Sea to Sky Hiking Elopement: Whistler & Squamish Adventure Wedding
Some of us just feel more at home in nature - and what better way to say your vows than surrounded by towering peaks and wild alpine meadows in British Columbia?
Shannon and Harry felt the same. This adventurous couple flew all the way from the UK to combine their elopement and honeymoon into one unforgettable trip through Squamish, Whistler, and beyond.
Their elopement wasn’t without a few surprises though! Which honestly only made the day so much more memorable… Here is the debrief on their wild west coast elopement.
The vision
Shannon and Harry are outdoor lovers, so when it came to tying the knot, they weren’t interested in a traditional wedding with rigid timelines, choosing what color the napkins would be, or figuring out a crowded guest list.
Instead, they wanted an intimate, stress-free day with sweeping views, a touch of adventure, and plenty of time to simply enjoy being together in nature.
The goal was a low-effort, high-reward hike: a 20-30 minute stroll with sweeping mountain views, without the stress of a technical climb - which makes the Sea to Sky corridor was the perfect choice. It’s close to Vancouver (where they flew into), and there are countless options that fit the bill. We consulted about a few different hikes, and landed on one that is a beautiful 20-30 minute stroll from the car park.
Getting Ready Photos hit different when you’re hiking:
Elopement Weather
Once they were dressed and ready, the ceremony began under bright skies, the mountains glowing around us as the couple said their vows.
Just as Shannon and Harry shared their first kiss, the weather shifted in an instant. A thick cloud rolled in so quickly our photographer, Sarah Haley, our photographer, who was looking through her lens, thought her camera had broken. Within seconds, the sky unleashed thunder, hail, and raindrops the size of marbles - it was the most dramatic storm I’ve seen in Canada.
My immediate thought was, “Make sure the marriage licence stays dry!” (thankfully, I had packed a dry bag: a small but crucial piece of gear for mountain weddings). Once I’d confirmed the legal papers were secure, my mind went to checking in on how the couple were feeling - I turned around, just to see them dancing in the rain!
We packed up our things, then sprinted back to the car, laughing uncontrollably, soaked to the bone, and grinning from ear to ear. This moment perfectly captured what makes elopements so special: the joy of rolling with the unexpected!
Round Two: The Airbnb Session
The next day, Sarah went above and beyond by heading out to Shannon and Harry’s cozy Airbnb in Pemberton Meadows for another round of portraits. She kindly did this because the couple’s photo time was very much affected on the wedding day by the storm, and she had the timeslot open, allowing her to swing it.
The weather couldn’t have been more different: sunshine, blue skies, and golden light streaming through the valley. This gave Shannon and Harry a beautiful, varied gallery: adventurous mountain photos from their ceremony day and relaxed, photos of them dancing in the rain, and romantic portraits from their honeymoon hideaway.
Sarah took incredible photos, and some were with a film camera. There is a blend of nostalgia, creative, and classic shots, all wrapped up in a stunning gallery the couple will cherish forever.
Advice for Future Couples
Planning a hiking elopement means embracing the adventure! Even the best-laid plans can shift when you’re in the mountains, where weather systems have their own rules.
Here are some tips I tell my couples:
Eloping = flexibility: Timelines and forecasts are helpful, but the beauty of eloping is that you can pivot when you need to.
Trust your vendors: We’re there to guide you and keep things running smoothly, no matter what comes our way.
Celebrate the experience: Whether it’s sunshine or a surprise hailstorm, it’s all part of your love story.
Shannon and Harry were the perfect example of this - their laughter through the storm turned a wild moment into one they’ll never forget.
Two hats: Planner + Officiant
I was thrilled to help out in two ways: As their elopement planner, and officiant. Having one person handle both roles helps couples:
Streamlined communication: Everything flows through one person, so there’s less back-and-forth between vendors.
10+ years of experience: I’ve been a detail-focused planner for more than 10 years. From organizing seven-week long itineraries across 20 countries (I worked as a Tour Director in my 20s) to managing wedding venues, and working as a wedding planner, I learned my way around a timeline over a decade before becoming an officiant. So, no detail gets overlooked!
Logistics, solved: Tricky service roads, parking, and meeting spots can be confusing, especially if you’re living in another country, and less familiar with the lay of the land. As a sea to sky local, I figured out the best way for us all to travel together, ensured we had the two required witnesses, and made everything breezy for our couple.
Personal touches: With my background as a Tour Director in Western Canada, I don’t just know all the suitable spots - I was able to make personalized recommendations for other parts of their trip, recommending hikes, restaurants, and activities to make the most of their stay.
This meant Shannon and Harry could focus entirely on what mattered most: soaking up the magic of their wedding day!
Congratulations to this beautiful couple (and please move to Canada)! xoxo
If you’re dreaming of a mountain elopement in Squamish, Whistler, or beyond, I’d love to help you plan an unforgettable day - get in touch!
All photos taken by the incredible Sarah Haley Photography.
About the author:
Jude Douglass
Founder of Sea to Sky Officiant & Adventure Elopement Specialist
Jude is the heart behind Sea to Sky Officiant, where she helps couples craft unforgettable wedding days in the mountains of British Columbia.
Known for her warm, modern, and joyful ceremonies, Jude has guided countless couples through their wedding day adventures — from easy-access alpine meadows to remote helicopter elopements. Her mission is simple: to make your wedding day feel exactly like you, while taking care of every detail so you can focus on the magic of the moment. When she’s not officiating weddings or planning epic elopements, you can find Jude hiking local trails, climbing or camping, or enjoying time with her partner in the beautiful Sea to Sky corridor.
