HOW TO ELOPE IN THE OKANAGAN

Elopements and intimate weddings are becoming increasingly popular. People are deciding to step away from the traditional large weddings and focus on what is most–their love. The Okanagan is a beautiful location to elope. With the various beaches, lakes, mountainscapes and wineries, there is no shortage of beauty to be found. There is so much diversity in this area that you can make any of your elopement dreams come true. 

 

1. Pick your location

Picking a location sets the vibe for the entire elopement. Pick something that feels true to who you are. Some of our favourite spots include:

• Bertram Creek Park, Kelowna (2o minutes from Kelowna)
• Knox Mountain, Kelowna (in Kelowna)
• Sanctuary Gardens, West Kelowna (35 minutes from Kelowna)
• God’s Mountain Estate, Penticton (1 hour 15 minutes from Kelowna)
• Tin Poppy, Salmon Arm (1.5 hours from Kelowna)
• Kalamoir Park, West Kelowna (24 minutes from Kelowna)
• Monte Creek Ranch, Kamloops (2 hours from Kelowna)
• Lindon House, Kelowna (in Kelowna)
• Ellison Provincial Park, Vernon (55 minutes from Kelowna)

2. Get your Timing Right

The Okanagan is known for its distinct four seasons, which means you really have options when it comes to eloping. If you are wanting to have total flexibility and freedom with lighting and photo options, May to September would be perfect.

Note that in July & August, it gets very hot in the Okanagan. If you don’t want to be sweating, we recommend eloping in the spring or fall, OR having a later start time (aka not getting married at the peek of the day.

The winter months can be beautiful but beware of really cold temperatures, snow and it getting dark very early (we are talking 4pm).

3. Stay Legal

• You will need to get a marriage license from the Province of British Columbia: this can be picked up for $100 at a Service BC location
• Hire a commissioner or officiant to marry you. Make sure you tell them your plans, especially if you plan on being on top of a mountain! 
• Ask two witnesses to come along (ps: your photographers can act as witnesses!)

4. Bring Dream Vendors

Just because you are eloping, doesn’t mean you need to sacrifice having an amazing team of vendors! The Okanagan is filled with such amazing talent. Here our some of our faves:

Hair & Makeup

• Cassidy Watt Artistry Collective
• Beyoutiful
• Melanie Feeny
• Kathryn Ramsay

Florals

• Fern & Frond
• Floral Therapy
• Fleurich Creations

Day of Coordinator (to help with getting a perfect set up)

• OKGN Events Girl
• 

5. Capture every moment (book a photographer)

If you are eloping, documenting the entire experience is something we highly recommend. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and photos will bring back every detail. 

 

There you go! The ultimate guide to eloping in the Okanagan.

If you are looking to elope and need a photographer, send us a message, we would love to be there.

Xo Victoria & Levi

Okanagan Elopement Photographers