up to 60 people permitted
Parking
Third Beach parking lot
Limited availability
Good to Know
Site available from 9am to 1pm only
Popular area with regular park visitors
Back to Quick Venue Overview ↑
Stanley Park Gardens
Stanley Park Gardens offer a completely different experience. This area sits just south of the rose garden archway and feels lush, romantic, and garden-focused rather than coastal.
I’d recommend this location if you love roses, archways, and a softer, floral atmosphere. It’s not as meticulously maintained as Queen Elizabeth Park, but during the right time of year, when the roses are in full bloom, it’s absolutely stunning. Being able to have roses as part of your ceremony and portraits is something really special.
The location is close to downtown Vancouver, which gives you lots of dining options afterward. Parking is more limited here, and the spot can be a little harder to find since it’s not directly inside the main rose garden, so that’s something to plan for.
Capacity
Up to 120 people permitted
Parking
Malkin Bowl and service yard parking lots
Good to Know
Parking is far away
Can be potentially busy during the summer months
Back to Quick Venue Overview ↑
Pacific Spirit Regional Park
Tommy’s Thoughts on This Location
Pacific Spirit Regional Park is completely different from the other locations in this guide. If you love Vancouver’s forest trails and tall, quiet trees, this is your place. You’re surrounded by forest in every direction, and it feels secluded, grounding, and deeply peaceful.
This location is ideal for couples who want something truly intimate. Fewer people around. Fewer distractions. Just you, your vows, and nature. It feels less like an event and more like a moment shared quietly with the people you love most.
It’s harder to access than the other locations and parking is limited, but that’s also what keeps it feeling private. You’re close to UBC, so there are food options nearby if you want to celebrate afterward. The permit cost is lower, you get more time, and you have a bit more flexibility with simple setup, which works well for an intimate forest ceremony.
If you’ve ever imagined getting married inside the forest, surrounded by tall trees and fresh air, this is a powerful option. It’s best suited for very small weddings and elopements, and I personally recommend keeping the group under 20 people.
Cost
~$98 for a 4-hour permit
Capacity
Small elopements
Very limited setup
Good to Know
No facilities at all
Not wheelchair accessible
Minimal décor recommended
Back to Quick Venue Overview ↑
Cleveland Dam Field
Tommy’s Thoughts on This Location
Cleveland Dam Field is technically in North Vancouver, but it’s one of my absolute favourite places to photograph weddings and micro celebrations. It feels big, dramatic, and incredibly scenic. You’re surrounded by mountains, forest, and Capilano Lake, with the dam itself creating a really striking, real-world backdrop.
What makes this location stand out is how accessible it is while still feeling epic. There’s free parking right beside the ceremony area, washrooms on site, and no hiking required. It’s one of the easiest outdoor locations for guests of all ages, especially compared to many other nature-based spots.
Golden hour here is stunning. The light over the lake and mountains is unreal, and there are multiple trails nearby that are perfect for portraits. There are also incredible stairs close to the field, which are one of my favourite features for creating strong, cinematic photos. If you want dramatic scenery without sacrificing comfort or accessibility, this is a go-to location.
If you’re open to stepping just outside Vancouver and want lake views, mountain backdrops, and a space that works beautifully for photos, this is a really special option.
Cost
~$100 for a full-day permit
Capacity
Up to 125 guests
Good to Know
Free parking right beside the ceremony area
Washrooms on site
Chairs and tents allowed
Booking is done by phone or email
Back to Quick Venue Overview ↑
Tips for Choosing the Right Elopement Location in Vancouver
Visit the space in person if you can. Public parks and outdoor spots feel completely different depending on the time of day, the light, and how many people are around. A quick walk-through before you commit tells you more than any photo online ever could.
Be honest about your guest count early. Some locations are perfect for just the two of you. Others work well for a small group of ten or fifteen. Permit limits shape how the day flows more than most couples realize, and finding that out late creates unnecessary stress.
Understand what the permit actually covers. Most low-cost permits give you access to the space and not much else. Chairs, décor, sound, and coordination are usually up to you. The simpler you keep it, the calmer the experience tends to be.
Think beyond the location fee. Choosing a spot that doesn’t stretch your budget leaves room to invest in what matters most, whether that’s a great officiant, photography, videography, or just a relaxed timeline that lets the day breathe.
Let the environment work with you, not against you. Wind, rain, sun, and uneven ground all play a bigger role outdoors than people expect. Choosing a location that already looks and feels beautiful reduces decision fatigue and keeps the focus on each other.
Always have a backup plan. Vancouver weather is famously unpredictable. Having a plan B doesn’t mean you’re expecting the worst. It means you can stay present and enjoy the day no matter what happens.
Frequently Asked Questions About Elopement Locations in Vancouver
Do I need a permit to elope in Vancouver’s public parks?
Most Vancouver parks require a permit for any kind of ceremony, even a small one. Metro Vancouver Regional Parks and City of Vancouver parks each have their own permit process and fee structure. I always recommend contacting the specific park directly before you book anything else. Permit availability can fill up quickly during peak season, so the earlier you reach out, the better.
How far in advance should I book my elopement location?
For popular spots like Stanley Park, Queen Elizabeth Park, or Lighthouse Park, I’d suggest starting the permit process at least three to six months out, especially if you have a specific date in mind. Some couples lock in their photographer first and then work backward from there. Either approach works as long as you don’t leave the permit to the last minute.
What if it rains on our elopement day in Vancouver?
Honestly? Some of my favourite elopement photos have been taken in the rain. Vancouver’s overcast light is soft, even, and incredibly flattering. Moody skies add drama and atmosphere that clear blue days just can’t replicate. That said, having a covered backup option or a flexible timeline takes the pressure off and lets you enjoy the day whatever the sky decides to do.
Can we elope somewhere more private and off the beaten path?
Absolutely. Not every elopement needs to happen at a well-known landmark. Some couples choose quieter forest trails, lesser-known beaches, or tucked-away spots in North Vancouver or Coquitlam that feel entirely their own. If you share a bit about what you’re drawn to, I’m happy to suggest locations that fit your vision and your vibe.
Do we need a professional officiant for a legal elopement in BC?
Yes. In British Columbia, you need a licensed marriage commissioner or registered officiants to perform a legal ceremony. The good news is many officiants are experienced with small, intimate ceremonies and can work with your timeline and location. Some couples also choose to do the legal paperwork separately and have their elopement ceremony as a personal, meaningful celebration on its own terms.
The Bottom Line
There isn’t one perfect elopement location. The right one is wherever you can picture yourselves standing together, feeling calm, connected, and fully present.
The most meaningful elopements I’ve documented weren’t defined by how much was spent or how impressive the backdrop was. They were defined by intention. By couples who chose experiences that felt genuinely true to them.
Still deciding between an outdoor location and a more traditional venue? I put together a guide covering some of my favourite venues to shoot at in Vancouver, broken down the same way as this one. Check it out here.
When you’re ready to talk through your day, I’d love to hear about it. Reach out through the contact form and we’ll figure out together what fits best.
Thanks so much for being here.
Tommy
